October 14, 2009:  Tristan DeGrand took another step closer toward achieving his goal set for the 2009 season this past weekend with his undeniable victory and subsequent CKI Championship in the KF 3 category.  Having the difficult task of competing against the best competition in North America, DeGrand delivered and hoisted the much deserved championship on Sunday.

 

It was apparent from the first practice session on Thursday that DeGrand was prepared both physically and mentally for the challenges lying ahead of himself.  With an infinite number of sessions on Friday, all of which were mixed between varying track conditions, DeGrand marked the watch with the fastest time in both junior classes.  With the weather outlook inching toward dry conditions for the remainder of the weekend the team prepared Tristan’s equipment for an important run at Friday’s qualifying sessions.

 

After a couple brief practice sessions on Friday, DeGrand settled in for his qualifying attempts in both KF 3 and IAME Jr.  First on deck was the KF 3 session where Tristan comfortably conserved in equipment early in the session until full operating temperatures were set.  Once everything was operating properly DeGrand scorched off a time of 46.335, which comfortably secured the pole position. With a ‘key’ result already secured, DeGrand was forced to change his focus toward the IAME Jr. division.  In a tight shootout, DeGrand ended his IAME Jr. qualifying run in third place only .031 seconds from the pole position.

 

Arriving on Saturday with a total of six heat races on his plate, DeGrand would be required to show extreme concentration in order secure the necessary point total to start championship Sunday on the right path.  Full of determination, DeGrand quickly improved his chances on Saturday by winning each KF 3 heat race thus, securing pole position for Sunday’s pre-final.  Tristan’s remaining three heat races in the IAME Jr. division were slightly mixed as he recorded a DNF in the first heat due to a turn one incident. However, the champion kept his composure in check and regained the necessary strength and speed to charge onto a solid second place in the second heat race and an impressive win in the final heat, which was highlighted by the fastest lap of the race at .300 clear of the field. 

 

Having been in the very same position many times before, Tristan knew that championship Sunday was the only day that had any significance toward his end goal.  The day started out shaky as Tristan was sent to the tire wall in turn one at the start of the KF 3 pre-final.  Keeping a level-head, Tristan surfaced back on track in last position and worked his way through the pre-final to deliver an amazing drive to second while notching yet again another fast lap award.  Starting second place for the final was all DeGrand needed as he proceeded to lead the final wire-to-wire taking his second KF 3 championship crown of the season in convincing fashion.

 

With the KF3 title already secured, Tristan still had his say in the IAME Jr. Final.  With the green flag flying, Tristan put in another strong performance coming from 9th on the grid to lead on lap eighteen while setting yet another fast lap.  In the end, he raised the second place trophy with his close friend and teammate taking the win.  

 “The championship started out very well and due to the high-level of competition I was forced to stay focused throughout the season”, stated Tristan DeGrand.  “My equipment has proven extremely competitive during this championship and J3 Competition deserves a big thank you from me for that.”

 

Tristan DeGrand will round out his 2009 campaign at the thirteenth annual SKUSA Super Nationals during the month of November where he will be competing in the IAME Jr. division.  By adding the recent CKI championship, Tristan became the most prolific KF 3 driver in North America.

 

Tristan would like to extend his appreciation to everyone involved in his successes including his entire family for their support, mechanics, everyone at J3 Competition/ Kosmic/Vortex, Pro Am Golf Inc., Alpinestars, High Rev Engines, People Farm Casting and Thinkglobale.com.  Follow Tristan’s progress on Facebook.