03.20.2015 - Alan Rudolph Launches his own Driving School

"Huge name in the karting industry set for fresh start in Texas"

CONCORD, NC - January 21, 2015 - Changing the motorsports and karting market in 
Texas, SpeedsportZ Racing Park,part of the Grand Texas project, is pleased to announce a new 
face and name to their growing operation.

"Huge name in the karting industry set for fresh start in Texas"

CONCORD, NC - January 21, 2015 - Changing the motorsports and karting market in 
Texas, SpeedsportZ Racing Park,part of the Grand Texas project, is pleased to announce a new 
face and name to their growing operation.

Stepping up to the plate as a Co-Owner in the facility as well as President and Operations 
Manager, Alan Rudolph is set to make the move to Houston, Texas. 
Wiping the previous slate clean, the multi-time karting champion and
Alan Rudolph takes on ownership role at new Texas 
facility and launches his own driving school long time industry member will have a fresh canvas to build one of 
karting's most sought after world-class facilities and driver 
training programs, and establish the 'Alan Rudolph Racing Academy' 
(ARRA) brand.
 
"I have fallen behind on the SpeedsportZ Racing Park timeline as I 
have been busy solidifying Alan Rudolph in the key role in the 
SpeedsportZ Racing Park," explained Tim Crawford, now Co-Owner of the 
soon to be motorsports playground. "My search for the perfect person 
came to a close recently and we have finally locked down a long term 
agreement. Alan will be a Co-Owner in the facility as well as 
President and Operations Manager. His deep network and friendships in 
the industry are second-to-none."
 
Rudolph will have a fresh 25-acre area on the grounds of the 550 acre 
Grand Texas property, to build the facility that he wanted, planned 
and dreamed of since being a young karter. Uprooting his family ties 
and moving to the Houston, Texas area, the new President will start 
laying the groundwork for what is expected to be, one of the premier 
motorsports facilities in not only the United States, but also the 
world.
 
"I am excited and anxious all at the same time," explained Rudolph. 
"I am leaving The Bondurant School of High Performance Driving which 
has been a big part of my life for nearly 16 years. Bob has been a 
great mentor and given me so many opportunities which I will always 
be grateful for. Now I'm looking forward to a fresh start and getting 
to work on plans for our multi-purpose facility."
 
Crawford added, "The first phase of the project will still include 
the three basic elements that we had before in a dedicated rental 
kart track, as well as a performance track and a performance pad, 
both that will connect with one another. Alan will now put his 
expertly honed and creative handprint on everything. The business 
plan is new. The project is new. It is going to be great."
 
The SpeedsportZ Racing Park will run rental karts on their dedicated 
rental facility to help attract new people to the sport of karting. 
The performance track and performance pad will be the home of racing 
karts and lightweight racecars. The new President will also develop a 
high performance racing school for drivers with the emphasis on 
karting, with general instruction on lightweight racecars also being 
introduced. The goal of the Alan Rudolph Racing Academy programming 
will have a long-term goal of becoming the top karting training 
program in the world.
 
Rudolph added, "I am really excited to get working on this project, 
it's truly my field of dreams and I can't wait to share it with the 
world. There are many exciting things but the two I am most excited 
about is my ARRA brand and my idea of a Karting Hall of Fame. It's 
been a dream of mine to not only have my own track and school but 
also the idea of a Karting Hall of Fame is needed in our sport and 
what a better place than our track."
 
Located only fifteen minutes from the busy George Bush International 
Airport in Houston, Texas, the SpeedsportZ Racing Park will quickly 
become one of the must visits for karters and karting enthusiasts 
alike.
 
Rudolph continued, "I wish I could announce all the relationships 
that we are forming but we have a specific timeline, making sure we 
cross all of our T's and dot all of our I's. We want to leave nothing 
behind and make sure that we have the perfect plans and partners in 
place. Some big industry news is yet to come."
 
For more information about SpeedsportZ Racing Park or Alan Rudolph 
Racing Academy please contact Alan Rudolph via email at 
arracademy@icloud.com.
 
For information on press releases or other media services offered by 
Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at 
Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development 
can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at 
their Race Tech Development Fan Page.

03.19.2015 - Summit Point Raceway Gains Additional National Date

CONCORD, NC - World Karting and Woodbridge Kart Club Officials are proud to announce the addition of a second national event for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Race Series driven by Mazda at Summit Point Raceway’s Main Racing Circuit in Summit Point, West Virginia.

CONCORD, NC - World Karting and Woodbridge Kart Club Officials are proud to announce the addition of a second national event for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Race Series driven by Mazda at Summit Point Raceway’s Main Racing Circuit in Summit Point, West Virginia.

The added date will serve as the third stop on the Road Race Series national touring schedule, June 13 and 14. For this event, there will be no on track activity on Friday. The August stop at Summit Point remains intact on the schedule, with a full weekend of racing slated the weekend of August 28-30.

The addition of the Summit Point event further adds to the excitement of a most successful Daytona KartWeek, a very healthy pre-entry count for this weekends national event at Roebling Road Raceway, hosted by the Southern Kart Club, and future exciting announcements concerning the series finale at The Corvette Club in October in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

03.16.2015 *UPDATED* - Dual Brake Requirement changed for 5 National Road Race Classes

CONCORD, NC - As competitors prepare for this weekends 2nd national event of the year for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Race Series driven by Mazda at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia, some change has occurred with regards to the brake package previously required for 5 of the national classes.

CONCORD, NC - As competitors prepare for this weekends 2nd national event of the year for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Race Series driven by Mazda at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia, some change has occurred with regards to the brake package previously required for 5 of the national classes.

The dual brake requirement has been changed for the following classes, effective immediately. Competitors in TaG, TaG Heavy, and Stock Leopard Sprint are allowed to run a single brake package. Competitors in Pro Gas Animal and Animal Limited Modified may use a single system when using the Gold Cup Chassis.

The new rule requires a 7-inch minimum disc with a minimum 3/16 thickness.

This rule goes into effect starting this weekend at Roebling Road, and will remain in effect for the balance of the year.

Activities for the Roebling Road event begin Thursday March 19 with competitor parking at 6pm. A full day of practice is slated for Friday, beginning at 8am with 2 days of racing to follow Saturday and Sunday. Practice starts each day at 8am.

03.18.2015 - National Road Race Series returns to Roebling Road

CONCORD, NC - A long, brutal winter since Daytona KartWeek has finally come to an end for many competitors on the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Racing Series. And a brief hiatus from the national calendar for the Southern Kart Club has also been extinguished, as many competitors will be heading south for the second time this year, this time Savannah, Georgia for stop # 2 on the national tour at Roebling Road Raceway.

CONCORD, NC - A long, brutal winter since Daytona KartWeek has finally come to an end for many competitors on the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Racing Series. And a brief hiatus from the national calendar for the Southern Kart Club has also been extinguished, as many competitors will be heading south for the second time this year, this time Savannah, Georgia for stop # 2 on the national tour at Roebling Road Raceway.

For many years, Roebling Road has served as a key date on the Road Race Series schedule, traditionally hosting an early season event, one that has a huge bearing on the national points following Daytona KartWeek. 8 groups each day will tackle the Savannah, Georgia Course. Along with the set national classes, SKC Officials have added several Local Option Classes including Rotax Mini Max/Cadet, Vintage 1 and 2, DD2#1 and 2, 250 Twin 1, and Open Sprint 1, Making for a full weekend of action!!!

Activities begin Thursday evening with competitor parking at 6pm. Friday will consist of a full day of practice beginning at 8am with 2 full days of national action starting Saturday and Sunday at 8am.

To view the Roebling Road Entry Blank, click here.

03.17.2015 - Cadet Kart Legal in LO206 Sportsman

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials have announced that the Cadet Kart is legal to run in the LO206 Sportsman Class on the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series in 2015.

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials have announced that the Cadet Kart is legal to run in the LO206 Sportsman Class on the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series in 2015.

Competitors utilizing that particular kart are required to run CIK bodywork and meet all Cadet rules, including seat specifications, body, axle rules, etc, as per Section 200 of the 2015 WKA Tech Manual.

The announcement is effective immediately, allowing competitors who run a Cadet Kart to compete in the upcoming Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

03.16.2015 - Jax Gold Cup Class Racers COULD Receive Extra $100

CONCORD, NC - With Contingencies coming from every direction for this years RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, World Karting and Ionic Edge Chassis Officials have just announced yet another incentive for the season opening event March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

CONCORD, NC - With Contingencies coming from every direction for this years RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, World Karting and Ionic Edge Chassis Officials have just announced yet another incentive for the season opening event March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

With the exception of the LO206 Kid Kart Class, any other class that nets 10 entries or more in the season opener will be subject to a $100 payday. The interesting twist in this scenario is the fact that the $100 may not necessarily go to the winner. Based on the current points system, drivers need to be up on the wheel in every phase of their qualifying, heat, and main event for BOTH days. The driver with the lowest point accumulation in his/her respective class over the 2-day period will thus be awarded the $100.

 

To gain a better understanding of how the point system works, if a driver wins their main, they accumulate 0 points. The $100 will be awarded at the end of the weekend to the driver with the best success in their 2 main events in their respective classes. Ties will be broken by virtue of success in qualifying. For example, if a competitor sweeps the top spot in the Junior Pro Gas Animal Lite Class Saturday, based on 10 entries or more in their class, they still have to come back strong and do their best to duplicate the same effort Sunday to be in the running for the $100.

 

With up to $1,000 available in this unique program, WKA and Ionic Edge Chassis have partnered to share an equal financial responsibility, in an increasing attempt to give back to the competitor in anyway possible.

 

Activities for the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals will begin Friday with a full day of practice starting at 8:30am. Shootout Races for the Sportsman and Junior Pro Gas Drivers, as well as the Pro Gas Animal Money Race will follow practice, roughly at 4:45pm.

 

2 full days of qualifying, heats, and main events will follow on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a round of practice each day at 8:30am.  

03.16.2015 - Briggs & Stratton LO206 Rules Accepted

CONCORD, NC - Officials from Briggs and Stratton and World Karting Association have mutually agreed to adopt the LO206 Engine Rules, beginning with the season opening Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at 103^rd Street Sports Complex March 27-29 in Jacksonville, Florida.

CONCORD, NC - Officials from Briggs and Stratton and World Karting Association have mutually agreed to adopt the LO206 Engine Rules, beginning with the season opening Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at 103^rd Street Sports Complex March 27-29 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Competitors entered in the Kid Kart, Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206 classes at Jacksonville will be provided a free kit, containing an air filter, spark plug, and pipe, courtesy of Briggs and Stratton.

 

This package will be made available at the first event only!!

03.16.2015 - Tiered Entry Fees extended for GoPro Event

CONCORD, NC - With stop #2 on the Mazda/Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series fast approaching, World Karting Officials have extended the initial Tiered entry fees for the IAME-USA Nationals April 17-19 at Go Pro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina. With the Tier 1 deadline originally scheduled for March 13, officials have extended the deadline to March 21.

CONCORD, NC - With stop #2 on the Mazda/Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series fast approaching, World Karting Officials have extended the initial Tiered entry fees for the IAME-USA Nationals April 17-19 at Go Pro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina. With the Tier 1 deadline originally scheduled for March 13, officials have extended the deadline to March 21.

 

This deadline extends to all classes.

 

Additionally, the deadline for the second tier has been extended to April 8.

 

While the Tiered system was in place on the Manufacturers Cup Series in 2014, it was not in place at Daytona to begin the 2015 season. However, the tiered process was approved in 2015. But unfortunately an update on that procedure was never posted via pitboard.

 

WKA apologizes for the lapse in communication.

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.

03.06.2015 - Cooksville youngster hopes for checkered flag in national video contest

BALTIMORE SUN - Jason Alder's blue eyes got wide and his jaw dropped open as his mother described her brief scare when she found him sitting on his bedroom floor at age 6, clutching his knees to his chest and staring at nothing.

BALTIMORE SUN - Jason Alder's blue eyes got wide and his jaw dropped open as his mother described her brief scare when she found him sitting on his bedroom floor at age 6, clutching his knees to his chest and staring at nothing.

"But then you looked up at me and said, 'I'm driving the track in my mind, Mom,'" Becky Alder recalled of the now-11-year-old go-kart racer from Cooksville. "That was hilarious."

Jason, who says he doesn't remember that incident at all, is fully engrossed in the biggest race of his young life.

He's one of 15 national finalists competing for a $50,000 top prize in the 2015 Search for a Champion contest. The competition, in which contestants submit a video online, kicked off Tuesday and runs through March 24. The winner will be announced March 31.

With a recent $5,000 semifinal win from a field of 146 hopefuls, Jason has a shot at becoming Champion Spark Plugs' youngest grand prize winner in the contest's four-year history.

"I hope that [professional stock car racer] Jeff Gordon notices me and recruits me to drive for Hendrick Motorsports," Jason said of the exposure that would come from winning. "That's my dream."

Jason said he's confident he has a good shot, even though he's the only go-karter competing against drivers in three broad categories of vehicles: earth, asphalt, or water and snow.

"Basically any driver of a vehicle that uses spark plugs is eligible to enter," said his mother.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges using three criteria: online voting, inspirational quality and best depiction of a champion, according to the contest website.

"I would buy a late-model car if I won," Jason said.

The sixth-grader also plans to donate 10 percent of his winnings to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to honor his older sister, Jessica, who was diagnosed with the disease at age 2.

Jason says he has no memory of mentally navigating his No. 77 bright green go-kart from his bedroom that day five years ago. But he admits he occasionally "drives the line" while walking on a sidewalk by meandering back and forth as if hugging the track's curves and speeding up in the straightaways.

His family indulges his obsession; they even pitched in to create a life-sized racecar out of sand on a recent beach vacation.

"I guess it just comes naturally," Jason said of his preoccupation with racing.

The youngster won four championships in 2014, including a national championship in the World Karting Association's Gold Cup Series, and he'll compete in 67 races in seven states this coming season, which runs from March through November.

Ever since he dedicated himself at age 6 to collecting $100 in one week toward his parents' $1,200 purchase of a used go-kart and racing gear, Jason has wanted nothing more than to become a racecar driver — and a metallurgical engineer.

Though he dreams of the NASCAR circuit, he also plans to go to college to learn how to design objects made of metal, perhaps eventually building a better racecar.

"I really feel a passion for the sport when I'm racing," said Jason, who attended Bushy Park Elementary School through fifth grade, but is now home-schooled to provide more time to pursue his sport.

"I feel excited [on race day] … and sometimes a little nauseous, too, but I really enjoy it," he said.

Jason's man-of-few-words confidence shines through in his entry video, which was produced by local videographer Tim Corbin.

Dennis Headley, who owns Jason's home track, Sandy Hook Speedway in Street, said the youngster submitted a great entry.

"His video is very well done and gives a good representation of a champion. I think he has a good chance of winning, depending on what the judges are looking for," Headley said.

"Jason has proven himself by running consistently at the front and winning races at the national level. The karting world is a small group that is very supportive of one another, and our loyal families are behind him."

Becky Alder, 37, a stay-at-home mom who also bakes custom cakes and teaches music lessons, pulled out her smartphone to show photos of a recent crash involving Jason that took place at around 50 mph.

"The driver in front of Jason spun around [180 degrees] and that [impact] threw Jason's body back," said his father, James Alder, 43. "Then the other driver's car tipped back and flipped onto its side. Everyone was fine."

But as a dad, James Alder didn't start out with such a calm outlook.

"As parents, we were scared to death to let him race at first," he said. "I wondered to myself, 'Am I a cool dad or a crazy dad?'"

James Alder, a computer network designer, said that go-kart racing is safer than playing football, soccer or lacrosse. Required safety gear for drivers includes a motorcycle-grade helmet, neck brace, chest protector, fire-retardant full-body racing suit, gloves and shoes.

Jason's father also loves that racing is a team sport for families, and that it demands an excellent rapport between driver and pit crew chief that goes beyond the father-son relationship.

Jason's siblings — Jessica, 15; Josh, 13; Jenna, 9; and Julia, 5 — often assist in the pit as well, keeping statistics, checking tires and track conditions, and running errands.

Becky Alder says her son "drives with his brain," maneuvering his go-kart like older kids. Even so, she gets butterflies in her stomach and peeks through her fingers most of the time when she's able to watch Jason race, which he does just about every weekend during the season. His first race this year will be March 15 at Sandy Hook.

Next year Jason will switch to only driving his No. 77 bright green Bandolero-style racer, which resembles a miniature stock car and races at speeds in excess of 70 mph.

Describing himself as a risk-taker, Jason can't wait to move up to the next level.

"I know you've invested in me and that I should tell you if I ever feel I'm done with racing," Jason told his parents during his interview.

"But," he assured them, "I'll never be done."

Full Article

Photo by: Kim Hairston, Baltimore Sun

Article by: Janene Holzberg, Baltimore Sun - janeneholzberg76@gmail.com

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. 

03.05.2015 - Contingency List Continues to Grow for Gold Cup Series

 

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials are proud to announce the incentives package for the 2015 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series continues to bust at the seams!!

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials are proud to announce the incentives package for the 2015 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series continues to bust at the seams!!

 

Since last week, the list of sponsors for this very popular program have expanded, as well as a $32,000 increase in cash, products, certificates, and incentives, bringing the current grand total to $172,000!!!!

 

The battle for all these fine prizes will begin March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida during the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals.

 

Below is not only a list of all the sponsors who have lined up for the program, but a breakdown of what each company will be providing.

 

Gold Cup Contingency Program Sponsor Information

Gold Cup Sponsored Classes

03.04.2014 - Update On Gold Cup LO206 Kid Kart Rules

CONCORD, NC - As a followup to the recent Class Structure announcement regarding the 2015 RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, there is 1 update.

CONCORD, NC - As a followup to the recent Class Structure announcement regarding the 2015 RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, there is 1 update.

 

The tire diameter for the LO206 Kid Kart Class, currently listed at 33.75 should read 33 inches in diameter instead.

 

This spec item will be enforced beginning with the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

To view the 2015 Gold Cup Class Structure, CLICK HERE.

03.03.2015 - GOLD CUP CLASS STRUCTURE NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE

CONCORD, NC - The 2015 edition of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series will very much resemble that of 2014 with the return of the Final 1/Final 2 format for all classes once again this season.

CONCORD, NC - The 2015 edition of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series will very much resemble that of 2014 with the return of the Final 1/Final 2 format for all classes once again this season. 

As WKA and North Florida Kart Club Officials busily prepare for the season opener March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals, competitors in the meantime can view the specs for their respective classes.

Returning for another year will be the LO206 Kid Karts, Sportsman LO206, Sportsman Pro Gas Animal Lite and Heavy, Junior Pro Gas Animal Lite and Heavy, LO206 Junior, Senior LO206 Heavy, Senior Pro Gas Animal, Animal Medium, and Animal Heavy Mix. 

With over $165,000 in posted cash, products, certificates, and incentives from many companies, spearheaded by Steve Baker of Baker Racing Engines, this years Gold Cup Program is set to one of the best ever.

Included in that format will be the return of the Shootout Races on Friday for the Sportsman and Junior Pro Gas classes, as well as the Pro Gas Animal Money Race.

To view the 2015 Class structure and specs,  CLICK HERE.

03.03.2015 - UPDATED ENTRY BLANK FOR ROEBLING ROAD NOW AVAILABLE

CONCORD, NC - As the second race of the season for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Racing Series approaches March 20-22 at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia, some modifications have been made to the weekend race order.

CONCORD, NC - As the second race of the season for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Racing Series approaches March 20-22 at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, Georgia, some modifications have been made to the weekend race order.

Activities will begin Thursday evening at 6pm with competitor parking. A full day of practice is slated for Friday, starting at 8am, followed by 2 full days of racing beginning Saturday and Sunday at 10:15am.

A strong field of pre-entries continues to solidify the return of the Road Racing Program to Roebling Road and the Southern Kart Club, hosts for the event.

To view the updated entry blank, CLICK HERE.

02.26.2015 - CONCORD'S SPENCER BOYD BALANCES AUTO RACING, COLLEGE

CONCORD N.C. – Spencer Boyd spent a couple of days in Daytona last week, but he’s back in Concord going to college classes and taking care of business so he can get back on the race track.

The 19-year-old racer was one of the young drivers invited to participate in the NASCAR Rookie Seminar.

CONCORD N.C. – Spencer Boyd spent a couple of days in Daytona last week, but he’s back in Concord going to college classes and taking care of business so he can get back on the race track.

The 19-year-old racer was one of the young drivers invited to participate in the NASCAR Rookie Seminar.

“There were 40 to 50 drivers there,” Boyd said. “Some are rookies in the Xfinity Series and the truck series, and they invited others if you appear to have the potential to race on those levels in the next year or so.”

Boyd, who is a student at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, falls into the latter category. He doesn’t have definite plans to run on those series this year, at least not yet.

Drivers learn about finances, social media and other issues that face young people in the sport.

“They talked to us about how to act on social media and about being in the public eye and how it affects the NASCAR brand,” Boyd said. “They emphasized how important it is to protect the NASCAR brand and your image.”

After winning the super truck division at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2014, Boyd will be back for five to 10 races in the limited late model series driving for Scott Whitaker of J&J Motorsports.

“(Whitaker) was really excited about last season,” Boyd said. “That was his first championship at Hickory as a team owner.”

Boyd won eight of the 10 races in the super trucks last season to claim the championship.

The team is still working on sponsorship for the 2015 season, which begins March 7. Hickory has a practice scheduled for this Saturday.

In the offseason, Boyd was named one of 15 winners out of 145 contestants in the Search for a Champion contest sponsored by Federal-Mogul Motorparts, parent company of Champion Spark Plugs. The prize was $5,000. He is now in the running for the top prize of $50,000.

“With $50,000 we could definitely steer our plans in the way we want to go,” Boyd said.

Voting, which is one of the main components of the contest, began Tuesday. Voting continues through March 24.

Boyd, with a little help from his friends, made a two-minute video for his entry. That video, along with the other 14 racers in the competition, can be viewed at www.AlwaysAChampion.com

Spencer started racing at 4 years old on a dirt bike and got into a go-kart at 5.

For eight years, Boyd ran in the World Karting Gold Cup series, running all over the country. He won eight national titles in go-karts.

It’s a series that’s produced other top racers. Other former Gold Cup racers include current Sprint Cup drivers Danica Patrick and Regan Smith, and Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish Jr. From there, Boyd moved to Legends cars.

The Boyds moved from St. Louis to North Carolina in 2010 to help further Spencer’s racing career. He went to Jay M. Robinson High School, but finished through home school because he missed too many days traveling and racing for the 2012 Legends Pro national championship. He finished second. He finished school through Abbington Hill in New Jersey.

Now it’s a juggling act for Boyd, who is studying business at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. He plans to complete his associate’s degree there and then transfer to UNC Charlotte to study marketing or market analysis in the Belk Business School. He has about a year left at RCCC.

Add to the mix his job. He works in the service department at the Hendrick Auto Mall on Bruton Smith Boulevard. He’s moved up from detailing cars.

“It’s a little closer to what I want to be doing,” he said of his current position.

His patience and persistence seem to be paying off as he moves up a rung on the racing ladder. He hopes at the end of that climb will be a ride some day in one of NASCAR’s top divisions.

“Until then, I will keep racing hard and racing clean,” Boyd said.

Article by: Mark Plemmons - Independent Tribune

Photo by: James Nix \ jnix@independenttribune.com

02.25.2015 - GOLD CUP BANQUET TO BE HELD ON JUNE KERSHAW WEEKEND

CONCORD, N.C. - WKA Officials are proud to announce the 2014 Year End Awards Ceremony for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series will be held the weekend of June 5-7 at the Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

CONCORD, N.C. - WKA Officials are proud to announce the 2014 Year End Awards Ceremony for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series will be held the weekend of June 5-7 at the Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

While the function has been held the past couple years in Jacksonville, the challenges of placing the event in a temporary tent at the track were met with weather issues as well as the lack of proper pa and lighting.

The ceremony will be held at the Palmetto Club, directly across from the Pit Pass Sales building, on the Carolina Motorsports Park Track property. The Club has been used the last several years by WKA, hosting the year-end awards ceremonies for the Road Race and Mfg Cup Series respectively.

Finishing touches are being put on the Year End awards package, which will be revealed shortly.

02.25.2015 - OVER $140,000 IN CONTINGENCY PRIZES AVAILABLE FOR 2015 GOLD CUP SEASON

CONCORD, N.C. - On the heels of a most successful 2014 campaign, WKA Officials are excited to announce a very lucrative package for the 2015 edition of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series.

Spearheaded by longtime engine builder and loyal Gold Cup follower Steve Baker, the list of manufacturers lining up to provide cash, products, certificates, and incentives is a relative who’s who!!!!

CONCORD, N.C. - On the heels of a most successful 2014 campaign, WKA Officials are excited to announce a very lucrative package for the 2015 edition of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series.

Spearheaded by longtime engine builder and loyal Gold Cup follower Steve Baker, the list of manufacturers lining up to provide cash, products, certificates, and incentives is a relative who’s who!!!!

Currently, the total amount exceeds $140,000, and continues to grow on a weekly basis.

While specific details are currently being finalized, the run for major product, certificates, and prizes begins with the Ionic Edge Chassis Nationals March 27-29 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

Here is a current list of contributors to the Contingency Package.

Ionic Edge Chassis

K1 Speed/CRG Chassis

Margay Chassis

Baker Racing Engines

MKP Top Kart USA/Victory Chassis

Dover Power

Razor Chassis

Mikim Motorsports

MGM Chassis

Jammer Clutches

Van K Wheels

Radical Racing Engines

Schu Power Racing Engines

R2C Air Filters

SMC Vortex Clutches

Bully Clutches

Kart City Performance

Thor Racing Lubricants

Competition Karting Inc

Coyote Chassis

Franklin Motorsports

Turner Racing Engines

Michigan Kart Supply

Brads Heating and Cooling

AIM Sport Mychron

GT Machine

02.24.2015 - WKA MAN CUP TO ADD LOCAL OPTION SPORTSMAN CLASS

CONCORD, N.C. - Starting with the next Manufacture's Cup event at the Go-Pro Motorplex, WKA will kick off a local option Sportsman class for the new Parilla 60cc Mini-Swift engine. The class will be offered at the remaining four WKA Manufactures Cup series events.

A points series will be administered by the class sponsor, IAME USA-East with the 3 best finishes out of the 4 events counting for the series championship ("zero plus" point system will be used -- 1=0, 2=2, 3=3, etc + entree points)  

Event trophy's will be presented for the top five along with hats and tee shirts.

The points championship awards package will reward the winner with a complete Parilla Swift engine kit and winners' cup, a Go-Pro Hero-3 Silver camera kit for second, and Sol-Republic Headphones for 3rd-->5th -- Hats and shirts for the entire top ten   (more awards may be added at a later date)

The rules for the class are the same as the current WKA Tag Sportsman with regard to age, weight + chassis spec's -- the engine rules are posted in the "tech docs" section of the IAME USA East website.

It should be noted that since this is a local option class, rookie drivers that comply with the age requirements may participate with no penalty to their Rookie national driver status.

The points will be posted at http://iameusaeast.com soon after each event