Lloyd, Dyszelski, Williamson, Van Cleve, Meier, and Barthelemy Pull Out The Brooms at Barnesville

CONCORD, NC - The local hardware store in Barnesville, Georgia is stocking back up on brooms this week, following the sweep by 6 drivers this past weekend, as the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series stormed into the Lamar County Speedway for the Barnesville Bash, fending off the challenges of Hurricane Nate, and ending the season on a most positive note.

The first of 6 drivers to begin the cleanup process was Austin Williamson, who swept the action in the GT Machine Junior Pro Gas Class. Coming into the weekend, Williamson held the points lead over Elmer Edmonson and Brian Van Cleve. And with both those drivers on hand, there was little room for error, which Williamson prevented, taking the class both days, with the end result on the track, the same as that in the points, with Edmonson and Van Cleve chasing the Georgia driver across the stripe.

Well traveled 2 and 4 Cycle driver Danny Dyszelski used an open weekend on his schedule to come to Barnesville as well, taking both the Saturday and Sunday wins in the GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas Class over Georgian Owen Lloyd. Dyszelski will now focus on his 2 cycle kart this weekend, running the Yamaha Sportsman and Mini Swift classes for the season ending Top Kart USA Grand Nationals for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series at GoPro Motorplex.

With winners from Georgia and North Carolina in the books, it was time for the state of Florida to come to the front, with veteran Sean Meier taking down the Target Distributing Senior LO206 class,  fending off the efforts of Jim Lipari and Tim Clark both days.

For Clark, his day was just starting, as the veteran racer pulled double duty in Senior competition on a very humid weekend, also running the Masters Senior class, with local product Bob Barthelemy taking down the field on both occasions. Jacksonville competitor Brad Farmer chased Barthelemy on both days to snare a pair of runnerup honors, with Clark third on day 1, while Steve Kiker made a return to competition, taking third on Day 2.

Brian Van Cleve also joined the ranks of the double threats over the weekend, sweeping the Water Medic Junior LO206 Class both days, taking down Austin Williamson and Kevin Lanyi each day. Like Williamson, Van Cleve came into the event with the points lead, and needed to maintain his win status to stay in front, which he did.

The most exciting events of the weekend came in the Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206 Class, where Georgia driver Owen Lloyd, the points leader coming into the event, had to deal with a 14 kart field, peppered with national and local competition. Lloyd was up to the task, taking down the field both days, topping Danny Dyszelski, Lane Littleton, Peyton Bridges, and Blake McGinnis on Day 1, while McGinnis, Bridges, and Clay Thompson chased Lloyd and Dyszelski across the stripe on the second day of competition.

Prior to the weekends points action, the Sportsman and Junior LO206 Classes participated in their annual Shootout races on Friday afternoon, with Kevin Lanyi topping Brian Van Cleve, Austin Williamson, and Elmer Edmonson in Junior action, while local product Peyton Bridges took down the field in the Sportsman LO206 Shootout, thus winning $100 for his efforts, while Danny Dyszelski and Owen Lloyd each earned a $50 payday by virtue of their 2nd and 3rd place finishes. Very special thanks to Arnold Lloyd for providing the special purse money for the drivers.

The Barnesville Bash officially concluded the 2017 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series. Special thanks to so many, including:

RLV Tuned Exhaust Products: Art and Rod Verliengre

GT Machine: Dave and Sue Koehler

Coyote Racing Chassis: Mark and Jim Lipari

Boon and Sons: Matt and Dan Boon

Target Distributing: Joe Deboever

Briggs and Stratton: Dave Klaus

Water Medic: Rich Jackson

A very special thanks to all the competitors, fans, moms and dads, and so many others who always make a weekend at a Gold Cup event a most memorable occasion. On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest thanks, and wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

National Titles on the Line at Barnesville This Weekend

CONCORD, NC - While it may just be the second race of the season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, national championship hopes hang in the balance for drivers in the 8 national classes this weekend at Lamar County Speedway in the Barnesville Bash.

Drivers eligible for a title will have to have entered in all 4 of their respective class races at the 2 venues this season, the March Southeast Showdown at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as this weekend in Barnesville, Georgia. The class must also contain an average of 3 participants, with eventual champions being awarded the coveted WKA National Champions Eagle. There will be no drops.

One of the tightest battles is in the Target Distributing Senior LO206 Class, where Aren Lloyd holds a 5 point edge over Matt Mayes, with Jason Yarbrough just 15 points out of the lead. Jim Lipari and Sean Meier round out the top 5.

The CIK LO206 Senior class is a virtual deadlock between bothers James and Justin Vanderzee, with Brian Collins and Michael Gay in the hunt.

Brian Van Cleve holds a pretty substantial lead over Kevin Lanyi in the Water Medic Junior LO206 class, with Elmer Edmonson, Austin Williamson, and Macon Moore making up the current top 5.

Williamson is looking to take down the GT Machine Junior Pro Gas class, as he has a strong advantage over Edmonson, with Van Cleve and Moore the top 4.

20 tallies is all that separates points leader Brad Farmer from Timothy Clark in Masters Senior competition, with Tim Stiefel, Kevin Medearis, and Vernon Sparks chasing the top 2.

Owen Lloyd holds a good lead over Camryn Reed in the Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206 Class, while Blake Boon looks to secure the GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas top honors, sporting a healthy lead over Camden Gruber.

Jim Lipari rounds out the points leaders heading into this weekends action, leading the Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas class.

Activities for the Barnesville Bash get underway Friday with a full day of practice, starting at 8:30am. Immediately following practice, the traditional Shootout Races will take place, featuring Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206.

Saturday and Sunday action will kick off at 8:30am with practice, followed by qualifying, 1 heat race, and the main events. The weekends overall top 3 finishers will also be receiving prizes, along with their awards.

To view the weekend schedule for the Barnesville Bash, CLICK HERE.  

Barnesville Bash is a Go!!!

CONCORD, NC - Despite unsubstantiated and unofficial rumors, World Karting Officials are proud to announce what they have been stating for several weeks. And that is the Barnesville Bash for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series WILL RUN at Lamar County Speedway the weekend of October 6-8.

The event, which will kick off Friday with a full day of practice, followed by traditional Shootout races for Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206, will feature several national classes, including;

LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

Saturday and Sunday will feature practice, qualifying, a heat race, and final.

WKA will be sending down national race director Jayson Brown to oversee the weekends on track activities, while lead national 4 cycle tech director Bobby Gettys will also be on hand. Joining the crew will be WKA Director of Operations Buddy Long to call the weekends activities as well.

Awards and prizes to the weekends top 3 overall finishers will also be given out during the weekend, provided there are a minimum of 3 karts in each class. 

The Barnesville Bash will officially wrap up the 2017 Gold Cup season at one of Americas oldest and notorius sprint tracks in the country!!!!!

To view the Barnesville Entry Blank, CLICK HERE.

Pre-Entry Deadline for Barnesville Bash Sept 26

CONCORD, NC - Competitors wishing to take advantage of the pre-entry pricing for the Barnesville Bash, the 2017 finale for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, have until Tuesday September 26 before the At Track pricing kicks in.

The event will feature the following classes:

LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

Activities for the Barnesville Bash get underway Friday with a full day of practice, followed by the traditional Shootout Races for Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206.

Activities on Saturday and Sunday will consist of practice, qualifying, 1 heat race, and the final event. The top 3 overall finishers in each national class will also be receiving prizes, with a minimum of 3 entries in each class to be eligible.

Be sure and get your entry in for the season finale at one of the souths most fabled tracks!!!!

To view the weekend schedule for the Barnesville Bash, CLICK HERE.

Entries Filing in for Barnesville Bash!!!

CONCORD, NC - With the final event of the 2017 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series just around the corner, entries are beginning to make there way into the WKA Office, as the series will celebrate the Barnesville Bash the weekend of October 6-8 at Lamar County Speedway.

10 major classes of competition will be taking to the legendary Barnesville circuit that weekend, in quest of a shot at the podium, and possibly some major prizes by the end of the weekend. Classes in action that weekend include;

LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

Activities for the Barnesville Bash get underway Friday October 6 with a full day of practice followed by Shootout races for the Sportsman, Junior and Senior LO206 Classes. Guaranteed Purse Payouts will be issued, with a 75% payback to the top 5 in all 3 classes.

On Satruday and Sunday, action gets underway with practice at 8:30am, followed by qualifying, 1 heat race, and a main each day, with podium presentations following each days activities. The weeknds overall Top 3 will be receiving prizes as well.

Competitors wishing to attend the event have until Sept 26 to take advantage of the Pre Entry Pricing.

To view the Entry Blank and weekend scheduled for the Barnesville Bash, click here.

Entry Blank for Barnesville Bash Now Available!!!!

CONCORD, NC - Officials for World Karting and the Georgia Sprint Karting Association are proud to announce the entry blank for the "Barnesville Bash" for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series is now online. The event, slated for October 6-8 at the legendary Lamar County Speedway in Georgia, promises to be stacked with great competition, as some of the very best 4 Cycle competitors in the country will be vying for the top shelf of the podium, not to mention the opportunity to grab some great prizes, being awarded to the weekends overall top 3 in the national classes. 

Classes that will be offered at Barenesville that weekend include:

LO206/2Cycle Kid Kart

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

These national classes will be running each day on Saturday and Sunday, with practice, qualifying, a  heat race and final making up the bulk of each day. Prior to that, there will be a full day of practice on Friday, followed by the traditional Friday evening Shootout races, featuring the Sportsman LO206, Junior LO206, and Senior LO206 classes. 

Complimenting the Lamar County Speedway staff will be WKA Gold Cup National Race Director Jayson Brown, as well as longtime WKA Tech Man Bobby Gettys, taking care of competitors on and off the track. Additionally, the national staff will be completed by former WKA National announcer Buddy Long, who will be returning to the booth to call the weekend action from beginning to end.

Competitors wishing to make parking arrangements can contact Vicki Forsyth at vforsyth6096@gmail .com.

The 2017 finale for the Gold Cup Series at Barnesville will clearly be one to attend, as the tight, tricky track, with elevation changes, clearly challenges driver and machine. This will be one to watch!!!!

To view the entry blank for the Barnesville Bash, click here.

WKA Cancels Gold Cup Event at Thompson Kart Raceway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WKA Cancels Gold Cup Event at Thompson Kart Raceway

Organization to Re-Evaluate Gold Cup Program for Future Improvements

CONCORD, NC – After careful consideration, the World Karting Association has made the difficult decision to cancel its Gold Cup event, scheduled for July 28 – 30, at Thompson Kart Raceway.  Laborious planning efforts to support round two of the Gold Cup program over the past few weeks unfortunately did not generate the entries needed to ensure a successful event for everyone involved, so the tough decision was made today to cancel the event altogether.

“We appreciate the hard work of the Gold Cup planning team and the fine folks at Thompson Kart Raceway,” stated John Ferris, WKA’s President, “We simply did not get the necessary number of entries and support needed to put on an event we could be proud of, and frankly that racers expect from a National level event.  As a result, the decision was made at the Executive level to cancel the event.”

Discussions are already in the works to keep this unfortunate action from happening in the future; to include the structure and dates of WKA’s 2018 Gold Cup program.  At this time, there are no plans to alter the October event at Barnesville and WKA looks forward to seeing its Gold Cup family there this fall.  As planning continues, WKA will make public announcements as to future plans of the program.  Keep visiting worldkarting.com and read Pit Board announcements for improvements to the Gold Cup program, and all of WKA’s news.

Deadline for Northeast Knockout July 18

CONCORD, NC - As 4 Cycle competitors eagerly prepare for the first WKA visit by the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio July 28-30, WKA Officials want to remind all competitors that the pre entry deadline for stop #2 of the 3 race national program is slated for Tuesday July 18.

Following some exciting competition back in March in Jacksonville, Florida, competitors are hungry to get back behind the wheel and test for many, what will be their first ever visit to the Thompson facility.

Like Jacksonville, drivers will not only be vying for the weekends overall title, and the chance to stand atop the national podium, overall weekend champions will also be receiving generators from Briggs and Stratton, as well as prizes going to the second and third place overall finishers!!!! A minimum of 3 competitors need to be in the class in order to be eligible for the prizes.

Classes that will be vying for the awards and prizes include:

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

Additionally, classes will be available for LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts, as well as Rookie.

Activities will kick off Friday with the traditional Shootout races for Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206, immediately following practice. A 75% payback will be available for each class, based on kart count.

Competitors interested in reserving parking may contact James Denholm at jamestdenholm@gmail.com.

Don't miss the first ever chance to battle it out at Thompson for Gold Cup supremacy!!!!!

To view the entry info for the Northeast Knockout, CLICK HERE.  

Entries Pouring in for VIR Summer Nationals

CONCORD, NC - Woodbridge Kart Club Officials have been overwhelmed by the turnout of pre entries for the latest event for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting. The Summer Nationals, slated for July 21-23 at Virginia International Raceway, stop #4 of 5 for the National WKA Series, will mark a return for the first time in 2 years by the Road Race Series, since the track was repaved in July of 2016. Many competitors are busting at the seams with excitement, awaiting the opportunity to return to one of the most competitive and historic tracks in national sprint racing.

Headlining the action will be the first ever Battle of the Tires, featuring 4 classes on Saturday, including the Hoosier Racing Tire Animal Heavy, WT Racing IAME Sprint, Fisher Racing Engines Stock Honda, and Yamaha Sportsman Heavy classes. Drivers that sport either Dunlop or Hoosier tires on all 4 corners of the kart, and win the event, will receive a free set of tires from the respective tire distributor.

In addition to the four classes listed, there will be several more national classes in attendance, including several Local Option classes, ranging from Cadets to Vintage. Here's a look at the Local Option classes available.

Cadet LO206

Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

TaG Junior

WKC Vintage USA

WKC Vintage Open

WKC Vintage Euro

WKC Vintage Piston Port

Open Sprint

Pre Entries for the event must be received by July 14. Otherwise, competitors will have to sign up at the track. To register online, go to Woodbridgekartclub.com. Make checks payable to:

Woodbridge Kart Club

462 Earle Road

Charlestown, West Virginia 25414

Activities for the Summer Nationals get underway with a full day of practice, beginning Friday at 8am, with a full slate of daily activity Saturday and Sunday, starting 11am Saturday, and 10:15am on Sunday.

To view the Summer Nationals entry blank, CLICK HERE.

Remember to register online at www.Woodbridgekartclub.com!!!!

Briggs Generators and Many Prizes to be Handed Out at Thompson National

CONCORD, NC - In keeping with the theme of the first race of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, WKA Officials will once again be organizing merchandise to go along with the awards to the weekends top overall finishers in the series second event of the season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, the Northeast Knockout July 28-30 at Thompson Kart Raceway in Thompson, Ohio.

Through the efforts of Dave Klaus of Briggs & Stratton, the weekends overall champions will be receiving generators for their efforts, with prizes also going to the weekends 2nd and 3rd place overall finishers. In order to claim the prizes, there must be a minimum of 3 karts in the respective national classes.

Classes eligible for the merchandise include:

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Senior Pro Gas

The LO206 and 2 Cycle Kid Kart Classes will be a part of the weekend program as well, running as a non national points class, with awards going to the participants in the class each day.

In addition to the weekend prizes, competitors can get a jump on extra track time and potential money with the Shootout Races Friday evening following practice. Classes will include Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206 with a 75% payback to the top 5, based on kart count.

Thompson Kart Raceway will also be hosting a practice session on Thursday July 27 from 1-8pm. For more information, contact Doug Marsh at (440) 289-5291.

Entries are now being taken for the inaugural visit by WKA to the Ohio facility. To view the weekend schedule, and register for classes, CLICK HERE.

Thompson Gold Cup Entry Blank Now Online & Important Announcements for All Series

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials are proud to announce the availability of the latest Entry Blank for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series. The Northeast Knockout, stop #2 on the 3 race series for the Gold Cup Series, brings several competitors to Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio for the very first time July 28-30, joining the fine staff of Doug Marsh and the CKRA.

10 national classes will be vying for the overall top honors for the weekend, including:

LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

As always, action gets underway Friday July 28 with a full day of practice, followed by Shootout races for the Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206 classes, with a 75% payback in each class, based on participation.

For those wishing to gain some additional track time, Thompson Kart Raceway will be hosting a practice session on Thursday from 1-8pm. For more information on the Thursday practice, contact Doug Marsh at (440) 289-5291. Fees for the Thursday practice will be taken care of directly by the track, and not a part of the entry blank.

For the second event in a row, the top 3 overall weekend winners will be receiving product, including generators from Briggs & Stratton to the weekends overall winners per class, with prizes for 2nd and 3rd also being made available. Prizes will apply to classes that maintain a minimum of 3 participants in each class.

Entry fee is $85 per national class, with a pre entry deadline slated for July 18. Kid Karts will pay $50 for their pre entry fee, also with a July 18th deadline.

To view the weekend schedule for the Northeast Knockout, CLICK HERE.

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Important information regarding Registration and Pre-Entry pick up for all race series:

Pit Passes must be purchased and all waivers executed prior to picking up pre-entry packets, practice stickers or registering at registration. We will no longer allow competitors to pick up pre-entry packets without proof of pit pass purchased aka wrist band number.

Also, a valid completion license is required. Please be ready to show your current WKA membership license at registration.

Meeting Minutes now available:

The most recent meeting minutes are also now available.  CLICK HERE to read them.

Correction on Gold Cup Chassis Standings

CONCORD, NC - As a follow-up to the Water Medic Southeast Showdown for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, held recently at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, there is an update on the tabulation for the Chassis Standings.

Coyote Racing Chassis is awarded 7 wins, not 9, following the event. The change is a result of the rule that does indeed cover all national series, in which a chassis victory can only be credited to classes that host a minimum of 3 entries. The results of the Senior Pro Gas class were mistakenly recorded.

As a result, here are the updated Chassis Standings following Race #1:

Coyote: 7

Ionic Edge: 2

Razor: 2

MGM: 2

Comet: 1

The next event for the Gold Cup Series will be July 28-30 at Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio. Entry information for that event will be coming out shortly! Hope to see you there.   

Coyote Takes Big Lead in Gold Cup Chassis Standings

CONCORD, NC - After just missing out on the 2016 Manufacturers Championship Trophy by a mere victory, Coyote Motorsports, led by Mark and Jim Lipari, came to Jacksonville, Florida with a vengeance, leaving the Water Medic Southeast Showdown for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at 103rd Street Sports Complex with a 7 win edge over 3 of their rivals in the sport.

The wins for Coyote encompassed the Sportsman, Junior, and Senior classes, making for a complete weekend for the camp out of western New York. Here’s the breakdown of Coyote winners over the weekend:

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas: Blake Boon, 2 wins

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas: Austin Williamson: 2 wins

Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas: Jim Lipari: 2 wins

Target Distributing Senior LO206: Matt Mayes, Saturday

Target Distributing Senior LO206: Jason Yarbrough, Sunday

Masters Senior: Brad Farmer, Saturday

3 Chassis manufacturers are tied for 2nd with 2 wins apiece, as Ionic Edge, MGM, and Razor all found success over the weekend as well, Ionic Edge with Brian Van Cleve in the Junior LO206 ranks, MGM with Justin Vanderzee in the CIK LO206 Senior class, and Timothy Clark in Masters Senior, while Owen Lloyd powered Razor to 2 wins in the Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206 class.

Comet Chassis checked in for 1 win over the weekend, with James Vanderzee taking the CIK LO206 Senior main on Sunday.

Here’s a look at the current standings:

Coyote: 9

Ionic Edge: 2

MGM: 2

Razor: 2

Comet: 1

The battle for the top chassis spot continues July 28-30 when the series heads to Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio for stop #2 for the series!

Year End Banquet Highlights Jax Gold Cup Weekend

CONCORD, NC - For the second season in a row, the opening round of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida not only encompassed the energy of a season opener, it also paid tribute to the 2016 national champions, top award recipients, as well as many other special award honorees.

One of the many special moments of the weekend was honoring the WKA Karting Family of the Year, presented to The Vrabel Family from the Midwest. Due to a most unfortunate automobile accident involving Renee Vrabel, the family, whose son Alex competes in Junior competition, as well as dad Jon as the head wrench, were unable to attend. WKA sends its sincerest sympathies and well wishes for a speedy recovery to Renee and the entire family.

Also missing, but receiving the Sportsmanship award was Jacob Connors from Maryland. Running in 2 of the toughest classes in the program, the Senior Pro Gas Medium and Heavy last year against Jacob and Jimmy Heavlow was tough. But Jacob stood tall in the midst of some tough competition.

The battle for the top chassis manufacturer for 2016 may have been the closest ever, with Arrow Racing Chassis, again led by the Heavlow brothers, accounting for their part in the 24 victories, narrowly edging  Coyote Chassis by 1 win, with Razor Chassis finishing third.

WKA also recognized the Most Improved Junior Driver for 2016, with young Blake Boon making a smooth transition from Kid Karts to the Sportsman ranks, taking the Sportsman Gas Lite title in 2016, as well as finishing 3rd in the Sportsman LO206 Class last year as well.

Many champions were also recognized, with winners receiving generators from Briggs & Stratton, as well as a set of tires from Bridgestone, not to mention Championship Eagles and other merchandise. 2nd place received a Gold Cups, as well as Kart Stands from RLV, and other merchandise.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2016 standings, as well as other award recipients from 2016:

Water Medic Junior LO206

1 Jimmy Cole Jackson

2 Matt Miller

3 Cade Frazier

4 Talia Moffett

Junior Pro Gas Lite

1 David Kalb Jr

2 Matt Miller

3 Jimmy Cole Jackson

4 Austin Williamson

5 Talia Moffett

6 Alex Vrabel

7 Brian Van Cleve

Briggs & Stratton Senior LO206 Heavy

1 Sean Meier

2 Corey Towles

3 Michael Clark

4 Patrick O’Neal

5 Jacob Heavlow

6 Tim Stiefel

Briggs & Stratton Masters Senior

1 Tim Stiefel

2 Brad Farmer

Bordeaux Dyno Cams/Trackside Kart Supply Senior Pro Gas Heavy

1 Jacob Heavlow

2 Jimmy Heavlow

3 Jacob Connors

4 Chris Osgood

Coyote Motorsports/ Jim’s Marine Senior Pro Gas Medium

1 Jacob Heavlow

2 Jimmy Heavlow

3 Jacob Connors

L&A South Tire Sportsman LO206

1 Kevin Lanyi

2 Caleb Gafrarar

3 Blake Boon

4 Elmer Edmonson

5 Brady Atwood

Brad’s Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy

1 Elmer Edmonson

MattMillerRacing.com/ Spooner General Contractor Sportsman Pro Gas Lite

1 Blake Boon

2 Elmer Edmonson

3 Hunter Burns

Briggs & Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy

1 David Kalb Jr

2 Matt Miller

3 Austin Williamson

4 Alex Vrabel

5 Brian Van Cleve

See you in July!

Williamson, Lloyd Collect First Ever National Event Wins in Jax Gold Cup Opener

CONCORD, NC - The season opener for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series not only welcomed back many of the fine families in the sport of 4 cycle racing, it also produced some new national winners from competitors who have been digging hard the last few years to get to the top shelf of the podium.

Leading the way in the new national winner category in the Water Medic Southeast Showdown were Austin Williamson and Owen Lloyd. For Williamson, his wins came in the GT Machine Junior Pro Gas classes both days, while Lloyd, a graduate from Kid Kart competition, took down both days of the Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206 Class.

In addition to the newest winners, there were also several other double-event winners, including;

Jim Lipari: Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas

Blake Boon: GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Brian Van Cleve: Junior LO206

Other single event winners included;

Matt Mayes: Target Distributing Senior LO206

Justin Vanderzee: CIK LO206 Senior

Brad Farmer: Masters Senior

Jason Yarbrough: Target Distributing Senior LO206

James Vanderzee: CIK LO206 Senior

Timothy Clark: Masters Senior

Williamson began his weekend sweep with a win in Saturday's second race of the day for the GT Machine Junior Pro Gas class. Graduating from the Sportsman ranks very successfully, Elmer Edmonson challenged Williamson throughout, coming home second in his Junior debut, with Macon Moore and Brian Van Cleve rounding out the order. Williamson took day 2, with Brian Van Cleve, Edmonson, and Moore rounding out the top 5. For the weekend, Williamson was the overall class champ, with Edmonson and Van Cleve rounding out the top 3. Weekend Champions in all classes received Power Washers, courtesy of Briggs & Stratton, with Tool Sets going to both the second and third place finishers.

For Lloyd, a graduate from the Kid Kart ranks, the weekend sweep marked his first 2 WKA National event wins in the Sportsman ranks, taking the Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206 Class results both days, first fending off Blake Boon on Day 1, followed by Fast Timer Camden Gruber, Camryn Reed, and Brentley Miller. On Day 2, Camryn Reed, one of the newest young female talents on the series, and fresh off a third place finish in the Sportsman Shootout Friday, came home second, followed by yet another Kid Kart graduate in Brentley Miller with a fine third place run. Gruber, the fast timer again on Day 2, was 4th, followed by Boon. For his sweep, Lloyd was also the weekend's overall champ, with Reed and Gruber the top 3.

Fresh off a 2016 championship, Blake Boon went right back to work in Event #1, claiming the GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas Classes. Boon, however, found some stiff competition from Fast Time winner Camden Gruber both days, as Gruber tailed Boon to the stripe, with Owen Lloyd and Camryn Reed rounding out the field each day. Boon took the Fast Time on Day 2, as well as the Overall title for the weekend, over Gruber and Lloyd. Boon also took the Friday Night Sportsman LO206 Shootout, netting $200 for the weekend.

The last sweep of the weekend came for Brian Van Cleve in the Junior LO206 category. Fresh off his $200 win in the Friday Night Shootout for the Junior LO206 Class, Van Cleve took control of the weekend, netting the Saturday national event win over Austin Williamson, followed by Edmonson, Sportsman graduate Kevin Lanyi, and Collin Miller. Much like Edmonson, Lanyi, fresh off a 2016 Sportsman title, began to find his comfort zone in the next age level, shadowing Van Cleve in second, with Moore, Edmonson, and Miller making up the top 5. For his efforts, Van Cleve was the weekend's overall champion, followed by a pair of freshman in Lanyi and Edmonson.

The Target Distributing Senior LO206 Class found some extremely tough competition both days, with the local contingent turning back many of the outside invaders in the series first race of the year. Day #1 found Florida product Matt Mayes scoring a popular win over New Yorker Jim Lipari, with Marylander Jimmy Heavlow, Aren Lloyd, and Brandon Murzynski rounding out the top 5. Worth mentioning was Sean Meier’s 6th place run, as the Florida driver made a stellar run from the back of the 15 kart field. Day #2 found yet another local hotshoe in the form of Jason Yarbrough taking the last lap victory in exciting fashion, with Aren Lloyd again checking in for a top 5, taking second, with fast timer Sean Meier, Tyler Lloyd, and Michael Clark making up the top 5. By virtue of his top 5 consistency, Aren Lloyd was the weekend's overall champion, with Matt Mayes and Jim Lipari the top 3.

The series also debuted a new CIK LO206 Senior Class with the Vanderzee brothers, Justin and James, sharing the weekend wins. Justin took Day #1 over James, with Michael Gay coming home third, while the brothers flip-flopped the end result on Sunday, with James the winner, Justin second, and Brian Collins checking in for a third place finish. James Vanderzee took the Overall weekend top honors, with Justin second, and Brian Collins the top 3.

Since its debut 1 season ago, the Masters Senior class has been full of tough competition. That statement was again backed up into a new year, with a pair of winners over the weekend, as Brad Farmer took the Day 1 honors over New Yorker Tim Stiefel, with Timothy Clark, Joey Miller, and Kevin Medearis making up the top 5. Day 2 found Clark, in a backup kart, following extensive damage on his primary kart in the heat race, taking the win over Farmer and Stiefel, with Medearis and Vernon Sparks completing the top 5. Farmer was the weekend's overall champion, with Clark and Stiefel making up thetop 3.

With the weekend tucked in the books, the series points to the second event of the 3 race national program, coming July 28-30 at Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio, with the finale being the Grand National Oct 6-8 at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia.

Special thanks to Briggs and Stratton for providing major product to the weekend's overall champions, as well as Water Medic for the title sponsorship of the series first event of 2017. Thanks also to Coyote Motorports, GT Machine, Boon and Sons, and Target Distributing for their tireless efforts to help make the first event of the 2017 season a great success.   

Briggs & Stratton to Provide Major Product to Jax Gold Cup Winners

CONCORD, NC - As the newest season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series prepares to take to the track this weekend in the Water Medic Southeast Showdown at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, competitors will have the chance to not only compete for the right to stand atop the podium as the weekends overall champion for the event in their respective classes, they will also be taking home a Power Washer courtesy of Dave Klaus and the folks at Briggs & Stratton.

Following last season in which Briggs was the sponsor of 4 national classes, and also providing generators, which will be given out to the 2016 Year End Champions, also this weekend at Jacksonville, the strong relationship between Briggs & Stratton and the WKA Gold Cup program continues to flourish into a new season.

The Briggs product, in the form of generators to the overall winners, will continue July 28-30, when the series makes its second, and inaugural stop at Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio for stop #2, with products also being made available to the Grand National Champions at the season finale October 6-8 at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia.

But for this weekend, the quest for the Gold Cup title begins for the following classes:

Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206 Heavy

LO206 Kid Karts/ 2 Cycle Kid Karts

Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Prior to the national competitors making the run for the weekend cup and Briggs product, WKA will again be hosting the Friday Night Shootout Races, involving the Sportsman and Junior LO 206 classes, as well as the annual Money Race for the Senior LO206 Heavy class, offering a 75% payback to the top 5, based on kart count. The Shootout races will again pay $200, with 2nd receiving $100, and $50 going to third in both classes, with awards for the top 3 also available. Entry Fee for the Shootout classes is $25, a cheap price to pay for extra track time, and a shot at $200. Entry Fee for the Senior LO206 Heavy Money race is $50. Both the CIK and Traditional Gold Cup Bodyworks will be allowed in this race.

Once the Shootout Races conclude, the focus will shift back to 2016 where the national champions, as well as other award recipients will be honored in the annual awards ceremony, held again this year at the track.

The following champions will be recognized:

Water Medic Junior LO206: Jimmy Cole Jackson

Junior Pro Gas Lite: David Kalb Jr

Briggs & Stratton LO206 Senior Heavy: Sean Meier

Briggs & Stratton Masters Senior: Tim Stiefel

Bordeaux Dyno Cams/Trackside Kart Supply Senior Pro Gas Heavy: Jacob Heavlow

Coyote Motorsports/Jim’s Marine Senior Pro Gas Medium: Jacob Heavlow

L&A South Tire Sportsman LO206: Kevin Lanyi

Brad’s Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy: Elmer Edmonson

MattMillerRacing.com/Spooner General Contractor Sportsman Pro Gas Lite: Blake Boon

Briggs & Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy: David Kalb Jr

2016 Champions will be receiving the following:

Champions Eagle

1 set of Bridgestone Tires

Briggs Generator

Champions Sticker, Flag, and Hat

2nd place finishers this year will receive:

Gold Cup

RLV Kart Stand

Free Entry to One 2017 Gold Cup event

Bridgestone Hat

3rd Place finishers will receive:

A plaque

Free Pit Pass to Gold Cup races 2 and 3

Xeramic Power Wipes

4th place will receive:

A plaque

Free Pit Spot for One 2017 Gold Cup race

1 Pit Pass for one 2017 Gold Cup event

5th place will receive:

A plaque

Free Pit Spot for one 2017 Gold Cup event.

Other special awards include:

Manufacturers Championship Trophy

Family of the Year

Sportsmanship Award

Most Improved Junior Driver

Appreciation Awards

Doors for the awards presentation will open at 6:45, with dinner at 7:15, and the awards presentation beginning at 7:45pm. A full buffet dinner, provided by Monroe’s Catering will be served, featuring smokehouse chicken, smoked beef brisket, baked beans, mac and cheese, garlic toast, banana pudding, cookies and brownies, sweet and unsweet tea. Tickets are $20 per person.

As the season begins for the 3-race national program, it is important to note that a competitors best 5 of 6 races will be counted towards the overall national championship, with no bonus points being awarded this season. For further info regarding the points structure for 2017, you can refer to the Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes from March 7.

The excitement begins this week at 103rd Street Sports Complex!!!

To view the weekend Entry Blank, CLICK HERE

To view the Banquet Form, CLICK HERE

Friday Night Shootouts Return, Boon and Sons, GT Machine, and Target Return to Gold Cup

CONCORD, NC - As the 11th hour approaches, the energy for this year’s edition of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series continues to gain momentum into the 2017 season. With the pre-entry deadline for this year’s edition of the Water Medic Southeast Showdown at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida just 24 hours away, sponsors are signing into the program for 2017.

World Karting Officials are proud to announce the return of GT Machine, Boon and Sons, as well as Target Distributing, joining RLV, Water Medic, and Coyote Racing Chassis as sponsors for the new season. Supporting the series as the Grand National race sponsor for many years, Dave and Sue Koehler of GT Machine in Longs, South Carolina will be sponsoring the Sportsman Pro Gas class at the Jacksonville event.

Also returning is Matt Boon of Boon and Sons in Rochester, New York as the official sponsor of the fast-growing and highly popular Sportsman LO206 Class. WKA also welcomes back Joe Deboever and Target Distributing of South Bend, Indiana. For many years, Target, through the efforts of Joe, and his late brother and WKA Hall of Famer Norm Deboever, sponsored a barbeque at Michiana Raceway Park, prior to the race weekend. WKA is a proud patron of Target Distributing, purchasing many of their race products through the longtime midwest based company. Target will be the official sponsor of the Senior LO206 Heavy class in 2017.

Feeding off the sponsorship momentum, WKA is also proud to announce the return of the Friday Night Shootout races, always a driver and fan favorite at the end of the Friday Practice day. This year, the 3 classes for the shootouts will be the Sportsman and Junior LO206 classes, running for a $200 to win payday, with $100 going to second and $50 for third, with awards also available. Entry Fee for the 2 classes will be $25, with racers eligible to sign up at the track on practice day. Additionally, the Senior LO206 Heavy class will be featured in their always exciting Money Race, with a 75% payback going to drivers, based on participation. Both Traditional and CIK Bodyworks will be allowed for this class on Friday. Entry Fee will be $50.

Following the shootout races, the 2016 national champions, as well as many other deserving competitors and individuals will be honored in the annual awards presentation, to be held at the track. Doors open at 6:45pm, with dinner at 7:15 and the awards presentation set for 7:45.

Pre- Entry Deadline for the Water Medic Southeast Showdown is Tuesday, March 14. So be sure and get your entry in as soon as possible.

To view the entry blank for the Water Medic Southeast Showdown, CLICK HERE.

To view the form for the Gold Cup Awards Banquet, CLICK HERE.

Deadline Approaching for Jax Gold Cup Season Opener / First #RaceLife Spotlight Chosen

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.

Jacksonville, Thompson, Barnesville Headline 2017 Gold Cup Schedule

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials have recently released the 2017 national schedule for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series.

3 national events will define the series for 2017, with the first stop being the traditional venture to the popular 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida March 24-26. Run in conjunction with the North Florida Kart Club, the Water Medic Southeast Showdown will set the stage for what should be another great season for the top 4 cycle competitors in the country.

The Jacksonville event will also play host to the 2016 Year End Awards Presentation, which will be held at the track, following the Friday Practice Day. 2016 Champions will be honored with their traditional championship Eagles, as well as product from Bridgestone, RLV, Briggs & Stratton, and much more!! Many other recipients will be honored on that evening. Doors open at 6:45pm, with dinner at 7:15 and the awards presentation at 7:45. A full buffet dinner will be provided.

Once the series departs Jacksonville, the second stop will serve as a new venue for World Karting, as competitors will head to Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio July 28-30 for the Summer Nationals. Headed by Doug Marsh and the Championship Kart Racing Association, WKA is excited to place the series on new soil for the Gold Cup program.

A change comes in the third and final venue, as the series will crown its Grand National Champions October 6-8 at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia. Recently, the Georgia Sprint Karting Association opened their doors for one of their first practice sessions of the season, with a plethora of new faces coming out for the season’s first crack at the fabled facility.

The format for this seasons events will be very similar to that of last season, with competitors participating in qualifying, 1 heat race, and a final each day. However, in 2017, awards will be issued on Day 2 ONLY, to the highest overall finisher of the classes they participate in, with the top 3 receiving awards. Kid Kart participants in both LO206 and 2 cycle will run together, but scored separately, with an award going to the overall winner in both categories, and participation medals going to the balance of entrants. The Kid Kart Class will not be a national class in 2017.

Both the traditional Gold Cup bodyworks, as well as CIK bodywork will be allowed in all classes for one more season. Simply stated, competitors may run a Gold Cup nose with a Gold Cup column fairing, or a CIK nose with a CIK column fairing.  Additionally, a CIK LO206 Senior Class has been added, for those wishing to run CIK Bodyworks solely.

Specs on wheels, tires, and seat rules have not changed from 2016.

Entry Fees for this season will be set at $85 per pre-entry, and $100 at the track for all national classes, with a 1 time practice fee of $60 with pre-entry, and $75 for any at track entry. Kid Kart competitors will pay $50 for their pre-entry, and $65 at the track, with Practice Fees set at the same price as well.

WKA has also incorporated a new Rookie Class for 2017, with the age group set at 6-9 years old. This being a national class affords parents of 6-9-year-old competitors a smooth transition from the Kid Kart Class.

As the season nears, those wishing to take part in any sponsorship opportunities can call the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606.

To view the Water Medic Southeast Shootout Entry Blank, CLICK HERE.

To view the Gold Cup Year End Banquet Form, CLICK HERE.

To view the 2017 Gold Cup Class Specs, CLICK HERE.

Water Medic to Sponsor Gold Cup Southeast Shootout at Jacksonville

CONCORD, NC - The first national event of 2017 for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series received another good shot in the arm with the announcement of Water Medic of Cape Coral, Florida as the Official Race Sponsor for the Southeast Shootout March 24-26 at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

Serving as a sponsor for the Junior LO206 Class in 2016, Rich Jackson, the owner of Water Medic, continues to give back to the sport by virtue of his sponsorship. After joining Paul Rice and the MGM Crew as co-sponsor of the Thanksgiving Dinner last November at Carolina Motorsports Park, Jackson announced his son, 2016 Junior LO206 Champion Jimmy Cole Jackson, would be making the leap into stock cars in 2017. Despite that, the continuing theme of Family in the WKA and Gold Cup ranks once again has left its positive impact on families who climb the racing ladder, but never forget their fond memories in karting, for which WKA is very thankful.

For 18 years, Jackson has built his company based on true honesty and integrity, growing to a fleet of over 30 service trucks and well over 40 loyal employees. Based in Cape Coral, Florida, Jacksons Water Medic business deals in the service and repair of well systems and swimming pools, servicing 5 major counties, ranging from Venice to the Everglades, a pretty vast region of the state of Florida.

“There is no doubt my business has helped pay the racing bills, and I am very fortunate for that” stated Jackson. “Growing to 43 employees is a direct reflection on how I treat people, and I’m very proud of the loyal family I have built through my business, treating them as I would want to be treated”

Jackson’s approach to business also reflects on his family as well, with his son Jimmy Cole not only a 2016 WKA National Champion, but the recipient of the Sportsmanship Award in 2015, a clear indication his sons demeanor was always positive, even after a rough day at the track.

WKA is proud to have the Jackson Family and the Water Medic Sponsorship back on board for Jacksonville in 2017, and wish Jimmy the very best in his future racing endeavors.

To learn more about Water Medic, go to: www.watermedicofcapecoral.com Or you can reach them at (239) 541-2581.

To view the weekend schedule for the Water Medic Southeast Shootout, CLICK HERE.