Not only did 11-year-old Andrew Wolocatiuk get to zip around the 16-turn, three-quarter karting Infineon Raceway track on Wednesday at speeds in excess of 50 mph, he did so against NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. The two drivers staged a five-lap challenge race as a promotion for this weekend’s Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at Infineon Raceway. Earnhardt posted the victory in the five-lap race against young Wolocatiuk, but the Petaluma resident had a great time. “It was really cool. I didn’t realize what a cool guy he was but he was great,” said Wolocatiuk, a regular competitor in the Jim Russell Karting Series at Infineon Raceway. It was the first time Earnhardt Jr. had seen the twisting kart track at Infineon Raceway and he came away impressed. “I just had a really good time,” he said. “I think if Andrew had a better kart he would have given me a run for my money. Maybe we can come out and do this again some time.” Earnhardt Jr. competed in a corporate kart, featuring 15 horsepower and a top speed of 60 mph. Wolocatiuk drove a cadet kart, featuring 12 horsepower with a top speed of 55 mph. When the weight differential was factored in, the karts were equally prepared. Earnhardt Jr. gave Wolocatiuk his racing gloves as a souvenir following the challenge race. The two drivers staged four warm-up laps before the five-lap challenge race. Earnhardt took the lead on the second lap and won by three seconds.(Infineon Raceway)(6-23-2005)
