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.