Galletta's Karting Club

Oscar Barry (offscreen) leads Raponi (83), Missy Berry (0), Hayden (5) and Matt Stevens (33) at Oswego Kartway.

Matt Stevens was able to find a high line in the Galletta’s #33 to try and duel the low-line power of Raponi’s #83.

Matt Stevens, “DJ” Mike “MC” Howell and Missy Berry at Oswego Kartway.

Mike MC Howell (Galletta’s #6) and Matt Stevens (Galletta’s #33) crash around the midway point.

MC Howell (Galletta’s #6) says, “Oops sorry for crashing one of your backup karts into you, boss” to Matt Stevens (Galletta’s #33).

Oscar Berry’s futile attempts to hold off Raponi’s powerful #83 continue, as the rest of the pack looks on en route… under him. Uh, oh.

Oscar Berry spins out in his #11 kart. Oscar has had many handling problems through his 1st two years of racing.

Missy Berry tries the Galletta’s #7, as Joe Hayden looks under her in his #5.

Raponi (83) looks under Wes Stevens (Galletta’s #4), as Kyle Rueter (Galletta’s #0) and DJ Mike Howell (Galletta’s #6) and Matt Stevens (Galletta’s #33) in pursuit.

DJ Mike Howell (Galletta’s #6) and Hoe Hayden (Outlaw #5) duel.

Kyle Rueter (Galletta’s #0) with Matt Stevens (Galletta’s #33), Wes Stevens (Galletta’s #4), DJ Mike Howell (Galletta’s #6) and Joe Hayden (Outlaw #5) in pursuit.

Wes “Ogre” Stevens needs a stagger adjustment, as he is getting severe front end lift from the torque in the Galletta’s #4. Joe Hayden (OHV #5) and DJ Mike Howell (Galletta’s #6) try to take advantage.

Kyle Reuter and Matt Stevens — two of the best Oswego Karters of all-time — try to make up ground on Raponi, as Wes Stevens tries to keep up.

Eric Raponi’s OHV Animal motor gives the wide #83 a significant low-end power advantage going against his co-competitors, who mostly have just stock 5hp flatheads with shaved heads. Once he gets that low-groove, he’s near impossible to beat.

Missy Berry holding off a batch of competitors,

Eric Raponi and Kyle Reuter looking to make Missy Berry sandwich.

Eric Raponi in the OHV Outlaw #83.

Joe Hayden in the OHV Outlaw #5.

Missy Berry recoils at nearly getting pounded by Eric Raponi.

Kyle Reuter (inside in the Galletta’s #0) vs. Matt Stevens (outside in the Galletta’s #33). I don’t care what karting class you’re in, these two are two of the very best drivers.

Raponi (83) doing his favorite move (the bump and pass) to Wes Stevens (4).

Mike MC Howell in Galletta’s Greenhouse #6 (Oswego Speedway Kartway 2007)

On the very last lap, Matt used his outside groove to pass Eric (by inches) and take his third race of the year on the last lap (2 times getting Eric at Oswego and 1 time getting Kyle Reuter at Galletta’s). Following Matt and Eric were MC and Joe Hayden crashing across the finish line, followed by Missy Berry and Oscar Berry. Xtreme Photo.

Gallettas @ Oswego Kartway 8/2/2007 – Matt gets Eric by a couple of inches at the checker! These two put on great shows with Raponi’s brute engine power vs. Matt’s seasoned experienced use of momentum and lines.

Oh that sneaky Matt Stevens! Just when you think you got him beat…. Don’t feel bad, Eric… he’s beat countless drivers at the stripe and likely will get many more., so welcome to the club.