COTO DE CAZA, California -- Austin Reed, driver of the #514 Ringers Gloves, RBP, Headblade.com, Approved Memory, Pimphats.com, FOX SHOX, thenfactorpics.com Modified Kart Toyota Tundra competed in the 5th round of the SXS Nationals at Lake Elsinore MX Park. The day would prove to be a challenge as during his first lap of the qualifying race for the Trophy Kart Elite he hit a kicker jump that sent his truck into an end over end flip. Austin sustained a minor injury to his right foot but wanted to continue on with his next qualifier in the JR 2 Class where his day improved as he set fast time putting him on the pole for this main event. Meanwhile his crew, led by Crew Chief Shannon Weeks, worked to repair his wrecked TK Elite truck for the main event but time and the extent of damages worked against them and they were unable to get it ready for that main event. The main focus for the remainder of the Invitational would be on his JR 2 Class truck where Austin is competing in the points battle for the year end championship. As he lined up for the start on the front straightaway the green flag flew and he had the hole shot, taking the lead with some pressure from second place. Austin led every lap, and took the checkered flag for his first win at the SXS Nationals. Austin commented, “I am so happy to pull a win here as we have been close in winning here so many times.” He continued, “This truck raced last weekend with Kassidy Johnson behind the wheel at CORR and it was really good there. At the main event on Sunday, Kassidy was battling hard for second place after starting in fourth and got pinched hard into the K-Rail almost head on. Fortunately, she was not injured; the truck would take work though. We came out on Wednesday to check on the progress of the repairs and were happy to see that the guys did an awesome job getting it back together. I would like to thank Twink for the tuning on my Doug Flemming-built motor as it ran better than it ever has.” Austin had some additional fun Saturday as he was able to get his first ride along in Luke Johnson's SXS Polaris in the main event. He shared “I had a blast riding shot gun with Luke, we got a good start and moved right into 2nd place. After 4 laps and racing hard the Polaris had a fuel pick up problem and we pulled off the race track. I can’t wait to get another chance at riding along with Luke as I learned a lot and had a blast.”
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