12/14/2016
So, there are times in life when you are at a crossroads. Now is one of those times for the Anthony Willis Racing program. We started out the year deciding to run our final year in the cadet class, with the singular goal of being the best mini driver in the world. We were seeking perfection. In order to achieve this goal, we aligned ourselves with those that we saw as the best in their respective fields. Our engines would remain in the hands of Phil Carlson, former owner of the famed Pitts Performance. Our chassis would remain the Benik Missile. However, we would enter the Benik tent as a Team “Factory” Driver.
When we look back at the last seven years of competing in karting at the highest level, the one person that we can say has been there for us since the beginning is Phil Carlson. From kid kart C-51’s to KPVs to Yamahas to Mini Roks to Mini Swifts, he has ALWAYS given us the power to win. Phil has been Anthony’s driver coach, motivator and friend since the beginning. For his dedication to Anthony’s success, the Willis Family will forever be in his debt.
As almost any driver who tries them believes, The Benik Kart is without a doubt the best cadet chassis on the planet. It is the most highly developed and tested chassis in existence today. Being on anything else truly is a disadvantage. There are several new imitators that are claiming that their kart is the same. This is not the truth. Benik has put their blood, sweat, and tears into developing their chassis, and we have the ultimate respect for them.
What took us by surprise is the environment that exists within the Benik Tent and amongst the Benik family. There is a very cooperative and open effort for Benik chassis racers, whether in the Benik Factory Tent or out, to see each other do well on the chassis. Unlike any other environment in racing where there is tension, Ben Cruttenden and Nick Mitchell have created an atmosphere where we openly share everything. It truly is a “United we Stand, divided we fall” mentality. Ben and Nick previously worked privately for DFR Racing, an Andy Defrancesco organization that was created to develop the driving careers of Devlin and Lachlan Defrancesco. Andy, an uber-succesful businessman decided to allow public access to this program via what would become “Benik.” To him we are grateful for sharing these guys with us and allowing the karting world to have access to a world-class program, whether you are a privateer or a Benik Factory driver. Over the last year, we have developed incredibly deep relationships with the team principles, Ben and Nick, as well as the teammates. It really does feel like we are now part of a fraternity or elite brotherhood. We will cherish the memories of this amazing experience forever. We would like to express our gratitude to the teammates that stepped up when we needed them, specifically, Chino Carmenate, Joe Morgan, Andy Defrancesco, The Danielle and Martinez Family, Rick Maxson, Erich Menge, Jose Gomez, Bobby Egozi, Juan Villarraga, Chris Perez, Nick Neri, Craig Boyd, Will Thompson, and all of the rest of you!
Anthony wanted to be the one to carry the torch for the team this year after an amazing 2015 year, which included: 1st Place at The SKUSA! ProKart Challenge Mini Swift Championship, Multiple SKUSA! ProKart Challenge wins, 3 SKUSA! ProTour Podiums, 4th Place SKUSA! Supernationals Mini-Swift Class, and 2nd Place WKA Manufacturers Cup at New Castle, Swift Class.
However, after a turn two injury that occurred in the first Heat race at the SKUSA! ProTour race in Phoenix on Saturday , those dreams were dashed. He suited up for the second heat and was unable to maintain pace due to what we later realized was a broken arm after being rushed out to the hospital. He was forced to skip the main event. Anthony, however, insisted on Sunday that on his splint be removed in exchange for a brace. He was able to qualify 9th . But, once the rubber came back, he was unable to maintain pace with his broken arm.
One of the things that we did not expect so soon was the tremendous physical growth spurt that Anthony experienced, making it more difficult to win in a high rubber situation, due to his high center of gravity. This is why we had so much trouble on Saturday and Sunday at the SKUSA! Supernats this year. Once the rubber came down, Anthony’s height was just too much to overcome.
We could not have achieved the level of success that we did without the team effort and contribution by our entire family and support system, including Allianz Life, Asset Preservation Tax & Retirement Services, New Era Marketing, Mike Courtney, Troy Adams, Cliff Kujala, Seth Nash, Doug Fleming, Helen Willis, Pam Cavanaugh, David DiMond, Larry Rodgers, Clinton Rodgers and Sean Surbeck, and PJ Jones& Family. The biggest contribution, however, has been by Shea Willis, who gave up so much so that we could chase OUR dreams.
Anthony has decided to pursue his goals in other sports for 2017. We may be making the occasional appearance at a club race or two.
Karting has helped focus Anthony in to becoming a wonderful, sweet kid
For now, we bid our karting family adieu.
Anthony Willis Racing
