2-28-10 Bordogna Engines Blazing Fast in Prokart and Prairie City Appearances

The Bordogna engines continued performing upfront in every race and at every track this season like the previous 6 years.

At the Prokart Season Opener Competing in the HPV2 class, Bordogna engines finished one, two, three in the 1st heat, with Dan Langon, Jack Freese and Jonny Norris, drivers who are using 3 different chassis brand and different setups.

In the second heat, the same drivers finished 2nd at only 0.01 sec to the winner and 3rd, Norris had bad luck at the main event, starting the race almost 2 rows behind the leader, Jonny Norris did a great race catching the leader every lap, and finishing in the final 2nd place.

At Prairie City, last weekend, Bordogna Engines had another great day in the Cadet divisions, placing Bordogna Race Engines one, two, three on the heat in comer, and 1st and second in HPV1, with Hunter Kelly winning the main on Comer, and Nick Sommers taking the championship points ahead in HPV1.

Bordogna Racing Engines wants to say Thanks to Prokart Challenge and All Stars Karting (Prairie City new Owners) for a clean and professional organized events.  Obviously, Congratulations to our drivers for this great beginning of the season.

If you are looking for fast engines, and the best track support, feel free to contact Daniel Bordogna, (916)256-0385 or visit http://www.bordogna.us

2-26-10 Willow Springs Kart Club Opener Kicks off Mini-Series to IKF Grand Nationals
 

Five-race series to offer stellar prize package to class champions

Based at the Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, the Willow Springs Kart Club (WSKC) - host of the 2010 International Kart Federation (IKF) 2-Cycle Grand Nationals - is looking forward to a solid 2010 season. Competing monthly from February to November, the WSKC opened up the new year with the first round of the nine round club championship on the nine-turn, 6/10-mile kart track on February 21.

The opening weekend for the 2010 season also kicked off a new five-race mini championship. The series within the club championship will award free entries to nine of the club classes for the IKF 2-Cycle Sprint Grand Nationals, set for June 22-26 at the Willow Springs Kart Track. For the five events leading up to the Grand Nationals (February 21, March 14, April 18, May 16, June 19), a best four of five points chase will be tabulated in each of the nine categories with the top WSKC member driver awarded one free entry to the prestigious event.

WSKC has also assembled a large prize purse for the five-race mini-series leading up to the Grand Nationals. The following is a break-down of the prizes:

1st place - Free entry IKF G.N. and one set of Bridgestone tires
2nd place - 1 set of Douglas Wheels
3rd place - RLV sprocket and 219 chain
4th place - Scribner fuel jug and 3 bottles of Burris 2 cycle oil
5th place - TRP Mechanics gloves and 3 bottles of Burris 2 cycle oil

Each points champion and the rest of the top-five finishers will also have their names entered into a drawing for a GPS system for the MyChron 4 from AIM Sports and selected drivers could have their name drawn for one class at the Cory Krusemans Sprint Car and Midget Driving School. To be eligible, a competitor must enter a minimum of four races and be a WSKC 2010 member.

We are excited to have the IKF Grand Nationals here and felt this mini-series was a great way to lead into that event, stated TIMI Promotions Mike Manning. Id like to thank the all the members of the Willow Springs Kart Club and those companies that are supporting our program. In total, 45 lucky drivers could walk away from the mini-series with some sort of prize in addition to experiencing fun and exciting racing here at Willow Springs.

At the opening round of the 2010, the PRD Spec Senior class saw Ron Honsaker as the early pace-setter, scoring the pole in qualifying with a 47.419 lap time. Just under three-tenths back was Chelsie Jenkens. Brandon Campbell and Michel Manning filled up the second row for the heat race with their qualifying times. The opening circuit of the eight-lap heat race saw Honsaker get shuffled to the tail of the field, leaving Campbell to claim the point and the win. Jenkens was a close second, just 0.108-seconds back, with Honsaker up to third ahead of Manning at the checkered. Clean through the initial corners, Campbell and Jenkens continued their battle into the 20-lap feature. Campbell showed the way until Jenkens took over the position on lap eight. From there Jenkens stretched out to a two-second victory. Campbell held onto second despite a charging Honsaker, who was credited with the fast lap of the race.

In other TaG competition, the TaG Light, TaG Heavy and TaG Junior divisions ran together on the track for some exciting racing. TaG Light driver Casey Neuman paced the field in qualifying with a 47.595 with TaG Heavy entry Steve Fidler just one-tenth back. Fidler got the jump at the start of the heat race and led all eight laps for the overall win with Neuman on his bumper. The two continued to show the way in the feature race with Fidler again leading the way for the overall victory. Neuman crossed the line second, first in the TaG Light division. Logan Manus was third in the order to sit second in the TaG Light division with Tim Gardner crossing fourth overall to end up second in the Heavy division. TaG Junior was a great battle between David Taylor and Annika Horvath. Taylor led the majority of the feature race before Horvath took the point with two laps left, going on to score the victory.

Senior Super Sportsman Pipe class was hotly at the front with two drivers putting on a show, Leland Holden and Kyle Shriver. Holden held the advantage following qualifying with a best lap of 48.312. Shriver got the jump from outside row one starting spot in the heat race to lead all eight laps, getting to the line by just 0.092-seconds in front of Holden. Shriver continued on into the Feature showing the way with Holden in tow. Able to hold on, Shriver took the victory and the early point lead in the championship over Holden. Max Feyerabend completed the podium with a solid third.

Brennen Mankin scored the sweep in the Junior Super Sportsman Pipe category. Putting down a blistering 48.951 lap in qualifying, Mankin went on to score the heat and feature wins uncontested. Ryan Junge was able to place second in the feature with Kris Holland placing third to stand on the podium. In Junior 1 racing, Dustin Patterson was the lone entry in the KPV category to get a jump start on the competition for the free entry for the mini-series point title. In the Comer division, Bryce Murphy led the way in all on-track action with Brandon Weaver and Demitri Hull completing the podium.

Myles Farhan set the tone in the Kid Kart division as he blistered around the track with a lap of 1:03.208 to solidify his position at the front. Braden Waterman was up the challenge in the heat race, making the right changes following qualifying to dice it up for the win. At the line, Farhan held the advantage by 0.170-seconds. The two battled once again in the 20-lap feature, this time Waterman showed the way early on as Farhan had to recover from a bad start. After swapping the lead numerous times, Farhan took the checkered flag first, 0.441-seconds in front of Waterman for the provisional victory. Officials however penalized Farhan following the race, giving the win to Waterman and moving Hudson Morrow and Bryson Waterman up to third.

Though not part of the new mini-series, seven shifterkart drivers came out to begin their campaign at the club championship, led by Willy Musgrave. Showing the way in all the class proceedings, Musgrave drove to a seven-second victory over Greg Nelsen and James Reynolds.

Round two of the 2010 season will be March 14. For those who have questions or would like to find out more information about the Willow Springs Kart Club, visit www.timipromotions.com or contact Mike Manning at 661.256.7500 and Tim Holden at 818.701.7151.
 

2-25-10 Italian Motors USA and IAME to Award Engine packages and Trips to SUPERNATIONALS for NW Gold Cup Racers

The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Series will be adding the exciting IAME Cup Regional Championship to their racing program in 2010.  With IAME North American factory importer, Italian Motors providing sponsorship of the IAME Cup Regional Series, this series looks to be another northwest karting success story.  The stable single engine race proven package ensures great competition and tough engine tech that will make this a best driver series instead of the motor of the week series.  Top race teams will not be required to develop multiple engine packages that was so common in the past with multi engine package series

Italian Motors will be awarding 4 engine packages at the Year End Gold Cup Banquet in 2010 along with 2 trips SKUSA Super Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There will be 3 IAME leopard packages and one IAME gazelle Package to be given to the NW Gold Cup eligible IAME Cup drivers.

You have to ask: How can I qualify for this IAME Engine Package Giveaway?

 Each time a racer enters a 2010 Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint event in Gazelle, Cadet, IAME Leopard JR 2, IAME Leopard JR 3, or IAME Cup classes your name will be entered in the drawing. At the end of the year at the NW Gold Cup Karting Banquet the current regional Champion of each of the respected IAME classes will draw the winning name for the IAME engine packages. All drivers must be present at the NW Gold Cup Karting Banquet to claim the IAME engine packages. Therefore, the more times you enter a NW Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Series events, the more chances you have to win one of these great engine packages. 

More exciting prizes to be awarded will be two trips to compete in the 2010 SKUSA SUPERNATIONALS!!  The huge prize packages will be awarded to the IKF Region 6/ Gold Cup   Leopard JR 3 and IAME Cup Champions at the Year end banquet. Winners must be present to accept the award packages. These great additions to the popular Gold Cup Sprint Series, will give the two Champions a great opportunity to compete against some of the best Karters in the world.

“It is our way of saying Thank You to all great northwest racers that have supported the popular IAME Leopard and Gazelle engine packages over the years.” Said Claudio Valiante of Italian Motors USA.

For more information about Italian Motors and the IAME engines contact Italian Motors at 604-253-4248 or www.italianmotors.com for an IAME dealer near you.

The Premier Northwest Regional Series, the NW Gold Cup, is the oldest karting series in the Northwest.  The NW Gold Cup Series dates back to the early 1960's when the regional karters decided they were tired of racing amongst their local club members and decided to put on a regional series to race against other clubs at different tracks.  Back then, all the regional clubs raced for a single trophy known as the Gold Cup and it was awarded each year to the club with the most seasonal points.  Over the last 50 years, all the top racers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia have come together to race each other. Many of the finest kart racers in North America have come from this northwest race series.  This is evident from the numerous National titles the Pacific Northwest drivers have won over the years.

The NW Gold Cup Sprint Series has added many great regional drivers onto the list of Who's Who of Kart Racing and long revered as the one of the best run series in the North America.  The tradition of greatness continues today with current drivers like Odenthal, Rolison, Holmboe, Hodapp, Valiente, Wimsett, Arscott, Nekeel, Glover, Daniels and Choquer to name a few.

The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Series events are all IKF sanctioned and insured events run by a professional Race Director and Race Official team enforcing a consistent set of IKF sanctioned rules developed and approved by the northwest regional clubs.  All race events have a professional race announcer for the spectators and racing families.  This regional sprint race series is very professional with nine race events at eight different race facilities.  No two race courses are the same and the different tracks have eliminated the home track advantages that can happen with other series.  For the competitors, that means quality racing and quality officiating at many different tracks.

The 2010 IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Series will once again be the home to one of the largest and most competitive Regional Series in the United States and Western Canada.  Plan a northwest family vacation this summer and race with some of the best kart racers in the United States and Canada.

For more information, log onto www.nwgoldcup.com for a complete listing of NW Gold Cup racing classes, event dates, event pre-registration and local motel information. You can also e-mail Bill Hettick, IKF Region 6 Sprint Coordinator directly at wghrock@comcast.net

2010 NW GOLD CUP & IKF REGION 6 SPRINT SCHEDULE 

Date, Location & Sponsoring Club

March 26-28                 
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA                
Tri-Cities Kart Club

April 23-25                   
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA                
Seattle Kart Club

May 28-30                    
Spokane Kart Track, Spokane, WA                   
Spokane Kart Racing Association

June 11-13                   
Mission Raceway Park, Mission BC                   
Westwood Kart Association

July 23-25                    
CARTBC, Chilliwack, BC                                   
West Coast Kart Club

August 6-8                   
Mt. Highway Raceway, Spanaway, WA              
Puget Sound Go Kart Association

August 20-22                
MAC Track, McMinnville, OR                             
Portland Karting Association

September 3-5             
Glenn Moran Track, Boise, ID                            
Snake River Karters

September 17-19          
Sumas International Motorsport Academy,         
Sumas International Motorsport                               
Sumas, WA                                                      
Academy

2-25-10 Superkarts USA Set to Launch New Website

Comprehensive online package will provide community platform, beginning with opening of shopping cart for SpringNationals registration

The newest component of Superkarts! USAs evolution will be debuted next week when the organization rolls out its new comprehensive website - www.superkartsusa.com - which has been designed to be the companys online information system. With four regional series, a new national circuit and the biggest event in the sport - the annual Superkarts! USA SuperNationals - currently in place, SKUSAs new website will become the sanctioning bodys communication hub when it comes to information delivery, competitor interaction and series promotion.

The continuing expansion of our program is exciting for all of us at SKUSA and the ability to present all of our regional and national programs under one roof is very important, enthused Tom Kutscher, President of the emerging karting operation. Adding the Pro Tour and the Mountain Region to our program this season further fuels our momentum and stokes our motivation, and the power to support each of them with this new online platform will be big for us. Im thrilled with what our team has put together.

SKUSAs new site will bring class, clarity and simplicity to the organizations membership, providing a home base for all of the companys efforts. If a current or potential SKUSA racer needs information, it will all be available at superkartsusa.com.

The real beauty of the site is the lack of garish bells and whistles, as odd as that sounds coming from a designer, commented Eyenovation Multimedias Chris Ortenburger, the architect of the new SKUSA website and a long-time SKUSA partner. There are already great sites out there for videos, photos, and karting news, so the goal was to avoid having yet another one. With people being busier than ever, the goal was to develop something organized, lean, and comprehensive. Working in concert with SKUSAs IT guru Tony Leone, I think the final result is just that. A competitor can find everything, whether regional or national, in one convenient place.

The launch of the new website will also provide the opportunity for SKUSA to open up the shopping cart for the inaugural SpringNationals at Infineon Raceway on April 16-18, the debut round of the new three-weekend Pro Tour. SKUSA will open the online registration desk for the SpringNationals on March 8 for discounted entries, and will then close things down on April 11 so that the staff can make its way to the soon-to-be-announced host hotel for the big event, which is being held in the world-renowned wine country of Sonoma County.

The SKUSA Pro Tour is picking up a great deal of support on the heels of the organizations announcement that guaranteed starting spots of the SuperSunday grid of the annual SuperNationals would be provided to the top-five drivers in the Pro Tour class heading into the Las Vegas event. Theres something to be said for rolling into Nevada knowing that youll be racing in the main event, especially went it comes to the over-subscribed categories. SKUSA will be releasing the prize money and point championship purses for the Pro classes - S1 and TaG Senior - before the middle of March.

Last but not least, the SKUSA staff is working diligently to wrap-up their research on a new TaG Cadet program, which will complete their class structure, providing a platform for drivers between the ages of 9-12. The program is in the final stages of completion and will extend SKUSAs line-up to its both ends of the competition spectrum, offering drivers a chance to begin their careers with the customer-oriented organization. The new class will become part of the Pro Tour and will be supported by the regional series as a local option. SKUSA will release complete news and class information next week.

 

2-24-10 PSL Karting Back on Top at Florida Winter Tour

Ouellette and Thomas put CRG squad P1 on the Palm Beach podium

Returning back to the sunshine state, away from the snow that surrounds their headquarters in Trios-Rivieres, Quebec, PSL Karting went back to work on the track for the second round of the Florida Winter Tour Rotax Max Challenge program. The Palm Beach International Raceway was site of the double race weekend with PSL Karting familiar with the facility, having competed in years past at the very fast and technical circuit. Armed with 14 talented pilots aboard the familiar CRG chassis brand, lead Senior driver PLO - Pier-Luc Ouellette - returned to the top of the podium with Micro Max driver Matthew Thomas scoring his first win for PSL Karting.

PLO started off his drive to victory by placing sixth in the Round 3 qualifying session, an amazing eight-hundredths off the pole time which showed just how taut the competition was at the event. A tough 15-lap Prefinal race saw Ouellette escape any issues through the opening corners to continue on in the lead group. Running as high as third, PLO ended up fifth at the checkered flag, recording the fast lap of the race. The lead group spaced itself out in the first few circuits of the Final with Pier-Luc up to third by lap four. The front three drew away from the rest of the field, running consistent lap times with not much jostling for position. When the signal for the final lap was given, the top two went side by side through the third corner. With slight contact, the two drifted wide through the exit, allowing room for PLO to slide inside and take over the point. From there, PLO went on to earn his first checkered flag of the year.

Riding off the momentum of the victory, PLO went into Round 4 with more confidence. Posting the third quickest lap time in qualifying, Ouellette was set for the inside row two starting position for the Prefinal. With the preferred inside line through the opening corner, PLO followed the polesitter through the corner and the two went on to pull away from the field with Pier-Luc placing second. Now outside the front row, Ouellette needed a perfect start to not get shuffled in the initial corners. Doing just that, PLO showed the way early on in the Final. On lap four, Ouellette would lose the lead. With no pressure behind him, he settled in behind the leader. Unable to capitalize on any mistakes, PLO crossed the line second to cap off a double podium weekend.

The new Big Al Micro Max CRG chassis package continues to shine thus far in 2010, scoring yet another victory this time with Thomas behind the wheel. Saturdays action for PSL however was led by Round 2 winner Anthony Gangi Jr. Placing third in qualifying Gangi went on to score the win in the Prefinal. Slipping to seventh in the Final, Gangi climbed back to score a runner-up finish. Juan David Buitrago put two CRGs into the top 10 for Round 3. Qualifying fifth, Buitrago ran as high as fourth before settling into sixth in the Prefinal. From there, JDB climbed up to finish third provisionally until officials penalized him four positions, putting him seventh in the order. Thomas ran inside the top-10 but was caught up in an opening lap incident, as was fellow PSL driver James Dean Laderoute. While Laderoute was put on the sidelines, Thomas continued on however to place 16th.

Gangi matched his results on Sunday for Round 4, ending the timed qualifying session third and winning the Prefinal. Meanwhile, Thomas ran inside the top-five to solidify PSLs chance at victory. Both battling inside the top-five, Gangi crossed the line second with Thomas on his bumper. Following officials placing penalties, the provisional winner and Gangi were penalized seven positions, handing the win to Thomas. Gangi would end up ninth in the order, moving Buitrago and Laderoute to fifth and seventh respectively, putting four PSL Karting drivers inside the top-10. For Buitrago, it was his fourth straight top-10 finish.

Kyle Herder was the lone DD2 driver for the PSL Karting squad. Coming off a rough Orlando weekend, Herder started the Palm Beach weekend with the fast lap in Round 3 qualifying. Pressured heavily in the 15-lap Prefinal, Herder escaped with the win by just 0.045-seconds. Herders hope for the feature win went away in the first turn when he was punted from behind as the field took the green flag. Herders kart was pushed up and over another competitor. Able to walk away from his second flip in four weeks, Herder would have to watch from the sidelines. Returning the next morning following some repairs to his CRG, Herder return to the course as if nothing had happened to earn his second straight pole in qualifying. Similar to Saturdays Prefinal, Herder was engaged in a fierce battle for the win with four other drivers in the lead group. Able to earn his way back to the point with the white flag displayed, Herder made a slight error through the turn 1-2 combination, making slight contact with an inside barrier and went spinning around in front of the lead pack. Continuing on to the checkered, Herder crossed in 12th position. In the Final, Herder advanced up to fourth, just one spot shy of the podium.

In Junior, Jesus Rios Jr. came back from two tough qualifying results to score top-10 results. In Round 3, Rios came from 17th to seventh in the Prefinal. It would be all for not as he would get shuffled back to mid-pack in the opening circuit, however, he muscled his way forward again to finish sixth to cap off a solid day. Still not able to find the correct set-up on new tires for qualifying, Rios was 23rd after the timed session. Another stellar performance in the Prefinal set up Rios to start eighth in the Final. Able to avoid any damaging contact through the opening laps, Rios was as high as second in the 20-lap race, placing third to match his highest finish of the year thus far. Coming into Round 3 with a podium finish in his previous outing, Jesse Lazare was set to match that result until getting caught up in Prefinal wreck. Falling to the tail of the field, Lazare continued on to place 27th, leading to a 16th in the Final. Qualifying for Round 4 was Lazares break of the weekend as he posted the fifth fastest time in the session. Running fourth at the white flag signal, Lazare was shuffled back to sixth at the checkered flag. Once again, Lazare was unable to avoid the chaos of the opening lap and was shuffled back to 11th of the opening lap. Going to work, Lazare knifed his way forward to end up fifth at the checkered flag to help move himself up the point standings.

Other drivers under the PSL/CRG tent included Senior driver Gerald Caseley, who despite showing speed throughout the day to run times similar to PLO and the rest of the lead pack, would be caught up in the misfortune of contact cause by other drivers to not record strong finishes. Junior driver Marc-Antonie Cardin continues to learn under the guidance of the PSL staff and came away with a runner-up finish in the B-Main in Round 4 action. The Mini Max package for PSL Karting continues to develop, as does the four drivers running at the Palm Beach weekend - Jimmy Cabrera, Thomas Issa, Gavin Reichelt and Donovan Fenton.

Next on the docket for PSL Karting will be a return to central Florida as the Florida Winter Tour Rotax Max Challenge wraps up at the repaved Ocala Gran Prix facility in Ocala, Florida on March 19-21.

2-24-10 Extreme Motorsports Has Strong Run at Pro Kart North Opener!

The Extreme Motorsports racing team headed to Sonoma, California for the opening round of the S.K.U.S.A. Pro Kart North series, on February 13th. Heading the team was Tag Jr. and HPV-2 pilot Kathryn Cornell. With little off season testing, Cornell would be the Junior 2 driver to beat all day. Joining Cornell in HPV-2 was Jared Campbell aboard his LEM Intrepid, supported by Extreme Motorsports.

The first class on track for qualifying was PHV-2, and Kathryn Cornell would sit on pole by two tenths of a second with a 58.171. Late to the grid for heat race number one, Cornell would be forced to retire from her pole position and start seventh. Climbing to fourth in heat race one, Cornell would be on fire in heat race number two to take the lead and score the victory on the last lap. A flat tire in heat two would force Campbell to start seventh in the final. The final would see Cornell take the lead into turn one and never look back, as she would go on to a 3.2 second victory over the field. Furthermore, Jarred Campbell would have a extremely strong run coming from seventh to the third spot.

Tag Jr. qualifying would go much different for Cornell as she struggled with carburetor issues. However, heat one would see Cornell drive from the back of the pack, to the second position. While on the pre-grid for heat race two, Cornell would spot a radiator leak. With mechanic Bryan Eady, and many other helping hands, the Extreme Motorsports team would duct tape and zip tie, an additional radiator on the kart, and Cornell would somehow, make it on track for heat number two. Cornell would go on to finish heat race number two in the 3rd spot. At the start of the main event, Cornell would jump into the second spot. Just after the halfway mark, Cornell would make her move by Sanchez for the lead headed into Kramer. With three laps to go headed into turn one, Cornell would have heavy contact from behind, which sent her spinning into the gravel. Cornell would keep the kart running and go on to a disappointing eighth place finish.

Extreme Motorsports would like to thank SKUSA for putting on a great race and encourages everyone to come out to the next event on March 13th. Extreme would also like to thank those that supported Extreme Motorsports at round one and looks forward to a fun and successful 2010 season at Pro Kart. To find out how you can become a part of Extreme Motorsports, feel free to visit our website at www.extremegokarts.com or email us at extreme30y@yahoo.com.

 

2-19-10 IKF Region 7 Championship Series - PKRA
Story By: Sean Burr, Go Racing

Second round of series tackles Phoenix as Thompson and Craig triple up in win category

Round 2 of the IKF Region 7 Championship Series presented by Bridgestone took place Valentines weekend under perfect conditions in the Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona. While ‘snowmageddon’ had half of the country smothered and covered, Arizona didn’t disappoint with mid 70’s all weekend long. The only drawback was that all the competitors had to unload and reload nightly with no overnight camping or overnight parking. Many had the same issue last month for the Gatorz race, but with no rain in the forecast the track being located in the flood plain seemed moot. Regardless the race went on and PKRA did their usual turn of good hosting. With the trip out to Formula K Raceway, the longest in the series, it was good to see equal participation numbers for this event as seen at round one. With low counts at the series opener, the best we can hope for is to not lose entries for the rest of the year. With a little extra time in the schedule on Saturday, the officials awarded those in attendance with two extra laps of racing in the main events.

I don’t know if Canadian Parker Thompson is motivated by the Olympic spirit or not but he was a triple gold medal winner this weekend after surviving some controversy on Saturday. The only driver able to challenge Thompson all weekend was Zane Smith. Between these two drivers, they provided most of the weekends highlight reel. On Saturday, Thompson and Smith pulled away from the pack in both Junior 1 and in KPV 1, with prize money on the line in Junior 1 thanks to Grand Products. Parker led the first half of the Junior 1 race with Smith glued to his rear bumper. They traded the lead a few times in the mid section of the race, but really it was decided on the last lap in the last corner. Smith made the last ditch move in the hairpin and the two drivers touched enough to kill all their momentum. Smith ran the inside line through the last corner with Thompson bunny hopping on the outside. At the line, it was Thompson by a nose, grabbing the $500 payday. Smith earned $250, with a lot of heavy action a few seconds back for third place. Colton Herta, Christian Brooks, Matt Million and Wyatt May went toe to toe all-race long with the Brooks grabbing a great third place finish and the $150 prize. Herta finished fourth right on top of Brooks to score $100 with Million leaving in fifth with 50 bucks in his pocket.

KPV 1 saw pretty much the same thing go down with Thompson and Smith, then everyone else. The controversy came as Thompson’s neck brace strap came undone. He went most of the event with it flapping in the wind. Initially, he was disqualified, but fortunately the officials came to their senses. Even second place finisher Smith lobbied on Thompson’s behalf. It was the right call. Eight seconds back Jake Boyle was able to break the draft and take home a great third place finish. Sunday’s KPV1 again saw the duo of Smith and Thompson up front and all others chasing. Thompson sat in Smith’s draft after lap 5 and waited for his chance on the final lap. He made a sweet outside move that Smith wasn’t able to counter and scored his third win of the weekend. Again the fight for third was intense and Wyatt May had his best run of the weekend to secure the spot. 

Zane Smith did get a well-earned win on Sunday in Rookie Sportsman and his rival of the weekend was nowhere to be found. Jake Boyle led the first few circuits before giving way to Smith. Boyle stayed in the hunt, fighting all the way to the finish, but his early battle with Christian Brooks and Austin Kuehl cost him some time to the leader Smith. Brooks found the podium again with his 3rd place finish.

Jake Craig was another driver that managed to pull off the triple in the win department. His PRD Junior wins were impressive drives even though he only had Jason Hannegan to contend with. Hannegan dogged Craig both days, not letting the #00 out of his sights. KPV 2 was a different story on Sunday and was a win to be proud of. Saturday’s KPV2 winner Kolton Griffin led the final from the start, and Craig’s bad luck from Saturday seemed to be all gone. It took only a lap for Craig to fall in line behind Griffin and sit there until the final circuit. The last lap, last turn scuffle resulted in a debate at the scales, but Craig’s aggressive move paid off for the win. Griffin finished second, completing a great weekend of competition for him. Bryan Lemon finished on the podium for the second straight day just a few seconds behind the battle for the win.

The weekend was also filled with double winners as Hudson Morrow, Terry Nash, Michael England and Carl Modoff all found their way to victory lane twice.

On paper, Morrow was the king of the Kid Kart class, but on track he had his work cut out for him both days and earned each first place trophy. Luis Ortiz scored second in Saturday’s Kid Kart race after running down and passing Carson Enright with only a few laps remaining. Sunday’s race played out in a similar fashion after the excitement of the first few laps was over. This time it was Enright and Morrow up front with Ortiz out of the contest early on. The two leaders fought it out to the checkered flag with Morrow just inching Enright at the line for his second win of the weekend. Justin Hodge led the charge for third place but he was not up to the leader’s pace.

Terry Nash swept the Yamaha Super Pipe class, landing the pole both days over Aaron Koop and Ted Coen. His pace remained in the Prefinals and Finals, notching wins on both days and completing the sweep. Koop and Coen were no match for Nash this weekend.

When the chips were down, KPV4 belonged to Carl Modoff. He was out-qualified both days by Kyle Wright and John Wallace III and he only won one of the two Prefinals, having lost a great battle on Saturday to Johnathan Miller. Once Anton tossed the green flag for the finals, Modoff was on a mission. Saturday saw Modoff go flag-to-flag for the win with Dillon Felber finishing in second. Sunday was more of the same as Wallace and Miller dueled for second and third place while Modoff drove off into the Phoenix sunset.

Local driver Michael England was the other driver who posted a pair of wins. Honestly, his TaG win was not impressive since he was the only entry, but he made up for it in the Sr. PRD class. Having never run a PRD, he bolted one on his Alonso Kart just for the chance of winning the $500 put up by RLV/PRD-USA in the only money race for senior drivers. It was a good decision, and one that he could take to the bank. John Wallace III and Maya Gutierrez were no match for England, but they did enjoy quite the scrap for second and third. England walked away with 500 big ones for his efforts and according to his brother, handed the money right over to dad for the next race. Wallace picked up $250 for his runner-up finish and Gutierrez left with 150 reasons in cash to be ok with finishing third.

Kolton Griffin came up just a few inches short of winning both KPV2 races. Although disappointed, I hope he left the track knowing he won the more valuable of the two races and that his race on Sunday with Jake Craig was one of the best all weekend long. Haddock L.T.D put up the price money for Saturday’s KPV2 race. Pete Yerkovich Jr. and Bryan Lemon were our front row qualifiers, clearly putting their knowledge of the track to good use. Mayhem in the prefinal jumbled up the running order. Griffin was able to get by early race leader Lemon and took the win. Griffin led the final from green to checkered all the while having Lemon in tow. Lemon did try and put the squeeze on Griffin for the win in the closing laps, but he could only get within two tenths at the finish line. Griffin earned his $500 as did Lemon with his $250. The guy who really deserved his paycheck was Yerkovich, who finished in third place. Third through sixth was the best action on the track with Jim McKinney, Sean Conyers, Trevor Zindar and Yerkovich battling lap after lap. The final circuit saw them four-wide coming off the final hairpin. It was so good that Yerkovich celebrated with a hand in the air for his third place finish. Zindar and Conyers completed the top five and took the last of the money up for grabs. James Rich was the only other driver to only score one win. He was the race winner in Masters PRD.

One highlight of the weekend was attending a Michael McDowell Daytona 500 party on Sunday at the local pizza place. McDowell, a long time PKRA member and Region 7 racer, made the field at the 500 along with a few other notable former IKF karters - Scott Speed, AJ Allmendinger, and Daytona 500 winner Jamie McMurray. It was great to see the McDowell family for a few breakfast beverages and chow before heading over to the track for the final day of racing.

The IKF Region 7 Championship Series presented by Bridgestone heads to Stateline, Nevada for round 3 of the series hosted by Kerman Kart Club. The temporary circuit at Buffalo Bills Resort and Casino has been a favorite for many years now and this event wont disappoint. See everyone there March 5-7.

2-22-10 Team Aluminos Adds to Season Win Total at Prokart Challenge North

Leesmann, Smith and Fraser all pilot Aluminos-prepped machines to victory at Infineon

The opening round of the SKUSA ProKart Challenge North program on February 13 was a successful event for the Team Aluminos squad. At the Jim Russell International Karting Center in Sonoma, California, Team Aluminos used their home track knowledge to put three of their five drivers competing on top of the podium, with a runner-up finish added in for good measure. Team tuner Fritz Leesmann scored the headline S1 victory with Jeff Smith and Larry Fraser scoring wins in S4 and TaG Senior.

Leesmann, an ICC standout the last few years, made his Stock Moto debut aboard an Aluminos-powered entry. Out of the box race day, Leesmann was the driver to beat as he posted the fast lap of the qualifying session - a 48.909. He would go on to lead all eight laps of the opening heat race, however a fault at the start cost him two positions in the finishing order. Leesmann battled back in the second heat to reassume the point by lap five, en route to the win. In the 20-lap feature, Leesmann was untouchable as the NorCal native posted the fast laps of the race to score the win by over eight-seconds.

It was great to get back into the seat as its been a few months for me, stated Leesmann following the event. Aluminos gave me a chance to get back in and have fun. The Aluminos stock moto engine package is awesome so all I had to was fine-tune my CRG chassis throughout the event. If feels good to be on top of the podium.

Smith and Fraser had similar results on the weekend, leading all their on track proceedings. Smith, making his 2010 debut after scoring the 2009 ProKart Challenge South S4 championship, began the event with top honors in qualifying with a 50.985 - the only driver under the 51-second mark. Falling back to third in the opening lap, Smith bounced back and was again at the point by lap five, holding on to take the win. Smith then stretched out the legs of the Aluminos-prepped entry in heat two to lead all eight laps for a five-second win. On cruise-control, Smith carried on in the 20-lap feature to post the fast laps of the race for a 12-second margin of victory.

It felt really good to start the year off strong, commented Smith. The Aluminos squad pulled the kart out of the garage for me and it was solid from the moment we hit the track. I really need to thank Rob, George Tavares and Tom Dyer for their efforts to put me up front as I havent been in the seat for a number of months. Hopefully this will lead into another championship season, this time in the North, and also when we began to contest the SKUSA Pro Tour in April.

Fraser kept strong in P1 throughout the event though his journey to victory was hotly contested. In the morning qualifying session, posted a 52.039, which put him on the pole position by just seven-hundredths of a second. Pressured all eight laps of the first heat race, Fraser led them all for the win, duplicating the feat in the second heat with his closer rival retiring after the first half of the run. Pacing the field for the first half of the 20-lap main event, Fraser engaged in battle for the final 10 laps for the win. Buying his time and using his experience to his advantage, Fraser piloted his Aluminos entry to the checkered flag first by just 0.068-seconds for the victory.

Fraser stated, This win is big for me. I raced on a chassis that was new to me which we put together the day before down at the Aluminos shop. I was a little nervous because we didnt get a chance to practice with it because of the rain on Friday, but it was fast right away. Its always nice to beat the young guys in the TaG Senior group as there were a number of fast guys here this weekend. I have to thank Rob and the rest of the Aluminos group for their help in my victory.

In the TaG Masters category, Peter Workum flew Aluminos colors to a runner-up position in his first TaG outing of the season. The Arizona driver competed in the opening PKC South round in the S4 division and will contest the TaG Masters category in the North. Workum qualified third overall behind two veterans of the Sonoma circuit. In the opening heat race, Workum raced his way to second and just missed out for the same position in the final heat race to run third. Shuffled back at the start of the feature, Workum went to work to recover the real-estate lost. By the halfway mark, he reclaimed the second spot. Despite running the fastest laps of the race, the leader was too far out to contest for the win, settling for the second step of the podium.

The final driver competing under the Aluminos banner on the weekend was S1 driver Brad Dunford. In his third year competing in the Stock Moto division, Dunford was awarded the SKUSA A license to compete in the headline division. Finishing sixth in last years PKC North S3 standings, Dunford picked up where he left off by placing in the same position in Saturdays main event. Dunford continues to work on building his racecraft and karting knowledge under the Aluminos tent, working with drivers such as Leesmann and SKUSA SuperNationals two-time winner Tom Dyer along with George Tavares, the teams data engineer and in house engine builder.

On the docket for Team Aluminos will be the second round of the ProKart Challenge South at the Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California on February 26-27. Aluminos is currently accepting any inquires for Arrive and Drive packages for that event and the rest of the 2010 season. 

 

2-19-10 SwedeTech Customers Stand on the Top Step

Five SwedeTech customers stood on the top step at the opening rounds of the ProKart Challenge Series.

Wilton, CA – February 15, 2010 – The ProKart Challenge has logged the opening rounds for the South and North series, and SwedeTech customers put the blue and yellow logo at the front of the pack again.  In the PKC South Series, three SwedeTech customers stood alone on the top step. 

Jason Campbell was fast all weekend long, and put his SwedeTech powered S4 package out front to bring home the first round win.  Representing Team Visalia was Todd Scholta.  And this guy needs horsepower.  I think he made three trips to the dinner line hosted by PKC, and then went to The Outback Steakhouse afterwards.  Todd drove consistently all weekend long, and when the checkered waived, he was in the front of the S4 Magnum class.  Good Job Todd.  The third and youngest SwedeTech customer standing on the top step was Louie Pagano, running the SwedeTech Parilla Leopard engine in the Tag Jr class.  Louie just checked out. 

On other notes from the weekend events in Fontana,  Arie Luyendyk Jr., finished third on a borrowed SwedeTech engine, after missing practice, qualifying, and a heat trying to troubleshoot the old engine.  Thank you to Jason Campbell for helping out other racers.  Andrew Wiener finished 5^th in the competitive Tag Jr class.

Traveling up North for the first round of PKC North series at Infineon, the S1 class was filled.  Fritz Leesman aboard his Aluminos package walked away with the win powered by a SwedeTech Stock Honda.  Under the same Aluminos tent was Jeff Smith, running the S4 class on a SwedeTech package, also brought home the big trophy. 

In the Tag Jr division, Austin Keller was powered by his Parilla Leopard to finish a strong second.  SwedeTech would like to congratulate and thank all the customers that have help put our name up front.  We do our best to include all of our customers in podium results, but if we happened to miss you, please let us know so we do not make the mistake twice. 

On a side note, there was also some great racing action on the big road course at Infineon with the NCK Road Racers ripping off laps.  If anyone has information on the results and finishes from the big track, please contact SwedeTech.

For more information, contact Jason Berry at (916) 687 – 3980, www.swedetechracing.com (technical site), or www.shopswedetech.com.  SwedeTech Racing Engines offers parts and service for all two – stroke kart racing applications.  Please note our new phone numbers, fax number, and shop address.

2-18-10 Prokart Challenge South Program Gears Up For Round Two at Willow Springs

Superkarts! USA SoCal region travels to Rosamond for second event of 2010 season

Coming off a successful opening round to the 2010 season, the ProKart Challenge South program is gearing up for the second event at the Willow Springs International Motorsports Park. Just a couple hours north of the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, the Rosamond, California facility hosts a number of motorsports courses, including the 6/10-mile kart track the PKC competitors will do battle on. Nearly 100 drivers attended the opening round to pursue their first victory of the season and begin their mission for a possible series championship. Many will be returning for round two to continue on their quest.

The opening round for our South program was a great event to kick off the 2010 season, stated Tom Kutscher, president of Superkarts! USA. Im happy to see the big fields we had, along with the star-studded drivers that competed. In our sixth year for this region, I feel we have established ourselves as one of the top programs in the area, especially for shifterkart and TaG racing. With the great opener, it should set up for another stellar event at Willow Springs.

With the Stock Moto sensation blossoming in the region, the new restructured S1-S2-S3 ladder of progression was a distinct success. The elite driver battle was strong in the S1 category, while some future stars shined in the S2 category, allowing newcomers to come to grips with the Stock Moto package in the S3 class. Brett Felkins established himself as the driver to beat in the early run for the S1 title, scoring the feature win at CalSpeed. He will be chased by round one early pacesetter Clinton Schoombee and Tommy Thompson. In S2, Billy Musgrave is the current point leader following the first round action, as he bested Bryce Miller and former S5 driver Race Liberante. Vinny Maestas swept the CalSpeed event in S3, and will be the target for the rest of the field at Willow Springs.

The S4 category claimed top honors for highest entry total and saw great racing take place throughout the opening round. Jason Campbell scored the feature win and currently leads the point race, with Willy Musgrave and three-time SuperNationals winner Jeff Littrell putting the heat on. In S4 Magnum, Robert Morales paced the field the entire day, minus the feature where Todd Scholta scored the victory. Morales, however, finds himself leading the point chase, and will look for his first win of the year in Rosamond. G1 the Masters open shifter category nearly matched the numbers S4 put up; however, it was controlled by just one driver Fernando Diaz. Leading all on-track proceedings, Diaz holds a perfect score going into round two. Hell have to be on his game as three-time champion PP Mastro will look to reclaim the top spot.

TaG Senior also recorded high entry numbers with loads of talent, both young and experienced. Two-time SuperNats Junior winner Gustavo Menezes came away with the victory and point lead over fellow rising star Kyle Shriver. Former Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Phil Giebler, two-time TaG Masters champion Billy Cleavelin, Larry Fraser and others were among the contenders on the weekend. The championship lead in the TaG Master division will be up for grabs with the absence of round one winner Paul Bonilla. Ron Rossetti and Jeff Bobbitt are on-deck, and will fight it out at Willow Springs to take over the spot at the top.

In Junior competition, the growing S5 Junior Stock Moto category saw Scott Phillips win the battle at CalSpeed scoring the feature win yet Augie Lerch leads the war with the top spot in the point standings heading into round two. The top spot in TaG Junior will also be open, with Louie Pagano unable to contest round two, leaving Chris Cricca and Emmanuel Mestre as the top contenders.

The second round of the six-race PKC South championship will begin on February 26 with practice day, gates opening at 7am and track hot from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Race pre-registrations are currently being accepted, with racers able to save $35 on their entry fee by submitting an entry prior to midnight on February 24. SKUSA memberships will be mandatory for the event, and forms are available on the SKUSA or ProKart Challenge websites. A notice to all attendees: the facility requires a $10 gate fee; thus, ProKart Challenge will not require spectators to purchase an additional pit pass unless they will need access to the hot pit section of the paddock. No reserved pit spots will be provided for the event. Camping and overnight parking of trailers on site will be permitted Thursday thru Saturday night at no charge. Devonshire Inn and the Inn of Lancaster are offering special pricing on rooms when mentioning ProKart Challenge at booking, with details listed on the series website.

A live scoring feed as well as blogging will be available Saturday during the racing action. For more information on the opening round including the tentative race day schedule or anything related to SKUSA and the ProKart Challenge, visit www.prokartchallenge.com and www.superkartsusa.com or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

2-18-10 Extreme Motorsports Announces the New CR-125 J-Shift Lever

In answer to the industry’s demand for a high-quality J-shift lever, Extreme Motorsports has designed and developed a new shift lever for the Honda CR-125 engine. This product is water jet machined and chrome plated for a clean appearance, tig welded and gusseted for strength and to prevent breakage, and comes complete with hardware.

Extreme Motorsports has been dedicated to participating in the growth and success of the karting industry for over 30 years. With a special expertise in stock moto service and products, Extreme is proud to offer this new J-Shift lever as the newest addition to its superior line of products, and is excited about plans to expand with more innovative products in the near future.
Visit www.extremegokarts.com or call (530)949-8975 for this and lots of other great products to choose from.

2-16-10 Prairie City and All Star Karting set to Kick off 2010 season.
Source: Race Media Group

This Weekend Prairie City Raceway Park and the new Promoters of the Kart race facility “All Star Karting” will launch the 2010 season. Beginning Saturday evening, Kartel Motorsports and Race Media Group will be hosting a Racer appreciation BBQ for the competitors and their families.

All Star Karting is promoting a Family Fun environment for the 2010 year within the Prairie City Karting series to bring in a high level of competition and the excitement that only Family can incorporate.

All Star Karting recently launched their new website with a description of class structure, as well as rules and Partners. Visit www.AllStarKarting.com for complete information regarding Prairie City and its new leadership.
 

2-16-10 Leesmann and Alcorn Lead the Way at Prokart Challenge North Opener

Drivers persevere through wet Friday to enjoy great competition in Saturday kick-off

The 2010 season for the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge North program got underway this past weekend at the Jim Russell International Karting Center, which is located on the grounds of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. A solid group of 63 competitors traveled to the popular karting circuit to contest in nine divisions, including the organizations new Stock Moto ladder progression class structure. The weather did not cooperate too often during the opening round as Fridays practice sessions saw rain cover the area for most of the day. Heavy fog pushed back the start to Saturdays action, as well, but thanks to the cooperation of the competitors and the determined SKUSA staff, they were able to get all the racing in before the sun ducked behind the Northern California mountains.

The Superkarts! USA organization brought out a solid opening round prize package for those who earned their way onto the PKC North podium. Before racing began, Friday attendees were treated to a fabulous tri-tip BBQ dinner thanks to the Thomas family and head grillmaster Scott Jeffery. A few attendees also took advantage of free ride-along drifting demonstrations with the head instructor of the Jim Russell Racing School as well. Once the racing was completed Saturday, all of the first place podium finishers received a Mothers Polish bucket full of car and kart care products. Also given away, aside from the unique PKC trophies, were a free set of MG Tires, a five-gallon can of VP Racing Fuel, and two free entries to the next PKC North event. SKUSA is all about giving back to their customers, and the response from many of the new PKC members was enthusiastic.

In the new headline S1 category, Fritz Leesmann set the pace in qualifying as the only driver to dip below the 49-second mark with a 48.909-second lap time, quicker than Tommy Thompson by over three tenths. The 2008 PKC Stock Moto champion Jason Toft moved up to third in qualifying when Brett Buckwalter the defending TaG Senior champion was found to be noncompliant in the tech inspection for using the wrong fuel brand. Leesmann and Thompson led the way through the first eight-lap heat race while Brett Felkins got the jump on Toft for third, holding the spot through the checkered. Leesmann, however, would be moved to third in the order for jumping the start. Felkins and Toft would be the early pace setters in the second heat before Leesmann recovered the point once again on lap five, going on to score the win. Toft ended up second with Felkins third and Thompson back to fourth.

The 20-lap main event began with contact between Toft and Felkins in the opening corner. The result dropped Toft to the tail of the field and eventually out of the race, moving Thompson up to second. In addition to the contact, a seriously fast lap on cold MG tires allowed Leesmann to extend an early lead. Pacing the field for all 20 circuits, Leesmann scored the inaugural S1 Pro Stock Moto victory for PKC North competition. Thompson held on to second while Felkins fell off the pace, allowing Buckwalter to battle forward to claim the third step of the podium in his Stock Moto debut.

Matt Alcorn set the tone in the S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto category as he has shown great progression in the series program. Outrunning the competition in qualifying by just over half a second, Alcorn went on to earn consecutive five-second victories in the heat races before stomping the field to a 15-second win in the 20-lap feature. It was certainly an impressive performance. Neil Joseph was the lead challenger throughout the day until lap 17 of the feature, when he spun off track due to water contact. This handed the second spot to Jared Woolf and moved Cameron Pringle up on the third step of the podium.

The new S3 Novice Stock Moto was a two-dog fight that saw David Gwin and Christopher Yettito scrapping throughout the day in the class debut. Gwin struck first with top honors in qualifying before the two split the heat races. Gwin had the early advantage in the feature before Yettito took the point on lap three, when Gwin retired early with a stuck throttle. Yettito went unchallenged to score the inaugural win. On track at the same time, defending ProKart Challenge South S4 champion Jeff Smith punctuated his 2010 debut with a sweep of the proceedings. Smith narrowly edged Alex Keith for the pole in qualifying, posting a 50.985-second lap. After a slow start, Smith bounced back in the opening heat to edge out Brad Shaffer for the win. From there, he went flag-to-flag in the second heat and the feature as well, scoring the win by 12 seconds over Shaffer and Jack Arluck.

Veteran Larry Fraser led the always-stacked TaG Senior category at the opening round. In a battle of youth versus experience, Fraser edged Dylan Lupton for the pole in qualifying by just seven-hundredths of a second. Lupton kept constant pressure on Fraser in the opening heat, but Fraser still went on to lead all eight laps for the win with David Harwin a close third. The start of the second heat saw Lupton and Harwin getting shuffled back as Jess Peterson and JP Cadoux got by on the opening lap. This allowed Fraser to break away for the easy win, as Peterson held off a charging Harwin for second. Lupton would retire near the halfway mark with a broken exhaust. Fraser led the field to the green flag for the feature race and quickly broke away from the rest of the field battling for second. Harwin held the spot, fighting off Taylor Young, until a charging Lupton was up to fourth by lap three. After working by Young, Lupton battled Harwin for the second spot. Once into second, Lupton quickly attacked Fraser near the halfway mark as the two battled for the final ten laps. Lupton had the advantage each time by the stripe except for the final time, as Fraser was able to make a last lap pass stick, beating Lupton to the line by 0.068 seconds for the victory. The third spot on the podium was also decided on the last lap, as Troy Diede was able to work by Harwin for the position.

The TaG Master class saw a clean sweep as well, as former G1 driver Ethan Wilson has made a successful move to the Touch and Go package for the 2010 season. Wilson led all but one lap in the first heat before going wire-to-wire in the second and the 20-lap main event. Wilson scored the victory by seven seconds over Peter Workum, with Jeff Deehan rounding out the podium. Deven Sanchez made a splash in his PKC North debut, leading the days action in the TaG Junior category. Out-pacing Austin Keller and Austin Thomas in qualifying, Sanchez scored the win in both heat races and led all 20 laps for the feature win to cap off his perfect day. Keller battled back to claim second after some heat race issues, while Niki Luna started off the season with a podium finish in third.

In HPV-2 Junior competition, it was Kathryn Cornell who led in qualifying, although Daniel Langon led things in the opening heat race as Cornell dropped back to fourth. Langon battled with Jonny Norris for the lead in the early goings of the second heat until Cornell joined the fight, sliding by on the final lap to take the win. From there, she would lead all 20 laps for the feature victory, three seconds ahead of Norris with Jarred Campbell getting by Langon for third. Making its PKC North series debut, the S5 Junior Stock Moto category had one lone entry, although more drivers are scheduled to join the program as the season progresses. Daniel Langon went unchallenged to earn maximum points to start off the year.



The next PKC North race is set for March 12-13, returning to the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway. The SKUSA crew will first head to Willow Springs Raceway for the second round of the ProKart Challenge South on February 26-27. These events will lead into the opening round of the SKUSA Pro Tour, set for April 16-18, at the JRIKC circuit in Sonoma, CA.

 

2-16-10 2010 IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Kart Series to Kick-Off March 26

The IKF Region 6/ NW Gold Cup Sprint Kart Series, one of the largest IKF Regional series programs in the North America will kick off another great season of racing in the Northwest for 2010. The nationally recognized Canadian and United States race series attracts national and internationally known racers to compete in highly contested racing action.  The series is recognized as the regional qualification series for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand National Championship.  This high profile series has recently produced the following national recognized drivers: Joey Wimsett, Phillip Arscott, Stepanova Nekeel, Chris Glover, Mike Daniels, Mike Rollison, David Jurca and Bryce Choquer.  Most of these drivers will be returning in 2010 and again providing some of the best top level competition in the United States and Canada.

The Northwest Gold Cup Sprint Series events are all IKF sanctioned and insured events run by a professional Race Officiating team enforcing a consistent set of IKF sanctioned rules developed and approved by the northwest regional clubs.  New this year, a professional announcer, will be calling the racing action to keep families and spectators up to speed on the racing on the track. This regional sprint race series will consist of nine race events at eight different race facilities. The different tracks have eliminated the home track advantages that other series can’t offer.  For the competitors, that means professional quality racing at many different tracks.

2010 will once again see Rotax Max competitors along with IKF 2-4Cycle Sprint and shifter experts; give the spectators and fellow racers professional experiences and performances for all to remember.  Newer racers should not be intimidated by the series high caliber competition as most of the racers are excited to see and work with their fellow racers to be on the pace to ensure close competitive action.

The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup / Rotax Max Regional Series will kick off the 2010 Racing Season with the first race event hosted by the Tri-Cities Kart Club March 26 - 28 at Horn Rapids Raceway in Richland, Washington.  The Horn Rapids track, home to several past Grand National events and will once again host the 2010 IKF 4-Cycle Sprint/ Shifter Grand Nationals.

Member Clubs of the NW Gold Cup along with the local communities look forward to hosting a regional event each year and roll out the red carpet to make each racer feel right at home as part of the regional karting community.  Most of the events have special Saturday night events like Barbeques, Pot Luck Dinners, Spaghetti Feeds, or Pizza Parties for all the competitors and their crews or family.  The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup / Rotax Max series has become a favorite gathering of the karting families in the Northwest and Western Canada.

Title sponsor Bridgstone Tires along with Shilo Inns; will be some of the official sponsors of the 2010 IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Kart Series. 

Shilo Inns will for the third year provide the race event participants, race crews and the racing families with large discounts on all their out of town lodging.  Please contact Mike Schorn at 503-324-9072 for details.

2010 GOLD CUP & REGION 6 SPRINT SCHEDULE

Date/Location       Hosting Club       Website

March 26-28
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA    
Tri-Cities Kart Club                                            
www.tckc.net

April 23-25
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA    
Seattle Kart Club                                              
www.seattlekartingclub.org

May 28-30 
Spokane, WA                                       
Spokane Kart Racing Association                     
www.spokanekarting.org

June 11-13                   
Mission BC                                          
Westwood Kart Association                              
www.westwoodkarting.org

July 23-25                   
Chilliwack, BC                                      
West Coast Kart Club                                      
www.westcoastkartclub.com

August 6-8                   
Spanaway, WA                                     
Puget Sound Go Kart Association                     
www.psgka.com

August 20-22               
MAC Track, McMinnville, OR
Portland Karting Association                             
www.portlandkarting.com

September 3-5             
Boise, ID                                             
Snake River Karters                                         
www.srkarters.com

September 17-19 non points     
Sumas, WA                                          
Sumas International Motorsport Academy            
www.simaracing.com/

2-15-10 Buffalo Bill’s is back in Region 7!

Kerman Kart Club is proud to announce the return of the Buffalo Bill’s Casino IKF Region 7 Race.  The Kerman Kart Club will be hosting round 3 of the IKF Region 7 Championship Series Presented by Bridgestone. This is the much-anticipated event located at the Buffalo Bill’s Hotel and Casino in Primm, Nevada. If you only attend one Region 7 race this season, this is the one. No home field advantage at Buffalo Bill's. The temporary track is technical and challenging, even for the best teams.  Practice will be from 9am to 5pm, on Friday, March 5^th, with racing Saturday March 6 & Sunday March 7.

Buffalo Bill's Casino-Hotel is located at the southern state line of Nevada on Highway 15.  There you will find one fastest roller coasters, a wet wild water ride, arcade for the kids, lots of food, and some great room rates for this event. For rooms call 1-800-386-7867 and use the group code # SCK0304. Get all your information on the forum page under event information. http://pub37.bravenet.com/forum/static/show.php?usernum=3172302995&frmid=6&msgid=1037095&cmd=show. Official Region  7 Race at Buffalo Bill's Info.

2-16-10 NCTA Needs your Input on Tag Jr

*** Jr. TaG Driver ***
At our first race we had zero entries in the Jr. TaG class. Our intent this season was to run a strictly IKF format - using the rulebook to its full intent. We petitioned IKF to run this class as a local option after the interest generated at the annual Norcal meeting. At this point we have two options - modify the class or drop it from the race day schedule and add extra laps to the existing program. One option may be to run Jr. Leopard Parilla motors only or to start a new class with the stock Jr. PRD motor package. We have (5) races left so it can still be a viable class. We have 3 weeks until the next race to decide whether to cut the class from the schedule. We need your input and to hear from the competitors now.
 

For Contact info Click Here
Thank you
NCTA Board

2-10-10 IKF Region 11 Super Series Kicks off Season at Blue Max
Source & Photo's: RaceMediaGroup.com  

The IKF Region 11 Norcal Super Series opened up at the Blue Max Kart Club in Davis, Ca this past weekend for the 2010 Season opener. The weather slammed the Track hard with rain the week leading up to the event providing wet conditions and major puddles on the track. The Clubs staff worked hard Friday and early Saturday clearing up the standing water on the track while funneling the Racers rigs into the pits. Truck loads of road base had been brought in throughout the weeks leading up to the season opener and the weekend before providing a dry environment for parking. As soon as the rainy weather stopped Saturday morning, the crew once again got on the track pumping water and blowing the track to allow practice to begin. Mid day another rain storm came in and, as soon as the rained stopped, the Blue Max staff again prepared the track and dried the water to get the karts back on track. New faces leading the NCTA board and new classes filled the attitude in the pits with optimism as the racers look for a new start to what looks to be another strong Regional racing contingent.

First on the track was Kid karts. Zach Corbitt grabbed fast time running a 51.101. On the start of the Pre-Final Tomas Mejia launched off the line to grab the hole shot and the lead. Mejia paced the field for much of the race before Corbitt ran him down and made the pass for the win and the pole in the Main. On the Start of the Final Mejia once again launched to the lead on the start. Corbitt had the better kart to run down the leader and made the pass for the lead. Zach pulled away to a big lead and cruised to victory.  Isaiah Ingle got second with Mejia third.

Jr Comer was on track and Blaine Rocha got fast time with a 41.538. Rocha looked to be the driver to beat in the heat, but Teamate Joseph LaRosa stayed close and quiet to start on the front row with Rocha. On the pace laps of the Final Rocha was struck with some bad luck as his Wild Kart stalled and ended his day on the sidelines. This moved Davey Manthei up to the front row for the start. The opening laps saw LaRosa and Tyler Burk go to the front as the two began to pull away from the field. Burk stayed close to LaRosa and as the white flag flew the two leaders were battling for the win. Burk made a diving late braking pass on LaRosa into the turn five corkscrew, only for LaRosa to do an over-and-under move to pull back alongside Burk going down the backstretch. The two drivers went side by side into the final hairpin with Burk on the outside. Burk got squeezed into the grass and spun around coming to the Checkered. LaRosa got the win and Manthei made a great drive from seventh to capture second place. The Spin for Burk dropped him back to third.

IKF Tag Sr was up and Neil Alberico grabbed fast time with a 36.530. On the start of the Pre-Final  Alberico and Emmick Cobra’s Jesse Gwin made contact in the opening lap sending the two to the tail end of the field. This allowed IKF Expert Glenn McKinnon to runaway with an easy win that saw Local Driver TJ Fischer running fast laps late cutting into the lead significantly, and looked to be a hard fought race in the main. The first start of the final saw a big wreck in turn one that sent Emmick Cobra’s Jesse Gwin to the ambulance. The restart had bad luck for Fischer who wouldn’t make a lap and McKinnon back to a big lead. As laps progressed Alberico coming from the sixth starting spot ran down McKinnon and made the pass for the win. Post race tech had Alberico removed for a weight bolt technicality and gave the win to McKinnon. Andrew Peeler was second and Emmick Cobra’s Paul Hohlbein third.

Formula 80 shifter was racing and Mat Kattanek grabbed pole with a 37.678. Kattanek went perfect on the day with a PreFinal win and the Final. John Espinor had a solid run to second with MMI’s Chuck Hastings third.

The new Jr 2 class in 2010 was the Jr Superpipe. What use to be known as Superbox, the engines are now equipped with a Pipe. Times are about a half second faster and Jr Raczko got fast time with a 38.426. Raczko looked to have this one wrapped up in the PreFinal with a dominating win, however that would prove to be untrue in the Final. On the start Luis Tyrrell made the pass of the day. After the front row getting moved Back, Tyrrell would start outside second row. Tyrrell got the jump on the driver next to him, moved to the inside line and put a slide job pass on Raczko to get the lead out of the first turn. Tyrrell would cruise to a big victory for the first Jr Superpipe race. Raczko was second and Leading Edge’s Jarred Campbell third.

The pipe change in Jr was followed by the same change in Sr. Sr Superpipe. Sr Superpipe took the track with Emmick Cobra’s Clayton Snow making the recent jump to Emmick Cobra and a fast time of 38.821. Snow made a mistake in the opening lap dropping him to the tail end of the field. This allowed Leading Edge’s Brett Felkins to get a big lead early and an easy win. Snow climbed back up to second late to start on the front row for the Main. Once again however, Snow found himself dropping to the tail end of the field after a spin into the turn one barriers on the start. Felkins once again checked out and cruised to victory. Clayton Snow once again clawed his way back up into second. Mike Botelho Jr came home third.

HPV-1 Jr was up next and Tyler Burk grabbed fast time with a 40.158. Burk was tough all day holding off his competition and staying at the point. In the Final Blaine Rocha put up a fight for the win. The two swapped the lead several times going back and forth without contact. As the laps wound down Burk got the lead for the final time. However, he was challenged by Rocha right to the flag as the two drag raced to the checkered for the win. Rocha settled for second with Davey Manthei third.

125 Stock Moto has been trying to become an IKF Region 11 class for the last three years. In the latest NCTA meeting the new leaders voted in the class for regional competition. The seven kart field was on track and 80 shifter hot shoe Adam Booker grabbed fast time with a 34.970. Emmick Cobra’s Cory Gwin got the hole shot on the start of the PreFinal . Booker pressured Gwin for most of the race until a transmission problem sidelined him. Cambrian Go-kart’s Jamie Wilson and Jereme abshire caught Gwin late setting up an epic Norcal Shifter battle for the Final. On the start of the main Gwin again launched to the lead off the line. Gwin had a good sized lead as Wilson and Abshire did battle for second. Abshire got passed Wilson and began to run down Gwin. The race for the win came down to attrition and Abshire made his way past the leader to roll to victory. Post Race tech saw Abshire get removed giving the Win to Gwin. Jamie Wilson was second and Rick Gutzke was third.

Last on the day was HPV-2 and MMI’s Blake Murdock got pole with a 37.809. Murdock had trouble on the start and Austin Elliott went for the lead in a hurry. Leading Edge’s Jarred Campbell made the Heat interesting late and caught Elliottt as the two would start on the front row together. On the start of the Final, Elliott opened up a big lead on the field leaving the rest of the racers to battle for second. As the race progressed Austin Elliott appeared to tire and the driver on the move was Emmick Cobra’s Sonny Cervelli. Driving from nearly three seconds of the leader, Cervelli ran down Elliott and the two began to battle with 5 laps to go. Cervelli looked for a way by but the defensive driving by Austin Elliott kept him at the point and eventually got him the win. Cervelli was second with Blake Murdock third.

Next race is at Kinsmen Kart club as the Region 11 Super Series will compete in its second race. Many racers are looking to expand their racing the next race with some drivers running two and maybe three classes. Race Photo’s are now available online at scribnerracingpromotions.zenfolio.com For more info on the Region 11 Super Series visit the Region 11 site at Norcalkarters.com

2-11-10 Leading Edge Motorsports Flex They're Power at Round #1 at LAKC & PKC 

Brett Felkins and his sponsors Diede Racing & Dennis Gallegos make the journey to southern California for round one at LAKC and PKC to get out of the rain in nor-cal, the trip pays off big to prepare for Northern California events.

When they un loaded in Fontana they saw a 28 kart field in 125 shifter knowing there work would be cut out for them they wasted no time getting on the track, making the proper adjustments to qualify second and have a hard fought battle with the pole sitter. Brett was able to make the proper moves to win the heat race and continue his winning efforts in the main event with a large margin victory over the field.

When they un loaded two weeks later at round 1 PKC south it would be much of the same qualifying off pole and then getting second in heat one making a little adjustment to win  heat 2 and go on to a huge victory in S1 to be the first ever to win in S1 Stock Moto. Brett’s team mates Cody S2 & Troy Tag Sr. would race hard to finish 4^th in S2 and 7^th in Tag Sr. I’m looking forward to PKC North to see how the competition is.

“I have the perfect combination Greg Bell motors and my 2010 Intrepid chassis with a great group of people supporting me. It really makes it fun to go racing, I would like to thank Dennis my dad the Diede’s,Lorenzo for all the help at the opener at LAKC and PKC South and last but not least Greg Bell of Leading Edge Motorsports for giving me the POWER and Chassis to compete at the front of the field in 125 shifter.”

I was not able to make the trip to LAKC or PKC South but would like to thank my team for representing the shop at the front of the pack, our motors are available to everyone, and if you have the skills to drive the power you will to run up front! We can be reached at 209-369-0921 or leadingedgeguy@sbcglobal.net the chassis and motor combo are proving to be UN stoppable in 2010

2-12-10 New Staff Members and Sponsors added to Central States Challenge for 2010

New race director, tech assistant and marketing director added to Superkarts! USA regional staff

Now entering its third season as a Superkarts! USA regional program, the Central States Challenge (SCSC) is hard at work to ensure the 2010 season is its strongest. The series is happy to announce the new additions to the series staff for the upcoming season, beginning May 15-16 at the New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana. Former SKUSA A team member Stan Bryniarski will be the race director for the 2010 SCSC season with Mark Riley added as Tech Assistant. Also added to the staff roster is new Marketing Director Laura Tisher.

Bryniarski comes to the SCSC program with a solid background in karting. One of the original members of the SKUSA A team that helped produce the SKUSA ProMoto Tour events in the organizations early years, Bryniarski has worked all aspects of an event to know the ins and outs of producing a solid race day program.

I met with the SCSC staff just two weeks ago and was happy to hear the addition of Stan to their staff, commented president of Superkarts! USA Tom Kutscher. Stan is one of the original SKUSA members and his passion for the organization lies very deep. He has worn all hats from race director to promoter through the years. Stan will bring stability and tons of knowledge to this region as they grow. Im very excited to have him on board. I consider Stan to be a close friend and he will be a huge asset for the already very successful Central States Challenge.

Riley entered the sport with his son Christian competing in Kid Karts and quickly became involved in the St. Louis Karting Association, working as the assistant tech director. With experience in drag racing, motocross, sprint car racing, Riley has also worked as an aerial lift mechanic for the last 13 years.

Mark is a great addition to our program, stated SKUSA Central States Challenge director Pam Freund. Many of our racers are familiar with Mark and joining our program for 2010 will help solidify our technical inspections to ensure everyone is racing at a level playing field. We are happy to have Mark on board.

Tisher comes to the Central States Challenge with a bachelor degree in Communications from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an emphasis in Public Relations and Marketing. Laura is the sister of SCSC director Pam Freund and became involved with the series when asked to help with some administrative duties. Tishers main goal will be to continue building the SCSC sponsorship support in not only the St. Louis area, but the other markets the series visits.

Thus far, joining the series for the 2010 are new class sponsors - Corrida Karting, Mates Concrete, and Deloge Foot & Ankle Surgery Center. Corrida Karting, a new GP Kart dealer operation based out of Wisconsin, will support the S1 and S5 classes as the sponsor. Supporting the TaG Cadet division is Mates Concrete - owned and operated by the parents of TaG Cadet driver Austin Mayton. Christopher Sloan, D.P.M. - owner of the Deloge Foot & Ankle Surgery Center - is a sprint car racer and is now supporting the racing of his daughter Kamryn Sloan in the Yamaha Rookie local option class.

To find out more about being part of the 2010 SKUSA Central States Challenge, visit www.centralstateschallenge.com or contact Pam Freund at 636-262-7678 or else email pamelafreund@att.net It is recommended that regional competitors submit their membership and license applications to SKUSA headquarters as soon as possible. These forms are available on www.superkartsusa.com

2-11-10 Superkarts USA Pro Tour Venues Finalized for 2010

USA International Raceway confirmed as host of first annual SummerNationals

TEMECULA, CA (February 11, 2009) The calendar is now set for the inaugural Superkarts! USA Pro Tour, the new three-weekend national series that will take the organization and its dedicated competitors to a new level in 2010. Growth has been the key word for SKUSA over the past three years thanks to the addition of new regional programs and the continuing development of the popular SuperNationals and the Pro Tour is just the next step in their planned development. SKUSA is now happy to be able to confirm the completion of the 2010 schedule with the announcement that the first annual SummerNationals will be held on July 16-18 at the USA International Raceway (USAIR) in Shawano, WI. The organization is also excited to release the first installment of the Pro Tour prize package, which will include guaranteed SuperSunday starting positions on the grid in Las Vegas at the SuperNats in November.

While the Pro Tour opener at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on April 16-18 was confirmed in the last two releases of the schedule, the second race on the calendar had been originally tagged as a TBA for the venue. During the planning stages of the program, SKUSA president Tom Kutscher was extremely focused on putting a temporary circuit event together for the second race of the series to eliminate the potential for pre-race testing, but when the preferred venue was deemed logistically inadequate, the availability of the incredible facility in Shawano was a perfect fit. USAIR has not held a major national event since 2008, so their track management is thrilled to be able to once again cater to the top drivers in the nation. Boasting a challenging and undulating track layout and some of the best facilities in the nation, USAIR is expected to attract a large contingent of SKUSA regulars and an exciting influx of local talent. A special Pro Tour layout will be determined before the track opens for the new season and that unique configuration will be not be available for racers at anytime before the event in order to maintain the desired level playing field.

I would love for the Pro Tour to feature nothing but temporary venues that could mirror the success of our SuperNationals, but as we are kicking off this new program during a time of economic uncertainty, a more conservative approach to venue selection has become required, Kutscher admitted. We had our eye on a great venue for a temp circuit, but we just couldnt make it work logistically. Heading to an amazing track like Shawano is the perfect move at this point, as the facility is considered by most to be one of the finest in the country. I think SKUSA is going to rock the place. I know that well be planning a number of special programs and events so that we make sure that the SummerNationals will be the biggest race that the track has ever seen. And the track layout will be new to everyone for this year, promising more even competition across the board.

The SKUSA Central States Challenge will also be making its first trip to Shawano in 2010, running an entirely separate configuration, bringing the track firmly into the Superkarts! USA community. With both a Superkarts! USA regional event and a national spectacular as part of their 2K10 calendar, USAIR has definitely returned to the scene. The SpringNationals at Infineon will also feature a track layout that will not be run in 2010 prior to this event, again attempting to level the playing field for local vs. out-of-area racers.

The following is the final schedule for this years Superkarts! USA Pro Tour:

2010 SKUSA Pro Tour Schedule
April 16-18: SpringNationals - Infineon Raceway - Sonoma, CA
July 16-18: SummerNationals - USA International Raceway - Shawano, WI
Nov. 17-21: SuperNationals - Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, NV

With the schedule now set, SKUSA is working diligently to assemble an exciting prize package for the Pro Tour, which will include a cash purse for the Pro classes (S1 and TaG Senior) each weekend, as well as a championship points fund. While SKUSA is not yet ready to release the purse and points fund numbers, the initial unveiling of the prize package is huge. To start the ball rolling with a major reward for strong performances and participation, SKUSA will guarantee starting positions on the SuperSunday grid at the SuperNationals for the top-five drivers in each class coming into the Las Vegas classic. For example, the top-five TaG Senior drivers in the Pro Tour point standings will be on the grid for the main event in Las Vegas regardless of their performances through the heat races. Grid positions 41 through 45 will be held for these drivers who supported the complete SKUSA Pro Tour.

You cant put a value on a guaranteed starting position at the SuperNationals, but we want to give back to the drivers who step up to play with SKUSA on the national level, continued Kutscher. There will be big money on the line at each event, as well as for the top drivers in the final points, but we want to offer up a huge carrot for our competitors. Were expecting record numbers at this years SuperNationals, and I know how big it would be to have the guaranteed starting position in your back pocket. I cant wait for the SpringNationals at Infineon in April to get going with this new program!

The SKUSA Pro Tour begins on the April 16-18 weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. The SpringNationals and SummerNationals events will feature a three-day format with full practice on Friday and complete race days on Saturday and Sunday with qualifying, heat races and a main. Any companies interested in event or class sponsorship opportunities are asked to contact the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.
 

2-10-10 IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminars in Region 6 to add a 4th date UPDATE



Due to popular demand of the IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminars to be held 2010 one additional date and location has been added to the IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminar Schedule.

The Seminars will focus on the regionally popular Briggs World Formula and Animal Engines.

Instructors will cover the latest IKF 4 cycle engine rule updates and procedures in pre and post race tech.

There is no cost to attend the Seminars but the hosts are requesting that you call in to reserve a spot to plan for the events.

The First of the 3 Seminars will be Saturday February 20, 2010 10:00AM hosted by:
Kart-O-Rama
13701 24th St. E. Suite A-4
Sumner, WA 98390
253-891-3490
Please contact Roger at Kart-O-Rama if you plan to attend the Seminar.

In conjunction with the Annual Portland Karting Association’s Swap meet, the Second Seminar will be held Saturday March 6, 2010 1:00PM and will be hosted by:
Competition Motors Corporation and the Portland Karting Association
9399 SW Tigard St.
Portland, Oregon 97223
503-624-0621
The later start time of the Seminar will allow karters plenty of time for trading at the Annual PKA Spring Swap Meet and then finish off the day with the Seminar and refreshments.

The 3rd Seminar will be held at 10:00AM Saturday March 13th hosted by:
BAM Racing located at
5127 215th St. SE Woodinville, WA 98072.
Space is limited at this location so please call to reserve a seat.
425-921-1130

The added 4th date will be hosted by:
The Snake River Karters held 9:00AM Saturday April 3rd at the Dennis Technical Education Center
8201 W. Victory Rd
Boise, ID 83709

The Dennis Tech Education Center will provide an excellent opportunity for new and experienced racers alike to learn about the popular Briggs small engine packages used for Karting.
To reserve a seat at the please call Roger Cathey at 208-378-0610

For more information on any of the Seminars please call Mike Schorn 503-324-9072 or any of the above numbers.
 

2-8-10 Adams Motorsports Park Celebrate 50th Anniversary
By Sean Burr Go Racing

Thursday January 28^th marked a historic day for karting and Adams Motorsport Park. Adams Kart Track, now named Adams Motorsports Park celebrated what most of us will never see, a 50^th anniversary. The special occasion coincided with the VKA (Vintage Karting Association) event being held at the track on Friday and Saturday. Adams hosted a banquet at the Riverside Marriott that was attended by nearly 300 supporters of the track and karting. AMP (Adams Motorsports Park) also used this occasion to launch their new 50^th Anniversary website design http://www.adamsmotorsportspark.com

Troy Adams handled the MC duties for the night and was introduced by Helen Bush Armstrong. Helen, whose sons Ralph and John Bush started it all when the family got together and bought them a go kart for Christmas in 1959. It didn’t take long before racing around their grandparent’s house was deemed to be too noisy and unsafe. Grandpa Frank got on the tractor and with help from the family roughed out a track in the lower section of their property. People noticed, and the makeshift track became more popular as people asked to bring their karts over to ride. In 1960 the original layout between the trees was paved and Adams Kart Track was officially born, holding races every weekend. In the 70’s the track was expanded for a national event, adding the center pit area and the now legendary 700’ straight and “Big Monza” turn.

Over the years the track has seen its fair share of events. Not surprising, since Adams Motorsports Park is one of the oldest continuously operated kart tracks in the world. One off events like the Descente Rolex Endurance race, have always had their place at the track, but truly the series like Region 7 and the clubs have made Adams what it is today. IKF, based right down the freeway from, AMP has held both 2 cycle and 4 cycle nationals here at the facility, while WKA, out of North Carolina also has honored the track by holding their West Coat Nationals here. For more than 30 years AMP has been a home track for the Tri-C Karters and So Cal Sprinters kart clubs. In addition to their club programs AMP has held the California State Championships more times than any other track.

The 50^th Anniversary banquet was not all about the track, but also about the people and organizations that over the years have helped to make karting and Adams what it is today. After having all of the Adams family in attendance recognized for their contributions to the sport Troy Adams began the long process of thanking sponsors, supporters, dignitaries, and drivers from the first 50 years. Highlights included a call in from the 24hours of Daytona by legendary karter Joey Hand, and a few words by Billy Cleavelin. Indy 500 driver and now mixed martial artist George Mack addressed the crowd with his usual class and gratitude after being talked up by the MC. Drivers recognized by AMP were: Buddy Rice, Richie Hearn, Alex Barron, George Mack, Joey Hand, Stewart Hayner, Gustavo Menezes, Cole Whitt, Phil Giebler, Pat Long and Billy Cleavelin.

RLV, IKF, K & P, Yamaha, King Taco, Kart House/KRC, Yamaha of America, E.L. Yeager, and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce were businesses honored for their part in Adams’ 50 years of business. Joining that select group of companies were individuals like: Lloyd Mack, Bud Evans, Tommy Wilms, Mona Sturgeon, Charlie and Joan Cressi, Bill LeFlang, and Duffy Livingston. All honorees were given the opportunity to address the packed house. Jesus Vasquez, representing King Taco and the Martinez family stole the show with a heartfelt thank you to Troy and the entire Adams family. Jesus, a neighborhood kid began working for the track in 1996 when he was 15 years old digging ditches and emptying trashcans. At the time Jesus lacked direction in school and in life. With incentives like racing, he raised his grades up. The better his grades the more Troy would take him to races. Getting out of the day-to-day life of underprivileged Riverside opened his eyes to new possibilities. Today Jesus is one of the country’s premier engine builders and he wouldn’t be that if it were not for the guidance of the Adams and Martinez families, who showed him that minorities too could succeed in business and education.

As motorsport entertainment continues to grow so does Adams. As leaders in the Kid Kart movement, and pioneers in Shifter Kart racing Adams has learned over the last 50 years to give the people what they want. Besides arrive and race programs, corporate events, and racing schools AMP is home to Dirt Wednesdays and Thursday Night Drift. Bust out your SuperMoto or Trophy Kart for on and off-road excitement as the AMP staff opens up their purpose built dirt section for practice. Drifting is sweeping the world and local drifters know there is no better place to hone their skills than Thursday Night Drift and Time Attack event at Adams Motorsports Park.

With so many avenues in motorsports yet to be explored AMP looks forward to serving the community for another 50 proud years. For everything AMP related and current schedule of events look no further than the newly redesigned AMP website. http://www.adamsmotorsportspark.com

2-5-10 Team Aluminos Opens 2010 Season with Victory at Prokart Challenge South

Diaz sweeps G1 category at CalSpeed for first Aluminos victory of 2010
 The 2010 season got underway for Team Aluminos as the Northern California-based operation headed south to Fontana for the opening round of the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge South at the CalSpeed Karting facility. Eight drivers piloted Aluminos-prepped machines in five categories ranging from Stock Moto to TaG. Ending the 2009 season with Team Aluminos driver coach Tom Dyer on top of the S3 podium at the SKUSA SuperNationals XIII, Team Aluminos began the 2010 season in the same fashion as Fernando Diaz put in a stellar performance in G1 for the victory to jump-start 2010.

A contender at the SKUSA SuperNationals XIII until a mechanical issue put him on the sidelines, Diaz returned behind the wheel for redemption. Diaz set the tone for the event as he posted the fast lap in the qualifying session - 45.569, quicker by nearly two tenths over his next competitor. In the 10-lap heat races, Diaz would walk the field to wins by three-seconds and five-seconds to secure the pole for the main event. At the start of the final, Diaz was relegated to second behind the defending class champion. After just two laps, Diaz regained the top spot and immediately stretched out to strong advantage, going on to take the victory by just under two seconds.

It feels great to start the season with a win, commented Diaz following the event. We tested here two weeks prior and I feel it helped me a lot in order to find the right setup. Working with Fritz Leesmann and Tom Dyer under the Aluminos tent certainly helped with making the right decisions on the set up as the event went on to help secure the victory. I cant thank them enough.

Flying the Aluminos colors in the headline S1 category was Brad Dunford. The young driver that has progress with Aluminos over the last few years has reached the top level in the new SKUSA structure with the top S3 drivers now competing in the S1 division. Beginning the event fourth in the qualifying session, Dunford battled to fifth and sixth place finishes in the heat race. In the main event, Dunford positioned himself into the third spot at the beginning of the race. Holding strong, he trailed the bumpers of the top two for the majority of the 20 laps until one driver crashed directly in front of him. Able to avoid making serious contact with the flipping kart, Dunford held on for the remaining laps to secure the second step on the podium in his S1 debut.

Returning under the Team Aluminos tent, Larry Fraser carried Team Aluminos in the stacked TaG Senior field. After qualifying seventh, Fraser worked his way forward in the heat races to finish fourth and second to start outside row one for the main event in hopes of a possible victory. That would come to fruition as contact on the second lap dropped Fraser down the order. Falling back to 12th, Fraser put his head down to do work and secure the sixth position at the checkered flag.

The S4 contingent for Team Aluminos ended the opening weekend with mixed results. A solid field put the three drivers - Peter Workum, Phil Dunford, and Jonathan Allen - to the test. Workum and Dunford were seventh and eighth on the time sheets following qualifying with Allen in 14th. Workum ran to fifth place in both heat races to set himself up for a podium run in the main event. Dunford was pushed back to the tail of the field in the opening lap of the first heat, going on to record finishes of 14th and 10th. Allen advanced to 12th in the opening moto however retired early in the second stint. Both Workum and Dunford battled inside the top-10 for the majority of the final. On lap 14, Dunford retired after receiving the black flag for his side pod that had broken off. Workum went on to finish eighth while Allen advanced up to 11th

Joining the Team Aluminos squad on the weekend included G1 driver Brad Dhesi and S3 newcomer Todd Wilson. Dhesi was a consistent top-10 runner in the early stages of the event before advancing up to as high as fourth in the final before retiring due to a non-karting injury that would not let him continue on. Wilson made his debut in the new S3 category for novice drivers in the Stock Moto division. Working with the Aluminos squad, Wilson progressed and ended the weekend sixth.

Next on the calendar for Team Aluminos will be the opening round of the ProKart Challenge North at the Jim Russell International Karting Center in Sonoma, California. Aluminos is currently accepting any inquires for Arrive and Drive packages for that event and the rest of the 2010 season.
 

***NORCAL IKF REGION 11 SUPER SERIES***

We are finalizing all of the details now for our 2010 Season and are very excited about it.

1.  New Race Director – Dave Brant

2.  New Tech Director – Donald Durbin, Sr.

3.  6 Race Series – No Throwaway!

4.  All day practice at each club on  Saturday - $30.00

5.  Race all day Sunday – entry fee will remain $75.00 for 1^st class & $60.00 for each additional class.       

6.  Fuel truck will be at each race – spec fuel will be ERC 110 premixed @ 16:1 with Maxima 927 Castor oil.  Each entry will be required to purchase (2) gallons of the premixed fuel @ $14.00/gallon.  Kid Karts will have to buy (1) gallon per entry

Classes                              Weight                 IKF 2010 Rulebook Section

1,  Kid Karts                         150 lb.                                     208.3/622.50

2.  Jr. 1-2 Cycle                     225 lb                                      207/623.4

3.  HPV 1 – Jr.                      240 lb                                      208.2/620

4.  IKF Jr. TaG                      320 lb                                      275.5.2/675
    IKF Jr. TaG - Parilla Leopard MY09 (2009 motors) weight is 335 lb

5.  IKF TaG Senior               370-385 lb                               275.5.3/675

    IKF TaG - Parilla Leopard MYO9 (2009 motors) weight is 385 lb

6.  HPV 2 – Jr.                       310 lb                                      207/620.50

7.  Jr. Super Sportsman (Pipe)  300 lb                                  207/623.6

8.  Super Sportsman (Pipe)     340 lb                                      207/623.6

9.  Formula 80 Senior             360 lb                                      252.3/653

10.Formula 80 Masters            375 lb                                      252.3/653

11.CR 125 Stock Moto             385 lb                 657 (Super Stock CR 125)

12.IKF TaG Masters                  385 lb                                      275.5.4/675

13.World Formula Heavy(Gas) 390 lb  **                               209

14.Animal Super Sportsman      360 lb  **                                209(Alcohol)

** 4 Cycle classes still pending – more info to follow **

7.  Spec tire for 2010 Super Series will be Bridgestone YKC for all classes except Stock Moto (Super Stock CR 125) will run YKB/YJB

8.  All classes will run according to 2010 IKF rulebook – please note that the 2010 IKF rulebook is a tech item and every driver must have one in their pit

9.  No practice at host track the week before IKF race (Monday-Friday)

10.  Sportsman classes will run RLV pipe’s according to the IKF rulebook.  RLV extended a discount to the NCTA on these pipes.  To purchase these pipes at the reduced rate you must make check payable to NCTA and contact either Rick Luther @ R&M Racing (925) 798-4360 or Les Hand @ Kartel (916) 383-5278.

 11. Please note in Jr. TaG the age is 13-15 with proof of date of birth to be shown at registration.  You must be the attained age of 13 during 2010 to be eligible.

12.  Super Stock CR 125 will be running the RLV R2 part#6800 pipe, Air box rule #603, 1999 CR 125 OEM rubber intake manifold only.

13. JR Tag-The 25mm restricted header pipe is for the 2009 and older Parilla Leopard motors only. The Jr. Rotax under Jr. TaG will run according to Rotax rules.
PRD Jr.,Rok Jr., and Motor Seven Jr. specs will be clarified soon.

We look forward to seeing you all at the first race – February 7^th at Blue Max Kart Club – Davis, CA.

Any questions please feel free to contact us:

Rick Luther @ rmracing95@aol.com

Les Hand @ les@kartelmotorsports.com

Cindy Duhn @ tctracing02@yahoo.com

2010 NCTA Board of Directors
Rick Luther - President
rmracing95@aol.com
(925) 798-4360

Les Hand - Vice President
les@kartelmotorsports.com
(916) 383-5278

Cindy Duhn - Secretary/Treasurer
tctracing02@yahoo.com
(775) 267-1191


2010 Region 11 Race Schedule- Revised 12-16-09
February 7 Davis
February 14- rain date for Davis
March 7 Dixon
April 11 Stockton
May 2 Prairie City
June 6 Atwater
July 11 Reno


2010 Class Structure
Kid Kart
Jr 1-2
HPV-1
HPV-2/Jr Super Sportsman
IKF Jr TAG
IKF TAG Sr
IKF Super Sportsman Medium- weight 350 3 pipe
80 Sr
125 Stock Moto on YKB
80 Masters
IKF TAG Masters
4 Cycles: World Formula Gas 380 & Animal Alcohol 350

2-4-10 SKUSA Mountain Region Releases 2010 Dates

Four weekends set for inaugural season in Colorado
The 2010 Superkarts! USA season will mark the debut of the Superkarts! USA Mountain Region, a new area of growth for the expanding karting organization. Based in the state of Colorado, the SKUSA Mountain Region is set to host four race weekends during its inaugural season, running from May to September. The new regional program was put together by a few enthusiastic individuals with the purpose of providing an independent organization focusing on strong competition, fun and exciting racing, all by putting its racers first. The groups affiliation with the SKUSA organization will help to solidify the new series by adopting to the new class structure and licensing system that was launched for 2010. It is a perfect marriage of two groups with a passion for karting.

The inaugural season will see four race weekends with two days of racing action. The opening weekend will see karting make its debut at Pikes Peak International Raceway on May 8-9. Utilizing a 1.2-mile road course that is part of the Fountain, Colorado facility, the karts will be able to stretch their legs on this quick layout. Grand Junction Motor Speedway will host the second weekend on June 19-20. The facility is one of the premier circuits in the United States, located near the western border of the state. It boasts a 9/10-mile circuit that is fast, technical and perfect for intense racing. On August 21-22, the SKUSA Mountain Region will travel to the IMI Motorsports Complex in Dacono, CO. The series will contest the third round on the new 1-mile karting circuit built at the IMI facility. The 2010 season will be capped by a return trip to the PPIR road course set for September 11-12.

We are extremely excited about the upcoming season and happy to release the dates for our inaugural schedule, explained SKUSA Mountain Region administrative team member AJ Noud. We have two facilities on our schedule at which people enjoy competing and they are happy to support our program. Taking karts to Pikes Peak will be new and exciting for Colorado karters. We have tested at the track recently and the facility was great to work with. They will be providing a lot of extra services that you dont normally see at a kart track, so we feel this is a great addition to our program.

The race format for each of the four weekends will be focused at more racing, helping to stress the importance of kart tuning and driver endurance. The Saturday schedule of the race weekend will include practice, qualifying and two heat races. Sunday will host the third and final heat race to line up each field for the main event. Also, the Grand Junction weekend will be a double-points event, kicking up its importance in the overall championship chase. At all of the events, each heat and feature race will be calculated by mileage rather than a standard lap count, with the set mileage for each event to be determined.

The class structure and licensing system for the SKUSA Mountain Region will mirror that of the new SKUSA Pro Tour set to debut in April in Sonoma, California. The Stock Moto divisions will be the focus of the region, providing the S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 categories. The S1 category will be the Pro division for the Stock Moto package for those holding the SKUSA A license. The Semi-Pro level drivers will compete in the S2 class for those carrying a SKUSA B license - where a majority of the current Stock Moto competitors will be automatically placed. Those new to the SKUSA organization and the SKUSA Mountain Region will need to apply directly to SKUSA headquarters for either the B or A license if they wish to compete in S2 or S1, respectively. The new class that is focused specifically at the regional level is the new S3 category, reserved for Novice drivers carrying the C license. The S4 category is set as the Master Stock Moto division for drivers over 30 years of age.

The TaG Senior, TaG Masters and TaG Junior divisions will follow the technical regulations of SKUSA and will provide an opportunity for the Touch and Go engines to race with the series. Additional classes to run with the SKUSA Mountain Region as Local Option categories include G1, DD2, and the Colorado Junior Karting Club (CJKC), a group focused on providing fun, safe, educational and organized racing for drivers 5-12 years old.

We want to make sure everyone gets ample time for racing as well as being challenged during the event, continued Noud. With the multiple heat format, competitors will need to be consistent throughout the event in order to position themselves for the win. For the classes we have committed to running, we are supporting the SKUSA Pro Tour line-up and putting emphasis on the Stock Moto packages for our region while still offering those classes that are popular for our area. We are also looking to work with other smaller groups in the Colorado area to provide them with an opportunity to race with our program. The 2010 season is sure to be one to remember.

In the past, Colorado was a hotbed of talent for the SKUSA national program and Im thrilled to have them back working with us again, added Tom Kutscher, president of Superkarts! USA. We are continuing the growth of the foundation of our program and bring the Colorado karting community into our family is an important step. I cant wait to be trackside for their kick-off event at Pikes Peak and I also expect their drivers to be extremely competitive when we launch the SKUSA Pro Tour at Infineon in April. I raced wheel-to-wheel with Colorados best during my SKUSA driving days, so I know first-hand how hardcore they are.

As the early months of 2010 come and go, the SKUSA Mountain Region will be working hard to prepare for the upcoming racing season. For those who have questions or would like to find out more information about the program, visit www.skusamountainregion.com or www.skusamr.com It is recommended that regional competitors submit their membership and license applications to SKUSA headquarters as soon as possible. These forms are available on www.superkartsusa.com.

2010 Superkarts! USA Mountain Region Schedule
May 8-9 Pikes Peak International Raceway
June 19-20 Grand Junction Motor Speedway
Aug. 21-22 IMI Motorsports Complex
Sept. 18-19 Pikes Peak International Raceway
 

2-4-10 Prokart Challenge North Readies for 3rd Season

Northern California Superkarts! USA region to open 2010 season February 13

 Entering its third season, the ProKart Challenge North is preparing for the opening round, set for February 12-13 at the Jim Russell International Karting Center. The Sonoma, California facility has become the home for the growing Superkarts! USA regional program and will once again play host to the series in its third year. The PKC North program will also be unveiling the new SKUSA class structure and licensing system to the area on the opening weekend.

The Infineon Raceway and the Jim Russell USA people have been great to us during the first two years of the PKC North, commented SKUSA CEO Tom Kutscher. Each year we have continued to grow, and entering the third season we expect the same thanks in part to our alignment with our new class and licensing program we have put together for 2010. There is a solid following of talented drivers in the area and we are pleased to have them support us again this year.

The new class structure developed during the off-season has a focus on the SKUSA Stock Moto program, which now includes five categories. The headline S3 class has been renamed to S1 - Pro Stock Moto, with a number of contenders from last year expected to return. The S4 category (Masters Stock Moto) will remain intact, with new divisions to the class lineup for 2010 including S5 (Junior Stock Moto), S2 (Semi-Pro Stock Moto) and S3 (Novice Stock Moto). Committed to developing the S5 program, PKC North will provide free entry into the opening round of the series. Furthermore, and to match the same offer made to the PKC South drivers, the North program has put together an attractive prize package to bring more Junior Stock drivers out for the season. Provided they run at least five of the six events, the top-three drivers in the final S5 standings will receive a free entry into the SKUSA SuperNationals XIV scheduled for November 17-22.

The new class structure, along with our new licensing program, is a positive step forward for the SKUSA organization, continued Kutscher. Drivers will need to earn, on the track, the right to compete against the best in their region and across the country in our SKUSA Pro Tour. For the PKC North program, we will be able to provide a training ground for many young drivers and newcomers to the sport. With our Stock Moto program, a family can invest in a motor for their junior-aged driver and keep that motor as he or she graduates through to S1.

Completing the gearbox categories, the popular G1 division will return again for those over 30 with modified 125cc gearbox engines. The three TaG categories from last year will return to the class line-up as well TaG Senior, TaG Master and TaG Junior with some fine-tuned engine weights recently adjusted by the SKUSA organization. With a heavy contingent of Junior drivers in the area, a local-option HPV2 Junior class will remain on the class roster for 2010.

I feel our TaG categories in the PKC North program are among the strongest in the country, commented Kutscher. From Junior to Masters, we have some of the top talent racing at the regional level. Since adding the HPV2 Junior category, we have been able to expose what we do to a number of young drivers and families who have found that our program suits their racing needs; thus we are continuing with the class. The 2010 program for the ProKart Challenge North is solid, and should continue to grow as the season progresses.

The opening round of the six-race championship will begin on February 12 with practice day on the national circuit of the Sonoma facility from 9:00 am 5:00 pm. PKC North will be cooking up a complimentary Friday night tri-tip BBQ dinner sponsored by the Thomas family following the practice day. Race pre-registrations are currently being accepted, with racers able to save $35 on their entry fee by submitting an entry prior to midnight on February 10. SKUSA memberships will be mandatory for the event, and forms are available on the SKUSA or ProKart Challenge websites. Camping and overnight parking of trailers on site will be permitted Friday night at no charge. A host hotel has not yet been confirmed; however, once confirmed an update will be posted on the ProKart Challenge series website.

A live scoring feed as well as blogging will be available Saturday during the racing action. For more information on the opening round including the tentative race day schedule or anything related to SKUSA and the ProKart Challenge, visit www.prokartchallenge.com and www.superkartsusa.com or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

2-2-10 Felkins and Menezes Score Wins at Kal Gard Grand Prix

Perfect weather and a deep paddock highlight start of ProKart Challenge South 2010 season

The 2010 edition of the Superkarts! USA program was kicked off in fine style at CalSpeed Karting this past weekend when the ProKart Challenge South officials played host to 95 drivers at the Kal-Gard Grand Prix in Fontana, Calif. SKUSAs new class structure and licensing program was finally debuted to the country, and the resulting grids proved to be extremely successful. The series also enjoyed a solid turnout in the TaG Senior category, which bodes well for the season. The two winners of the headline classes were Brett Felkins in S1 and Gustavo Menezes in TaG Senior, while Fernando Diaz and Jason Campbell were impressive in dominant outings at the front of the G1 and S4 classes, respectively.

The debut of the new S1-S2-S3 ladder of progression in the Stock Moto class was a definite success, with 22 drivers taking to the track separated through the three levels of racing. As these numbers grow through the season, the competition will only grow stronger and stronger. In the headline S1 Pro Stock Moto class, a few expected entrants were not able to make the trek to CalSpeed, leaving six talented drivers to begin the year with some heated competition. Clinton Schoombee (CRG) came out of the gate strongly in taking the pole during qualifying, edging Brett Felkins (Intrepid) and Tommy Thompson (Energy) for the inside of the front row for the opening moto. Schoombee and Felkins would split the two heat races, running nose-to-tail in each one, swapping the lead on several occasions. In the 20-lap main event, Felkins would step up his game to score the big victory to start off the new year. Schoombee would end up going for a wild up-and-over ride late in the race after making contact with one of the curbing tires, which vaulted Brad Dunford (CRG) to a strong second place finish ahead of Peter Abba (GP). Thompson would finish fifth after falling well back following a turn one altercation with Jimmy McNeil (CRG), putting Schoombee in fifth in the final tally. It was a solid start to the S1 program, which will feature the finest shifterkart pilots in the SKUSA community.

The S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto class was particularly exciting, as the future stars of SKUSA put on a great show all day. A pair of young guns fought it out in qualifying as Billy Musgrave (CRG) edged Race Liberante (Maddox) by a scant 0.036 seconds during the timed run. Former Indy Lights race winner Arie Luyendyk Jr. (Birel) was third in the initial order ahead of Bryce Miller (Sodikart) and Ryon Beachner (Tony Kart). Just as in S1, two drivers took heat race wins as both Musgrave and Liberante would take turns at the front, setting up for a big battle in the main. The duo was embroiled in a thrilling scrap until Liberante slowed with a mechanical issue midway through the race, allowing Musgrave to stretch away to a 6.703-second advantage over Miller and Luyendyk. Erik Jackson (Arrow) and Cody Diede (Intrepid) rounded out the top-five.

An encouraging group of six Novice Stock Moto drivers hit the pavement in the S3 class with Vinny Maestas (CRG) and Jason Attwood (Arrow) both performing well in qualifying, timing inside the overall top 10 in the race group, which also included the G1 competitors. Tristan Orear (Italkart) was third in qualifying, timing in ahead of Steve Berg (Arrow) and Todd Wilson (GP). Maestas would prove to be the driver to beat all day, although he and Attwood went at it in the main for several laps before slipping past a G1 driver to build some cushion between himself and his challenger. Attwood would hold on to second, while Berg took third ahead of Orear and Jessica Sollberger (Arrow).

Running with S3 in the final race group of the day, the G1 class enjoyed a good turnout. Fernando Diaz was unbeatable at CalSpeed in sweeping all four official G1 sessions to take the early lead in the points, beginning the outing by out-qualifying Troy Butts (CRG) by 0.142 seconds. Robert Marks (CRG) was third quick, just ahead of Nick Firestone (Tony Kart) and PP Mastro (CRG) on the charts. After Diaz walked the field by over three seconds in both heat races, he found himself behind Mastro at the start of the final when the veteran got a great launch at the green light. Diaz would only be held back for a couple of laps, immediately stretching out another advantage once he slipped by Mastro, who would hold on to second. Firestone would finish up in third, while Roy Montgomery (CRG) bounced back from a heat race flip to take fourth ahead of Butts.

In the S4 Stock Moto Masters category, a daylong battle ensued between Jason Campbell (Tony Kart) and three-time SuperNationals winner Jeff Littrell (Tony Kart). Littrell drew first blood by qualifying on the pole by 0.257 seconds over Campbell, with Wayne Mello (Tony Kart), Doug Hayashi (Tony Kart) and Willy Musgrave (Arrow) completing the fast five. Campbell turned it up for the first heat race to edge Littrell, but Musgrave would do the same in the second moto to secure the pole for the main. Littrell suffered through a pair of spins in the second heat and needed to claw his way back to tenth, making life tough for himself with a row five starting spot in the final. Despite the fact that Musgrave would turn the fastest lap in the main event, Campbell was untouchable, walking away to a 9.534-second win over Littrell, who put in an impressive recovery. Mello completed the podium in third, while Paul Russell (Tony Kart) advanced to fourth ahead of Musgrave. In S4 Magnum, Todd Scholta (CRG) took the win over Marc Lewis (Kosmic) and Robert Morales (GP).

The TaG Senior class drew 16 competitors, highlighted by some of the sports brightest stars, quickest veterans and fastest up-and-comers. Tony Kart Wests Gustavo Menezes qualified on the pole ahead of Bobby Kelley (Maddox) and veteran Billy Cleavelin (CRG), while Phil Giebler (FA Kart) and Kyle Shriver (Avanti) capped the top-five. Giebler put his considerable talent on display as the former Indy 500 Rookie of the Year won both heat races handily, but he dropped out of the main event at the halfway point with a broken exhaust, leaving the spotlight to Menezes and Shriver. After swapping the top spot more than once, Menezes made his move for the win in the late going and was able to hold off a determined Shriver for the victory. A thrilling battle for third ended with Travis Lowe (Kosmic) taking the final step on the podium, winning out over Devin Lindsay (Maddox) and Billy Cleavelin (CRG). In TaG Masters, Paul Bonilla (Birel) went four-for-four, taking the pole, two heat race wins and the main event by 0.404 seconds over Ron Rossetti (Arrow) and Jeff Bobbitt (Tony Kart).

In the Junior classes, the debut of the S5 Junior Stock Moto class in the ProKart Challenge South was big for the series, with four drivers making up the first grid. Scott Phillips (PTK) would find his way to the front at the end of the main, outrunning Augie Lerch (Intrepid) for the inaugural win. Matias Podboj (CRG) finished third ahead on Micah Hendricks (Tony Kart). In TaG Junior, Louie Pagano (Birel) qualified second to Emmanuel Mestre (Kosmic) and then proceeded to dominate the proceedings. Paganos team made big changes heading into the 20-lap final and the result was a kart no one could catch, propelling him to a 5.106-second advantage at the checkered flag.

As always, PKC Souths Tom Kutscher dolled out some nice prizes following the podium presentations, awarding two sets of MG race tires and free entries to the next ProKart Challenge event to their valued customers. The next PKC South race is set for Willow Springs Kart Track on February 26-27, while the SKUSA crew heads to Infineon Raceway first on February 12-13 to kick off the ProKart Challenge North. All of these events lead to the opening round of the SKUSA Pro Tour on April 16-18 in Sonoma, CA.

 

2-4-10 Extreme Motorsports Expands Engine and Driver Development Program

                Extreme Motorsports announces the latest addition to its line of professional engine services.  In addition to its existing niche in the Honda engine market, EMS now offers full service engine work for all major brands of karting engines.  With over 30 years of experience in karting and engine work, owner Steve Eady states, “We feel that expanding our own engine program is vital In order to provide our customers and team members with the complete package - premium service coupled with an engine that performs well and turns out maximum horsepower.”  Heading up its new Engine and Driver Development Division will be Pro Driver/Tuner, Bryan Eady.  “Bryan has tons of professional track time and great expertise when it comes to building high-performance engines.  He has worked with top engine builders and tuners over his 18-year karting career.  His race experience is multi-faceted, having worked with a variety of engine types including Honda, Yamaha, Comer and Parilla.  We’re very excited to bring him on board to work one-on-one at the track with our customers and to have his expertise in the engine shop,” said Eady.

                Extreme Motorsports will provide trackside assistance at most Region 11 IKF and local club races, as well as SKUSA Pro Kart and Pro Tour events in 2010.  To find out more about EMS engine and driver development services, or to explore how you can join the EMS race team, contact Bryan Eady at (530)262-2962; extreme30y@yahoo.com or Steve Eady at (530)949-8975; info@extremegokarts.com.  Check out our engine packages and services on line at www.extremegokarts.com

2-2-10 Extreme Motorsports Davis Club Race Report

Extreme Motorsports would kick off the 2010 season this past weekend at the Blue Max Kart Club, club race, in Davis, Ca. With perfect weather conditions for racing, four Extreme Motorsports drivers would find themselves fighting for top honors. Extreme drivers, Tanner Carter, Brian Gallagher and Matt Chase would all post impressive finishes for the day. Furthermore, Extreme’s Bryan Eady would be providing set-up knowledge and driver coaching to the impressive HPV-2 Junior star, Jared Campbell.

In the Senior Yamaha class, Matt Chase would put his Extreme Motorsports powered Intrepid on the pole, with team mate Brian Gallagher suffering a flat tire. With strong performances in both heat races, Gallagher and Chase would go on to secure the front row of the main. Brian Gallagher aboard his Extreme Motorsports powered Intrepid would take the lead into turn-one and never look back. Matt Chase would go on to make it a one-two Extreme finish in his first Yamaha Senior race.

Tanner Carter would join the Extreme Motorsports racing team for the start of his first full year in karting. Racing both the Junior 1 comer and Junior 1 HPV classes, Carter would impress many in both divisions. With lap times comparable to the lead karts, Tanner scored a fifth and sixth place finish for the day.

Last year Junior 1 hot shoe, Jared Campbell, has recently made the step-up to the competitive HPV-2 division. Campbell aboard his LEM Intrepid would be supported by Extreme Motorsport’s Bryan Eady with kart setup and driver coaching. The hard work and dedication in the off season has proved to be a key factor, as Campbell would dominate the HPV-2 Junior class and go undefeated for the day.

Extreme Motorsports would like to thank the individuals at Blue Max for putting on a great day of racing, and to our customers who made for a fun day. To find out how you can start winning today, feel free to contact Extreme Motorsports at extreme30y@yahoo.com or by phone at 530-262-2962.

 

2-2-10 Bowles Shows Speed and Skill in 2010 NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown

Reigning West Series champion challenged for top honors before late-race contact resulted in 11th place finish

While Jason Bowles failed to achieve the results he desired in the 2010 edition of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown on Saturday night (January 30), the reigning NASCAR Camping World West Series champion continued to show why many view him as a rising star in the stock car ranks. Battling a tight car most of the night, Bowles eventually challenged for top honors, before late-race contact resulted in an 11th place finish in the “Daytona 500 of Short Track Racing” at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

Going head-to-head against not only the best drivers from both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West divisions, but talented race pilots from across North America, Bowles wasted little time making his presence felt in the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, ending the final practice session on the semi-banked half-mile oval at the top of the time charts. Things however did not go according to plan for the Californian in Friday night qualifying. Battling a tight car, the three-time 2009 NASCAR K&N Pro Series race winner was only able to post the 10th fastest time in qualifying for the Saturday night race.

Bowles, having won the three previous NASCAR K&N Pro Series races from the pole position at Irwindale, entered race night confident he could work his way forward and challenge for the win. When the green flag waved for the 225-lap affair, the former karting and junior formula car standout immediately set about passing competitors for position. As a result, the No. 6 West/Sunrise Ford Ford was in eighth place as the race passed the 100-lap mark. Bowles, altering his racing line to overcome a tight car, however really began his charge to front in the final 50-laps, rapidly working his way up to third place.

With a late race caution bunching the field back together, Bowles was poised to challenge the lead duo for top-honors. Things changed when the race re-started however. With the car too tight to maintain his inside line re-start position, the West champion found himself in the middle of a four car battle for position. The end result as expected was contact between several cars, knocking the toe out on the No. 6 Ford. Focused on merely finishing the race from that point forward in his damaged car, Bowles eventually crossed the start/finish in a disappointing 11th place.

“I am defiantly disappointed with the race result,” stated Bowles. “I knew it was going to be a tough restart at the end, but when I got squeezed it knocked the alignment out so the car was just really tight. I have to hand it to my whole team, for the past three years that have given me great equipment and I can’t thank them enough. I also have to thank Bob Bruncati and Sunrise Ford for this unbelievable opportunity. I’m sad to be leaving, but I know it is what I have to do to continue my career. I also want to thank all of my sponsors that have helped through out the years, Oakley, Joe Gibbs Racing Oil, GS 610, Bell, RPM 12 and High Point Distributing. With out them my success would not have been possible. Now I just look forward to kicking off my 2010 season. I will have updates on my future plans in the near future.”

 

2-1-10 IKF Region 11 Must Have IKF Membership Present at Registration

IF you have recently renewed your IKF membership and have not received the card - please bring confirmation to our first race next weekend . Remember we will be registering on Saturday and will not be able to call the IKF office. This will eliminate any problems and insure that registration will move quickly. Also, remember if you plan on running the IKF TaG Junior class you need to bring a copy of your birth certificate to registration for verification of age (13-15) for this class.

Thank you,
NCTA Board