The drivers had to overcome adversity from the outset; during a rain-soaked qualifying session, Hodgson discovered that the throttle cable had slipped in its mount and was not giving full throttle. Hodgson, with many laps of Granja experience, didn’t panic but persevered, operating the throttle with one hand while driving with the other, and brought the kart home a respectable 11^th in group.

Starting 32^nd out of the 55 karts participating, Granja veteran Alex Speed pulled the first 90 lap stint, quickly moving the team into 20th, then turned the kart over to Granja rookie Allemann, who moved the kart as high as 15th. Benitez, also a first-timer at the Granja, took over next, and initially continued to improve their overall position, but disaster struck as the kart lost a rear wheel. Team FWT decided their best strategy was to take their mandatory fifteen minute pit stop early and make repairs, at one point falling 22 laps down to the leaders.

When he returned to action, Hodgson stayed in the kart for a full 100 laps, commenting that he “spent the majority of the time drafting with Rubens Barrichello,” improving the team's position continually during the stint. Benitez was next into the driver's seat, but unfortunately again encountered problems when incidental contact broke a valve stem and he had to make an unscheduled stop. After repairs, Alex and Cyndie had problem free stints to move back up into the top fifteen. 

Hodgson took over for what should have been the final 30 minute stint, confident he was on his way toward the front, when the finicky throttle now determined that it was full-power-only. Cody once again one-handed the throttle and the steering, and amazingly maintained a good pace. Things went from bad to worse when the spark plug cap failed, which necessitated one more pit stop for repairs. Duly fixed up, Speed took over driving duties and brought the kart home to its third place finish.

Drivers in the 2010 Florida Winter Tour Pro Rotax, Pro IAME Senior, Masters Shifter, Stock Moto and Honda GX Cup will be eligible for Team FWT in 2010.