1ST Annual Yamaha Shootout Coming to Concept Haulers Motor Speedway

Officials at Concept Haulers Motor Speedway in Sheridan, Illinois are proud to announce the 1st edition of the Yamaha Shootout. Scheduled for Saturday April 29, the Shootout will be incorporated into the regular Saturday racing schedule.

Entry Fee for the event is $75, $100 the week of the event, or at the gate, just a $20 increase from the normal Saturday Club races. Over $3,000 in cash and prizes will be on the line at the famed Illinois facility.

Featuring both Yamaha Senior and Junior classes, The race will consist of a 10 lap pre-final with a 22 lap final. Drivers are welcome to come out for practice on Friday April 28 from 10am-6pm.

For more information regarding the 1st Annual Yamaha Shootout, call the track at (815) 496-CHMS.

If you are a track, club, or group that is part of the WKA Insurance and Wristband program, and would like to further promote your events on the WKA site, contact Buddy Long at buddy@worldkarting.com.

08.18.2015 - WKA Launches New Website

CONCORD, NC - After months of construction, World Karting Association is proud to announce the launch of their new website. The new site should be more navigable and easier to follow, no matter what category followers choose. Making the website easy to navigate, as well as showcasing the many sponsors WKA has, were two of the many high priorities for their customers.

In the coming weeks, added detailed information regarding the 2015 edition of Daytona KartWeek will appear, as well as info regarding the 2016 version of the WKA Tech Manual, all major projects World Karting is working on at present, in an effort to get the information out to their customers, as well as the rest of the karting world as quickly as possible.

To view the new website, be sure to log onto www.worldkarting.com.

Update On Gold Cup Contingency Program Post Camden

CONCORD, NC - With the third race of the 2015 RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series in the books, below is a breakdown of the top 3 finishing positions for drivers in their respective classes, as well as the contingencies they are eligible for, based on the contingency stickers they placed on their karts.

CONCORD, NC - With the third race of the 2015 RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series in the books, below is a breakdown of the top 3 finishing positions for drivers in their respective classes, as well as the contingencies they are eligible for, based on the contingency stickers they placed on their karts.

As a reminder, the bulk of contingencies available pertain to 1^st place only. Streeter Super Stands offers a contingency for the top 3, while Franklin Motorsports offers their contingency to the third place finisher.

Based on that formula, below are the drivers, positions, and coordinating contingencies that are available following Race #3 at Camden.

Kid Karts: Saturday

1 Jax Walker: GT Machine, Franklin Motorsports, Streeter Super Stands

2 Blake Boone: Streeter Super Stands

Senior Pro Gas: Saturday

1 Jacob Heavlow: GT Machine

Animal Medium: Saturday

1 Jacob Heavlow: GT Machine

2 Paul Headley: Streeter Super Stands

Sportsman LO206: Saturday

1 Riley Kelley: MGM Chassis, GT Machine, SMC Vortex Clutches

3 Tanner Carter:  Streeter Super Stands

Sportsman Pro Gas Lite: Saturday

1 Aiden Baker Crouse: Baker Racing Engines, Mikim Motorsports, Thor Racing Lubricants

Junior LO206: Saturday

1 Matt Miller: GT Machine, Franklin Motorsports, SMC Vortex Clutches, Streeter Super Stands

2 Jimmy Cole Jackson: Streeter Super Stands

Senior LO206: Saturday

1 Gary Lawson: Kart City Performance

Animal Heavy Mix: Saturday

1 Paul Headley: GT Machine, Van K Wheels, Streeter Super Stands

2 Josh Stiefel: Streeter Super Stands

3 Tim Stiefel: Streeter Super Stands

Junior Pro Gas Heavy: Saturday

1 Alex Vrabel: Ionic Edge Chassis, GT Machine, Streeter Super Stands

2 Matthew Miller: Franklin Motorsports, Streeter Super Stands

3 Brian Van Cleve: Franklin Motorsports

Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy: Saturday

1 Aiden Baker Crouse: Kart City Performance, Mikim Motorsports, Van K Wheels, Thor Racing Lubricants

Junior Pro Gas Lite: Saturday

1 David Kalb Jr: Turner Racing Engines, Mikim Motorsports

2 Matthew Miller: Franklin Motorsports, Streeter Super Stands

Junior Pro Gas Lite: Sunday

2: Cody Hall: Franklin Motorsports

3 Brian Van Cleve: Franklin Motorsports

Junior Pro Gas Heavy: Sunday

1 Cody Hall: Razor Chassis, Baker Racing Engines

2 Brian Van Cleve: Franklin Motorsports

3 Matthew Miller: Franklin Motorsports

Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy: Sunday

1 Riley Kelley: MGM, GT Machine, SMC Vortex Clutches

Animal Medium: Sunday

3 Jim Lipari: Franklin Motorsports, Streeter Super Stands 

Kid Karts: Sunday

1 Jax Walker: GT Machine, Van K Wheels, Franklin Motorsports, Streeter Super Stands

2 Blake Boone: Franklin Motorsports

Sportsman Pro Gas Lite: Sunday

1 Riley Kelley: SMC Vortex Clutches

3 Tanner Carter: Streeter Super Stands

Senior Pro Gas: Sunday

1 Jacob Heavlow: Turner Racing Engines, SMC Vortex Clutches

Animal Heavy Mix: Sunday

1 Gary Lawson: Kart City Performance

2 Paul Headley: Streeter Super Stands

3 Josh Stiefel: Streeter Super Stands

Sportsman LO206: Sunday

1 Riley Kelley: MGM, GT Machine

3 Tanner Carter: Streeter Super Stands

Senior LO206: Sunday

1 Dustin Demattia: Ionic Edge Chassis, Turner Racing Engines

Junior LO206: Sunday

1 Matt Miller: GT Machine, Franklin Motorsports, SMC Vortex Clutches

2 Jimmy Cole Jackson: Streeter Super Stands

Klutz Takes Over for Bartlett as WKA District 3 Trustee

CONCORD, NC - WKA Members in the state of North Carolina now have a new, but familiar person that will serve the remaining term as the District 3 Trustee in their region as John Klutz, the 2 cycle representative in North Carolina will fulfill the remaining balance of District 3 Trustee Johnny Bartlett’s term, which will expire after 2015.

CONCORD, NC - WKA Members in the state of North Carolina now have a new, but familiar person that will serve the remaining term as the District 3 Trustee in their region as John Klutz, the 2 cycle representative in North Carolina will fulfill the remaining balance of District 3 Trustee Johnny Bartlett’s term, which will expire after 2015.

Bartlett, a well-known and well-respected member in the 4-cycle community, has recently taken on his own business in engine building. And with the long hours and dedication it takes to get a new business up and running, Bartlett felt he needed to give his new venture 100% of his time and effort.

While Bartlett will remain very active as a strong 4-cycle voice to the World Karting Association, members can relax in the fact that another longtime staple in kart racing in John Klutz will be assuming the District 3 Trustee role. Long known for his success with Competition Karting Incorporated out of Welcome, North Carolina, Klutz brings a wealth of knowledge, not only in 4 cycle racing, but also serves as another delegate to the National Road Racing Series, a series in which CKI has been an integral part of for decades, which includes Johns father, and WKA Hall of Famer Dan Klutz.

The position move is effective immediately. And since Klutz is fulfilling a vacancy, he will have the opportunity to run for 2 consecutive terms, once this term is completed. This year serves as the final year of Bartlett’s term, as ballots will also be going out later this year for Districts 6 and 9, serving Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Maine respectively.

Members of North Carolina having questions for Mr. Klutz can direct them to (336) 731-6111

WKA would like to thank Mr. Bartlett for his years of service to the Board of Trustees, as well as the WKA office and its membership, and looks forward to continuing to work with him in the future.

Eastern Super Divisional This Weekend in Pittsburgh!!!!!!

CONCORD, NC - The eastern swing for the WKA Super Divisional Program gets underway in full force this weekend at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania. As a combined effort between the Great Lakes Sprint Series and New Jersey Sprint Series, the Eastern Super Divisional, which also serves as Race #2 for the New Jersey Sprint Series,  will offer 100 national transfer points to the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series.

CONCORD, NC - The eastern swing for the WKA Super Divisional Program gets underway in full force this weekend at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania. As a combined effort between the Great Lakes Sprint Series and New Jersey Sprint Series, the Eastern Super Divisional, which also serves as Race #2 for the New Jersey Sprint Series,  will offer 100 national transfer points to the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series.

Classes offered this weekend include Kid Kart, Yamaha Rookie, Yamaha Sportsman, TaG Sportsman, Yamaha Junior, TaG Junior, PRD Junior, Yamaha Senior, PRD Senior, TaG Senior Lite, TaG Heavy, and Open Shifter.

In order for competitors to receive the 100 bonus points, they must register and pay for entry into a Final 1 and Final 2, take a complete green, and pass tech.

Temporary WKA Memberships will be available to purchase at the track. Event Pass for the weekend will be $35.

Competitors will have a full day of practice on Friday before hitting the track for finals on both Saturday and Sunday.

Special thanks to Grand Products, Bridgestone, and Alpine Restyle for their sponsorship efforts for the event.

For more information on the Eastern Super Divisional, go to www.njsprintseries.com.

WKA Super Divisionals

CONCORD, NC - Coming off another successful Manufactures Cup race in Dousman Wisconsin, WKA racers will turn their attention to the first of two Super-Divisionals.  The first Super-Divisional will be held June 26-28, 2015 at the PITT Race Complex in Wampum PA (site of the WKA Grand Nationals in August) while the second Super-Divisional will be held September 26th at Concept Haulers Speedway in Norway IL.The Super-Divisional will be a way for a racer to collect 100 National bonus points without having to travel to four different races, saving families time and money.

CONCORD, NC - Coming off another successful Manufactures Cup race in Dousman Wisconsin, WKA racers will turn their attention to the first of two Super-Divisionals.  The first Super-Divisional will be held June 26-28, 2015 at the PITT Race Complex in Wampum PA (site of the WKA Grand Nationals in August)  while the second Super-Divisional will be held September 26th at Concept Haulers Speedway in Norway IL.  The Super-Divisional will be a way for a racer to collect 100 National bonus points without having to travel to four different races, saving families time and money.

Pre registration forms, event info and class structure can be found by clicking on the following link www.NJSprintSeries.com .  The pre-registration deadline is Friday June 12, 2015.

Divisional point transfers forms will be on hand to fill out at the event so that you can be sure that your points get transferred to the correct class.  Transfer points will be awarded in all National Classes (excluded Local option Mini-Swift).  If you need transfer points in two classes you must enter and race in two classes.

Special Announcement Updated 6/4/2015:   Mini Swift Cup has been added to the schedule.  This class will be run as a standalone class.  IAME USA East, Grand Products and New Jersey Sprint Series have stepped up to provide awards to the top three finishers in the class.  First place will receive from IAME USA East free entry into the next Manufactures Cup race (Mini Swift-Cup Class).  Second place will receive a set of Bridgestone’s courtesy of Grand Products, while third place will receive four boxes of chain from the New Jersey Sprint Series plus other merchandise.

Find out all the information you may need about the event by going to www.NJSprintSeries.com or by following the New Jersey Sprint Series on Facebook.

04.07.2015 - WKA Approves New Super Divisional Program

CONCORD, NC - During its recent meeting in March, the World Karting Association Board of Trustees voted to approve a new Super Divisional Program for 2015.

CONCORD, NC - During its recent meeting in March, the World Karting Association Board of Trustees voted to approve a new Super Divisional Program for 2015.

The new program, which applies solely to the Manufacturers Cup Series, encompasses divisional programs in the east, southeast, and midwest. The East Super Divisional will include the Great Lakes and New Jersey Sprint Series, hosting an event at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania, while the Midwest Super Divisional will be held at Concept Haulers Motor Speedway in Sheridan, Illinois. The Southeast Divisional will feature the Florida Karting Championship Series with 4 events at 3 venues, those being Ocala Gran Prix, Monticello Karting, and Orlando Kart Center.

The Super Divisional program is outlined below:

A Super Divisional must offer a minimum of 2 finals, Final 1 and Final 2.

A competitor must register and pay for entry into Final 1 and Final 2, take a competition green, and pass tech to receive 100 bonus points.

For every class you want transfer points, you must enter and pay for that same number.

Each Super Divisional can decide on 1 of 2 formats:

1 event weekend with Final 1 and Final 2, (Total of 2 Finals)

or

2 event weekends with 1 Final each weekend, (Total of 2 Finals)

It was the recommendation of the Divisional Series Committee, and passed by the Trustees, to increase the Divisional Transfer Points in a 4 race series to 100 points for Mfg Cup. Drivers earn 50 bonus points for competing in their first 2 events, and 25 additional bonus points for their third and fourth event for a total of 100 bonus points within a specific series.

Drivers can earn an additional 25 points if they compete in all of the events offered in their Divisional Series for a total of 125 bonus points.

Gold Cup Divisional points remain unchanged.

The Southeast Divisional, the Florida Karting Championship Series, with 4 events at 3 venues, will offer their racers the ability to receive up to 125 bonus points under the new guidelines.

“ We want to make sure the karter gets value and great awards for attending the inaugural East Super Divisional”, stated New Jersey Sprint Series Director John Ferris Jr. “ We will be lining up great sponsors and awards for this event. Our class structure will align with the Manufacturers Cup Series class structure. We will also have certified WKA Tech and Race Directors on hand to support the event”.

Great Lakes Sprint Series Director Mike Tetreault feels working with the New Jersey Sprint Series is a No Brainer. “ There is so much racing going on, and not enough time to hold a 4 race series”, stated Tetreault. “Many of our loyal supporters have conveyed this to me throughout the season. And I am holding them to our promise of always listening to our racers”.

With the huge void in the upper midwest the last few years, WKA will be heading back to Briggs and Stratton Raceway Park in Dousman, Wisconsin for a Manufacturers Cup national in May, thanks to the continued team effort of midwest trustees George Sieracki and Steve Jacobson, as well as the entire Board of Trustees.

“ The Board felt the best thing to do was limit the amount of races in an effort to achieve the maximum amount of bonus points”, stated WKA President John Ferris. “ This is what our competitors have wanted. And in my continued efforts to back up my statement of listening to our membership, this is the end result of what should be a great program”.

Here is a look at the 2015 Super Divisional Schedule.

Eastern Super Divisional: Great Lakes and New Jersey Sprint Series”

June 26-28: Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

Midwest Super Divisional:

September 26: Concept Haulers Motor Speedway, Sheridan, Illinois

Southeast Divisional: Florida Karting Championship Series:

April 24-26: Ocala Gran Prix

May 22-24: Monticello Karting

June 19-21: Orlando Kart Center

Oct 16-18: Ocala Gran Prix

03.17.2015 - The Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series

CONCORD, NC - Have you ever wondered how you stand up against other racers in your state or region of the country?  That is the premise behind the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series. “We wanted to incorporate the fun and excitement of racing the 206 crate engine with a program that supports both the racers and local tracks running it” stated David Klaus, Director- Briggs & Stratton Racing.   RLV is helping with the nuts and bolts of this program.  “I can’t say enough about RLV, they are simply a stand-up company.  Amsoil, the leader in synthetic oils, is another partner we are proud to have onboard.  “Briggs & Stratton 4T custom blended by Amsoil is simply the best engineered synthetic on the market and the only oil we recommend for our racing engines.”

CONCORD, NC - Have you ever wondered how you stand up against other racers in your state or region of the country?  That is the premise behind the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series. “We wanted to incorporate the fun and excitement of racing the 206 crate engine with a program that supports both the racers and local tracks running it” stated David Klaus, Director- Briggs & Stratton Racing.   RLV is helping with the nuts and bolts of this program.  “I can’t say enough about RLV, they are simply a stand-up company.  Amsoil, the leader in synthetic oils, is another partner we are proud to have onboard.  “Briggs & Stratton 4T custom blended by Amsoil is simply the best engineered synthetic on the market and the only oil we recommend for our racing engines.”

Each track that signs up will receive a track pack of ‘goodies’.  In addition each track will receive a substantial discount on a PowerSmart Inverter Generator available at banquet time.  Tracks also will be competing for the ‘206 Top Track’ award in each region which includes $2,000 of Briggs & Stratton facility improving equipment.  Racers in each region will be competing for over $11,000 in generators and pressure washers.  “Great prizes along with bragging rights are on the line as well as every racer’s cumulative points will go towards crowning our 2015 ‘Top 206’ tracks.”

“Our PowerSmart Inverter line of generators is the highlight of this program.  Quiet power, incredible portability, industry leading bells and whistles like a USB connection, LCD display, fuel gauge, parallel connecting capability, and more!   Exactly what every racer needs!”  Check out the PowerSmart series at www.BriggsandStratton.com.

For complete rules and regulation and track sign-up  please visit www.BriggsWRS.com

03.13.2015 - Funeral arrangements for Rosie Howell

CONCORD, NC - Funeral Services for "Rosie" Howell will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday
March 14, 2015 at Drexel First Church of God, with Rev. Stephen Greer
and Rev. Donald Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Drexel
First Church of God Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM. Friday at
Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese where the body will remain until
placed in the church 30 min. prior to the services.
Memorials may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care Center,
1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.
An online guestbook and obituary is available
at www.heritagefuneralservice.com.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the Howell family.

03.12.2015 - Karting loses a great Ambassador

 

CONCORD, NC - On March 11 Rosie Howell passed away.  Rosie was a great ambassador to the sport and will certainly go down as a karting legend.  Rosie began his karting career as a competitor.  Racing avidly in the Road Racing Series he amassed many friendships along the way.  Rosie and his wife Martha took their family and traveled across the country to compete. 

CONCORD, NC - On March 11 Rosie Howell passed away.  Rosie was a great ambassador to the sport and will certainly go down as a karting legend.  Rosie began his karting career as a competitor.  Racing avidly in the Road Racing Series he amassed many friendships along the way.  Rosie and his wife Martha took their family and traveled across the country to compete.

 

In the 1980s Rosie became directly involved in the operations of the WKA.  Along with serving on the Board he evolved into being a Race Director for the Road Racing Series.  He was well respected amongst the karters.  Known to be fair he didn’t hesitate to make the tough decisions when necessary. 

 

 

Rosie began to work closely with WKA President George Kugler.  He was appointed Assistant to the President and began traveling to all the WKA series as an Ambassador to the organization.  He used to write a column for the WKA magazine called “Rosie’s Ramblings”.  It was a traveling diary of all the events, tracks, and people he met along the way covering the WKA circuit.

 

Working alongside Rosie on many occasions, I can tell you he was as genuine and passionate about WKA and it’s karters as anyone I have ever met.  He lived and breathed karting. 

 

There have been few like Rosie.  His energy and dedication leave a vivid memory on how the karting “experience” is meant to be.

Godspeed Rosie……you will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

03.05.2015 - Third and Final Round of Florida Pro Kart Series

 

CONCORD, NC - While many in the country continue to dig out from the winter doldrums across the country, several drivers will be on the hot seat, vying for titles in the latest winter edition of the Florida Pro Kart Series.

CONCORD, NC - While many in the country continue to dig out from the winter doldrums across the country, several drivers will be on the hot seat, vying for titles in the latest winter edition of the Florida Pro Kart Series.

 

Following 2 rounds of fast paced action at Palm Beach Kart Center, the series shifts its focus to 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida March 13-15 as the winter champions will be crowned.

 

Headlining the action will be the TAG Sportsman Vortex and TAG Sportsman IAME. Titles will also be on the line for TAG Micro, TAG Mini,  IAME Jr and IAME Sr, as well as Briggs LO206 Junior and Senior and many other classes.

 

Champions in both IAME Junior and Senior will also win a free transfer to the World Finals. Additionally, a drawing will be held, awarding a third transfer to another IAME Junior OR Senior driver who has participated in all 3 events this past winter. That winner will receive a $2,000 travel voucher to the World Finals, courtesy of Bridgestone.

 

“ I would just like to thank EVERYONE for their support of this program this season” stated Series Promoter Glenn Biggs. “ We are super excited, not only for the winners going to the World Finals, but are also intrigued by the response for the Briggs LO206 Junior and Senior classes that will be participating at Jacksonville as well. The projected turnout for those classes looks to be huge!! “ Having the World Karting Associations Gold Cup Series coming in 2 weeks later, and also offering the LO206 classes, can only benefit both groups”

 

Both series will utilize the same track configuration, which includes the ever-popular long, high speed back stretch.

 

Over $80,000 in prizes will be available at Jacksonville, helping culminate what has been a great winter program, with plans already in the works for next season.

For more information on the March finale, log onto floridaprokartseries.com. 

02.12.2015 - BUDDY'S BACK.

The World Karting Association would like to announce that beginning February 24th John “Buddy” Long will be back working for WKA. Hired back in 2001, Long, originally hired as Director of Operations, worked diligently for the next 12 years with the organization and its members, rising to the position of General Manager.

Priding himself on strong organizational and communication skills, Long created some of the best officiating teams for all the major touring series, all the while establishing a great rapport with the competitors, tracks, sponsors, and many heavyweights in the karting industry.

The World Karting Association would like to announce that beginning February 24th John “Buddy” Long will be back working for WKA. Hired back in 2001, Long, originally hired as Director of Operations, worked diligently for the next 12 years with the organization and its members, rising to the position of General Manager.

Priding himself on strong organizational and communication skills, Long created some of the best officiating teams for all the major touring series, all the while establishing a great rapport with the competitors, tracks, sponsors, and many heavyweights in the karting industry.

In conjunction with the WKA duties during this time period, Long also has established himself as one of the top motorsports announcers in the country, working as a broadcaster for the Motor Racing Network, as well as hosting a midweek show on mrn.com known as NASCAR Coast to Coast.

“ It is truly an honor and privilege to return to an organization of which I have so many wonderful memories, and look forward to creating New Great Memories! stated Long. The organization has a ton of positive energy going for it right now. And I hope my return to WKA will only enhance that level of energy!!!!”

Buddy will return to many of the duties he once accepted, fined tuned, and let blossom during his initial tenure. Those “On Road” duties will begin with the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series March 27-29 at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

“ I can’t think of a better place to start than Jacksonville, stated Long. The North Florida Kart Club has been awesome to work with over the years, truly making this one of the easiest events to put on. I can’t wait!!!”