photo by RPM Photography
story by Chris Roy
Now that the snow is almost gone Brittany Jalbert of Auburn, Maine will be getting ready to race in the #8 in the Gold Plate Kart Series at Richmond Karting Speedway.
Though Brittany hasn’t been racing in the off season, she has been busy. “During the off season I have been playing field hockey every Sunday morning and dancing Tuesdays & Wednesdays with competitions on the weekends.”
The 2014 race season at RKS begins on April 27th, and Brittany has high hopes for this race season. “I have a brand new kart for this season, so I am hoping to get that going good and possibly pull out my first win!”
On April 19th RKS has a open practice so the drivers can work on setting up the karts. “More than ready! Hoping the practice day coming up the week before will help get the set up good since it is a brand new kart for us. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the first race due to a dance competition. But I will try to not let that affect me in the point’s standings.”
The 2014 race schedule will keep the drivers and pit crews busy this race season. “I think it is great that we are going to be able to race on different days! Last year got a bit hard to make all of them because my mom and dad work so much so with the variety of days it will make it easier. And I like that we are racing more Friday nights because those are my favorites.”
The 2014 race schedule has both day and night races, “I like racing at night better. It gives me more of an adrenaline rush being under the lights! I also like the way that the track feels, it feels a lot faster when the track is cooler at night!”
Safety is always important issue, especially with the recent tragedy at a race track in Florida. Last season Brittany was involved in a bad wreck as well, “I felt as safe as I could be. I think there is a lot of precaution when it comes to racing which is a great thing because if it wasn’t for that neck brace it would have been a lot worse. But with that being said, it was just an accident and I’m not gonna let it scare me because I’m lucky it wasn’t worse and it happens to everyone! I would like to give my ccondolences to the family of Niokoa Johnson.”
As a young adults, the drivers are very busy with the end of school, summer sports, racing and oh yeah having fun, so where does Brittany find all the time. “Racing is pretty easy to manage because I have a great crew that works on the kart for me so all I have to do is race it and tell them what’s wrong.”
After graduating from high school Brittany is already looking to the future. “I hope that with college and everything that is coming up quickly, I will be able to maintain my career! I love racing karts, but I love to get in something bigger! Eventually a late model.”
Brittany would like to say a word to all her race fans. “Thank you for all the tremendous support you have shown! Big thanks to my parents, and grandparents for allowing me to get into racing.”