1-27-10 Region 7 New Tire Announcements for the remaining 2010 Season
By Go Racing

THE RACERS SPOKE AND WE LISTENED

After trying the pilot tire control program in KPV-1 class at round one and having been well received we decided to add additional classes to the program. They are as follows:

1. Jr. 1 Saturday ---------------  Rookie Sportsman Sunday

      (Please note Jr. 1 and Rookie Sportsman have switched days)

2. Kid Kart Saturday ---------- Kid Kart Sunday
3. KPV-1 Saturday --------------KPV-1 Sunday
4. KPV-2 Saturday --------------KPV-2 Sunday
5. Jr. 2 PRD TaG Saturday --- Jr.2 PRD TaG Sunday

Saturday you are permitted to run new or used tires but Sunday you are required to run used (previously raced on) tires only. If the previously raced on tires are NOT from the prior Saturday race then they will need to be approved by the post tech official. NO SCUFFED or PRACTICE tires are allowed. They must have a minimum of one race on them to be allowed on Sunday. All other rules set by the Pilot program posted on the IKF website dated 12-17-2009 will pertain.

The intent of this change is to reduce the cost to our competitors and still maintain equality of competition. Any attempt to abuse this program will be subject to suspension.

This rule change will be in effect for round two at Phoenix Kart Club www.pkra.com February 12th, 13th, and 14th. All other information can be found at www.ikfkarting.com

1-27-10 $$$$ Awards for 3 Classes at IKF Region 7 Round 2 February 12^th, 13^th, 14^th, Presented by PKRA
By Go Racing

PKRA announced today a $$$$$ purse for 3 of Saturday’s more popular classes at Round 2 of the IKF Championship Series presented by Bridgestone. Thanks to PKRA, now along with the pride of a job well done and a trophy, race winners in Jr. 1 Comer, KPV-2, and Sr. PRD TAG will get paid $500 each for a hard days work. Because of great sponsors like Grand Products, RLV/PRD USA, and Haddock L.T.D. the payout extents down the line all the way to 5^th place.

The payout will be:
1st        $500.00
2nd       $250.00
3rd        $150.00
4th        $100.00
5th        $ 50.00

The Classes are:


Saturday Jr-1 Comer  Sponsored by, Grand Products 
Saturday KPV-2 Sponsored by, Haddock L.T.D. 
Saturday Sr. PRD TAG Sponsored by, RLV/PRD-USA

For more information contact PRKA www.pkra.com or www.ikfkarting.com

1-22-10 Fastech's PRD Fireball Special- Last Call

PRD Fireball Special - $1299.99
 

Last call...1 week left!

Don't miss out on this INCREDIBLE OFFER! These engines are competetive with other TaG engines with great durability and parts availability. There's no way one could go wrong with this engine at that price!

Letter from RLV:
Over the past 12 months, we have seen tremendous growth in the Senior PRD controlled class. It has been the largest adult class in IKF Region 7 this year. As a result of this success, there is an overwhelming request for Jr.1 and Jr. 2 PRD controlled classes. The Jr. 2 class has been added to the 2010 Bridgestone IKF Region 7 Championship Series. Currently Los Angeles Kart Club (LAKC) offers Jr.2 class and So Cal Sprinters offers the Jr. 1 class, both should be well participated.

In RLV's on going effort to support low cost, easy to use, entry level classes, the PRD Fireball 125cc engine is set at a Special Price of $1299.99. This offer runs through Jan. 29th 2010.

http://www.fastech-racing.com/product.php?productid=1210&cat=0&page=1
 

1-29-10 Raquel Martinez Gatorz Phoenix Report

The West Coast was hit with heavy rain leading up to the first round of the Gatorz Challenge of Americas, but the weather would clear just in time for the start of the event.  13 year-old Raquel Martinez returned to Rotax competition after taking the last two years to focus on IKF, WKA, and CKI events.  With limited testing under her belt, she was looking forward to rebounding from a disappointing start of the 2010 season in Daytona.

The team was late to arrive on Friday for practice due to cancelled flights, but Raquel was able to make it on track for the last two sessions of the day to shake down the kart.  In the final practice session she posted the fourth fastest time.  The weather was great on Saturday with the sun out and Raquel was ready to race posting the fastest lap of the session in her Supertune USA powered Top Kart giving her the pole position for the prefinal.  The prefinal was a great battle between Louie Pagano and Raquel with the duo battling back and forth for the lead checking out from the rest of the field.  In the end Pagano just narrowly beat out Raquel for the win, but Raquel set fast lap.  The final started off looking the same with the two young stars gapping the rest of the field.  Raquel again grabbed the lead and held it for around five laps until Pagano retook the lead for good.  Raquel would end up second, a great result for her first race back in a Rotax Jr. kart.

Sunday looked to be a different day with many drivers stepping up their game.  Raquel had pole at one point during the session, but ended up in fourth just one tenth of a second off pole.  At the start of the prefinal Raquel was hung out on the outside and lost a few positions, but battled her way back up to second position by the end of the seventeen lap run.  After the team made a few changes to her Top Kart Flash for the final event Raquel got the jump at the start of the race taking the lead.  After leading the first few laps Raquel would be passed for the lead where she would finish the race.  Unfortunately in post race tech a part of her engine was deemed illegal.  The team has filed an appeal and will hear shortly of the results.

“I am very happy with the results this past weekend and I am determined to get my first win of the season at CalSpeed in February,” commented Martinez.  “I have to thank Chris Wehrheim and Corey Pollock for giving me an awesome setup all weekend.  Louie was on his game this weekend, but I am confident we can win at round two.”

Raquel and the team will be busy testing in the coming weeks in preparation for round two of the Gatorz Challenge of America’s at CalSpeed. 

1-27-10 Kartel Gatorz Challenge of the Americas PKRA Report

This past weekend Wild Kart USA/ Kartel Motorsports debut their newest endeavors, as the team participated in their first RMC Race in Phoenix Az. The team had a great start to the 2010 season.

With a short and busy off season, Kartel put their time to good use. With the signing of a new chassis line for the team, and the great support from Wild Kart Italy, Kartel used every spare moment testing. In addition to Wild Kart, Kartel and Magnum Racing Engines began a short and extensive test program to get the Rotax package up to speed.

In the Rotax Max Senior, Neil Alberico Qualified P4. Contact in the opening laps shuffled Neil to the rear of the field and had to fight the whole race. A good drive ended with disappointing results, but collected good data to use for round two in Fontana next Month.

Rotax Mini Max was a great race for Kartel and the 2010 Wild Kart Cadet. Taking the Pole Position and P2, Kartel drivers Blaine Rocha and Davie Manthei made it a Wild Kart front row. The two drivers led and swapped lead the entire race, making it Kartel/Wild Kart 1-2. A well deserved win for Blaine Rocha in his very first race in Rotax, as well as with Kartel.

Luis Tyrrell was the solo Jr. Rotax driver for the team. Louis did what he came to Arizona to do and put his Kartel/Wild Kart on the front row for Qualifying. Tyrrell had the pace to win but, with contact from a competitor, Tyrrell was forced to the rear of the field.

Carrying the Kartel/Wild Kart flag in Micro Max was Conner Robustelli. This was Conner’s first major race and he showed Kartel his potential. With no Friday testing, due to Airline cancellations from the weather Conner was fast right out of the trailer. Conner made some exciting passes and was uncontested for the win.

All drivers were aboard the Kartel tuned Wild Kart chassis utilizing Magnum Racing Engines power. Kartel would like to congratulate all their drivers in helping put Wild Kart and Magnum on the podium in Kartels debut Rotax event. Kartel is looking forward in participating in all Challenge of America’s races in 2010.

Kartel is currently looking for Rotax Master drivers, as well as any Jr Rotax drivers interested in racing the series. A Jr Driver looking to compete for a non points race are encouraged to contact kartel for special one off race pricing.

Kartel, located in Sacramento, California, is the direct importer for the United States for the world’s leading kart products including Rotax, Iame, Bridgestone and Comer product lines, Magnum Racing Engines and throughout entire U.S. for Wild Kart, to both kart dealers and racers. Exclusively focused on kart racing, Kartel Motorsports is dedicated to importing, driver development, selling, servicing and supporting kart manufacturers; it is prepared the largest distributor of karts, engines and kart racing supplies in United States. For more information, visit kartelmotorsports.com


 

1-28-10 IKF Region 11 Jr TaG Update

**Jr. TaG Clarification ***
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.

Thank you
NCTA Board
 

 - Woltjer Engine Work -
It's about that time of year...

Anyone interested in engine work, please let us know ASAP to get it turned around for the start of the season.

Woltjer pricing is incredibly competetive and the work is 2nd to NONE!


Parilla Leopard:
Full Blueprint w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, reeds, carb kit), Carb completely gone through: $635
Basic Rebuild w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals), Carb completely gone through: (For previously BP'ed Woltjer engine): $570


CR80:
Full Blueprint w/ Dyno & Ignition Programming (Labor Only): $1100
Cylinder / Head Blueprint w/ O-ring'ed Head (Labor Only): $450
Complete Rebuild - (Labor Only): $325


CR125 Stock Moto:
Complete Rebuild (Labor Only): $325


KT100:
Full Rebuild (Woltjer Engine) w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (Rod, piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, carb kit), Carb completely gone through: $475
KT100 Complete Blueprint & Dyno LABOR w/ BASIC Parts: Starting at $635


HPV
Full Rebuild (Woltjer Engine) w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, carb kit), Carb completely gone through: $525


Comer K80
Full Rebuild w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, etc.) & Dyno: $600
Full Rebuild w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, etc.) & Dyno: $950


Comer C50 / C51
Full Rebuild w/ "Normally Replaced" parts (piston, bearings, gaskets, seals, etc.): $350


Dyno / Break-in
(Clutch Engines, i.e. TAG, HPV, KT, Comer, etc.): $160


Additional info at http://www.fastech-racing.com/pages.php?pageid=6

 

1-28-10 Mendezes Scores First Victory of 2010 Season in Arizona

Tony Kart driver takes win at opening round of Challenge of the Americas program

Coming off a rough opening weekend to the 2010 season in Florida, Gustavo Menezes traveled to Arizona this past weekend for the first round of the Challenge of the Americas. The event was contested at the Phoenix Kart Racing Associations Formula K Raceway, a circuit Menezes visited for the first time at the end of 2009. The two race weekend saw Menezes dominate the first day of competition by sweeping the action while a mechanical failure sidelined the 15-year old during day twos main event.

Arriving Friday to the Phoenix facility from his home in Southern California, Menezes took part in the practice day to set up for the weekends action. In the final two sessions of the day, Gustavo was firmly in the top-three on the time chart. Come qualifying the next morning to kick off Saturdays action, Menezes ended the session on top by just 91-thousandths of a second. Starting the 17-lap Prefinal from the pole position, Menezes was able to break away early to lead all the laps and score the win by over three-seconds, securing the pole for the feature event. Similar to the previous outing, Menezes was strong early in the 25-lap Final to establish a solid lead, again pacing the field the entire length of the race for the 3.242-second victory.

It feels great to get the first win of the year, commented Menezes. To break out with a victory in only my second weekend of the season is solid. The Tony Kart West squad and P1 Engines provided me the perfect package.

Sundays action would be a battle early on as the fight for the top honor in qualifying was close, with Menezes ending the session third in the order, just 91-thousandths off the pole time. Starting inside row two, Menezes was quick to gain one spot in the opening corner and settled in behind the leader. Putting on heavy pressure, Gustavo made his move for the lead on lap eight. Unable to break away, Menezes relinquished the point for two laps until retaking the position for the final three circuits for the win. Once again on the pole position for the main event, Menezes was in the perfect position to score his second win of the weekend until the green flag waved. Once drivers hit the accelerator, Menezes Rotax powerplant shut down due to a fouled spark plug, thus ending his race on the sidelines before one lap was completed.

It was disappointing to have the trouble we did in the feature race on Sunday, Menezes continued. I thought we had everything in place to score another victory however thats racing. Im confident we will what we need to score another win in the future.

Menezes will return to the state of Florida for his next battle at the Florida Winter Tour, set for February 19-21 at the Palm Beach International Raceway. Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Junior Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley.
 

1-27-10 Bowles Set to Kick off 2010 Stock Car Program Via NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown

2009 Camping World West Series champion set to do battle against the best Pro Series drivers at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale

Rising American stock car racer Jason Bowles is set to get his 2010 race campaign underway this coming weekend (January 29-30) via the seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in Southern California. Bowles enters the prestigious start of the season event not only as the reigning NASCAR Camping World West Series champion, but also a podium finisher from the 2009 edition of the race.

Know as the “Daytona 500 of Short Track Racing”, the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown features premier drivers from the newly renamed NASCAR K&N Pro Series (East, West, Canada and Mexico) going head-to-head via 225 laps around the semi-banked half-mile oval.

For Bowles, the season-opening non-points race is a chance to further enhance his reputation as one of the future stars of NASCAR. Guaranteed a starting place in the race, thanks to his three NASCAR West Series wins and the series title in 2009, the Californian will make his third All-Star Showdown start as one of the drivers to watch. Not only is the former karting and junior formula car standout a former podium finisher in the race and the reigning Pro Series West champion – with three wins, three pole positions and 10 top-fives in 13 races – but he also has an impressive resume at the famed Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. The No. 6 West Ford pilot has won the last three NASCAR K&N Pro Series races from the pole position at Irwindale, leading an impressive 406 of 600 laps in the process.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in the 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown,” said Bowles. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale over the past few years. Hopefully I can continue that tend this weekend and add an All-Star win to my resume.”

The on-track action for Bowles and the entire West Ford squad at the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown commences on Friday evening (January 29), with qualifying at 6 p.m. local time. One day later, the green flag for the 225-lap race will fly at 7:10 p.m. local time.

 

1-26-10 IKF Spec Tire Updates

NCTA was brought to their attention today that Bridgestone has replaced it's YKB with a YJB Tire. the YKB existing stock may be limited so for this reason NCTA will be allowing both the YKB and YJB tire for the 125 Stock Moto Class. The YJB should be readily available through your Bridgestone Dealers. Sorry for the last minute change, this issue was out of NCTA Control.
Thank You
NCTA Board

1-25-10 Several new Winners in Phoenix on Sunday at Gatorz Challenge of the Americas Opening Weekend

The second day of competition at Formula K Raceway north of Phoenix saw what can only be described as perfect weather from beginning to end, providing perfect track conditions for the six classes of Rotax competition. As fast and furious as day one in Phoenix was, more of the same was expected on day two.

Micromax
Toni Breidinger took control of the pre-main from the start and won handily, with Connor Robustelli finishing second with Annie Breidinger right on his bumper in third.

The main would be a different story, as Robustelli took the lead at the beginning with an outside pass in turn 10. He would spend the entire race fending off the Toni and Annie Breidinger, with their best chance at making a pass coming when the trio encountered lapped traffic through the esses. He took to the dirt and got some airtime to get past, but Robustelli pulled it off and drove to victory. Toni Breidinger finished second, but was later removed from the results, promoting Annie Breidinger to second and Jayden Larsen to third.

Junior Rotax
Junior Rotax was a sweep by Louie Pagano on Saturday, and Sunday would prove to be no different. Pagano took pole position ahead of Luis Tyrrell and Nicholas Silva, with Saturday’s runner up Raquel Martinez in fourth.

Pagano controlled the pre-main from start to finish, while Martinez worked up to second with Tyrrell holding off Silva for third.

Martinez shot ahead of Pagano for the lead at the start of the main, but her lead was short-lived as Pagano took the spot back a lap later. While Pagano stretched his lead over Martinez, a race-long battle for third broke out between Tyrrell, Kiel Spaulding, Jake Craig, Nicholas Silva and Daniel Burkett. While running third, Tyrrell went off track as a result of contact with Spaulding, which would ultimately result in a penalty for Spaulding. But, at the end of the race, it was Dickerson who was sitting in third place.

The results would change afterwards, as Martinez was excluded, and Spaulding’s protest was upheld. The final results put Pagano first, Dickerson second, and Spaulding third.

Minimax
Blaine Rocha took his second pole position of the weekend, with Davey Manthai, Jr., in second and Saturday’s winner, Parker Thompson, third.

The three drivers broke away from the field and had a three-way battle for the lead, until Rocha got into the back of Thompson in turn eleven, and then made contact again with Thompson at the exit of the corner, sending Thompson over a curb and throwing his chain. Rocha would win the race but was penalized a position for the contact, making Manthai, Jr. the winner. Trenton May finished third.

Manthai, Jr. and Rocha led the field away from the start, but Thompson was in a hurry and picked his way through the field in a hurry, making his way to third by the eighth lap. Unfortunately, he would throw another chain, putting him out of the race. The lead was settled on the 18th lap when Rocha passed Manthai, Jr. for good in turn 10. Rounding out the podium was Trenton May.

Rotax Senior
Gustavo Menezes owned Rotax Senior on Saturday, but Sunday was all about Mason Marotta. Marotta grabbed pole position, with Justin Coplen just behind in second and Menezes third.

Coplen’s second in qualifying would be the highlight of his day, as he sank through the field like a rock almost from the green flag. Marotta led the first eight laps with Menezes right behind, but Menezes made a pass for the lead in turn 10 with two laps remaining. Marotta had no answer and would settle for second, while Stepanova Nakeel came home in third.

When the green flag fell for the start of the main, Marotta’s kart jumped ahead the field as the powerplant in Menezes’ kart lost fire, jamming up half the field. Menezes’ race – and kart – came to a stop on the exit of turn four. Marotta led early but was pursued by Lupton, who took the lead for a two laps before Marotta took it back and began to stretch out an advantage.

Behind that battle, several karts running in a train took a shot at third place. Jordan Jadallah held the spot for most of the race ahead of Nakeel, local Bud Grossenbacher, and Phil Gelinos before he was shuffled back. In the end, Marotta ran away with the win, Lupton was second, and Gelinos was an impressive third after starting ninth.

Rotax Masters
For the second straight day, Paul Bonilla qualified on pole with Mike Daniel second and Joey McGuire third.

Throughout the first eleven laps of the pre-main, the three ran in that order until McGuire had an axle snap under braking for turn 11, pitching him off the track and into retirement. Bonilla and Daniel finished first and second while Falcone inherited third.

Daniel took the lead from Bonilla at the start of the race, with Falcone doing an impressive job to hang onto the leading duo in the early laps. Behind them, McGuire was making his way through the field when he had another mechanical problem, ending his day and capping what was easily the most unlucky weekend in Phoenix with a total of three DNF’s.

Up front, Bonilla spent several laps stalking Daniel, looking for an opportunity that finally came on lap twelve as he dove under Daniel in turn 10. The two karts made contact, with Daniel falling off the track and rejoining in third, with Bonilla inheriting the lead and Falcone second. The three karts ran that way until the checkered, but after the race, Bonilla was handed a two-position penalty for his contact with Daniel. As a result, Scott Falcone became the winner, with Daniel second and Bonilla third.

DD-2
Troy Castaneda swept Saturday’s DD-2 action and Sunday would be no different, but he did have his hands full in the pre-main as Eric ‘Action’ Jackson took the lead at the start and held it for several laps as Castaneda hunted for a way past. Castaneda found his opportunity exiting turn eight onto the back straightaway, and the two drivers went wheel-to-wheel until Jackson had to concede the position.
Castaneda and Jackson finished first and second in the final, with Noel Dowler finishing in third.

The next stop for the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas will be rounds three and four at the CalSpeed Karting Center in Fontana, Calif. on February 22-24.





 

1-26-10 SwedeTech's ProKart North and South Newsletter

This newsletter is going to email contacts I have for both the ProKart North and the ProKart South series. With the new change of rules imposed by SKUSA, all SwedeTech Stock Moto engines built to SKUSA rules will need to have the following items changed or upgraded before the first attended event. This email is intended to inform our customers of the needed changes, as well as to receive a count of parts needed so SwedeTech can fully support our customers. If you plan on attending the first Fontana race, please respond if you are in need of any of the following parts. We apologize for having this information last minute, but due to weather, our R&D has been delayed.

SwedeTech Stock Moto Upgrades For SKUSA 2010 Rules
1999 CR125 Intake Manifold
1999 CR125 Reed Cage
SwedeTech CR125 Stock Moto Reeds SK2010
SKUSA Timing Plate

If you are in need of any of these parts, please contact SwedeTech so we can bring your package legal for the upcoming season. For the Fontana participants, we will be offering tech support. We will be at the track at 9 am to deliver orders and help customers make the transition.

Jason Berry
New Contact Information - please update your records
SwedeTech Racing Engines
11583 Walmort Rd
Wilton, CA 95693
916 687 3980 SHOP Telephone
916 687 4739 Fax

 

1-25-10 Three IKF 4 Cycle Engine Tech Seminars to be held in Region 6 

After the success of the 2009 IKF 4 Cycle Tech seminars and with the number of requests for more seminars, The IKF 4 Cycle Tech Committee is pleased to announce 3 IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminars just in time for start of the 2010 IKF Region 6 Gold Cup Sprint and Road Race Season.

Mike Schorn - IKF National Board Member, IKF 4 Cycle Committee member will be conducting the Seminars along with several regional 4 Cycle tech inspectors from the Northwest.

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.

The First of the 3 Seminars will be Saturday February 20^, 2010 10:00AM hosted by:

Kart-O-Rama 

13701 24^th 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 third scheduled will be hosted by:

 BAM Racing

Date and location of the Seminar will be announced in the near future.
425-921-1130

The seminars are open to all who like to come and learn about the Briggs World Formula and Animal engines along with IKF Tech procedures.

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

1-22-10 Kartel Motorsports Goes Wild!

 Kartel Motorsports announced today their appointment as the Official Wild Kart USA race team and sole US importer for Wild Kart. Manufactured in Borso del Grappa, Italy, Wild Kart offers world-class karting technology through sophisticated design and manufacturing.

“The addition of Wild Kart is a big step in the evolution of Kartel Motorsports”, said co-owner Joey Hand.  “Growing our business will allow us to better serve our existing customers as well as reach new ones – especially those coming into the sport. I visited the Wild Kart factory last month and was very impressed with everything I saw. As exclusive Wild Kart importer, Kartel Motorsports is looking forward to improving affordability for the local, entry-level karter through a dealer network we will build all over the country.” 

The new Wild Kart range extends from the entry-level roller chassis model starting at $2800.00, to the top-of-the-line national kart chassis, complete with billet components, starting at $4500.00.  Kartel can offer a number of competitive and cost-effective options for most every karter.

Kartel will continue their partnership with Grand Products and will continue to support and service the Top-Kart, Bridgestone and Comer brands in the future. 

Over the past three seasons we have enjoyed a successful and fun racing relationship with Mike Tetreault and Grand Products.

US Top-Kart importer Mike Tetreault; “I want to extend my best wishes to Kartel and the boys on their new endeavors.  Kartel has been a great asset to Top-Kart and Grand Products and I look forward to continuing our relationship.”

Winners of two CKI Championships and three Super Nationals titles in 2009, Kartel Motorsports will support the Gatorz Rotax Series, WSK CKI Championship, Pro Moto Tour, and all Norcal Super Series events this season. Kartel will bring back another stellar driver line up to the National tour, most of which are long time Kartel drivers.

Kartel has begun an extensive testing program with the new Wild Kart line and would like to hear from all interested drivers and dealers.

Background:

Kartel Motorsports is co-owned by American Le Mans and Grand-Am road racing star, Joey Hand and national karting champion Erik Bartolero. Kartel’s day-to-day business is managed by Joey’s father Les. Kartel offers an in-house engine service through Magnum Racing Engines. A partnership between Joey and Buck Sorensen, Magnum is a Certified Rotax service center. In addition to the Wild Kart brand, Kartel is a dealer for Top Kart, Bridgestone, and Comer. Interested in joining the Kartel Motorsports team? Visit kartelmotorsports.com or call the shop at 916-383-5278.

1-18-10 IKF Region 7 Championship Series - Buttonwillow
Courtesy of Go Racing

The IKF Region 7 Championship Series presented by Bridgestone kicked off its 2010 season the weekend of January 9th-10th at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. The event hosted by Bakersfield Kart Club went off without a hitch, as they certainly know how to put on a race. One can speculate, contemplate, hypothesize, pontificate, and even hazard a guess as to why the turnout was the lowest opening round in many years. None of it matters or changes that fact that the circus came to town, but was missing some of the favorite acts. Sure, we still had clowns and a dancing bear, and even a guy or two that looked to be shot out of a canon, but it wasn’t up to the normal standards we expect from the opening round of the series.

The weather was icing on the cake. Not icing like good frosting, but icing like bad frosty cold. If we lived anywhere other than in Southern California there would be no need to complain, but 40 degrees in winter is cold for most here. The legendary Tulé fog provided a nice dampness to go along with the chill and most racers and teams kept bundled up all weekend long

One driver that couldn’t be contained by warm clothing or on the track was David Vasquez. Vasquez dominated all the Junior 2 classes, with 3 poles and 3 wins. He would have won all four classes if a mechanical hadn’t sidelined him from the lead in Saturday’s KPV2 class. Brandon Reed was eager enough to jump from 2nd place into the lead, ultimately scoring his first win of the year, but that was the only time Vasquez fell short of the 1st place trophy. Vasquez bounced back from his disappointment to win the inaugural Junior 2 Spec PRD class on Saturday beating Jason Hannegan by 2 seconds and Jake Craig by almost ten. Sunday was an even better day for the NorCal driver as he outclasses both the KPV and Spec PRD without breaking a sweat.

Colton Herta and Brenden Baker split wins in the four Cadet classes, each winning one per day. Even with low numbers the Cadet fields were the largest and provided the best action as well. Poles went to Herta in Rookie Sportsman, Baker in KPV1 (Sat), Christian Brooks KPV1 (Sun) and Herta again in Junior 1. Rookie Sportsman, sporting a new pipe system saw Baker lead the first half of the race before surrendering the lead to Herta. Herta went clear to the win with Brooks sneaking past Baker to take 2nd place. KPV1 on Saturday saw a great drive from Baker as he DNF’d the prefinal and drove his way to the front within the first 5 laps. Herta, who led early, finished in 2nd place with Brooks finishing 3rd. Sunday saw Baker hammer the field of KPV1 drivers by over 8 seconds. Brooks turned in another great drive to finish in 2nd place while Herta this time had to come from the rear to finish in 3rd. Junior 1 was the head to head showdown between Herta and Baker, where neither driver had to overcome adversity. It did not disappoint as they traded the lead, leaving all other challengers in their wake. Herta inched his way clear for the win as Baker finished just 0.078 back. Parker Thompson finished in 3rd place after surviving a late race surge by Matt Million.

With all the multi winners out of the way, things freed up for other drivers to taste the sweet nectar of victory. This year saw a few changes in class structure with new ones replacing old ones, and new takes on old classes. Most noticeably is the combined KPV4 and Yamaha Pipe class. Why we needed a Yamaha pipe class is beyond me but since we clearly do, they are now similarly equipped to the KPV4 class. They are so close with clutch and pipe that we should just set the weight lower on the Yamaha and run the class all as one and be done with it. Saturday saw 7 KPV’s and 3 Yamahas, with the head Yamaha driven by Bradley Espinoza finishing 3rd overall. Espinoza was well clear of his nearest competitor and close enough to watch a fantastic race between Colby Wright and Carl Modoff for the KPV4 win. Both veteran drivers showed how you could race hard and clean all at the same time, bringing people to the fence as the laps wound down. The last two laps were filled with pass after pass as Wright finally made it stick enough to grab a great win. Sunday action saw everyone switch to a KPV power plant and no one run the Yamaha, so tell me again why we need it? Kolby Araki joined the fun on Sunday along with Justin Coplen and together with Modoff they made a go of things. Coplen led early before Araki took over the point. Once out front, Araki was able to keep a pace that others couldn’t follow and score the win. Coplen and Modoff scrapped over 2nd place with Modoff eventually keeping it for good and Coplen getting 3rd.

Brandon Reed found himself in the lead of Saturday’s KPV2 with the departure of David Vasquez, but his fight was far from over. Reed, Jason Hannegan and Jake Craig were all nose to tail for nearly the entire final. The last few laps saw the lead switch back and forth a few times between Reed and Hannegan with Craig lying in wait. Somehow Reed pulled it off leaving Hannegan 2nd and Craig 3rd.

Araki was all set on Saturday to win the Spec PRD class when an airbox came off on lap 9, ending his day. He qualified on pole, half a second faster than the field and easily won the prefinal, all without Friday practice. Clearly he needed a little soccer practice and a bit more track time and he might have noticed a loose airbox before it cost him the win. Dylan Lupton was in the perfect position to capitalize on Araki’s misfortune and was more than willing to assume the race lead. Lloyd Mack Jr. gave chase but at the finish he was well back of Lupton. Maya Gutierrez finished in 3rd place with Guy Hepner ending his day in 4th.

Kid Karts are always the best at the beginning of a new season. Drivers moved up, new kids come out for their first IKF race and the general pecking order of things has yet to be established. It is always good to win the first event of a series, but it really sets the tone for the year with these young drivers. Hayden Wagner got the ball rolling on Saturday leading Luis Ortiz and Braden Waterman around to complete their first circuit of the Buttonwillow track. Hudson Morrow was on the move and quickly took over second place and went in pursuit of Wagner. By lap four Morrow was out front and looking for the checkered flag. The eight lap final went by quickly as Morrow circumnavigated the track for the final time. Morrow scored his first IKF win of his career with Wagner and Waterman filling out the top three.

Sunday’s final was even more exciting as Morrow led Wagner and Ortiz for most of the laps. Things got interesting with two to go as positions changed all through the running order. Ortiz climbed to 2nd with two to go and made the race winning move on the final lap. Wagner was also able to get by Morrow and steal a 2nd place finish. Morrow remained in 3rd, finishing just a few tenths ahead of Waterman.

Few people will argue that Jerry Henderson is old, and even fewer will argue that he is fast. He is faster at 50-ish than most people (including myself) ever were or ever will be. He could have ran Sr. PRD and given Kolby Araki and Dylan Lupton a run for their money. Instead, he was a lap ahead of the rest of the Masters PRD drivers. James Rich was best in class and finished second to Henderson and well ahead of Tom Sherman. Charlie Klum was the lone TaG driver to complete a lap in the final.

Race 2 for the IKF Region 7 Championship Series presented by Bridgestone will take place in the Valley of the Sun - Phoenix, Arizona Valentines weekend February 12th-14th. PKRA is always a great racing environment and you can’t beat the Arizona winters. Check out pkra.com, ikfkarting.com or the latest edition of Go Racing Magazine for entry forms and information. Go Racing Magazine will see you there for round 2.

1-21-10 2011 “F2 PRIZE DRIVE” LURE SET TO FILL JIM RUSSELL SERIES GRID
 

2010 Jim Russell Championship Series title winner gets fully-funded F2 “seat”
Future Driver Search winners Carlton and Ellis confirmed for 16-race series
Team USA Scholarship winner Smrz returning to compete for European series attraction

The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School organization welcomes the new decade in terrific style by opening entries and confirming details for its 2010 Championship Series that sees the champion earn himself a fully funded drive in next year’s FIA Formula Two Championship.

The 2010 Jim Russell Championship Series features eight weekends comprising of two races staged on consecutive days between April-November utilizing a variety of configurations at the challenging Infineon Raceway (Sonoma, CA) – a venue which features Jim Russell Racing Drivers School’s multi-million dollar facility.

The FJR-50 single-seaters are owned and prepared “in house” by the Jim Russell Championship Series ensuring equality and placing the emphasis of success on driver talent. The Lola-built Formula Three machines feature a carbon/kevlar fiber composite monocoque, a sequential five-speed gearbox and a two-liter, turbocharged Mitsubishi engine producing 300bhp.

Gary Carlton (Marysville, CA) and Alex Ellis (St Catharines, Ontario, Canada) are already confirmed on the grid having last month (22 Dec) been chosen as the winners of the inaugural Jim Russell Future Driver Search by Britain’s double Le Mans 24 Hour sportscar race winner, Allan McNish, and his fellow judges, while Brett Smrz (Coeur d' Alene, ID), winner of the Jim Russell series for the past two years, has been tempted back by the phenomenal prize on offer.

The outright JRCS champion will compete in the 2011 FIA Formula Two series, a European-based series launched last year and featuring a Williams F1 developed single-seater. Inaugural 2009 FIA Formula Two Champion Andy Soucek (Sp) was awarded a test with the Williams F1 team last month as his prize for winning the F2 title. Indeed the top-three F2 Championship finishers qualify for an FIA Superlicence and thus are eligible to compete in Formula One.

“The addition of the Formula Two award to our series champion firmly sets the Jim Russell Championship Series as the premier developmental formula car series that provides an excellent path to the upper echelons of motorsport at an amazingly modest cost,” said Chip Pankow, President of the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School.

“Our series has been designed to foster and identify talent with the emphasis on value for money. Our philosophy is that a career in motorsports should be as merit-based as possible, not purely a financial equation.”

The Jim Russell Racing Drivers School was formed in Britain over 50 years ago helping to put Emerson Fittipaldi, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Scott Speed, Danny Sullivan and Jacques Villeneuve on the road to success. More recently 2009 Indy Lights champion J. R. Hildebrand (Sausalito, CA), the 2002 Jim Russell “Arrive and Drive” Sprint Kart Series and 2004 JRCS Champion, successfully tested for the Force India Formula One team last month.

The School offers a complete driver training program courtesy of some of the finest coaches in the world while the cost for a “seat” in the 2010 JRCS is $129,000 – which could, should he or she win the title, lead to a fully funded F2 drive in 2011 that is costing over $440,000 this year.

McNish commented: “The 2010 JRCS will be an exciting competition. The standard of drivers at Jim Russell’s Future Driver Search event last month was extremely high and with ultimate winners Gary [Carlton] and Alex [Ellis] joining double JRCS champion Brett [Smrz], plus the other competitors, guarantees it’ll be a hard fought 16-race series.

“They’ll all be fighting for the title and the stunning prize of a fully paid F2 drive in 2011 that offers a clear plan for a driver and the prospect of knocking on the door of Formula One.

“The FJR-50 is essentially a F3 chassis with high downforce and 300bhp and is a perfect platform to develop a driver’s talent. With a ‘common’ chassis, each prepared to the same specification, allows for a driver’s skills to shine through.

“The championship offers great value for money giving every driver a development program, both in and out of the cockpit, plus a clear career direction through to the very top for today’s aspiring young drivers helping them on the road to becoming tomorrow’s champions.”

Ellis (age 18) commented: "My goal is to be fully prepared for the opening races enabling me to drive to my full potential and to capture the championship title and the prestigious FIA Formula Two ride.”

Carlton (age 23) added: “I’m fully aware this will be the first time I’ve ever raced this type of racing car. If I get a good amount of testing under my belt before the first race I’m confident I will have a good shot at winning the championship which is of course my aim.”

Meanwhile 2008 & ’09 JRCS champion Smrz (19 next month), who earned himself a Team USA Scholarship last season, remarked: “The F2 prize will allow a driver to compete in Europe – essential if you want to make a career as an open wheel racer. It’s a great opportunity for me and I am going to go after the championship with everything I've got.

“The FJR-50 cars are brilliant and are very even – you ‘draw’ a different car to race on Saturday and Sunday. But it’s the same chassis, the same engine, and the same [Yokohama] tires for everyone – the only difference is the person behind the wheel.

“Infineon is one of the hardest tracks in North America but the series helpfully allows you to compare data with Chief Instructor Nico Rondet so you can learn what you are doing wrong in the car, and importantly, what you are doing right!

“The championship is organized extremely well – a driver arrives at the track, hops in the car and races, and then goes home. A nice and simple ‘arrive and drive’ system.”

Each race weekend begins with practice and qualifying sessions (both 30-minutes) with the first race lasting 25-minutes. The second day features a 30-minute practice session, two-lap qualification run prior to a 30-minute race. Points are awarded for the top-10 finishes with 12pts going to the winner.

2010 Jim Russell Championship Series (JRCS)
17-18 April: Rds 1/2.
8-9 May: Rds 3/4.
12-13 June: Rds 5/6.
10-11 July: Rds 7/8.
7-8 August: Rds 9/10.
11-12 Sep: Rds 11/12.
16-17 Oct: Rds 13/14.
12-13 Nov: Rds 15/16.

· Each double-header race weekend is preceded by a day’s official practice while the first of five official testing days begins on Friday (22 Jan).
 

1-21-10 PSL Karting Battles Hard at Opening Round of Florida Winter Tour

Seven podiums in total for 2010 opening weekend for Canadian CRG importer

The 2010 season is underway for the PSL Karting operation as it made the long journey from its base in Quebec, Canada to Orlando, Florida for the opening round of the Florida Winter Tour. Set at the new Orlando Kart Center facility, a squad of 20 drivers aboard CRG machines battled around the 7/10-mile circuit in six different categories, all looking to claim a Rotax Max Challenge International title. In its 12th year, the competition at the Florida Winter Tour is at its toughest level yet with PSL drivers in the mix all weekend, walking away with seven podiums total and claiming the first win of 2010.

On track, the Micro Max contingent for PSL Karting recorded the best results from the weekend with a victory and four podiums. American Anthony Gangi Jr. scored the feature win Sunday following a third place run on Saturday. Columbian native Juan David Buitrago joined him on the podium on day two with a second place run following a strong fourth place the previous day. Floridas Matthew Thomas score the lone pole position for PSL Karting on the weekend with the fast lap on Saturday, en route to a runner-up finish in the feature. On Sunday, Thomas improved from a tough qualifying session of 26th to end up seventh at the end of the day. Canadian James Dean Laderoute recovered from no completed laps in qualifying on Saturday to drive forward for a eighth place finish in the Prefinal, en route to seventh in the Final. Laderoute would remain in the top-10 Sunday, running ninth in the final. Mexican Donovan Fenton was 15th and 11th on the weekend, nearly putting four drivers in the top-10 on day two.

PSL Junior drivers added two podiums in the opening weekend, thanks to Jesus Rios Jr. and Jesse Lazare. On day one, Rios had to overcome a poor qualifying effort (17th) to place fourth in the Prefinal. After leading the first seven laps of the final, Rios settled into third to end up on the podium. Rios was primed for a run at the podium on Sunday until contact put him on the sidelines after just one lap in the feature. Lazare was in the top-10 on day one, crossing the line fourth in the feature behind Rios however was penalized for a driver infraction to put him at the tail of the finishing order. Making up for it the next day, Lazare came from 14th to the third spot on the podium in Sundays Final. Tommy Beshro needed to prevail over tough qualifying performances outside the top-20 to run to 12th and ninth in the finals to help put himself in the hunt for the championship. PSL Atlantic driver Alex VanSnick stepped up on day two after missing out on the A Main the previous day.

The lone DD2 driver for PSL - Kyle Herder - overcame a hard flip on Saturdays action to score the runner-up podium position on Sunday. The Masters duo for PSL came just short of podiums finishes both days, led by Dany St-Hilaire. The FWT rookie was consistent on Saturday, placing fifth in all on-track sessions. Qualifying second on Sunday, St. Hilaire ran third in the Prefinal and fell back one more spot to fourth in the Final. Michel Legrand was quick early on Saturday, moving up from ninth to sixth in the Prefinal, however, falling to eleventh in the Final. After posting the seventh quickest lap in Qualifying on Sunday, Legrand was involved in an opening lap crash that put him on the sidelines. Starting 22nd, Legrand muscled up to eighth for a solid top-10 finish.

Despite having the speed to battle for the win, the Senior contingent left Orlando with mostly unfavorable results. Lead driver Pier-Luc Ouellette was to contend for the win Saturday starting third, however, the traitorous turn one collected PLO in the opening corner pile up which dropped him to 25th in the order. Ouellette put in an amazing drive in to claim the ninth position after the 20-lap Final. The next day, Ouellette continued his pace within the top-five up through the Final until near the halfway mark when the rear bumper came loose, thus receiving the black flag to be removed from race recording a tough DNF. Massimo Scotti had solid end results on the weekend following unfavorable qualifying efforts. The driver from Quebec advanced 15 positions on Saturday to finish 13th while moving forward 11 spots on Sunday to cross the line 12th. PSL Atlantic driver Gerald Caseley showed strong speed both days but was victim to contact on track after running within the top-10 early on

The three drivers flying PSL Karting colors in the Mini Max division put in solid efforts with Jamaican Thomas Issa showing the way in his FWT debut with the squad. Issa recorded 12th and 15th place finishes in the feature races. Dominican Diego Barkhausen was 14th and 22nd on the weekend while American newcomer Gavin Reichelt made the show both days to earn the 18th and 25th positions. Other Junior drivers under the PSL tent included Alex VanSnick, Mikel Pelletier, and Marc-Antoine Cardin, who all fought valiantly on the weekend and will look to improve their results at the next round.

The month of February will take the PSL Karting operation further south in the state of Florida as the Florida Winter Tour program will travel to the Palm Beach International Raceway (formerly known as Moroso Motorsports Park). The Formula Kart weekend will take place on February 12-14 with the Rotax drivers returning on February 19-21.
 

1-21-10 Menezes Record Tough 2010 Debut at Florida Winter Tour

Tony Kart driver among quickest all weekend with unlucky results in Orlando

This past weekend was the 2010 debut for American karting star Gustavo Menezes as the Californian contested the opening Rotax weekend of the Florida Winter Tour. The 15-year old did battle at the Orlando Kart Center in competitive Rotax Senior category which hosted a number of international karting stars along with some big names from the motorsports world, including IndyCars Dan Wheldon. Though Menezes showed he had the speed to win on the weekend, the results did not match his speed with troubles at the start of the races that did not help in end results.

Attending the new Orlando, Florida facility for the first time, Menezes was fast out of the box in his Ocala Gran Prix Tony Kart entry. Working with veteran karter and mechanic Tony Loniewski, the two clicked together quickly and were the fastest following the official Friday practice sessions.

Its great to start off the 2010 season and working with Tony Loniewski and the rest of the Ocala Gran Prix crew was perfect, stated Menezes. We came into the event hoping to be competitive and the Tony Kart package they provided me with was awesome.

The first day of action saw Menezes near the top of the time charts following qualifying, missing out on the pole position by just 0.021-seconds to start third in the Prefinal. Despite starting on the inside of row two, the opening corner would not be favorable to Menezes as the field jostled through the turn. Getting caught in the shuffle, Menezes would fall to 13th the first time by the scoring stripe. Putting his head down and getting to work, the Senior rookie knifed his way forward each lap while posting the fast laps of the race, two-tenths clear of anyone inside the top-10. After 15-laps, Menezes ended up sixth in the order. The start to the Final would trump the previous in terms of unluckiness. Nearly escaping the carnage of the opening corner, Menezes would be pushed to the outside barriers and came to a complete stop at the exit of the corner. Keeping the kart running, Gustavo returned to the track out of contention running 30th with a severely bent up machine. Pushing on, Menezes would manage to finish the 20-lap event in the 21st position.

With the track green from the overnight rain, the track conditions on Sunday changed from the previous day with Menezes still among the quick drivers in qualifying ending up seventh when the session completed. Once again unable to get through the opening corner cleanly combined with a couple tough opening laps, Menezes fell to 16th by lap three. Collecting himself, Menezes would have to charge forward again and lived up to the task. Recording the fast lap of the race, Gustavo managed to advance up to the eighth spot in just 15 laps to set up a chance at the win in the Final. The final start of the weekend was Menezes best; however he would lose ground to the lead group in the early laps while maintaining his eighth starting spot. By the mid-way point, Menezes Tony Kart began closing in on the second group of the leaders. Able to gain the sixth spot, Menezes finished the 20-lap race with a tight battle with the defending class champion for the fifth position. After numerous exchanges, Menezes came just short at the line for fifth, settling for sixth.

Despite the troubles we had at the start of the races, I think I can come away from the weekend learning a lot, continued Menezes. To run up front against a stacked field such as this helps motivate me for the next event. We know now that we have the things together to challenge for wins in the final two rounds. It would be great to start of the season with a couple wins in my first full year in the Senior category.

Next on the schedule for Menezes will be round two of the Florida Winter Tour, set for February 19-21 at the Palm Beach International Raceway on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Junior Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley.
 

1-21-10 NEW YORKSHIRE-BASED “CUSTOMER” AUDI TEAM BIDS FOR EURO TITLE
 

• United Autosports becomes first British team to run spectacular Audi R8 LMS sportscar
• Richard Dean managed Leeds-based outfit enters a brace of R8 LMS sportscars in European-based FIA GT3 Championship

A newly-formed motor racing team based in Yorkshire will race a pair of Audi R8 sportscars aiming to successfully defend the FIA GT3 European Championship title for the German manufacturer this year.

The “customer sport” Audi R8 LMS starred in its first year of competition winning the 2009 FIA GT3 European, ADAC-GT Masters and Belgian GT Championship titles.

Leeds-based United Autosports will field two spectacular Audi R8 LMS racecars in the 2010 FIA championship scheduled to race in the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Portugal and Hungary.

The FIA Euro series begins at Silverstone, Northamptonshire (2 May) but United Autosports plan to début their brand new R8 LMS sportscars in the British GT Championship opener at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on Easter Monday (5 Apr).

Richard Dean is Managing Director and co-owner of United Autosports along with American sportscar racer Zak Brown. Brown (38) will partner Argentinean Pablo Perez Companc (27) with the driver line-up for the second R8 LMS to be decided.

“Our plans centre on the 2010 FIA GT3 European Championship but Oulton Park will be an ideal warm-up event for us,” says Dean who was born and still lives in Leeds. “The competition in British GT is always fierce and Oulton is the sort of demanding circuit that will provide the ideal test for United Autosports’ maiden outing. Hopefully we will be able to slot further British GT meetings into our schedule over the course of the year.”

Dean, aged 45, is a former Le Mans 24 Hour GT2 class winner and has been involved in motorsport for over 30 years. He has competed extensively in single-seater and sportscar racing.

“The Audi proved itself as a major contender in Europe last season and we have every reason to believe that it will be a race winner again in 2010,” continued Dean. “It will be great for a British-based team to give the Audi R8 LMS its maiden outing in the British GT Championship.”

In its début season, the 525-hp, 5.2 litre V10 mid-engined Audi R8 LMS scored 23 race victories throughout Europe.

"2009 was planned to be a year of learning for the Audi R8 LMS but our expectations were far surpassed," said Michael Dick, who as Executive Board Member for Technical Development, is also responsible for the motorsport commitment of AUDI AG. "After only one year, the R8 is already a GT3 car to be beaten."

The Audi R8 LMS was developed by Audi Sport in close cooperation with quattro GmbH for “customer” teams in international GT3 motorsport. The R8 LMS is the first thoroughbred “customer” sportscar in the brand’s near 30-year modern motorsport history.

“Considering we’re a new team, we are very fortunate to be aligned with Audi. Their sportscar racing heritage is legendary and their premium global brand position compliments our own goals for United Autosports.

“Zak [Brown] is a hugely important part of this team. He and I have put the team together but Zak’s motorsport contacts have helped us to secure some great support from sponsors, which will be announced very soon, and from within the motorsport world.

“We will also contest the Spa 24 Hours and may do the Nürburgring 24 Hours. I’ll not drive in the FIA GT3 series but quite fancy the idea of getting behind the wheel for the 24 hour events,” concluded Dean whose late father, Tony, was himself an experienced racer.

Oliver Straube, Audi R8 LMS Marketing and Sales, remarked: “For us as a manufacturer, it is important that our customer racers well represent the Audi brand both on and off the race track.

“With United Autosports we feel we have added a new customer team that will add to the long-running motor sport success of Audi. In terms of the FIA GT3 European Championship specifically, we expect good results for United Autosports in 2010 and beyond.”

Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO Formula One Management, Formula One Administration, commented: “I know firsthand the determination and drive Zak Brown delivers to the commercial side of Formula One.

“Since he brings that same focus and intensity to bear in any enterprise, I'm confident his leadership and marketing skills will be of great advantage to his United Autosports race team.”

1-19-10 SwedeTech Racing Engines New Address and Contact Information

SwedeTech Racing has moved and is positioned to better serve our customers for many more years.

Over the past 2 months, SwedeTech Racing Engines has been busy with winter testing, end of season duties, and moving to a new purpose built facility to better service our customers.

The new facility has been built as a reflection of Reine Persson’s past 20 years of engine building experience. As with our racing engines, every detail in the new facility has been well thought out. The only thing that will be familiar to those that have been to our old location is the office layout. After that, the new facility is purpose built for building the best kart engines available.

Every aspect of the new plant has more working room, more light, and more flexibility. This includes the inventory and parts area, assembly room, clean room, and in house machine shop. The new dynamometer room will house two dynamometers, one specifically for Shifter and high horsepower engines, the other for Comer K80, KT100, Rotax, Leopard, Rok, KF, HPV/Komet, IAME, and all other clutch kart and TaG engines.

Our customers have come to expect high quality and service from SwedeTech and our employees. With the new location, SwedeTech will continue to stride forward to produce performance and quality.

Please update your address book with our new information. Our address and phone numbers have changed.

New Contact Information

SwedeTech Racing Engines
11583 Walmort Rd
Wilton, CA 95693
916 687 3980 SHOP Telephone
916 687 4739 Fax

www.shopswedetech.com – online shopping cart
www.swedetechracing.com – technical site

For more information, contact Jason Berry at (916) 687 – 3980 or info@swedetechracing.com . SwedeTech Racing Engines offers parts and service for all two – stroke kart racing applications.

 

***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

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.

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

1-15-10 KAL-GARD GRAND PRIX TO LAUNCH NEW PROKART CHALLENGE SOUTH SEASON

Superkarts! USA flagship region first to unveil new class structure during January 30 event at CalSpeed

Now entering its sixth season, the ProKart Challenge South program will kick off the 2010 Superkarts! USA regional racing schedule at the end of the month with the running of the inaugural Kal-Gard Grand Prix of Fontana at the CalSpeed Karting facility, located on the grounds of the Auto Club Speedway. The series will utilize the 3/4-mile Nuovo course at CalSpeed when the flagship regional program of the SKUSA organization visits the Fontana, California facility on January 29-30, beginning this years six-round calendar. This will be an important and exciting event, as the PKC crew pulls the cover off of SKUSAs off-season updates, including a new spec oil supplier in Kal-Gard Lubricants.

This opening event will represent a re-launch of sorts for the Superkarts! USA program, as they will debut the new class structure that was developed during the off-season. With a focus on streamlining their Stock Moto program, SKUSA adjusted the name of its headline S3 class to S1 - Pro Stock Moto, which will now top a new lineup that includes five national Stock Moto categories running from the Junior Stock Moto class of S5 up through Master Stock Moto (S4), Rookie Stock Moto (S3) and Semi-Pro Stock Moto (S2). For the first time in recent years, there is a set road of progression within the Stock Moto ranks, which will be put on display at CalSpeed. Also offered for the second year in a row will be the local-option S4-Magnum Stock Moto class. The SKUSA staff is anticipating a strong turnout across the board, as the PKC faithful are ready to get back on-track for the first time since the SuperNationals.

Our new Stock Moto class structure will make it much easier to understand for the potential racer, as its all about the progression through the classes, offers Tom Kutscher, SKUSA president and PKC promoter. Im particularly excited about our new licensing program. Weve had many drivers apply for the A License that is necessary for the S1 class, but were going to stay true to our mandate to allow only the best and most experienced competitors into the category. Drivers will need to earn their A License through on-track performance, which will help develop a strong group of competitors in S2 as well. That said, Im super excited about the S4 Master Stock Moto class, which I think will be huge, and Im totally committed to developing the S5 Junior Stock Moto division, which is the key to our program.

To put his money where his mouth is in regards to the S5 class, PKC will provide free entry into the opening round of the series to get the Southwests young drivers into the exciting gearbox class. Kutscher has also put together an attractive prize package for the stars of this years PKC South season. Provided that 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 SuperNationals, which will certainly be the largest event in the class short history.

The S5 class will be on the SuperNationals schedule, theres no doubt about it; its our future, and I hope that we see drivers working their way into the program to get experience for that race, Kutscher continues. The absolute beauty of the Stock Moto program is that a family can invest in a motor for their junior-aged driver and then keep that motor right through to when he or she graduates through to S1. The operating costs are lower than ever, thanks to our recent rules updates, and when amortized over a drivers career with us, the engine package is an incredible value!

In addition to the new incentive to build the S5 class, the prize packages for this years champions will be bolstered by SKUSAs new association with Kal-Gard Lubricants, which will supply the new spec oil for all of the organizations regional series. The storied company will be front-and-center at CalSpeed as the title sponsor of the series opener, which has been dubbed the Kal-Gard Grand Prix of Fontana. Watch for future announcements and updates regarding the championship prize packages to be given out at the ProKart Challenge season-ending banquet in September.

Despite the fact that there has been no on-track action since the SuperNationals in November, the SKUSA staff has been hard at work, making some minor but important adjustments to both the Stock Moto and TaG category rules packages in an effort to both maintain a level playing field and further cut operating costs. In the Stock Moto classes, adjustments to the induction system rules were made, while the specific engine weights for the TaG line-up were also adjusted based on feedback from various PKC and SKUSA supporters. These rules adjustments will all be in effect at the ProKart Challenge opener, and will surely increase the competition, especially for the three TaG classes offered: TaG Junior, TaG Senior and TaG Master. PKC is also allowing the local-option class KF2 to run in this seasons championship starting with the first race.

The entire ProKart Challenge staff is excited about the upcoming sixth season, and were looking forward to seeing our off-season work put into play, Kutscher commented.

The opening round of the six-race championship will begin on January 29 with practice day at the CalSpeed facility from 9:00 am 5:00 pm. PKC South will offer a complimentary Friday night BBQ dinner following the practice day, hosted by event sponsor Kal-Gard. Pre-registration and pit reservations are currently being accepted, with racers able to save $35 on their race entry by submitting them prior to midnight, January 27. SKUSA memberships will be mandatory for the event, and forms are available on the SKUSA or ProKart Challenge websites. Camping will be permitted on Friday night for a $50 charge, and the host hotel the Doubletree Ontario Airport - has rooms for $89 plus tax when registering as part of the ProKart Challenge group.

A live scoring feed as well as blogging will be available Saturday during the racing action. For more information on the CalSpeed event or anything related to SKUSA and the ProKart Challenge, visit www.superkartsusa.com and www.prokartchallenge.com or phone the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.
 

1-14-10 Jim Russell Launches 2010 Kart Arrive and Drive with New Name; Announce Significant Prizes
 

As part of continual enhancements to their program offerings, Jim Russell Racing Drivers School has announced that their karting arrive and drive championship will be renamed the Jim Russell Karting Cup. The Cup will host three categories for drivers: Sprint Kart Cup (16+), Junior Cup (12-15) and Cadet Cup for drivers aged 8-12.

The Jim Russell Karting Cup will kick off its season in March, with each series running 8 events, one each month through October with all events held at the school’s Infineon Raceway location. The Sprint Kart Cup will again be a 10-race championship, two double-header weekends with the other four races run alongside the ProKart Challenge North Series. The Sprint Kart Cup will feature the school’s Rotax powered SKM karts that have proven performance and consistency.

Cadet and Junior Cup will again run on the same race day, however their schedule increases by one event (from seven to eight) for 2010. Additionally, due to strong demand, an increase in the available race seats for the Cadet and Junior Cup have been made available with two run groups split between Advanced and Intermediate/Novice skill level.

“We are really excited about the 2010 Jim Russell Karting Cup. We are very satisfied with the system we’ve developed and the equipment we’re able to support,” explained Karting Operations Manager Frank Bain. “The Jim Russell Karting Cup is not only a great way to compete, but we highly value it in the Jim Russell Ladder System.

In recognition of the value that karting adds to the Ladder System, Jim Russell Racing Drivers School has announced that they will award not only a 3-day School of Racing to the Sprint Kart Cup Champion, but will also include an entry into the 2011 Future Driver Selection.

Jim Russell President Chip Pankow went on to explain, “Our school philosophy is about the progressive advancement of our drivers and the Future Driver prize gives competitors the opportunity to make the transition from kart to open wheel car.”

In addition to the Sprint Kart Cup Champion prize, the Jim Russell Karting Cup will continue to offer handsome prizes to Cadets, Juniors and standouts in the Sprint Kart categories.

The 2010 Jim Russell Karting Cup kicks off March 13 for the Sprint Kart Cup and March 20 for the Cadet and Junior Cup. To reserve a seat in this year’s championship, contact 1.800.733.0345 or visit www.jimrussellusa.com for more information.
 

2010 Jim Russell Karting Cup Race Schedule

Sprint Kart Cup
Saturday March 13
Saturday April 3*
Saturday May 1
Saturday June 12
Saturday July 10*
Saturday August 7
Saturday September 4
Saturday October 9*

Cadet/Junior Cup
March 20
April 10
May 22
June 26
July 24
August 28
September 25
October 23

Practice Schedule

Sprint Kart Cup (Afternoons)
Saturday March 6
Friday April 2
Saturday April 24
Saturday June 5
Saturday July 3
Saturday July 31
Friday September 3
Saturday October 2

Cadet/Junior Cup
Sunday March 7
Sunday April 4
Sunday May 9
Sunday June 13
Sunday July 11
Sunday August 15
Sunday September 12
Sunday October 10

Kart Lapping is also available for all JR Karting Cup competitors available during most open practice session’s ontrack, based on availability.

Scheduled practice events will include instruction and run ontrack with conditions similar to upcoming race day. Practice schedule is subject to change based on demands.

* events will include special activity to be announced. All other events will be held with ProKart Challenge – North.

For details, contact Jim Russell Sales representative to learn more about 2010’s new offerings.

1-12-10 Leading Edge makes change for 2010

To all present and future customers.

Leading Edge wishes Bryan the best of luck and looks forward to the new structure for 2010, which has PRO drivers Tad Funakoshi and Lorenzo Manderino coming on board for track side support at published racing schedules in IKF, PROKART, SKUSA PRO TOUR, CKI WINTER TOUR & NATIONAL TOUR Schedule.

Organizational changes to the shop structure will offer a shipping and receiving agent as well as a shop organization, tear down and kart assembly agent. Stop by leading Edge and see the changes already taking place. Support will be second to none in 2010 as the Lodi company is here for the long haul. Join the team that gives you the tools to win. Greg Bell states, "We have endured everything the industry has thrown our way from start up companies that are now gone to the latest economic wows.”

Contact us for all your INTREPID needs; the hottest brand on the market today finishing 1-2-3 in superpro and 3^rd in S4 at Supernationals and is available as the only authorized dealer in California. Interested in track side support? contact us @209-369-0921 leadingedgeguy@sbcglobal.net. We are well supplied with intrepid and SKM products and are ready for your entire winter engine rebuilds. We are here to support your every need…We have supplied more Norcal top 3  drivers there equipment then any other shop around. Follow what they have been noticed and supported on, become another headliner driver in 2010. Leading Edge is dedicated to support you or your kids racing needs.

Thanks for the patronage and support over the past 14 years

Greg Bell
Leading Edge Motorsports
LeadinEdgeMotorsports.com

            LEM in Action                      Happy Supported Customers

1-13-10 Business as usual for Team Pitts Performance

Results are our business, and business is good. With the 2010 IKF Region 7 Championship Series underway Team Pitts Performance is already getting back to the business of getting results for customers.

Team Pitts Performance will be trackside at all 2010 IKF Region 7, LAKC, and Challenge of the Americas races supporting customers and the weekend of January 9th-10th at Buttonwillow Raceway Park was just the first of many trips to the track for the new year.

Loyalty paid off big time this weekend for Colton Herta whose great form was a carryover from last year as he kept his momentum going into the new season on his Pitts powered BA1. Herta started things off right with two poles to his credit and brought home half the Cadet first place trophies with two wins. Always in the hunt no matter the class, he finished every race on the podium, adding a 2nd and 3rd place finish to his pair of wins. Christian Brooks, also on a Pitts powered BA1 placed 3 out of 4 races on the podium, scoring a pole in KPV1 in the process. Brooks picked up a pair of 2nd place finishes and one 3rd to finish off his weekend. His time is coming and don’t be surprised to see him win at round 2 of the IKF Region 7 Series in Phoenix next month. Jacob Drew is also one of those drivers knocking on the door of Mr. Win Races. He was in the fight all weekend long and a 5th place finish was not enough to represent how well he ran. Team Pitts Performance would like to welcome Anthony Sawyer into the Cadet ranks after moving up from Kid Karts. Also joining Pitts this year on a BA1 Cadet chassis is Lindsey Freier and Cooper Whitbred.

Team Pitts Performance once again dominated the Kid Kart class, with Hudson Morrow and Luis Ortiz leading the way. After a dismal qualifying session in adverse conditions Morrow overcame all challengers to win his first IKF Region 7 Kid Kart race on Saturday. It took less than a lap for his Pitts power to kick in and rocket him from 5th on the grid into first place. Once out front it was clear sailing to the finish. Fellow Team Pitts Performance drivers Braden Waterman finished in 3rd place, Luis Ortiz 4th, and Carson Enright 5th. Bryson Waterman and Denzel West finished just outside the top five.

Sunday’s Kid Kart qualifying saw the top four positions owned by Pitts drivers. Braden Waterman earned the pole with Morrow, Ortiz, and West right behind. Ortiz found some extra speed in the 8-lap final and was able to grab his first win of the New Year, just beating the field to the checkered flag. At the mad dash for the line Morrow came up just a few tenths off Ortiz and was nipped at the line, finishing in 3rd place. Haden Wagner finished 2nd running on Pitts Power for the first time, Braden Waterman was also in the lead battle, finishing in 4th. Enright scored his second top five finish of the weekend just beating out Bryson Waterman.

Jake Craig flew the Team Pitts Performance banner for Junior 2. Craig, a standout in the Team Pitts Performance lineup from 2009 managed to find his way to the podium in all 4 Junior 2 races this weekend. Craig scored a pair of 3rds on Saturday, nabbed a pole in Sunday’s KPV2 class and finished 2nd twice, right on the heals of the leader. Where other championship hopefuls faltered here and there Craig remained consistent and is poised for Phoenix next month.

Want Results? Look no further then Pitts Performance. We specialize in Engine Building and Kart parts, Racing Accessories, and are an authorized Rotax Service Center. Pitts Performance is the sole USA Importer for the BA-1 Cadet chassis.
 

1-13-10 PSL KARTING READIES FOR ANOTHER ASSAULT ON FLORIDA WINTER TOUR
 

Canadian CRG importer journeys south to Florida for three-month program

TROIS-RIVIERES, QC (January 13, 2010) A longtime supporter of the Florida Winter Tour, the PSL Karting operation will make the long journey from its headquarters in Quebec to central Florida for the 12th season of the series. The Canadian CRG importer - who recently was awarded as one of the top CRG distributors in the world - will contest the three-round program with the opening round set for January 15-17 at the new Orlando Kart Center. Focused primarily on the Rotax weekends, the PSL tent will pit 20 drivers battling in all six categories for the first event.

Last years Tour saw PSL drivers battle for wins and championship in every category and the 2010 driver lineup is primed for gold, led by a strong Senior contingent. Former Rotax World Champion and FWT champion Pier-Luc Ouellette returns for his second season with the PSL/CRG squad. Despite being shut out in the win category, PLO was consistently fast each weekend in 09, scoring third in the Rotax Senior championship standings. Joining Ouellette in the category will be Massimo Scotti - second in the eKartingNews.ca Driver Rankings - and Dominic Legrand along with PSL Atlantic driver Gerald Caseley.

The lone driver in the DD2 category will be Kyle Herder. Spending much of the 2009 season working as a wrench for various drivers, Herder will be a member of the PSL Karting squad under the new PSL Ontario banner. Herder has had success in Florida, having finished third in the DD2 standings back in 2008. The Masters squad will also do battle for the championship with PSL ending in the runner-up spot one year ago. Michel Legrand will lead the charge in 2010 with Dany St. Hilaire joining the PSL tent.

The Junior half of the PSL Karting team is stacked with rising young talent that are looking to establish themselves at the early years of their careers. One driver that may have a promising future is American Jesus Rios Jr. The Florida driver was one of the top pilots in last years Tour, recording two feature wins en route to the runner-up position in the standings. Rios, who received a half-season regional scholarship from Skip Barber during their karting shootout, will enter the 2010 season as one of the favorites for the title. Two of Canadas top Junior drivers will compete with PSL as Tommy Beshro and Jesse Lazare return. Beshro was a top-10 driver in his two events contested in 09 and is primed to run at the front. Lazare, the 2009 Mini Max vice-champion and Coupe de Montreal Rotax Junior champion, will make the move up to the Junior ranks for the first time at the FWT. Marc-Antonie Cardin and Mikel Pelletier will join the PSL tent along with PSL Atlantic driver Alex VanSnick.

For 2010, PSL Karting will field three drivers in the Mini Max category from three different countries. Dominican Diego Barkhausen contested the final FWT round in 09 with PSL, scoring top-10 results. Jamaican Thomas Issa will make his FWT debut with PSL, having run fourth at the Rotax Max Challenge USA Grand Nationals back in September. Both will be joined by newcomer, American Gavin Reichal. PSL Karting found success with their Micro Max package in 2009 and will look to carry that into the new season. Manning CRG/PSL Rotax machines will be American Anthony Gangy Jr., Donavan Fantom from Mexico, Columbian Juan David Buitrago and Canadian James Deen.

A few drivers began the season early, taking part in the Florida Winter Tour Formula Kart weekend on January 9-10. Michel and Dominic Legrand contested the Master Shifter and Pro Rotax Senior categories, respectively, with Josh Adams in the Stock Moto division. Michel Legrand took home the victory on day one, following it up with a runner-up finish on day two. Dominic Legrand was fourth in the wet conditions in the first feature however was ninth in the second feature. Adams scored second in both his feature races, giving PSL Karting four podiums in the opening weekend of the Florida Winter Tour.

1-13-10 MENEZES BEGINS 2010 SEASON WITH FLORIDA WINTER SERIES CAMPAIGN

Californian set to make jump to Senior category in upcoming season

The 2009 season was a full 12-months for American karting star Gustavo Menezes. The Californian spent most of his season competing overseas in Europe with the Tony Kart Junior Racing Team, making great gains and solid results from his previous season. State-side, Menezes spent his time concentrating on his schooling, while attending one-off events with great success. Now focused on making the step up the karting ranks, Menezes will move to the Senior category for his rookie year in 2010.

First up on the docket for the 15-year old will be contesting the three weekends of the Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour (FWT). The program is in its 12th season, gaining a large international follow. The Rotax weekends, in which Menezes will take part in, have become one of the largest international Rotax series in the world. Gustavo will be competing in the competitive Rotax Senior category during the FWT Rotax weekends. The first round scheduled for January 15-17, 2010 at the new Orlando Kart Center in Florida. Last years field saw over 60 drivers from 11 different countries, many holding national titles, compete in the three weekends

Menezes is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him. The Rotax division at the Florida Winter Tour has some of the top drivers from North American and around the world. Making the advancement to the Senior category in 2010, the three weekends there will be a great test to make sure Im ready for the jump. The Orlando track is new for everyone so the first weekend should be a great way to start out the season.

Menezes ended the 2009 season making the move to the Senior division early as he contested the KF2 and TaG Senior classes at the SKUSA SuperNationals XIII at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In an international field of over 30 drivers, Menezes was the top American in the KF2 category with his fourth place podium finish. In the 80-driver TaG Senior division, Menezes battled for the win, only to be pushed off course while leading in the final corner of feature, eventually placing second following the officials ruling.

With his performance at the November event, Menezes was awarded a scholarship to the 2010 Jim Russell Future Driver Selection shoot-out last month. The event had nearly 40 drivers from 10 different countries competing for two seats in the Jim Russell Championship Series for 2010. Evaluated behind the wheel of karts, Mitsubishi Evolution X sedans, and the school sFJR-50 single-seater open-wheel car, Menezes was chosen as part of the top-20 drivers to make the final cut.

Despite not being selected as one of the two drivers to receive the ride in 2010, Menezes learned from his experience. The Jim Russell Future Driver program was a great experience for me. This was the first time I had a chance to drive an open-wheel car and learned a lot. My performance there has set up different options of me in the future when I make the progression from karts to cars

Before making that move, Menezes will focus on scoring victories at the opening round of the FWT. The Orlando, Florida event begins with official practice on Friday, followed by two separate racing days. Gustavo is able to compete at this level thanks to his many sponsors, including Tony Kart USA, Red Bull, UP Racing, Safety Park Inc., K1 Speed, K1 Race Gear, Tony Kart Junior Racing Team, On Track Promotions and Oakley.
 

1-6-10 ALUMINOS ARRIVE AND DRIVE RACING PROGRAM CONTINUES TO FIND SUCCESS
 

Professional operation continuing to build and improve on accomplished program

The past two seasons has been a successful beginning in what promises to be a long future for Team Aluminos. The Danville, California-based operation, which came to life in late 2007 and splashed onto the karting scene with their debut at the 2007 SKUSA SuperNationals with excellent results and happy customers. From there, a great foundation was created to help produce consistent and solid results for the last two years in their Arrive and Drive program. Aside from the results, the crew at Aluminos has the received the respect and admiration from its customers - who continue to return each weekend to gain that extra edge in pursuit of their own personal goals.

“The past two years have been great for Aluminos,” stated owner Rob Soares. “Being a driver myself, I knew the concept I wanted for our Arrive and Driver program is what customers and drivers needed in order to provide a solid service that they would be able to gain individually from. I’ve surrounded myself with and hand selected top notch people I trust and respect to help out our customers. Each person at Aluminos is a key asset for their unique abilities to give our drivers that little something extra in only a manner in which their talents allow for. They are all very experienced racers and mechanics, which are invaluable in this racing environment.”

Aluminos has what can be considered a ‘Dream Team’ of instructors/tuners working with him throughout the season. Soares is by no means just an observer as he is a key component to what happens for each of his customers under the tent. As the one-time owner of KLS Racing - the former importer for the GP Kart brand - Soares knows the technical side of the race craft as well as a solid CV behind the wheel as a driver since 2000. His right-hand man and technical guru is George Tavares. Coming from a long background of motorsports, including rally cars to dirt bikes, Tavares has a vast knowledge of the technical side of racing. Soares and Tavares have been working together since 2002 and proven to be a potent duo.

Depending on the weekend, the Aluminos tent will have a distinguished group of instructors and tuners. In the past, the father/son combination of Vince and Lorenzo Mandarino - who won the 2005 SKUSA SuperNationals SuperPro title - has assisted those under the Aluminos banner. The stable fixture since the start of Aluminos has been Tom Dyer. The 2007 and 2009 SKUSA SuperNationals S3 winner has a real-established record as driver, both in karting and cars. A product of the competitive NorCal karting scene, Fritz Leesmann is another added bonus to the Aluminos staff. Leesmann is an established driver in both TaG and shifter karts, earning numerous national wins and championships and knows his way around with a wrench in his hand. Another notable person that joins the Aluminos tent throughout the year includes Joe White, another knowledgeable mechanic and driver who knows the ins and outs of a karting package.

The entire package put together by Soares has been the key foundation for the Aluminos Arrive and Driver program. Aluminos offers packages for ICC, Stock Moto, and TaG divisions aboard a number of chassis brands. The ICC package is for those looking to compete in the KZ2 or G1 categories with the choice of TM or Maxter engine power, supported and maintained by Joe White Racing Engines. The Stock Moto option is with an Aluminos Honda CR125 engine maintained by Tavares. For TaG, the options are an IAME Parilla, Rotax or any engine that the customer provides if they have a preference. With the crew assembled, the right race packages available, the trackside support is above and beyond what most will experience with any other program. Aside from the basic race prep and kart maintenance, the Aluminos staff is there to help with driver development (including lead/follow, debriefing, and driving advice), chassis tuning, engine tuning and data analysis. The data analysis is a key aspect to the program as Aluminos utilizes PI data acquisition systems to break down the nuances of driving, chassis and engine performance unlocking and giving definition to where the potential gains for driver and his equipment are.

“Rob and Team Aluminos have a great arrive and drive program with a great group of guys who have a lot of experience with karts and kart racing,” commented Fernando Diaz, a G1 driver with Aluminos. “I think it is a tremendous asset to get feedback from drivers/coaches such as Tom, Fritz, and others. These are all top notch drivers and working with Team Aluminos gives you a chance to work with these guys, do lead-follow, and have them jump in your kart to see if your feedback is accurate. Not to mention Rob is a very involved and knowledgeable team owner and he is not afraid to go testing so you can work on your skills and kart set up.”

Diaz joined Aluminos in 2009 and went straight to the podium this season. His big victory came at the ProKart Challenge West Coast Shootout in the middle of the summer and was a top-five runner at the SKUSA SuperNationals in the G1 category aboard his Aluminos-prepped GP package.

The Aluminos crew is also family-friendly as well. The father son duo of Phil and Brad Dunford has been with the program since early 2008. “I was introduced to Rob about three years ago by SKUSA CEO Tom Kutscher as I told him I was interested in giving my son the opportunity to compete with the best, said Phil Dunford. “I knew I didn’t have the technical skill or the know-how to achieve this myself and that’s when he referred me to Aluminos. We were able to come to an agreement on how they would be able to help work toward our goals. Aside from the great technical support we get, the talented driver coaches they have brought in to work with myself and Brad - whether its doing the lead/follow session or helping to understand driving different kart set ups - has been great for improving our driving skills. As a father himself, Rob's worked with me as a mentor to my son to teach him to understand that the opportunity that he's been given shouldn't be taken lightly and consequently my son has shown more gratitude and drive than previously.”

This past season, Brad finished fifth and sixth in the championship standings in the super competitive S3 class in ProKart Challenge South and North programs, respectively. Phil himself returned back behind the wheel this season for three events, placing on the podium in the final two. Both Brad and Phil competed at the SuperNationals in the S3 and S4 classes. Brad came from 13th on the main event grid to finish a respectable seventh aboard his newly acquired Aluminos prepared CRG kart. Phil climbed aboard his trusted GP chassis and advanced from 19th to a solid 12th in his first SuperNats event

Phoenix resident Peter Workum was looking to broaden and accelerate his base of driving skill and karting knowledge while getting involved in a high level of competition when joining the trackside program for Aluminos. Scoring his first victory and clinching second in the PKC North program, Workum is well on his way to become a consistent front-runner aboard his Intrepid chassis.

“Rob and the Aluminos crew have done a very good job at facilitating my different arrive and drive program from the outset,” explained Workum. I elected to supply my own chassis, motor and spares to allow me to conserve funds to do additional racing. My strategy was to get as much exposure to as many good karters, quality coaches and experienced mechanics as often as I could and was able to accomplish that with Aluminos. I have recently been fortunate to receive a tailor made driver development program in an effort to improve my kart driving technique and race-craft with Aluminos. I am looking forward to being able to further pursue this program over the off season and into the coming year of racing with the Aluminos crew.”

Workum did double-duty at the SuperNationals, running the S4 and TaG Masters divisions. With the help of the Aluminos squad, Workum finished an impressive eighth from 20th in the shifter kart while placing 14th in the TaG ride for two top-15 performances against 40 drivers in both fields.

For the 2010 season, Aluminos is looking at fielding drivers at the SKUSA ProKart Challenge North and South programs, as they have for the past two seasons. The South program will be a mixture of facilities in Southern California while the North will contest events on numerous configurations of the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. Added to their schedule for the upcoming season will be the new SKUSA Pro Tour that is set to compete in April at the Infineon Raceway facility that Aluminos considers their home track and a temporary circuit in the St. Louis, MO area. The year will end with the 14th annual SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas.
 

1-1-10 2009 Season Wrap- Cody Hodgson

It has been a whirlwind ride for Escalon, California HS senior and racer Cody Hodgson since summer. Along with racing the ProKart North and South series, Cody spent a week in Ocala Florida prior to school starting last August, testing and training with the Ocala Gran Prix Team. In mid September he would join their team at the Rotax Grand Nationals in Norman, Oklahoma to come home with the victory trophy and the National Championship title in the DD2 class! That title earned him a spot on the US team at the Rotax World Finals in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt in December. From that point on it's been nonstop racing into the holidays for Cody. He finished up his Pro Kart Challenge North season at Infineon as the champion in the S1 class and then back to Orlando/Ocala for more testing for the World Finals. Returning from Florida, Cody flew straight to Las Vegas to meet up with his dad and the Tony Kart team to race at the Supernationals. After some "not so great luck" and finishing 13th at the Supernats, Cody was ready to move on to the next big race which would be the Granja Viana 500 in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the 2nd year in a row. Cody was chosen last March through Florida Winter Tour to represent the US again at the Granja Viana 500 on December 5th. (which was also his 18th birthday!) So Cody and his parents flew to Sao Paulo the day after Thanksgiving, spent a couple days with Eduardo Martins (Tony Kart) and family and then it was full speed racing ahead.

"We headed out to the track on Monday night to check out the local practice, explains Cody, Once there we were able to spend some time with the Tony Kart team since our team would not arrive until Tuesday afternoon and it was not just "local" practice night, it was "celebrity" practice! Just walking around the pit area you ran into drivers like Vitor Meira, Rafael Matos, Rubens Barichello, Anthony Lazzaro, Christian Fittipaldi, Tony Kaanan, to name just a few. It's amazing!" "The Granja Race experience is one like no other just because of the place and the people involved. After racing it last year I couldn't wait to go again and it was even better this year!" Chasing Barichello was really cool and a lot of fun.. I never once thought that I'd ever be drafting, signaling and working together with one of my racing heroes... it was an amazing experience!"

The Florida Winter Tour/MG Tires/Kart Mini team of Cyndie Allemann, Richard Benitez Alex Speed and Cody Hodgson ended up 3rd in the "B" group and 15th overall which was a first ever podium finish for a North American team racing at the Granja 500!! Also there to race a separate kart for the US team were ProKart recipients Brendon Bain, Matt Zeis, Jeff Smith and Tommy Thompson.

Cody would like to thank several people for the opportunity to race at the Granja Viana 500 the past 2 years.......Luis Ruibal & Wagner Rossi from MG Tires, Bill Wright and the Florida Winter Tour team, Tom and Patty Kutscher, SKUZA ProKart, Sabia Racing Team, Brazil, Kart Mini, Brazil, Mike Burruel, National Kart News, Eduardo and Andre Martins of Tony Kart Florida. (Eduardo you are a great tour guide!)

The day after the Granja Cody repacked his bags, headed for the airport in Sao Paulo and flew off to Egypt. After 22 more hrs of flying to Rome, then Cairo, he made it to Sharm El-Sheik for the Rotax World Finals, already a day under way, on Monday night Dec 7th. The next morning he met up with the Ocala Grand Prix team and his tuner Wes Boswell and headed for Ghibli Raceway. Cody qualified 17th on Wednesday and from there ran 3 heat races, a pre-final and then the final on Saturday. He had 2 - 6th place finishes, 1 fourth place finish and that would start him in the 9th for the pre-final. He then finished 3rd in the pre-final moving him into the 3rd starting position for the main event. After a good start and jumping into 2nd for several laps he would eventually be passed by the winner and he would end up 3rd at the checkered flag!!! Cody was only the second American ever to podium at the Rotax World Finals, which also helped to secure TEAM USA the 2nd place spot in the Nation's Cup!

Cody would like to thank Jorge Arellano from OGP, along with Kyle Kraus & Troy Mitchell and the entire OGP Team, and Wes Boswell, Cody's tuner and record holder for the Fastest Kart Tire Changer in the World! Congratulations to Wesley!

Also special thank yous go out to long time supporters Gary Richter-Panavise, Swedetech, Scott Conway-MMI, John Gilbert, & Leroy & Janai Stanton.