CONCORD, NC - The 2018 WKA Tech Manual is now available. To place your order, please contact the WKA office at 704-455-1606. Here is a sneak peak of the cover...
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CONCORD, NC- WKA would like to thank Roebling Road Raceway for extending the offer to our racers and making available trailer storage at their facility in Bloomingdale, GA. Interested racers may drop their trailer off for storage on the way home from Daytona KartWeek. Trailers can be stored until WKA’s next Road Racing event at Roebling Road on March 9th, 2018.
We ask that you kindly contact Jack Abbott with Roebling Road with any questions and to make arrangements at (912) 247-0472. A Storage fee of $30 applies, along with an agreement of release that must be signed.
CONCORD, NC - The latest meeting minutes have now been posted on the WKA website. To view and read them, please CLICK HERE.
CONCORD, NC - Taking rumor out of the equation, WKA is announcing the termination of the employment of Buddy Long.
As we have in the past, we as an organization, look forward to upholding our high level of integrity and service to our racing community.
Looking ahead to the start of 2018 race season, we look forward to seeing you at Daytona KartWeek. The legend will continue.
CONCORD, NC - The 2018 version of the World Karting Association Technical Manual is currently at the printer, and will be available in the month of November. While Master Members will be receiving their latest edition in the mail, those wishing to purchase a Tech Manual are more than welcome to contact the WKA Office at anytime to place your order.
Anyone wishing to call now may contact the WKA Staff at (704) 455-1606.
CONCORD, NC - Please CLICK HERE to read the official statement from WKA President, John Ferris, on the WKA trademark.
(Original story by: FORMULA RACE PROMOTIONS)
Salem, NH - Formula Race Promotions and F1600 Championship Series driver Jonathan Kotyk was announced as one of two winners of the 2017 Team USA Scholarship. The 23-year-old from Atlantic Beach, Florida, was one of six finalists, and will now travel to England to race in the Formula Ford Festival and the Walter Hayes Trophy.
“I couldn’t be more excited to represent the Team USA Scholarship,” said Kotyk, who drives for Team Pelfrey. “With its history of past champions like Josef Newgarden, it’s something I’m honored to be a part of and look forward to bringing home a great result. I would like to thank Jeremy Shaw and the entire team behind the Team USA Scholarship for giving me this amazing opportunity.”
Kotyk has five wins thus far this season in F1600 Championship competition, and sits in Championship contention heading into this weekend's triple-header season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
“I can honestly say that this year’s candidates provided the judges with some of the toughest decisions in the history of this program which dates back to 1990,” said Team USA Scholarship Founder and President Jeremy Shaw. “The selection process began with 10 talented youngsters being interviewed by an illustrious panel of judges during the Verizon IndyCar Series/Mazda Road to Indy weekend at Mid-Ohio in late July. We had a hard time whittling the group down to six for a shootout at the M1 Concourse facility in suburban Detroit, and an even tougher task in selecting our two winners.
Kotyk will fly to England next week to begin preparations for the Formula Ford Festival on October 21/22.
CONCORD, NC - With regards to the recent Pit Board that went out September 7 pertaining to a clarification to the steering hub attachment system, after reviewing the existing rules, as per the 2017 WKA Technical Manual, World Karting will be enforcing these existing rules for the remainder of the 2017 season and the rule will be totally rewritten for the 2018 season. World Karting apologizes for the confusion in this matter, as well as any inconvenience this may have caused.
CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials have announced the date for the annual Membership Meeting will be held on Friday afternoon October 13, following the days practice for the Top Kart USA Grand Nationals for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series. Nestled in between the end of practice and the meeting will be a sponsored barbecue for all WKA customers, with the meeting to follow.
The meeting, which will be conducted by WKA President John Ferris, will also include many WKA Officers and Trustees, affording the membership in attendance a first-hand update on the status of the organization. An announcement on the precise location of the meeting on the track property will be announced during the day Friday.
For the second year in a row, during one of the WKA National events held at the track, competitors, sponsors, family, and crew members, as well as track officials, will be able to partake in a barbecue following the days activities.
Special thanks to the following sponsors for stepping up to help with the barbecue.
Fast Kart Supply: Jim Maier
Chuck G Fabrication: Chuck Gafrarar
Charlotte Mechanical: Dan Dyszelski
Nitro Karting: Nick Tucker
Twin Transmission: Paul Massimino
CONCORD, NC - WKA Officials have recently clarified that the Thru Bolt Hub Locking System, which is used for the Hollow Shaft, is not acceptable with the solid 5/8 shaft system.
For competitors who run WKA National Classes, please refer to the rule that pertains to your series below for further clarification:
Gold Cup: 254.2.1
Road Race Laydown: 304.2.1
Road Race Sprint: 354.2.1
Speedway Dirt: 404.2.1
Speedway Pavement: 454.2.1
CONCORD, NC - With the 2017 racing season rapidly coming to a conclusion, World Karting Officials are busy preparing for the beginning of the 2018 national season, which, in comparison to most other forms of motorsports, begins before the previous calendar year comes to a halt.
WKA and Daytona International Speedway Officials, as well as other groups involved in the December spectacle, have already begun discussion on the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek. At present, the various Competition Committees for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting, and Speedway Dirt have begun not only the process of finalizing class structure, but also nailing down the 2018 national schedule.
As always, Daytona KartWeek will get underway December 27 with parking for all 3 groups participating, followed by a full day of practice for Road Race and Mfg Cup Dec 28, while Speedway Dirt will begin Race Day #1. National competition for the Road Race and Mfg Cup Series will officially kick into gear Dec 29th and 30th.
Be sure and keep in touch with the World Karting website for weekly updates, as the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek nears.
Duffy admiring "The Duffy." The coveted award presented to IKF National Champions.
Photo: Graeme Barwick
*Original story written by: Frank Weir, photos as credited.
Duffy Livingstone who will always be remembered as the father of the Go Kart died August 13, 2017 aged 92. He was born January 25, 1925. When he was 1 year old Duffy’s parents relocated from Springfield Illinois to Pasadena California. In March 1942 Duffy went to war.
Having survived flying missions over the South Pacific Duffy was discharged in 1946 and returned to Pasadena. He immediately purchased a hot rod from Dave Mitchell who owned Mitchell’s Roadster Shop in Pasadena close to the Rose Bowl. After Duffy purchased the roadster he went to work at Mitchell’s where he learned to weld. Later the business name would change to Mitchell Mufflers. Duffy actually built Mitchell’s first glass-pack muffler; before that mufflers were packed with steel. By 1953 Duffy had left Mitchell’s and together with an old high school pal Roy Desbrow started a muffler business behind a gas station in Pasadena.
Duffy at The Big One in Fremont Ohio, 2010.
Photo: F Weir.
At this juncture Duffy became involved with a race car known as the Eliminator, a Ford T- Bucket which was named after the Potvin Eliminator cam. The car raced under number 184; Duffy was in Company 184 in the Navy. This car was more than a match for the sports cars of the day which all had fancy names such as Testarossa and Scuderia Ferrari; so Duffy added Tihsepa to the Chevy powered Eliminator as the model name. It took event organisers a while to figure out that Tihsepa was a dyslexic joke and banned the name. Today there is a Tihsepa kart club called after the famous Eliminator car. Members of that prestigious kart club regularly compete at the Vintage Karting Association Reunion held annually at Riverside California. As to the Eliminator, the aged junkyard dog as one well known car magazine writer referred to it ended up winning first in class at the 2003 Pebble Beach car show considered to be the most revered event in the entire world of automobiles.
It was now 1956 and Duffy and his friend Roy Desbrow had three locations of Duff and Roy’s Muffler Shop in the East Los Angeles area. Duffy had developed a muffler packed with fibreglass and was marketing the units as GP Mufflers, a pun on the shared acronym of Grand Prix and Glass Pack. The glass-packed muffler business was good for Duffy and his partner.
Duffy in his front engine experimental kart, powered by a 20 HP Puch built in 1960.
Photo: Enzo Falconi Collection.
Because of his sports car fabrication and racing activities Duffy often consulted with his friend Art Ingels who worked at the famous Kurtis Kraft plant in nearby Glendale. During a visit to Art’s place Duffy saw the Ingels’ creation; a small tubular frame attached to four wheels at each corner and powered by a lawn mower engine. Art’s invention stuck in Duffy’s mind. He immediately started to construct his own version of Art’s machine after getting the OK from Art, one for himself and one for a friend. Then another friend wanted one and another and another. Duffy then called Art and organised a play day at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The Rose Bowl at that time attracted quarter midgets and many of their owners also wanted to know where to obtain these new fangled miniature cars. Duffy drew up plans and put together materials lists and started to supply kits of parts to the converts. At this time Bill Rowles joined Duffy’s team as parts buyer.
The Go Kart 400C created by Duffy in 1959.
Photo Tom Smith
The little cars ran at the Rose Bowl for quite a while. One Sunday a newspaper showed up and wrote a story about the activities in the parking lot. The following Sunday the Police arrived. The local residents finally found out where the noise was coming from and that was the end of Duffy and Art’s creations at the Rose Bowl. Other parking lots were found for the week-end activities for the miniature vehicles and again they were moved on because of noise complaints. Incidentally one of the police officers who had to deal with Duffy at the Rose Bowl would eventually end up working for Duffy at the Go Kart Raceway as head of security on race days!
Fabricating the small cars started taking up more and more of Duffy’s time and was becoming a lucrative business. Duffy suggested to his partner Desbrow that they quit the muffler business. A friend who worked in advertising was approached to help them come up with a name for the little cars. Duffy remembers that Dart kart, Zip kart, Fun kart and Go Kart were considered; they finally decided on Go Kart and Go Kart Manufacturing Company was formed located at 152 East Huntington Drive Monrovia California.
Next an organisation had to be created and a set of rules drawn up to enable fair competition and to ensure that safety was paramount for the little cars. Duffy was a founding member of the Go Kart Club of America back in November 1957 (now known as the International Kart Federation).
A rear engine design masterpiece created by Duffy in late 1960, the Go Kart 800.
Photo: F Weir
Finding a place to run the new breed of miniature race car was a concern for Duffy. Land was acquired at Irwindale Avenue in Azusa and a purpose built race course for the little cars was constructed. This was the first track solely for karts in the World and was 0.3 of a mile per lap with 11 turns one of which was a challenging Monza type banked turn. The layout of the Azusa track layout was considered to be so good that its shape was reproduced at many locations through out the United States and further afield.
Unfortunately during 1963 Go Kart Manufacturing got into financial difficulties and Duffy retuned to the muffler and welding business. He still continued to make karts during the 1960’s; one model was known as the Flexible Flyer and was Duffy’s version of a sidewinder kart that was revolutionizing kart chassis design worldwide.
Duffy retired to Grant s Pass, Oregon from Costa Meza, California with his second wife Deedee. There they kept 7 dogs at one time, rescued three donkeys, a couple of goats and a few sheep; Duffy sure liked things with four legs and four wheels. Later Duffy and Deedee would relocate to Tennessee.
Speaking of contemporary karting Duffy admitted that he didn’t go to karting events anymore simply because he did not enjoy the experience. He thought that the younger guys that were racing the modern karts seem to be out to win at all costs. However, he very much enjoyed attending vintage kart meetings.
Duffy’s take on a sidewinder kart known as the Flexible Flyer built in 1966.
Photo: Enzo Falconi Collection.
All of Duffy’s years of involvement in kart racing as a driver, mechanic, kart manufacturer, co-founder of organised karting and the Go Kart Club of America which evolved into the International Kart Federation, have been honoured by the International Kart Federation through their Duffy Awards, a bronze statuette of 'Joe Karter' 12 inches tall mounted on a wooden base 6 inches high. These statuettes are presented every year to IKF National Champions. Duffy also served as an International Kart Federation Board Member and was a Past President of the International Kart Federation.
As well as karting Duffy enjoyed building and flying complex radio controlled multiengine model aircraft. As a young teenager back in Pasadena he worked in a model shop for 75 cents a week. There he developed a fondness for the scaled down aircraft.
Duffy fathered two children, Terry and Kim with his first wife Gloria. He lived in Ooltewah, Tennessee with his second wife Deedee and her son Steve and his wife Jackie. Deedee also had two other children from her first marriage.
In 1939 aged 14 when he started working in the model shop in Pasadena, his given name of Frank gave way to Duffy for some forgotten reason; however his massive contribution to the early days of the sport of karting will never be forgotten.
The coveted Duffy awarded to IKF National Champions.
Photo Rob Voska.
CONCORD, NC - The approved meeting minutes from the August 8th WKA Board of Trustees Conference Call are now available online at the WKA website.
To view the August 8th meeting minutes, CLICK HERE.
CONCORD, NC - The approved meeting minutes from the July 11 WKA Board of Trustees Conference Call are now available online at the WKA website. The Board recently conducted their August conference call, of which minutes will be made available, once approved by the WKA Trustees.
To view the July 11 meeting minutes, CLICK HERE.
CONCORD, NC - The minutes from the most recent WKA Board of Trustees Conference Call are now available to view online.
Minutes from the April 11 discussion can now be seen by going to the WKA web page, clicking Docs, then hitting Latest Meeting Minutes.
CONCORD, NC - In a continuing effort to honor the history within the WKA organization, it is WKA's great pleasure to take our members down memory lane for a look back at the many pioneers who have been a part of creating a legacy that was started back in the early seventies.
The list of HoF Members list is a virtual Who’s Who in not only the karting industry but the motorsports world, displaying the great relationships World Karting has built over the past several decades. Included in that list is George Kugler, the organizations founder, as well as legendary names such as Bill France and Humpy Wheeler, past representatives of the two powerful groups in NASCAR, International Speedway Corporation and Speedway Motorsports Inc, more specifically Daytona and Charlotte.
Other karting pioneers from the big leagues of racing include LG Dewitt, Lake Speed, Scott Pruett, Mark Dismore, and Jamie McMurray, as well as Dan Wilson from Briggs & Stratton. Over the years, many karting specific pioneers have been inducted, too many to mention here. But one gander at the list will take many people back to some wonderful memories of days past in karting, thanks to these fine men and women. Some of the women include Anne Kugler, Alice Keating, Carma Withrow, Yvonne Overton, Audrey Griffith, Shirley Howard, Marie Borsuk, and Missy Nelson-Tate, showing the vast contributions by females in the industry.
The most recent induction was held in March of 2016, with Pete Michel from Georgia being placed in the Hall as a member of the Road Race Series. 2 new members from the Road Race program will be inducted in June when WKA pays a visit to Summit Point Motorsports Park for the latest edition of the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting.
If you know of someone you feel is a candidate for future Hall of Fame consideration, contact Buddy Long at buddy@worldkarting.com.
To view the list of Hall of Fame Members, CLICK HERE.
In the future, the list is available by going to DOCS on the main page, then clicking WKA Hall of Fame.
CONCORD, NC - The WKA Board of Trustees has announced that homologation is now open for engines less than 125cc for the 2018 racing season.
Rules and Procedures may be found in item 117.1.1 in the 2017 WKA Tech Manual.
Due to the late announcement, the May 1st deadline has been extended to June 1st.
World Karting Mourns Loss of Hall of Famer Kyle Adkins
CONCORD, NC- The Karting Family was hit with some very sad news Wednesday morning, as World Karting Hall of Famer Kyle Adkins passed away. Known as a man who wore many hats, Kyle's involvement in kart racing is the epitome of a man who bled karting from beginning to end.
From a racer to race track owner, as well as engine builder, shop owner, sponsor, and most importantly Racing Dad to his son Brandon, Kyle contributed to every corner of the karting world. His track, Adkins Raceway Park, still in operation in Ohio, was also on the WKA radar for a future Gold Cup event, once Kyle was completely satisfied the track was adequate enough to meet the challenges of a national caliber track, typical of Kyle's ethics in racing.
For many years, through his Adkins Speed Shop company, Kyle was a class sponsor on the Bridgestone Manufacturers Series, giving back to a sport he so loved.
That dedication and love for the sport also placed Kyle in a very elite class in the World Karting Hall of Fame, as Kyle joined fellow 2007 honorees Kenny Venberg, former vice president of WKA, legendary Road Race King Randy Fulks, engine wizard Robin Bradshaw, and longtime WKA executive Rosie Howell.
To honor Kyle's memory, a commemorative sticker is already being designed, which will be issued to all competitors in the Keystone State Nationals, the next stop on the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, scheduled for May 19-21 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania. Racers will have the opportunity to proudly display their appreciation for a man who truly loved the sport of kart racing, and his karting family.
On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest sympathies, as well as complete thoughts and prayers are with Kyle's Family at this time.
Information regarding funeral arrangements will be posted as soon as they become available.
CONCORD, NC - The beginning of the new season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series is right around the corner, March 24-26 to be precise, with the pre-entry deadline for the Water Medic Southeast Showdown at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida set for Tuesday March 14. Entry fees for the national classes are $85, with a 1 time practice fee of $60. Competitors in the LO206 and 2 Cycle Kid Kart Classes will have a $50 pre-entry fee, with a $50 practice fee set.
With a new season comes some new changes and modifications to the program. This season, the Gold Cup Series will encompass 3 national events, starting at Jacksonville, then heading to Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio July 28-30, followed by the season ending Grand National event October 6-8 at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia. Competitors will be able to count their best 5 of 6 races in their quest to win the 2017 national championship.
Additionally, awards will be given out to the weekends overall champion, based on average finish for the 2 days of competition. Awards for 2nd and 3rd will also be given out. For Kid Karts, which are not a national class in 2017, the overall winner in both the LO206 and 2 Cycle classes will receive awards, with the balance of drivers receiving participation medals.
Here are the classes that are being offered for the 2017 season:
LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts
Rookie
Sportsman Pro Gas
Sportsman LO206
Junior Pro Gas
Junior LO206
Senior Pro Gas
Senior LO206
CIK Senior LO206
Masters Senior
Both traditional Gold Cup and CIK Bodyworks will be allowed, with the exception of the CIK Senior LO206 Class, which obviously will be CIK only.
No changes have occurred with regards to tires and rims for the new season, with the same rules intact from 2016.
WKA welcomes back Water Medic, Coyote Motorsports, and Boon and Sons as some of the initial sponsors signing back up for the 2017 season. Any additional sponsors interested in joining the 2017 season may contact the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606.
The series first stop of the season at Jacksonville will also coincide with the 2016 Year End Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Friday evening at the track. 2016 champions that will be honored include Jimmy Cole Jackson, David Kalb Jr, Sean Meier, Tim Stiefel, Jacob Heavlow, Kevin Lanyi, Elmer Edmonson and Blake Boon.
Many other special awards will be handed out that evening, as well as some great product from RLV, Briggs, Bridgestone, WKA, and much more!!!!
Doors Open at 6:45 with dinner at 7:15 and awards beginning at 7:45. A full buffet dinner including smokehouse chicken, smoked beef brisket, baked beans, mac and cheese, garlic toast, banana pudding, cookies and brownies, sweet and unsweet iced tea will be available.
It's a great time of year, with the North Florida Kart Club and 103rd Street Sports Complex serving as the backdrop for a great new season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series.
To view the Water Medic Southeast Showdown Entry Blank, CLICK HERE.
To view the Gold Cup Awards Banquet Form, CLICK HERE.
FIRST WKA #RACELIFE SPOTLIGHT CHOSEN
MEET: GRAY LEADBETTER
The #RaceLife Spotlight is open to WKA racers of all series. Interested? Email Nicole at shift.counseling@gmail.com for more information.
To read more about Gray, CLICK HERE to visit the WKA website.
CONCORD, NC- Are you a WKA racer or a parent of one? We would like to hear from you. WKA will be featuring two racers a month on the worldkarting.com website and across all WKA social media channels. The #RaceLife Spotlight is open to WKA racers of all series; Manufacturer's Cup, Gold Cup, Road Racing Series and Speedway Dirt.
TO BE FEATURED:
- Email Nicole to receive your interview questions.
- Get creative! If you want to make a video of your interview or a short clip of you racing, great. If you just want to type your answers and send them back in, that is fine as well.
- Include photos of you on and off the track.
The purpose of the WKA #RaceLife Spotlight is to showcase the uniqueness of each racer and get to know each of our racers better. The karting community is a family and what better way to share that passion for racing than to feature our kart racers.
To receive your #RaceLife Spotlight interview questions, email Nicole at shift.counseling@gmail.com