This page grows almost EVERY week, and some news gets shuffled down real quick, so if you think you have missed something, just scroll down and it will always be here!
Peebles signs with Mile High karting (12/18/00)
Lubbock, Texas – After a successful Y2K season with KGB North America, 2000 SKUSA 80 Jr. Moto World Champion Preston “Presto” Peebles will reveal his true “trackmagic” under the Mile High Karting/Leading Edge Motorsports Team tent for 2001.
Mile High Karting is based in Thorton, Colorado and is an authorized Trackmagic dealer. Mile High and Leading Edge Motorsports will join as a Trackmagic “Works” Team for 2001 with an arsenal of top drivers in every division.
Preston will campaign the 4 round SKUSA ProMoto Tour, Long Track Nationals, King of the Streets, and the Super Nationals aboard his Trackmagic chassis powered by a Trackmagic-Honda 125. Preston will still have his father Preston Sr. for his head mechanic with chassis tuner Trent Blau and engine specialist Greg Bell to help the 15-year-old star stand atop the podium.
Preston will bring current sponsors Allstar Motorsports, Melster Company, RLV, Horstman / KD, AIM Sportsystems, Kuzzins Kustoms, Bieffe North America and new for 2001 Speed Graphics along with him to the new team.
For more information concerning Preston check out his official website @ www.presto.cjb.net. or subscribe for his 2001 Edition Preston “Presto” Peebles News Letter by sending an email to prestok11@aol.com
Kruzzin n' Style! (11/24/00)
New for 2001, Kuzzins Kustoms out of Harmony, Pennsylvania will be the new artist behind the bright colors that flow on Preston’s Bieffe helmets. Kuzzins Kustoms, also the Official Helmet Painter of Skip Barber Racing and The Barber Dodge Pro Series have been painting helmets for over 8 years. In those years, Kuzzins Kustoms have found the absolute best way to perform a painting process that achieves a very durable, yet very smooth finish. Kuzzins Kustoms uses only quality paints and materials throughout the entire painting process, and paint every helmet as if it was their own (and they are very particular!). They will now supply Preston with all of his helmet painting needs for his racing career. “Preston came across as being very professional to me. As he does, I take my career very seriously and I am looking for young drivers like Preston to get into my program and keep there through their racing careers.” Explains owner Bill Cousins of Kuzzins Kustoms.
If you’re looking for the hottest paint job for your head, call Kuzzins Kustoms 724.453.1203. If you would like to check out some of their work, log on to www.kuzzinskustoms.com on the World Wide Web.
Peebles runs to the front at the Supernationals! (11/14/00)
Las Vegas, Nevada- Coming off of an injury, heading into first ever S2 race, KGB Pilot Preston “Presto” Peebles made his presence known throughout the week practice prior to the SKUSA SuperNationals! Being that Preston had just got his cast off 4 days before leaving for the event, he had no testing on his new machine. With that in mind Preston had to start from square one on Monday, and quickly prevailed to be one of the quickest in the paddock.
Wednesday night, Preston was named the 2000 SKI Young Driver of the Year and was also crowned the 80cc Junior Moto World Champion at the SKUSA ProMoto Awards Dinner at Planet Hollywood.
Back to the track on Thursday, Preston again was one of the fastest karts in the final day of practice. Friday brought pole qualifying and one heat race out of the five for the 90+ drivers in the S2 class. As the track changed for qualifying, Prestons setup wasn’t what he needed as he timed out in the 21st spot. Being that 25 drivers were all within a half a second range it wasn’t a bad effort considering the circumstances. After the heat races were said and done, Preston would start from the 22nd position in the final. With his mind set on moving forward, Preston got a brilliant start and moved from 22nd to 14th in the first lap. Kart after kart Preston moved up through the field and at the checkers he was on the bumper of the 5th and 6th place kart as he took home 7th place in his first S2 event. “This isn’t a weekend Im totally satisfied with, it ended on a good note but as I showed through practice, one heat race and the final that I could run and finish up front.” Commented Peebles Sunday night.
Now that 2000 is practically over, you can stay up to date with Preston and his sponsors with his monthly newsletter, or his website @ www.presto.cjb.net
Bieffe adds Peebles on as Support Driver (11/2/00)
As of November 1, 2000 Preston will now be more than a customer to Bieffe America as he joins as a factory support driver with the importer, Matrix Sports Group to support the full line of Bieffe products. Bieffe, The #1 Name in Protection . . . offering the latest in style, safety andperformance. With over 25 years experience, the largest manufacture of motor sports helmets offers a complete collection of auto racing helmets, motorcycle helmets, boots, and the new line of sunglasses that consist of 8 different styles, leading the industry in technology with the top drivers and riders in the World!
Look for Preston’s new F1GP and Preditor helmets to be unleashed for 2001 decked out by Kuzzins Kustoms. You can get your order in now before ’01 by contacting Matrix Sports Group 6630-B Patterson Rd Livermore, CA 94550 Tel.925.454.1055 or visit them on the web @ www.bieffeamerica.com
2000 SKI Excellence Awards Nominees Released (10/21/00)
Released on October 20th, the Shifter Kart Illustrated’s Excellence Awards for the Y2k season. Preston “Presto” Peebles was nominated for the “Young Driver Of the Year” award. The results will be announced at the SKUSA ProMoto Tour awards banquet in Las Vegas November 8th, the week of the SuperNationals! There, Preston will move to the S2 division to test his skills in the Sr. ranks.
For further info on SKI Excellence Awards you can check out their new and improved website @ www.shifterkartmag.com
Presto Takes on Trucks, WoO and IRL @ TMS (10/15/00)
Since there isn’t much for news right now, I decided to share directly from myself (Presto) about my past experience at Texas Motor Speedway. (TMS)
Well, as you should know October 12th-15th the World Of Outlaws (WoO), NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and Indy Racing League(IRL) all had scheduled events on 4 consecutive days. I had already planned to drive across to Dallas and be a spectator and a friend of ours who works on the Nabisco Racing Truck team invited me to tag-along with him for the trip. Of course I took the chance, whipped up some resumes that I could hand out to who ever I could and was on the road the Tuesday before the long race weekend. I wasn’t to excited about hoping along around TMS, but I look at it this way…..It will only improve upper body stamina and strength for when I drive, so at least I had a motivation!! Wednesday night I met some other crewmembers from various truck teams and had the chance to talk about a few things and most importantly get my name out to them. Bright and early Thursday AM we were in the Track unloading into the garages and everyone was preparing for tech, then practice. I really couldn’t help the Nabisco Team much because I was too busy hoping-along!! So I followed everyone around looking important, appearance is much of the battle!
Interesting watching everyone work and see how their programs go. It was also weird to me that when everyone went threw pre-tech and the bodies didn’t exactly fit the templates, they would beat on the body with a hammer. I freaked out when I first saw that, I couldn’t beat on my car like that. But I guess that’s all you can do. Jay Stewart (Nabisco Driver) didn’t qualify for the race due to mechanical difficulties, so I didn’t bother being in the pits for the race Friday night. Anyway, I guess Im going into to much detail. But, I liked the race, enjoyed watching it. It wasn’t so easy on neither pocket books nor drivers. Tony Roper, driver of the 26 truck hit the wall hard after it looked like a spotter/driver confusion that cost him his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Roper family. What about Friday the 13th!?!?
Thursday night, was the first night of WoO races. Set in the stands for this night, real exciting races…..and $20.00 for like a drink and fries, haha! Saturday night, my dad was there and we went into the pits for the last night. Checked out the rigs, the cars which aren’t much different from mine…you know, the usual drooling that goes on when your in the pits. Anyway, set right off of turn 3 and attempted to watch the races as the mud shower had begun. Saturday’s heats, weren’t them most exciting….. In the pace lap for the A Main they drivers did the usual 4 wide lap, but in the “missing man” formation in memory for the lose of Tony Roper. I thought that was really cool. The 40-lap A Main was awesome, great dual between the top 3 cars. No cautions in the race at all, only one problem, Danny Wood blew his left rear tire a half a lap away from finishing in his 8th place running spot! By the way, the tire did really “blow”, weird deal. After the races the pits were full with fans getting autographs and a real big deal at the WoO races is getting uses tires for real cheep or for free. Since my budget could definitely use some free tires in that are in great shape, my dad and I were getting what we could. Danny Wood, who knew us from racing in Norman, generously gave us 4 near-new rear tires, Thanks! We left with 8 or so rear tires so that will get us through the first of the Sprint season!
Ok, last race of the weekend. The IRL Excite 500 where they would crown the series champion. (Starting to sound like a reporter….Im scaring myself) I was looking forward to this race, the race at TMS earlier this year was the closest finish ever in IRL history (I think?) so this one was going to be just as good or better. The race was really good in my opinion, real close racing at 215mph….self explanatory. I would have liked to have see Unser Jr, Hornish, and Greg Ray all run for the finish, but those motors are time bombs that go off more often than most.
Well that was my week/end, we concluded it with a rainy storm as it rolled in just as Scott Goodyear got to Victory lane. By the way, my foot is still on the end of my leg…..it doesn’t do much but its there. Starting to do more and more everyday though, I find myself leaving my crutches cause you first instinct is to just walk! But I just limp around the house and use my crutches elsewhere. I should be good to go in Vegas, can’t wait to get back in the seat…..this is killing me!!!!
"Presto" Peebles Broken, but not Beaten (9/18/00)
Norman, Oklahoma – 14 year-old Iron Man, Preston “Presto” Peebles over comes physical opposition at the SKUSA World Finals to be crowned Formula 80cc Junior World Champion. Preston came into the World Finals after an impressively consistent season with a 76-point lead for the championship race. Although Preston would enter the “clash of the zones” with an obvious point advantage, the young 14-year-old KGB Pilot would have to drive with a broken left foot from a horrifying crash one week prior to the event. After Preston’s misfortune, the whole KGB Team made an effort to prepare Preston’s equipment as he totaled his perfected chassis and components that took him to four straight podium’s that include two wins through out the season.
Saturday, Preston started off with a disappointing 15th place qualifying position and with the SKUSA flight system, the F80 Jr was broke into four groups of eight. Preston started in 8th position in all heat races with a strong 4th in heat one. Due to another racers mistake in turn one, Preston would DNF in the second heat putting him in 16th. As the championship seemed to be distant, Preston and his family had to re-group from their week and a-half of bad luck.
Sunday was a new day, and Presto had one thing on his mind…A Championship. He finished up his heat races with another 4th, putting him in 14th on the final starting grid. Between the morning heat race and the final drivers parades and special presentations make up suspense filled time-gap before the finals. Come final time, you saw Preston in good spirits and at the same time in heavy concentration. In the 23-lap final, Preston pulled off a brilliant start and backed that up with an amazing first lap coming from the 14th position all the way to 7th. Everyone then knew, nothing was coming in this kids way. The race came to a close as Preston set in perfect position and held on to a 6th place finish and took the championship. “This has been the worst 2 weeks of racing in my 8 years of karting, and things were looking negative. But everything turned out great and I’ve got so many people to thank: Dan, Joyce, Curtis, Mike, Ken- everyone at KGB, Art at RLV, Melster Company, AIM Sports, Horstman and most importantly-my parents who have been so supportive-I can’t thank them enough. Also to everyone…everyone in the paddock has been so supportive, all of you are great” Preston explained when invited up to the podium.
Preston will move to 125cc, in the S2 division for the SuperNationals in Las Vegas, NV and in 2001. He will continue to run for Team KGB as Agent 110. You can check up on Preston, and his sponsors @ www.presto.cjb.net
Peebles Enters the World Finals after Horrifying Crash (9/11/00)
Norman, Oklahoma – One week before the SKUSA ProMoto Tour’s “World Finals” KGB Pilot Preston “Presto” Peebles would endure the worst crash thus far of his career. Sunday, September 10th in morning warm-up for the SKUSA Regional, Preston came down the end of the straight at 75+mph and lost his brakes. He then did all he could to slow the kart down and get through turn number one, but with the high speed it was impossible. When he hit the grass there was nothing he could do but hold on. He plunged through a fence and was thrown from the kart into a tree outside of the track’s parameter. “When my brakes failed I was doing everything I could to slow the kart down, down shifting, you name it. When I hit the grass I knew I was heading for the fence and I aimed for the chain portion of the fence rather than a steel pole, and little did I know there was a tree to the left of the fence. I closed my eyes and held on, I felt to kart teeter-tot then an instant pain and I felt I had landed face down on the ground as I opened my eyes. I tried to breathe and it was very tough, it was the worst feeling of my life.” After 5 hours in the hospital Preston returned to the track with a broken foot and a very sore body. As everyone at the track expected, the brave 14 year-old came back to the track and raced in the final. From his 10th starting spot Preston was running 6th and was running down the three karts in front of him and the driver behind him touched tires and climbed Preston’s back, putting him out of the race. Next weekend Preston will have to tame one of the hardest fields of racers in his carrier, and he has to do this with a broken foot. He comes into the “World Finals” with an 82-point lead over second position. With his KGB Phoenix, Leading Edge Honda, and RLV Exhaust Preston will try and put as best on-track performance he can with his broken foot.
Almost, But Not Quite! (9/4/00)
Lubbock, Texas - Kicking off September and Labor Day weekend, Preston made his Fourth run at the Lubbock Motor Speedway Friday night. Being that its Labor Day weekend LMS made it a Two night show and Presto was able to fit Two races into his last weekend before he switched back over to the national karting seen in Norman, Oklahoma.
Coming into the big weekend of Sprint Car racing, the Allstar Team (Peebles) finally got ahold of a set of injectors for the car, a definant horse power gain. In hot laps Presto had to deal with the "bugs" you always have when its the first time out with something new on the car as half way into the session the throttle stuck wide-open. Presto, shut it off and exited the track with no problem. The crew pushed him to the pits and fixed the problem for the heat race. Presto made his best run, finishing a very strong second. With the low budget Preston has and the limited equipment Presto was incapable of make the proper adjustments for the A Main as the track went extremely dry slick. Although the circumstances, Presto still powered his bright-orange winged warrior to a 4th place finish. "I know this isn't our best Main finish, but its truly our best run, Im really looking forward to tomorrow night as I go in with a lot more confidence in my car than before." Explains Presto.
Saturday Presto and his dad made a lot of changes to the car as they knew the track would once again, go very dry slick. After hot-laps and Heat One, Presto would start Off-Pole for the A Main. As the 15-laps wound down, Presto was making a run at the leader, slowly but surely he was reeling in the man out front, Leighton Crouch. The laps wound down and Presto ran out of time and had to settle for a second place finish.
Stealth Mode.....? (8/27/00)
Its going on a month now that Preston hasn’t been in the paddock of a Regional or National event. Although it seems bad, the 14 year old is staying not only staying in the karting seat but in the seat of a 700hp Sprint Car. In his second outing with the Sprint Car, Preston ran an impressive 3rd finish place in the main event on that Friday night, August 11th. Saturday night, August 12th Presto would follow up his Sprint car performance with two wins at the Lubbock Karting Association’s monthly club race. The following weekend the Allstar Motorsports (Peebles) Team took the weekend off from racing as the 360 Chevy was down to it’s block getting rebuilt. Of course Presto and his dad still went to the track to watch and help fellow racers. August 25th Presto’s 360 was back together and stronger than ever. He led the field throughout the entire hot lap session and opened some eyes as they realized he is becoming a threat. At the end of the night, Presto had to end his night early to only blow a head gasket 3 laps into the A Main. All in all, Presto and his parents are happy with the progress and is looking to show there best the next run. He has one more run at it before Presto gears up for the world finals as he comes into the big dance with an 82-point lead over the closest competitor. “Im not only going into the World Finals to take the KGB 80 Jr. Championship, Im going in to this event to win.” A bold statement from Presto a couple weeks before the event.
Horstman Makes Presto "King"(8/15/00)
Now that Horstman will be importing the new line of King Dragon (KD) products, Preston will stay with Horstman and help support the King Dragon line of racing apparel. With Preston’s new Sprint Car adventure, Horstman will help Preston make the move from MIR to King Dragon and supply various safety equipment and assist on large items like his new King Dragon 6 layer Nomex fire suit. “I am proud to present King Dragon to the Sprint Car industry and watch it spread throughout the Sprint Car and karting communities.” States Peebles.
Italy is on holiday now, Horstman will be expecting King Dragon products during the month of September and October. Till then, you will still see Preston in his MIR equipment and notice the Dragons start to infiltrate not only Preston’s racing, but the karting industry.
You can contact Richard Zimmerman @ Horstman Manufacturing/King Dragon. 2510 Pioneer Ave
Vista, CA 92083 Toll Free 1.800.647.7848 Fax 760.598.2114
Preston Makes his Sprint Car debut in Style!(7/30/00)
Lubbock, Texas - Friday, July 28th Preston "Presto" Peebles made his debut in the 360 Winged Sprint Car class at Lubbock Motor Speedway. This being the FIRST time Preston has took a lap around a dirt course, let alone a 700 horse power Sprint Car! In hot laps Preston took it easy, only locking the wheels and sliding sideways a few times to get a feel of the car and what it can and can't do for him. Only to make one mistake as he slid up towards the wall and remembered what all the drivers had said, as he stood on it and sure enough, the car grabbed and launched away from the wall. When he arrived into his pit after hot laps he was speechless. "Although I did not know what to say, my mind was going 100mph, thinking about my run and the ways I could approve." Next up was his first 8 lap heat race where he would start at the back of the field. Lap after lap Preston became quicker and more comfortable with putting the car sideways and letting the horses do the work. As he became quicker, Preston began floating the valves and the motor then slowed. In the 15 lap main event, Preston took to the track very well and was getting faster every lap he ran. The air changed drastically in the main and the 358 chevy went a little lean and added on another complication for the 14 year old. Although with the circumstances, Preston still managed to pull off a 5th place finish as he entered turn 3 high and slid down low to overtake the spot from this years points leader. After the night, this question became the most popular of them all: -"What did you think?" "It was an interesting ride. Not as different from karts as I thought it was going to be....The power wasn't a major factor for me at all, after hot laps I was use to the power and had to concentrate on over all driving skill. Endurance won't be very tough to deal with either, a 25-lap shifter kart event does more for a drivers endurance in my opinion. Once we get the motor right, I think I will be competitive in the next race or two!" Preston is still in need of miscellaneous sponsors for the Sprint Car, if you would like to help Preston this season, or the next contact him @ Phone: 806.745.0273 Email: Prestok11@aol.com
Rain, Rain, Go Away!(7/4/00)
Norman, Oklahoma - Preston made his visit to Round 5 of the SKUSA Red River Regional Series that took place at the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex, the track which the World Finals will be held in September. This gave many racers the chance to achieve good testing time on the circuit before the world finals where track time will be limited and the stakes will be much higher.
Monsoon season was taking its toll in the early stages of the weekend with unusual track conditions and outrageous air changes throughout Friday and Saturday. Preston and his father, once again, over came the obstacles and came out the last session of the day putting a 3 tenth gap over him and the nearest competitor. With worn tires and the track cooled slightly, Preston felt good for Sundays event. But, to only wake up to pouring rain Sunday morning, this would be all of the dry track time Preston would get in this weekend as he did take the track in wet conditions for some well needed seat time in the rain. After the wet practice session, mother nature continued to put a halt to the event. After three drivers meetings and many hours in the rain, race officials and entrants agreed on giving all entrants 200 points(1st place) as water on the track had now become as high as 2 ft of standing water on particular parts of the circut.
New Endeavor For Preston (6/23/00)
Possibly a new era for Preston as he will take on a new type of racing head on. He has been given the chance to race in the 360 winged Sprintcar at Lubbock Motor speedway in his hometown. Preston is heading into this for car experience before he turns 16 and is open to all forms of racing. “I’m really looking forward to getting my feet wet in a full size sprintcar to gain experience and confidence before making the step into formula car racing. I know this racing is totally different than any form of Formula Car racing, but I think my career will be better balanced if I can tame both the lefts, the rights, and the dirt to the asphalt.” Says an excited Preston after bringing the car home. Once Preston gets comfortable with the car and the atmosphere, he will then start to travel to the different tracks around his area and test his skills against the surrounding drivers. The question “Are you still going to race karts?” has already came up to Preston and he knows this will be quite a common question once he starts mastering the Sprintcar. “My karting career will NOT take a backseat to the Sprintcar. This is for gaining experience and getting my name out to who I can reach, I have got to much going for myself in the karting industry and there is no way I would throw it all away” Preston states.
The car is still under the building process, and may stay in that process if Preston does not get any financial help. If you would like to put your name on Preston's car, or kart, and assist the young up and coming driver in any way, you can contact him @ 806.745.5200 – f806.748.6108 – Prestok11@aol.com
Peebles' Total Domination Mission Accomplished (6/5/00)
Marshalltown, Iowa – Preston “Presto” Peebles finished up his last SKUSA ProMoto Tour event before the World Finals with a stellar performance. Preston unloaded fast Friday morning to only put a half a second spread on him and the field by the end of the practice day making him a favorite to take the pole in qualifying for the KGB Formula 80cc Jr. division. With a time of 36.544 Preston took the pole to begin his dominant performance.
Preston took the whole shot in all the heat races, stretching a comfortable one – two second lead each time the he took to the track. “The KGB chassis is performing awesome and the Leading Edge Honda is just unstoppable, I think I’ve got a good chance for this weekend” Preston stated after his first heat race win.
On Sunday Mother Nature threatened Preston when rain became a factor in the early morning warm-up session. He took to the track as it was dry, over coming the wet, still being the fastest on Sunday. Although Preston ran well with the wet track conditions, his parents and he were happy to have the rain lighten up for the 25 lap final. Preston finished off his clean sweep weekend with a 13.631-second lead at the checkers and he also posted the fastest lap on lap 14 of 36.809.
On the podium Preston explained “We had troubles early Friday and Dan Ruth, My Dad and I all put our heads together and came out picking up 5 tenths of a second and from there on I never looked back.” “I’ve got a lot of people to thank, Everyone at KGB, RLV, Melster Company for great apparel, and I think everyone should thank Mike at My-Chron he’s been great, and most importantly I need to thank my Parents for all their continued support, I really appreciate it.” Preston stated before pictures and the champagne spray.
You can learn more about Preston and his sponsors at www.presto.cjb.net as well as follow his results this season. Contact Preston at 806.745.0273 or email: Prestok11@aol.com
KGB Agent "Presto" Peebles Opens Eyes in Formula America Racing Event with first ever 125cc endeavor and a first place podium finish. (5/5/00)
Preston "Presto" Peebles continued his winning ways with a 1st place finish in Round One of the Formula America Racing Series promoted by DUKE Motorsports. Presto's first outing ever in a 125cc shifter on an unknown temporary course met him face to face with Formula S1 standout Darren Elliot. Preston qualified 2nd behind Elliot on Saturday and went on to win both of his heat races leaving him with pole position for the final. The fifteen-lap feature brought an esciting battle for the lead with Preston coming out on top. Sunday's Round Two began with qualifying in which Preston qualified 4th and finishing 2nd and 3rd in the heat races. This put him fifth on the final starting grid in an unfamiliar kart. With last minute adjustments prior to the start, Preston was ready to fight to the front. Preston got a brilliant start pushing him up to third position and after an amazing pass for second he was fighting with Elliot for the lead. As Preston was on his way to out-dual Elliot his silencer come off in the late stages of the race. A mature decision led him to leace the circut for the pits to save equipment. Elliot went on to finish first with Preston having run a very strong race before having to shut it down. "I would like to thank KGB North America, Allstar Motorsports, The Melster Company, RLV, Razor Image, AIM Sportsystems and marks Pipe & Iron for their continued support." said Preston. "I would also like to thank DUKE for giving me the opportunity to better myself in my racing career."
You can learn more about Preston and his sponsors at www.presto.cjb.net as well as follow his results this season. Contact Preston at 806.745.0273 or email: Prestok11@aol.com
SKUSA Pro Moto Round Two (4/12/00)
Round Two of the SKUSA Pro Moto Tour in Phoenix brought an interesting weekend. Presto was fast all weekend, a definite factor when he set pole in only a 4 lap qualifying session. Peebles came up on traffic as the 5th lap began and knew the lap was wasted, he then pulled in the pits, a very smart move on his part. The field of 40 Jr. drivers, which half being very inexperienced became a somewhat "demolition derby" towards the rear of the field, thus causing many red-yellow flags. After a track-blocking pile up in the first heat 80 Jr. was rescheduled to end the day. The day, then turned to night and SKUSA was forced to proceed with the heat races Sunday morning. Sunday morning Presto began his quest to keep his championship effort alive, placing a 4th, 4th, and a 3rd in the final heat due to a stuck throttle after leading 75% of the race. In the final Presto started 3rd, when the first lap was completed he was in 2nd. About the half way mark, fellow competitor Caleb Sanden swapped positions with Presto, as they started their journey to catch the leader. Presto and Caleb caught the leader with about 5 laps togo, which in that time, Presto set the fastest lap of the race. Preston couldn't get around the leaders and had to end his weekend with a podium finish, a great way to keep the championship season alive.
A Super Win! (3/19/00)
Preston made his IKF Region 7 Super Series debut in the HPV Pro Jr., HPV 100 Jr. and 80cc Gearbox Jr in Phoenix, home of the KGB headquarters. Friday practice left Presto being among some of the few that turned the quickest laps during the several 5 minute practice sessions throughout the day in all classes. On Saturday, in the HPV Pro Jr. Presto landed a 2nd position qualifying spot, only . 04 second behind the pole sitter. Presto took heat number one win leaving him on pole for the final. The 20 lap final came leaving him with a second place finish after struggling coming off the corners because of a problem with the new Pro Pipe header. Sunday was a semi-busy day with Presto running two classes, but nothing he is not use to. In the HPV 100 Jr division, Presto again qualified in the off-pole spot. He found success in the Gearbox kart putting it on the pole by over two-tenths. Heat one called for a second in the HPV 100 Jr and a third in Gearbox after a last lap mishap. After the 30 minute launch break Presto took to the track, winning the HPV Jr 100 class and placing 2nd in Gearbox due to a start failure. Look for gearbox results to improve for what counts, the Round One of the SKUSA ProMoto Pacific Tour in Phoenix, which this time Presto will have his kart and engine, the same one that took him to a win in Jacksonville.
Round Two, Win Two (3/12/00)
The SKUSA Red River Region made its Round Two stop in Houston, Texas. This being a long road course track which called for semi-high speeds and drafting, something Presto is somewhat familiar with. Presto unloaded fast and kept it that way, getting faster everytime he touched the track. In morning practice, one of Presto's competitors clicked off a 42.00 time comparison to Preston's 42.20 lap time. Presto then decided the race will call for new tires, which he was running on used tires throughout practice. The first heat Preston started in the 5th position and quickly grabbed the lead. With the new rubber Presto clicked off a time of 41.30, close to one full second faster than his competitors. The second heat he took it easy on the tires and kept his times just fast enough to stay infront of the field. The final Presto started pole, dropping to second on the start, but then taking over the number one position and keeping it that way
Opportunity Rises for Presto this April (3/9/00)
Preston will now be using the Formula American Racing Series (F.A.R) developed by Duke Motorsports as a stepping stone to help better his career.
And you ask what is F.A.R?
F.A.R. is a national oriented marketing event which serves as a talent search for young racing drivers. The F.A.R. series comprises a ten race schedule with an Invitational Final Race at the end of the season. F.A.R. is an arrive and drive series. The driver shows up with his helmet and suit to drive equally prepared SSC/CRG 125cc Shifter Karts. The Karts are prepared and maintained for the integrity and equality by DUKE Motorsports Inc. Races will take place on temporary and permanent circuits in major population centers across the U.S. Each race weekend consists of approximately 60 minute's practice, 4 Heat Races(minimum), and 2 Main Races. One engine builder, MRE, equally prepares each motor. The 9 round series will end the year with the F.A.R Invitational, and if winning, Duke Motorsports will provide you with a fully sponsored racing season in the Formula Renault Championship Series in England, use of Renault Automobile while in U.K., one on one driver coaching and training, and professional management and support. Presto will compete in the first round of the series to qualify for the Invitational at the end of the year. This opens a big door for Preston to better his career, look for the young driver to take advantage of it. You can check out more information on F.A.R @ www.dukemotorsports.com
Round One of the SKUSA ProMoto Tour 2K (3/7/00)
The ProMoto Tour 2K kicked off this past weekend in Jacksonville, Florida. Among many of the bizarre finishes, one of the 3 involved Presto. He was fast all weekend on his KGB Phoenix setting the pace in Friday practice. Saturday came, bringing qualifying and 3 heat races. Due to other participants, Presto only received 2 clean qualifying laps, putting him on the pole for quite sometime. In the last session, Florida driver Kyle Wharff knocked Presto out of the pole position, placing him in 2nd. Mechanical difficulties left the Factory KGB Agent with a DNF in heat one. Presto finished up the remainder of heats in the second position behind Wharff. The nerve wrecking Victory Sunday set Presto fourth on the grid for the start of his 17 mile 80cc Junior Final. Presto jumped out in the 2nd position for only a half of a lap, then over taking the lead from Wharff before the first lap was completed, then pulling away for a short distance of the race. Wharff and Preston swapped positions many times, then settling down as Presto's Honda went rich, a mechanical error which will be prevented from happening next event. The two kart draft was then joined by Patrick Daily, who then soon took the lead. The last lap put Daily in the number one spot, Wharff in second, and Preston in third following closely. At the end of the 1000 foot Jacksonville straight, there was a caution, caused by backmarkers. Daily and Wharff both disobeyed the yellow as Daily center-punched the lap kart and Wharff veered right, slightly missing the kart but putting himself out in the hay, as Presto went on to take the win.
Presto takes Regional Season Opener! (2/14/00)
New season, new win for Agent 011 Preston "Presto" Peebles this past weekend in Norman, Oklahoma for the SKUSA Red River Regional opener. Practice was cut short for Presto, only getting one brief day of cold practice on Friday. Saturday Presto and his mother, Teri, drove to the crowning of his '99 Regional Championships. After the banquet they headed back up to Norman, so that Presto could participate on Sunday. When the 2 hours of morning practice were over, Presto had a one-second time advantage over the rest of the field. The 1st heat came, starting in the last position, Presto won the heat race. Second heat called for another heat race win. In the 15 lap final, Presto pulled away with a good straight away lead by the checkered bringing home the first win of the season, and definitely not the last!
New Sponsor Razor Image Announced (1/8/00)
After a parting from Presto and Razor Image in 99. They have joined again for 2000. Presto, now owning a Bieffe F1 GP helmet, will soon be in Razor's shop and out quickly to show off his "war paint for a real racer." Helmet planes are already drawn up and ready to go. You can check out Razor Image info @ www.razorimage.com
Off Season Preparation (11/27/99)
Preparation for the new millennium is in the works. Before the 2000 season, many test sessions will be run to get that extra edge. Presto will be testing with new Prototype chassis from KGB. One session has been ran, leaving the Prototype chassis approximately 1 second faster. Many more ideas and changes are to be made. Well, one session, one-second. At this rate....Next year will be very interesting.
Also in the works for next year, is Presto's fitness. He is now on a diet, losing weight and building endurance for the 2000 season. Many changes are being made for next year. Expect top results for this KGB Factory Jr Pilot.
99' SKUSA Super Nationals (11/15/99)
The 99' SKUSA Super Nationals, the biggest shifter kart event ever. Preston faired well, qualifying 3rd and placing good in the heats. The 25 lap final was still to come, the one that counts. Starting 5th, Preston was out of the race on lap 3 with a flat tire. Next year is going to be tough in the 80 jr class with more and more competition flocking to SKUSA. Presto is now in preparation for next season, and will look to be a front runner in the 2000 SKUSA Pro-Moto Tour.
IKF Gearbox grands (10/27/99)
One of the biggest races of the year for IKF racers, the IKF Gearbox Grand Nationals. Presto, being an IKF newcomer, came for experience for the up coming year and the Supernationals in Las Vegas. Luck, was something Presto did not have, the whole weekend. Even on the drive up there, following the KGB rig with his sister, losing the trailer and motorhome in California. They then knew this was either a start of bad luck, or this is getting it all out. And, well..It was the start! The order of obstacles that got in the way are: Qaulifing:Flat Tire (Thats always Good) Pre-final: DNS Final: Moving up 10 spots, but having technical problems do to mistakes! Reminder, shifters are new to us! Although the weekend didn't go as planed. At least Team KGB was looking good!
KGB kart Prevails (10/11/99)
October 10,Presto drove his way to victory on the new KGB,Intruder chassis. Arriving Saturday afternoon, unloading the kart to get some practice in before the race on Sunday. Presto was immediatly fast, having no problems with the KGB chassis. Sunday he had troubles in the first heat with a DNS. The second heat he was victorious, as was he in the final. This is a start of Presto's success with KGB North America.
New Team KGB North America (9/28/99)
At the 99' World Finals, Presto was introduced by Rob Howden(SKI) to Dan Ruth of KGB North America. Presto and his father talked to Dan and they agreed to test KGB on the Monday following the race. Presto was impressed with the chassis and he was fast. Tuesday morning after the test, a phone call came from Dan Ruth asking Presto to be his KGB Factory, Jr. Driver for the end of 99' and the 2000 season. Presto and his family happily excepted. Presto's first race as a KGB driver will be at the IKF Gearbox Grand National's. Look for top results for KGB for the 2000 season!
Grand National Title and National Title in ONE! (9/7/99)
Presto came into the WKA Grand Nationals with 4 National Titles on the line, the most of any Jr driver ever. It was a lot to tame for Presto but he managed Pole in EVERY class, one thing that is almost impossible. Presto did his best and tried as hard as ever, but only came home with the Grand National And National Title in HPV Jr. But ran up front in ever class with a second and 2 thirds with technical problems. With 5 wins Presto ended his season.
Peebles Dominates 99' Memorial Cup Shootout (9/7/99)
Coming into the big divisional "shootout" all racers were going for the top spot and the "koogie".This event was also big because it was right before the WKA Grand Nationals.Everyone including Presto was tunning for the following weekend.Presto Had good Qualifying spots on Saturday with a Pole and 2 seconds.The day ended with 2 Koogies and a fast time in not to bad for the first day.The second day came ,and gone.Winning one more class adding to his other 2.
Presto Comes Out a Double Winner at last GLSS Race. (8/4/99)
At the recent Great Lakes Sprint Series race Presto came out with double victories.One on Saturday in the 100cc Restricted Jr./SSX,and the other on Sunday running the Formula Y Jr. class.In Presto's other 2 classes he had motor trouble and just bad luck,but still came out with a 3rd place finish in HPV Jr. and 4th place finish in Yamaha Jr. Can.
Presto's First Shifter Kart Race. (7/6/99)
Presto attended his first SUPERKARTS!USA ProMoto Tour event,or his first shifter race at that. Not only was it his first shifter race, but he also had not came with his dad or mother (kart cleaner,haha). It wasn't even his own kart, nothing was Presto's. Everything was new to him, but Presto adapted to it well by Qualifying 4th, only 9 hundredths off the pole! It was very close racing! Now Presto had to face his first shifter start. The out come wasn't too bad, holding his position coming off the first corner. Only to be wrecked later on in the race. In the second heat Presto improved greatly, finishing second AND setting fast time. Presto and his mechanics(Tiffin Wilwirth) were feeling pretty confident about their chances of a victory on Sunday. Sunday was nerve wrecking and you could feel the tension in the paddock. Now the final event was here. While running in 5th, he was forced into the marbles dropping him back to 11th. Presto came back through the field and finished 6th for his first shifter kart race!
Shifter Announcement. (6/22/99)
Preston and Steve Jacobsen at Team Profile racing have decided Presto will run the 80cc Jr. Class in Superkarts!USA Promoto Tour in the 2000 season. For '99 they are planning on running one Skusa ProMoto to qualify for the World Finals in Norman, OK. Also wanting to run the Shifter SuperNationals at Las Vegas, NV. This marks the start of Presto's shifter racing career!
Racing without his Mechanic. (5/24/99)
Going into the Southbend Great Lakes Race Presto was about to experience being a mechanic and pitting for himself. His dad had to stay home for financial reasons. Presto had his work cut out for him with tough competition and working on his kart. In practice he was very fast. The first day of racing Presto went out and won the first heat. The second heat he was leading about to secure pole position in the final when his sidepod fell off, ruining his chances. From back in the pack, he came up to finish a strong 2nd. The next day of racing brought the rain with it. Chassis set up is a crucial part of racing in the rain, and without his dad, it made things worse. Presto finished 3rd even with all of the troubles.
Presto Fixes his FY Start problems. (5/3/99)
Presto decided to run the Formula Y Jr. class at the Great Lakes Sprint Series opener. Presto had run this class before in the Constructors Cup Series in 1998. His weak point had always been his starts which might have cost him the championship last year. Going into this race he was confident that he could do it. He qualified 2nd, which put him in the front of the pack. He came around for the start, they lined the drivers up, then the green flag.....Presto took off good side-by-side with his competitor. Presto finished 1st in the Final.
Presto learned how to drive in the rain... (3/15/99)
At the WKA Manufactures Cup race in Charlotte,NC, round 2 of the series, Presto was faced with one of his biggest fears at a race....driving in the rain, not something a TEXAN is use to. In his past experiences the out come was ok, but not like Presto's usuaul preformances. Presto had great help from his parents for mental preparation, which he thinks did help alot with the outcome. Well Presto in practice was a front runner and was feeling good about the race. He ran the heats bringing in good finishes. There was no final ran here becuase of the rain, they combined your 2 heat finishes and the was the overall. Presto came out with a 2nd and a 4th, which was pretty good for him. Now rain won't be such a factor in the outcome.
Peebles Scores 3 wins in Jacksonville. (1/1/99)
Bringing on the new season at the 103St. Complex in Jacksonville, FL. A long track with high excitment. This is a track Presto is very familiar with. He won his first national race here, and is always fast. This is a 3 day race event which limits 1 class per day for Presto, with 2 classes on the last day. The first day came, Presto being fast in morning practice. Winning the 1st heat, things were looking good. The race was dissappointing to Presto, finishing 6th. Which was not what they had hoped for, but had to take it. The next day came along running the 100cc restricted class, Presto had been very fast all weekend in the class. A win was expected, and that is what he brought home setting fast time and a new track record. A good day for Presto and his parents. Saterday brought rain in the morning giving Presto and his father great frustraion, although fast, it was frustrating. By drivers meeting the track had dryed out and was ready for racing. Presto winning 1 heat in HPV Jr. Which put him on the pole for final. In US820 Presto wasn't so fast, he was having truoble, finishing a 5th and 4th in heats. Sitting him not so good for the start in the final. But Presto came around the final lap in 2nd posistion setting up the winning pass on the long Jacksonville straight away,edging out Tony Leinuski. In the HPV Jr class it was a 2 kart runaway with Presto and Jesse Mason. Mason put up a tough battle....but Presto was to strong, he brought it to the checkers finishing a long weekend. A great weekend with 3 WINS!.
