November 27, 2023
Introducing Jr MAX Grand Finals competitors, Nixx Eggleston and Gio Santora who will both compete for Team USA. Nixx earned his spot after originally finishing second at the US Trophy Final and thus, taking the ‘Reserved’ ticket. However, event winner Wesley Gundler was unable to obtain his FIA license thus, it promoted the ‘Open’ ticket to Nixx per the regulations. With Nixx assuming the ‘Open’ ticket the ‘Reserved’ ticket was moved back to the high finishing driver from the US Trophy East or US Trophy West which was Gio Santora who finished in eighth place at the US Trophy Final.
<<Here are the details to get to know Nixx and Gio before the event takes place from December 2 – 9, 2023>>
Nixx Eggleston
Q Karting Journey: How many years have you been karting, and what ignited your passion for this sport?
NE I have been karting for 4 years. The thing that ignited me in karting was electric karting.
Q Early Days: Can you share a memorable moment from when you first started karting and what motivated you to pursue it further?
NE When I got top 5 in my first race and that I knew I was fast enough.
Q Grand Finals Aspirations: Beyond winning, what personal goals or experiences are you hoping to gain from competing at the RMC Grand Finals?
NE To come out of the race as a better driver and learn from others.
Q Companions: Who will be accompanying you to Bahrain to support you during the event?
NE My Dad (Doug Eggleston), Step Dad (Michael Miserendino), and my mom (Liz Miserendino), will be there, as well as my mechanic, James Rooke and Ruthless Team Owner, Ryan Ruth.
Q Mechanic Marvel: Could you introduce us to your mechanic and tell us what makes your partnership with them special?
NE My mechanic is James Rooke, he has a passion and experience in karting. What makes us special is how he knows how I drive and is able to see what is wrong.
Q Previous Grand Finals: If you’ve attended the Grand Finals before, could you share a memorable experience from a past event?
NE This will be my 1st time!
Q From Where: Which part of the country will you be traveling from to participate in the Grand Finals?
NE I will be traveling from the Southwest of U.S.A
Q Bahrain Excitement: Is this is your first time visiting Bahrain? What are you most looking forward to exploring or experiencing in the host country?
NE Yes, I am looking forward to seeing the culture and city in Bahrain, and hopefully seeing the F1 track.
Q Hidden Gem: Share an interesting fact or a unique talent about yourself that many people may not know.
NE I don’t always race karts, I also play basketball on a team.
Q Pre-Race Ritual: Do you have any special pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow before hitting the track?
NE I always go sit by myself and just listen to music before I go out.
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Gio Santora
Q Karting Journey: How many years have you been karting, and what ignited your passion for this sport?
GS I was 8 years old when I started outdoor karting but began indoor when I was smaller. I always knew I wanted to be a driver & feel fortunate that I can continue my racing career now at 13 years old.
Q Early Days: Can you share a memorable moment from when you first started karting and what motivated you to pursue it further?
GS I remember when I went to PKRA, my home track in Arizona, for the first time and knew then I found what I wanted to do the rest of my life.
Q Grand Finals Aspirations: Beyond winning, what personal goals or experiences are you hoping to gain from competing at the RMC Grand Finals?
GS I want to represent my country, my team, and my coach the best I can. It’s an incredible experience and a dream come true for me and my racing career. I’m beyond thankful to have this opportunity.
Q Companions: Who will be accompanying you to Bahrain to support you during the event?
GS My Mom, Dad & Stepdad will be in Bahrain. Plus a ton of family and friends watching on from back home!
Q Mechanic Marvel: Could you introduce us to your mechanic and tell us what makes your partnership with them special?
GS Rhett is awesome and is always there to help me either with the kart or to keep me focused. It will be an amazing experience to be at the Grand Finals with him and share in this experience together.
Q Previous Grand Finals: If you’ve attended the Grand Finals before, could you share a memorable experience from a past event?
GS N/A
Q From Where: Which part of the country will you be traveling from to participate in the Grand Finals?
GS The Southwest, Phoenix, Arizona
Q Bahrain Excitement: Is this is your first time visiting Bahrain? What are you most looking forward to exploring or experiencing in the host country?
GS Yes! This will be the longest flight and the first international country I’ll be visiting. I want to experience everything & take in every moment.
Q Hidden Gem: Share an interesting fact or a unique talent about yourself that many people may not know.
GS I love animals, especially dogs. When I get older and I’m not racing, I’d like to open up a shelter to help animals.
Q Pre-Race Ritual: Do you have any special pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow before hitting the track?
GS When I’m on grid, before every race, I say a silent prayer to my Grandpa in heaven knowing he’s watching & cheering me on from above.
