Chandler native Mason Prater was within reach of his first championship in the Mod Kart finale. The up-and-coming racer finished runner-up in the title fight a year ago, and continued his progression to become the driver to beat throughout this season. Prater carried a healthy 20 point lead into the last race.
Prater began his championship quest on the pole alongside Bronsen Chiaramonte. When the green flag waved, Chiaramonte moved into the lead over Prater, with Brody Eggleston in third. They ran solidly in the top three until the caution flew early.
Prater looked to make a move for the lead on the restart, but it backfired as Eggleston was able to get under him for second. A slight bobble from Chiaramonte opened the door for Eggleston to take control of the race, and also allowed Prater to apply pressure for second.
As the laps wound down, Eggleston enjoyed a comfortable lead over Chiaramonte, who nearly flipped when he put his kart up on two wheels, which allowed Prater to move into second. In his attempt to get the position back, Chiaramonte slid out as he tried to make a move on Prater, which dropped him multiple positions and allowed Luke Knupp to move into third.
Out front, Eggleston, the defending class champion, cruised to his class-leading third win of the season. Prater finished solidly in second, which easily wrapped up the championship, while Knupp rounded out the podium in third.
Prater capped off his title triumph with a fifth podium result in seven races, during which he never finished outside the top four. He ended the year with a 26 point lead in the final standings.
Final 2019 Mod Kart Standings
2019 Mod Kart Champion: Mason Prater #505 – 355 points
2nd: Braden Chiaramonte #573 – 329 points
3rd: Brody Eggleston #514 – 310 points
4th: John Holtger #544 – 283 points
5th: Trey Eggleston #590 – 280 points