LISBON – In one of the wilder races in the history of the YNOT Grand Prix, Augustin from Gombio took first place on a rainy day which made the already challenging outdoor track at Lisboa Kart even more difficult to navigate.

Sponsored by JuicyAds, BongaCash, Studio20, International Processing Solution and AWSummit the race which kicked off the ninth season of the YNOT Grand Prix was a big hit with its participants, despite the wet and wild conditions.

YNOT co-owner Jay Kopita said that the field was comprised almost entirely of European drivers, and the race was peppered with wipeouts and spinouts due to the slippery nature of the rain-soaked track.

“It was truly crazy,” Kopita said. “Despite the rain and slickness of the track, nobody got hurt and everyone who drove had a blast. With the rain hammering down, it was like a first-time kart racing experience, even for the more experienced drivers.”

Tiago from Akamobi finished in second place, while Martin from Sofarm took third and honorable mention goes to Marinus from Bidmath, who turned in the fastest individual lap of the day at a positively zippy 1:02:88.

As with the last two seasons of the YNOT Grand Prix, drivers are competing for a $1,000 grand prize, which will be awarded based on the season-long performance at four races: the just-finished race in Lisbon, a second race at the Phoenix Forum in March, a third which will take place during the AWSummit in Constanta, Romania in June, and the fourth and final leg at TES Prague in September.

Under the YNOT GP point system, Augustin is now in the lead with 10 points, while Tiago received 8 points and Martin garnered 6. The fourth through sixth place finishers all received four points each toward the tally which will determine the season’s eventual winner. The driver with the highest point total will be awarded the grand prize following the final race of the season at TES Prague.

“Season nine has gotten off to a great start, albeit a wet one,” Kopita said. “I’m looking forward to the second leg in Phoenix, where I’m sure we’ll have another fun, highly competitive race.”

For more information about the YNOT Grand Prix and the races still to come this season, visit YNOTGP.com. To reserve a spot as a driver for the season’s second race in Phoenix, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, email Kopita at jay@ynot.com or contact him on Skype at LAJConsulting.