1-24-11 Parker Thompson Scores Big in Junior Debut
"Two poles and two wins at Gatorz Challenge of the Americas"

The 2011 season could not have started better for Parker Thompson, in his Rotax Junior debut, as he scored two pole positions and two main event victories at the opening round of the Gatorz Challenge of the Americas in Phoenix, AZ. The twelve-year-old Tony Kart West driver bested the field of 20 drivers, including some of the biggest names in the junior ranks.

The weekend began with some valuable seat time, testing the new Tony Kart 2011 chassis and perfecting his race setup on Thursday and Friday. Thompson out drove and out tuned his competitors during the test sessions, proving this as the only timed session showed the rookie junior on the top of the charts. With the pre-qualifying pole, Thompson had both speed and confidence going into the weekend’s racing action.

The Canadian driver came ready to win on Saturday, capturing the pole position by a few tenths. The 17-lap prefinal saw Thompson battle hard, only to be bested by a fellow competitor. With an outside front row starting position for the final, the junior pilot was able to keep his second place starting position at the start. The 25-lap final was an epic battle, with the leaders swapping positions lap after lap. When the dust had finally settled and the checkered flag flew, Parker came out with the win.

“This was a great debut!” exclaimed the Tony Kart West pilot. “We put on a great race, and I managed to come out on top. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my rookie junior season.”

Sunday saw Thompson score his second pole of the weekend. With a target on his back, Thompson was abruptly punted off in the start of the prefinal. Shaking it off and putting his head down, Parker put on an incredible drive coming from nineteenth to ninth. Exploding off the start of the final, the determined driver nabbed the fourth place position and then proceeded to hunt the leaders down. Being smart and selective in his passes, Thompson was able to utilize his speed and come down with a two second lead at the finish. Throwing his hands in the air, the rookie celebrated his second victory in his junior debut.

“I can’t say enough about the Tony Kart West crew. My equipment was lightning fast, and I am so proud to celebrate an amazing junior debut with them. With everyone’s hard work, we were able to come out on top, not once but twice!”

Parker would like to thank his current supporters and sponsors: Tony Kart West, Courtney Concepts, BGR Graphics and Sylvan Lake RV for all their hard work and continued support.

For more information on Parker Thompson including press release and media information, please contact Mike Maurini and Race Tech Development at 317.270.8723 or via e-mail at Mike@RaceTechDevelopment.com.

1-24-11 Kinsmen Kart Club was Rok'n this weekend

You couldn't miss it this weekend at the Kinsmen Kart Club.
Over 10 Cadet drivers were out running the Mini-Rok in preparation for the first Pro-Kart race next month.

If there was any doubt that this class was going to catch on, that is gone now.

This is the first year this class is being offered in the NorCal Region and it is going to be one to watch.
This field is going to be stacked with all the top drivers in NorCal and even drivers from up north showing up this weekend to figure out the set-ups.

All in all, most every driver was with in a couple tenths of each other and running some very fast times and the motors seem to be very equal. Which is going to lead to a very competitive season and a strong Norcal showing at next years SuperNats.




 

1-24-11 Wheldon Makes A Commitment Former Indy 500 Champion to Partner with Ocala Gran Prix Tony Kart Team for 2011 Kart Season

While negotiations are still under way to determine where the 2005 Indianapolis 500 Champion and IZOD INDYCAR Champion will call his open wheel racing home in 2011, one team is not sleeping on his talent and is taking advantage of his late availability. Wheldon has committed to the Ocala Gran Prix Tony Kart team for the 2011 go-kart season.

“Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love karting. I started when I was 4 years old in England, and it is still a love of mine to this day,” Wheldon said. “It is such a great way to hone your skills while outside of the race car. It really helps to keep a driver on his toes.”

Wheldon is no stranger to the kart scene having competed in multiple events in 2010 with the BTK Arrow team, such as the Robopong endurance race at New Castle Motorsports Park, and the talent-laden SKUSA SuperNationals held in Las Vegas where he most recently claimed 11th place.

This will not be the first time that Wheldon and Tony Kart have partnered on the go-kart course.

“I first drove a Tony Kart chassis in Europe in 1995. They were great then and they are widely known as one of the premier kart chassis distributors in America today. And to come together with them under the Ocala Gran Prix umbrella makes it that much more exciting. It is going to feel great to win races with these guys,” Wheldon, who has 15 INDYCAR race wins under his belt, admits.

“I am thrilled to death that Mr. Wheldon has taken a chance with us at OGP,” expressed Team Principal Jorge Arellano. “I am committed to providing him with the best available tools to compete and win at the Florida Winter Tour this year.”

Wheldon also admits that he has a high level of anticipation for this kart season as he has a special investment in a few of the young drivers on the scene.

“I was honored to be one of three celebrity judges for the DeFrancesco Racing Florida Winter Tour TaG Cadet Scholarship Program that Bill Wright hosted in December 2010 that ensured that 15 deserved kids are able to participate in the Florida Winter Tour series in 2011. These kids are talented and determined and with a little bit of financial help are set to really display their talents,” Wheldon said. “I remember what it meant to me to have people believe in me and my talent at that age, and I can’t wait to see in person what these kids are able to do out there.”

The next race on the schedule for Wheldon and OGP Tony Kart is slated for January 21st-23rd at the Orlando Kart Center as part of the Rotax Max Florida Winter Tour program.
 

1-21-11 MBK Rule Updates & Requirements for 2011 Season

Monterey Bay Karters,
Please BE PREPARED for all this.

Rule Updates & Requirements for 2011 Season
Helmet requirement changed, SNELL SA or M 2005 or newer required,
see IKF Rule book, Section 105.1.6.1
For the 2011 season the Extended Rear Bumper will be mandatory.
For more details please see IKF Manual, Sec. 201.6.
The Spec Tire for Briggs world formula at 365lbs is the Maxxis HG1.
This tire is very durable and is available from Fastechracing. It will only be used in the WF class.

Looking for an affordable Snell M2010 helmet? Checkout the HJC IS-16 for about $180. Have a higher budget? Check out the Shoei RF1100 or X12...$380 & up. All available at Fastech.

Fastech-Racing
General & Tech: 831.384.KART (5278)

 

1-21-11 Licata Shows Well in ARCA Testing at Daytona

Back-to-back ASA TRUCK SERIES champion Joey Licata, Jr. finished sixth overall out of 58 competitors that participated in the ARCA Racing Series testing last week at Daytona International Speedway.

Licata, 19, is a member of the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver development program based in Sacramento, CA. Penske development team, Cunningham Motorsports, ran Licata in their famed #77 Dodge at the three day Daytona test, in preparation for the 2011 ARCA season.

Despite this being Licata’s third ever time in an ARCA car and his first time on the newly repaved Daytona, Licata was up to speed quickly.

“I was very impressed with how fast Joey adapted to the speed of the famed 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway,” Crew Chief Paul Andrews said. “With the new pavement and no more large bumps we are seeing faster speeds than last year. It’s very challenging for a veteran let alone a rookie who has never been on a track larger than a 1 mile.”

Licata’s banner day came on Wednesday afternoon during the drafting sessions, when he was fifth fastest at 185.670 miles per hour. His lap time of 48.473 was just .059 seconds off of the leader.

“We made single car runs for the first day and a half, and then it was time to draft with several other cars,” Andrews said. “(It was) another impressive outing, learning how the draft works figuring out where to be or not to be in the draft is very important. He listened to our input…we had a great test and are look forward to going back with Joey.”

Licata’s laps on Wednesday placed him sixth overall during the three day testing session.

With the successful test, Licata backed up his strong speeds in practice at Rockingham last fall and in testing at Caraway Speedway. Licata looks to be well-prepared to tackle the “Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200” which will be live on SPEED on February 12.

“To actually do laps at Daytona was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Licata said. “Running with a team of the caliber of Cunningham Motorsports was like nothing I have experienced before. My goals for this first race are to stay out of trouble, be smooth in the pits, and get a good solid finish.”

Licata’s opportunity to race for Cunningham Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series is a big moment for the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle program. It encompasses 27 drivers from all over the world with a NASCAR-oriented development platform.

Licata has rapidly ascended through the program, showing exceptional race craft and talent along the way. His 2010 season was highlighted by five poles and four wins including a victory in his first career NASCAR Modified start.

“Joey’s performance at Daytona has made us all very proud. He has a ton of talent and heart,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “This is sure to be just the first of many big accomplishments for this young man as he makes his way in big league motorsports!”

Joey Licata, Jr. Racing and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: K&N Filters, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels, and Star Racing Supply. Licata would also like to thank supporters Jordan Kidushim and Luke Forstmann.

Joey Licata, Jr. Racing is online at www.joeylicata.com

For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com

 

1-21-11 New Italian Motors USA Website – Innovation on and off the track

Italian Motors is excited about the launch of the new website www.italianmotorsusa.com. With the customer in mind, Italian Motors USA wants to make it easier for people to get the parts they want when they want them at a competitive price. With features including a streamlined item list, detailed parts pages, extensive engine documentation, and a simple checkout system, www.italianmotorsusa.com is the site that Claudio envisioned – a simple site with a simple way for karters to get what they want when they want it.

Italian Motors is constantly trying to improve customer service – the new website design is influenced with the retail customer in mind. When speaking with Claudio about the design of the new website, he remarked “Our customers want to be able to choose on-line, to view our innovative products, and find out who we are and how we operate”.

For a limited time, you can order online with the benefit of free shipping! Be sure to check out Italian Motors USA new website at www.italianmotorsusa.com.

Canadian customers can visit us at www.italianmotors.com





 

1-19-11 Prokart Challenge South Readies For 2011 Opener at Adams Motorsports Park

Historic facility to host first Superkarts! USA regional event in early February

Southern California is the birthplace of karting, and the Adams Motorsports Park is a huge part of its long and storied history. Superkarts! USA will add the Riverside, California facility to its own heritage when the ProKart Challenge South program makes its debut at the track on February 4-5 to open up the 2011 season. SKUSA is focused on starting their PKC South program off with a bang, and they are looking forward to once again seeing all the top-notch SoCal competitors who were highlighted last November in Las Vegas. With a new bonus of 100 extra points at the end of the season for any driver who runs all six races, a packed paddock is a virtual guarantee for the opener. Considering how tight all of the point races were last year, no one should chance starting off behind the eight ball.

The SKUSA organization has been hard at work for the past two months following the 2010 finale, the record-breaking SKUSA SuperNationals XIV that was held outside the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The new season brings a number of challenges, including the seventh season of the ProKart Challenge South, a new-look ProKart Challenge North schedule, the expected development of new regions around the country, and the promotion of the second SKUSA Pro Tour. At the core, the SKUSA mandate is to provide the best service and events possible for racers. One way to reward those racers who continue their involvement with the PKC South program is awarding the 100 bonus points to those competitors who participate in all six series events.

“The 2011 season marks the seventh year that myself, my family and my crew have promoted the ProKart Challenge program in Southern California,” stated Tom Kutscher, SKUSA President and ProKart Challenge director. “To thank those who support our operation and are looking to become the next PKC champion, we are awarding all drivers who compete in all six races with 100 points toward the title chase, which should put an interesting spin on this 6-race, 1-drop series. We always strive to reward the teams and drivers who compete month after month, and this is just the start of what we hope to be another successful season in SoCal for PKC.”

The opening round for the PKC South program also marks the debut for the new, specially-branded MG ‘SKUSA’ tire – the new official tire for all Superkarts! USA events. The recently announced new MG-SK tire is similar to the popular MG-FZ compound, with only a small change put into effect to extend the durability of the tire. The tire will be utilized for all PKC South, PKC North, SKUSA Pro Tour and other SKUSA-sanctioned events across the country.

“Our event at Adams is a great way for all competitors to come out and start their season, but also to gain data on the new MG-SK tire we are utilizing in 2011,” continued Kutscher. “The circuit at Adams is historic, but will also provide a great proving ground for the new tire. There is no doubt that those who compete will enjoy both the track and the tire, in addition to the stiff competition that the ProKart Challenge consistently provides.”

The 2011 class structure for the ProKart Challenge South season will reflect the same nine core classes that make up the SKUSA national class structure, based off the popular Stock Moto and TaG categories. S1 (Pro), S2 (Semi-Pro), S3 (Novice), S4 (Master), and S5 (Junior) make up the Stock Moto divisions, with TaG Senior, TaG Master, TaG Junior and the TaG Cadet divisions to accommodate those competing with the Touch and Go engines. SKUSA will also be including the G1 (ICC) and S4 Magnum classes (440 lb. min.) in the PKC South program as local option categories.

SKUSA has previously announced their new price structure for the ProKart Challenge events. In their ongoing effort to support their racers, SKUSA has decreased the cost of a ProKart Challenge weekend entry by $50, lowering the package price for an entry and tires down to just $295 if the racer registers online. SKUSA will go even further to spread the word, as the ProKart Challenge series wants everyone to have the opportunity to come out and sample their program. For this first race at Adams, SKUSA will also offer a free Friday practice to anyone who has not run a PKC or SKUSA race in the past two years (another savings of $60).

Pre-entry for round one of the ProKart Challenge South at Adams Motorsports Park is open until midnight, February 2 (http://www.superkartsusa.com/regional/pkc-south/round-1-2011.html). For more information on anything related to the ProKart Challenge or Superkarts! USA, visit their website - www.superkartsusa.com - or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 951-491-0808 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

 

1-18-11 Kartel Takes on the Vortex

All Star Karting and the Prairie City Kart Club are looking forward to the second season racing together. Coming off the first season, All Star carries high momentum heading into 2011. With the Pro Kart north series added to the track schedule and giving host to the Outlaw Series, the facility looks to experience a different kind of racing with new faces, part of that is the addition to the Vortex Mini Rok.

The Vortex Mini Rok is a rather new class in North America which also carries momentum coming off its stellar participation at the 2010 Skusa Supernationals in Las Vegas. The Vortex Rok package is a beginner level category for the 7-11 age group. For more Details on the Vortex Mini Rok Engine package you can visit Kartelmotorsports.com or call Erik or Les at 916-383-5278. To find out more information about Class Structure and other rules you can visit AllStarKarting.com.
 

1-14-11 Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Kart Track Open!

Get your 2011 karting season started this Sunday with free coffee and donuts in the Cameron Karting Pro Shop! Cameron Karting staff will be on hand to give free advice on kart set up while you enjoy coffee and donuts.

Open testing is available this Sunday, January 16th, from 10am to 4pm at The Jim Russell International Karting Center. The weather is warming up to the 60s for the weekend and Sunday is a karts only day. This is the only Sunday left in January for karts only. The next two Sundays are karting/supermoto days, so take advantage!

See you at the track!

Cameron Karting
29121 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
707.938.9986  707.938.9986

 

1-12-11 Red Line Oil Championship Continues to Gain Momentum in 2011

In a commitment to increasing the junior class participation in 2011, the Red Line Oil Karting Championship (RLOKC) has added three junior classes this season. With the ProKart Challenge/SKUSA series not returning to the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway, the RLOKC will add the KPV2 and Junior TaG classes to keep juniors racing at the premiere karting facility in Northern California. The ever popular KPV1 class will also be added to the cadet class line up.

"One of the objectives we had when we started the RLOKC was to increase young driver development. Adding these three classes to the existing junior Rotax classes we ran in 2010 meets this objective. So many young, talented drivers have started their driving careers here and that legacy is really important for us to keep building on. Just to name a few, drivers like JR Hildebrand, Alexander Rossi, and Dane Cameron started in junior kart racing at Infineon and are now on their way with very successful careers" says race director, Ric Shaw.

Thus, the RLOKC will offer six junior classes in 2011. Along with KPV1, KPV2 and Junior TaG, the series will continue to offer Rotax Micro Max, Mini Max and Junior Max. Mini Max had a very good year in 2010 with thirteen different drivers entering races last year. With most of the Mini Max drivers returning in 2011, this class will most likely be the largest and most competitive class in the series.

To assure the 2011 race day schedule still offers lots of track time, the format will include a five lap qualifying session, two heat races and a fifteen lap main. KPV1 will run with Micro Max, KPV2 will run with Mini Max and Junior TaG will run with Junior Max. Depending on class sizes, the two classes in each race group will either race mixed together or will be run separately using split starts. Each class will have separate championships. KPV1 and KPV2 will run the IKF specs already used in Northern California, and Junior TaG will follow the TaG USA or SKUSA rules.

For the new junior classes, the 2011 RLOKC will be an eight race series with all races being held at the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway. The Rotax classes will again participate in a ten race series with two of the races held in conjunction with the Kinsmen Kart Club in Dixon, California.

For more information including the season schedule, go to www.norcalrotax.com. The supplemental rules for the series will be posted shortly. The RLOKC presented over $20,000 worth of prizes to the racers in 2010 and this year they are hoping to expand on that with more prizes and even better year end awards. To contact race series promoter, email steve@cmaeronkarting.com or to contact the race director, email Ric Shaw at racedirector-ric@hotmail.com.

Other than the RLOKC, the final round of Gatorz Challenge of Americas (COTA) is coming to Infineon March 18-20. This race will bring the best Rotax racers to our track and the champions will be crowned at this race. The champions of the Junior, Senior and DD2 classes will get to compete at the Rotax Grand Final all the way across the globe in the emirate of Dubai. Even if you are not in the COTA championship, don't miss on a chance to race with national level competition. Rental opportunities are available but spots are limited. Call Cameron Karting for details on this once a year opportunity.

 

1-12-11 MG Tires Extend Partnership With Superkarts USA in Conjunction With Release of New Spec Race Tire

New MG ‘SKUSA’ tire ready for competition in 2011 as two companies strengthen relationship

Continuing what has been a prosperous partnership for many years, MG Tires and Superkarts! USA would like to jointly announce that they have extended their spec tire relationship for 2011 and beyond. In addition to the Brazilian manufacturer serving once again as the official tire for all SKUSA events, including the second edition of the Pro Tour and the company’s growing number of regional series, the 2011 season will mark the debut of the new specially branded MG-SK ‘SKUSA (white)’ tire, which will be utilized in all official Superkarts! USA events (except for the TaG Cadet class, which will remain on the MG-HZ ‘red’ tires). The new MG-SK tire is based on the proven and popular FZ compound, with only a small compound change put into effect to extend the durability of the tire. The new tire also comes with the official ‘SKUSA’ markings in the mold, further cementing the connection between the two companies.

“Our long relationship with Tom Kutscher and Superkarts! USA is extremely important to us and we’re very happy to have been able to continue our partnership,” offers Wagner Rossi, the owner of WR Motorsports, the North American importer for MG Tires. “We are excited to see SKUSA’s continuing growth with their Pro Tour and, of course, the SuperNationals in Las Vegas. In working with Tom for 2011, we have made a slight compound adjustment at his request to provide his racers with increased durability in the new MG-SK.”

“We tested the MG-FZ and MG-SK back-to-back, comparing both tires, and the lap times were virtually identical,” Rossi added. “The SKUSA tire held its performance for a little longer than the FZ, which is what Tom was looking for. We’re extremely pleased with the result.”

MG Tires has been the official tire of SKUSA since 2005, and is utilized in the organization’s regional and national programs, as well as by many clubs and tracks around North America. The new MG-SK ‘SKUSA’ compound is the next step for both the racing organization and the tire manufacturer, as they aim to provide the best product on the market for the racers. Superkarts! USA will act as the official distributor for the new spec tire and will work closely with the shops, teams and competitors that support SKUSA to make this the best program possible.

“We’re thrilled to have been able to come to a win-win agreement with MG Tires to extend our relationship, as we know that our customers believe in the product,” said Tom Kutscher, Superkarts! USA President. “I wanted to provide more durability in our tire for 2011 in keeping with our goal of being the best value in karting. MG is a great company to work with and we’re really looking forward to the new year with this new ‘SKUSA’ tire.”

Superkarts! USA has now taken delivery of the first shipment of the new MG-SK tire, which will make its official competition debut at the opening round of the ProKart Challenge South series at Adams Kart Track in Riverside, CA on February 4-5, 2011.

For more information on MG Tires and the different compounds it manufacturers, visit www.mgtires.com . To find out about the Superkarts! USA events near you, head to their website www.superkartsusa.com .



 

1-12-11 Raquel Martinez WKA Manufacturer's Cup Daytona Report
“Tough start to season for Martinez”

It has only been one month since Raquel Martinez’s 2010 season ended, and the 2011 season has just begun with the opening round of the 2011 WKA Manufacturer’s Cup at Daytona International Speedway. Raquel competed in the two Yamaha and Komet classes.

The weekend started off well with Raquel setting the pace in the unofficial practice sessions. On the first day of racing Raquel qualified sixth in Komet Jr. Heavy and fifth in Yamaha Jr. Lite. Raquel finished third in both Prefinals, but unfortunately weighed just half a pound lite in the Yamaha class. In the Komet Final Raquel got off to a great start and was running strong inside the top five until her rear bumper came loose forcing her to retire. Having to start last in the Yamaha final Raquel was caught up in a first turn incident and lost ground to the main pack. She never gave up and turned some of the fastest laps of the race finishing twenty-sixth.

Day two started off with carburetor issues in the Komet Jr. Lite category, which saw Raquel qualifying in the twenty-fifth position. Yamaha Jr. Heavy qualifying would go a little better with Raquel ending up thirteenth after the three lap qualifying session. After changing carbs for the Komet Prefinal Raquel charged to the front moving up fifteen positions in just eight laps to finish tenth. In the Yamaha Prefinal Raquel was involved in a first turn incident that caused her to finish in the twenty-first position. In the Komet Final Raquel continued to move up the rankings finishing in the sixth position, a great recovery from how the day started. Being in the middle of the pack is never a place a driver wants to be especially heading into the tight turn one at Daytona. Raquel was once again hit at the start and fell to the back of the field. She was able to move up to twenty-fourth by the end of the twelve lap Final.

“This was a tough start to the season for the team,” commented Martinez. “We will be back in top form at Kershaw and ready to re-launch our attack on winning races and championships in WKA, which is my main focus this season in North America.”

To learn more about Raquel please visit www.raquelmartinez.com . Raquel would also like to thank her sponsors King Taco, Pepsi, P1 Engines, Grand Products, Top Kart, RLV, Bridgestone, DWT, Alpinestars, MLP Imaging, Troy Lee Designs, Bell Helmets, Graphix Plus and PKS Kart Supplies.


 

1-6-11 Prokart Challenge Programs Announce Discounted Entry Package

North and South series primed for big year, focused on providing best value in California

 As we enter the new year, the Superkarts! USA staff is back at work and gearing up for the 2011 season, one that will certainly be the biggest in the organization’s history. SKUSA is focused on building off a solid 2010 campaign, and will once again promote official competition on both the regional and national level. Interest is huge – thanks to the massive success of the 14th annual SuperNationals in Las Vegas – and big increases in support and participation are expected in both the ProKart Challenge series and the second running of the SKUSA Pro Tour. One of the primary goals for 2011 is to make the PKC program the best value in California.

The organization is vocal in its dedication to providing the best karting experience in California through their ProKart Challenge North and South programs, and a significant decrease in the entry fee package is the primary promotion. The schedules will be very exciting this year, taking the PKC competitors to a number of tracks that have not been part of the series in the past. The PKC South and PKC North calendars will feature six races, each of which includes the popular West Coast Shootout at Santa Maria in late August. The PKC North program will venture away from Infineon Raceway for the first time to visit cornerstone NorCal tracks like Dixon, Prairie City, Reno and Atwater, as well as a venue in Monterey. The South circuit will follow suit, making its debut at Adams Raceway in Riverside, while also heading back to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Buttonwillow Raceway and both the Streets of Willow and purpose-built kart track at Willow Springs.

“I’m very proud of the program that we’ve developed for our ProKart Challenge series,” states Tom Kutscher, Superkarts! USA President and PKC Program Director. “We will be moving to some new tracks in 2011 for both the North and South series, and I’m excited that we’ll have some variety this year. These new tracks will help us keep our costs in check, as well, and I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is. I want to offer the best value in the state this year, so we’ll be passing these savings on to our racers.”

In their ongoing effort to support their racers, SKUSA will decrease the cost of a ProKart Challenge weekend entry by $50, lowering the package price for an entry and tires down to just $295. “This special discounted rate is for online entries only, and essentially provides the series racers who run all six events with a free weekend of competition (six races x $50 discount per race = $300 in savings),” adds Kutscher. “The new entry price structure has been designed to provide the best value in southern California karting. At PKC events, racers enjoy significant track time, featuring two practice sessions, qualifying, two heats and a main event that add up to over 70 laps a day. If you compare this to other clubs and series that provide just half the laps, the price per lap is always in SKUSA’s favor.”

SKUSA will go even further to spread the word – as the ProKart Challenge series wants everyone to have the opportunity to come out and sample their program – and will also offer a free Friday practice day (for the first event at Adams) to anyone who has not run a PKC or SKUSA race in the past two years (another savings of $60).

The class structure for the ProKart Challenge programs will once again present the organization as the leader in Stock Moto and TaG racing. Last year, SKUSA introduced a re-worked ladder program for the Stock Moto classes, which was a huge success in its debut season. The PKC SoCal series will offer S1 Pro, S2 Semi-Pro, S3 Novice, S4 Master, and S5 Junior on the gearbox side of the equation. In TaG, SKUSA promotes the clearest progression in the sport, offering TaG Cadet, TaG Junior, TaG Senior and TaG Master to drivers in the single-speed category. Also for this first race of the season, the G1 and S4 Magnum classes will be added back to the SoCal weekend line-up in hopes of solidifying a group of competitors large enough to challenge the entire season.

The ProKart Challenge programs begin on February 4-5 as the South series kicks off at Adams Raceway with Friday practice and Saturday racing. In the North, the opening round is set for Dixon on February 25-26. To enter either of these events and thereby take advantage of the special online discount for the event entry package of $295, simply logon to the Superkarts! USA website and visit their online store: http://www.superkartsusa.com/skusa-store/merchant.mvc . To sign up (and be verified as eligible) for the free Friday practice offer, choose ‘NO’ to add the practice fee to your online entry and then simply send an e-mail to info@superkartsusa.com letting the SKUSA staff know that you’ll be there!


 

1-6-11 P1 Engines Has Strong Start to 2011 Program

"Multiple pole positions, heat race wins and main event victories in Daytona"

Another season is underway and another string of solid results were earned for P1 Engines during the opening round of the 2011 World Karting Association (WKA) Manufacturer’s Cup program in Daytona Beach, Florida. With more than fifteen engine rentals and customers on site, P1 Engines managed to score two pole positions, two main event victories, ten podiums results and countless top ten finishes.

Leading the way for the engine builder was senior level rookie Mason Chelootz. After qualifying second and claiming a fourth place finish in Wednesday’s TaG 1 final, Chelootz was untouchable in Thursday’s TaG 2 action scoring the pole position, heat race win and dominating main event victory. Competing in five classes over the three day event, Chelootz utilized P1 Engines power to score a two plus second win in Komet Heavy and a solid fourth place finish in Komet Lite while claiming the fastest race lap in the Leopard only class.

Garnering three podium results for P1 Engines was Georgia based driver Chris Wehrheim. The talented senior used his experience to run at the front of the pack in both TaG 1 and TaG 2 events claiming a pair of third place results. Not to be outdone, Wehrheim also competed in the Leopard only class where he took home his third podium result of the weekend with a second place run.

Joining Wehrheim on the podium was New Jersey front-runner Arie Ouimet. Running the Leopard only class, Ouimet turned one of the quickest laps in qualifying to claim the third position and held station through the day giving P1 Engines another podium finish.

Making his WKA senior level debut was Merlin pilot Shawn Sharkey. Downsizing their program slightly, Sharkey would shift his focus to the TaG divisions as he would look to stand atop the podium. Proving to be fast at times, racing luck was not on the New Jersey resident’s side but he did manage to secure a top ten finish in Thursday’s TaG 2 final. Californian Raquel Martinez looked to have run into the same luck as Sharkey. After proving to be very fast during practice and qualifying, the main event results did not show her true speed while in Daytona.

Sportsman competitors Zane Smith and Evan Cowen also claimed top five results in their respective classes. Smith battled hard for the lead in the Komet Sportsman final after claiming the pole position and a second place result in the heat race. Looking to take the top step in the final, Smith exchanged the lead with a quartet of drivers throughout the event but received the short end of the stick on the last corner of the last lap and came home fourth. Cowen, running the Yamaha Rookie Sportsman class, managed to score a solid third place result and will look to better his finish at the next event in South Carolina.

“It is a new year and time for some solid results,” expressed P1 Engines Owner Jesus Vasquez. “2010 was an amazing year but I am working hard to improve and better our results in 2011.”
 

1-17-11 Southern Arizona Kart Club Interview

Name:
Charles Quiroz

Track:
Musselman Honda Circuit/P1 Kart Circuit

Track affiliation:
SKUSA  (Desert Region)

Favorite food:
Mahi Mahi

Favorite track food:
Mesquite Grilled Tri Tip

Favorite sandwich:
Meat Ball

How do you like your coffee:
HOT

Biggest race attended since you have been in karting:
Super Nats

Biggest race you will attend in 2011:
SKUSA Pro Tour At Musselman Honda Circuit

Most talented young racer you have witnessed in your years in karting:
Alex Zanardi

Biggest accomplishments:
Building this track  MH Circuit

What is the most intriguing about Southern Arizona Kart Track:
Year around , day or night operation

What’s the mission statement of Southern Arizona Kart Track:
One of the principal purposes of the Southern Arizona Kart Club (SAKC) is to encourage the development of exemplary drivers, riders and citizens by exposing them firsthand to innovative driver and rider education programs. The lack of vocational training opportunities in the public schools has created a real and demonstrable shortcoming in the quality of drivers in our area. We believe that a driver/rider experience based on safety for our youth will seriously impact the high percentage of highway and trail-based accidents that we are currently experiencing. SAKC is continuing the effort towards building an educational and recreational facility that is run in a fun---yet safe---manner, and works to promote awareness in the environment and sustainability at our world class facility.

www.p1kartcircuit.com