November 28, 2023
Introducing Sr MAX and DD2 Grand Finals competitors, Cooper O’Clair and Race Liberante will join Team USA at the Rotax Grand Finals. Cooper took the US Trophy West Championship and finished as the highest placing ‘Reserved’ driver at the US Trophy Final. Race Liberante who also competed in the entire US Trophy West series became a ‘Reserved’ competitor at the US Trophy Final and finished as the second highest ‘Reserved’ driver and took the DD2 ticket.
<<Here are the details to get to know Cooper and Race before the event takes place from December 2 – 9, 2023>>
Cooper O’Clair
Q Karting Journey: How many years have you been karting, and what ignited your passion for this sport?
CO 5 years, I grew up learning about cars from dad
Q Early Days: Can you share a memorable moment from when you first started karting and what motivated you to pursue it further?
CO Qualifying for my first grand finals has made it a goal every year since.
Q Grand Finals Aspirations: Beyond winning, what personal goals or experiences are you hoping to gain from competing at the RMC Grand Finals?
CO I’m excited to show what I know from the last time I drove this track in the senior category
Q Companions: Who will be accompanying you to Bahrain to support you during the event?
CO My teammate Oliver will be racing for team UK but we will be working together all weekend along with the rest of my team
Q Mechanic Marvel: Could you introduce us to your mechanic and tell us what makes your partnership with them special?
CO David Dodson; nothing has ever fallen off the kart and he’s detailed
Q Previous Grand Finals: If you’ve attended the Grand Finals before, could you share a memorable experience from a past event?
CO The chassis raffle is always a cool moment because there’s so many go karts all at once
Q From Where: Which part of the country will you be traveling from to participate in the Grand Finals?
Arizona
Q Bahrain Excitement: Is this your first-time visiting Bahrain? What are you most looking forward to exploring or experiencing in the host country?
CO No, it’s not my first time visiting. I’m excited for the food.
Q Hidden Gem: Share an interesting fact or a unique talent about yourself that many people may not know.
CO 3rd Grand Finals and I play the guitar
Q Pre-Race Ritual: Do you have any special pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow before hitting the track?
CO No
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Race Liberante
Q Karting Journey: How many years have you been karting, and what ignited your passion for this sport?
RL 25 years Karting and my dad got me into it as a 2nd generation racer.
Q Early Days: Can you share a memorable moment from when you first started karting and what motivated you to pursue it further?
RL I remember loving watching my dad road race when i was 3-4 years old and always trying to be his pit crew when he came off the track, he entered me in a big wheel race against the other drivers kids and i won, from there it’s been all I’ve wanted to do is win.
Q Grand Finals Aspirations: Beyond winning, what personal goals or experiences are you hoping to gain from competing at the RMC Grand Finals?
RL I have a goal of being the highest finishing American in the category as well as contributing to the rest of team USA’s performance all week to hopefully rank ourselves high as a nation.
Q Companions: Who will be accompanying you to Bahrain to support you during the event?
RL My girlfriend Alexis, as well as my team mate and partner chase Jones on the wrenches.
Q Mechanic Marvel: Could you introduce us to your mechanic and tell us what makes your partnership with them special?
RL Chase Jones will be wrenching for me this year. Him and I are not only business partners but team mates when we get to race on track. He’s been able to push me as a driver further than anyone else has been to.
Q Previous Grand Finals: If you’ve attended the Grand Finals before, could you share a memorable experience from a past event?
RL I went last year with Gage Korn and on day 1 i told them i wanted a shot at this race myself and we made the plan to go earn our ticket. But it was the most impressive well organized kart race i had ever been to. Truly a race you want to be a part of.
Q From Where: Which part of the country will you be traveling from to participate in the Grand Finals?
RL Indiana
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?
RL I want to see someone drive a car or on 2 wheels and experience the culture on that side of the world
Q Hidden Gem: Share an interesting fact or a unique talent about yourself that many people may not know.
RL I’m an adrenaline junkie, it’s what fed me to do more and be better in Karting but i also spend time surfing, snowboarding, riding motocross, etc, but with that comes this ridiculous desire to win and i obsess on the subject until that happens or hurt myself trying.
Q Pre-Race Ritual: Do you have any special pre-race rituals or superstitions that you follow before hitting the track?
RL I enjoyed a good stretch before a race, but getting the vibe right to be calm and relaxed is important for me, so I’ll typically put on some 90s rap and get in the groove pre-race.
