12.09.2015 - Membership Meeting to be held at Daytona

With the opportunity to have the bulk of the WKA Membership in one area, World Karting Officials have scheduled their annual Membership Meeting during the Daytona KartWeek festivities December 27-30 at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.The meeting will take place at 4:30pm Sunday December 27 in Gatorade Victory Lane at the speedway, the same victory lane the Road Race Series drivers will use for their Daytona KartWeek podium shots. The meeting will not only give members an opportunity to get updates on the progress of the organization, as well as their respective series, but to also have the opportunity to voice their views on any topics they wish to share. Since Dec 27 serves as the official parking day for the Road Race, Mfg Cup, and Dirt Series, the bulk of the days activities will be concluded by that time of day, giving members a chance to join in the proceedings, before the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek hits the track!!!

12.08.2015 - Engine Seals

Beginning at the upcoming WKA National Road Race event at Daytona, those competitors who wish to seal their engines so they may be used in multiple race groups during a race day, should insure that they have their engines properly prepared before they arrive at the track to avoid having to drill bolts and fasteners on-site.   We will no longer be using paint as a sealing method. Competitors running 2 stroke engines may refer to the procedures on page 95 (section 556) of the new 2016 WKA Techbook. Those running four stroke engines will need to drill one sidecover bolt, one valve cover bolt and one of the carb retainer bolts. (see photo's) As always, all engines will go thru post race tech at the end of each day. There is no engine sealing from day to day. This is just a heads up to avoid having to drill fasteners at the track.

12.08.2015 - District 6 Ballots in the Mail

World Karting Master Members should be seeing the ballot for the District 6 Trustee seat in the mail shortly. District 6 covers the states of Michigan and Ohio. The ballots are coming from the accounting office of Better Financial Solutions. Be sure and cast your ballot for Trustee in that region and return your ballots back to the accounting firm by December 31.

12.03.2015 - Tier 2 Deadline For Daytona KartWeek Fast Approaching

CONCORD, NC - With the Thanksgiving Holiday serving as the deadline for Tier 1 entries for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup and WKA National Road Race Series, the final bell will sound for pre entries for ALL series, including the WKA Speedway Dirt Series, Friday December 11. Competitors have just 1 final week to take advantage of the lower fees before having to register at the track for the latest edition of the holiday classic. With entries pouring into the WKA office for all 3 series, this year’s edition of Daytona KartWeek is expected to be a blockbuster holiday classic.

For drivers on the WKA/Unilli Tires Dirt World Championship event, to avoid the long lines at registration from last year, many are urged to enter early, as a big part of the registration process for Dirt competitors includes renewing their annual membership. With the $30 fee set for any new WKA Members, an offer that is available until April 30 of 2016, competitors planning on attending the event are urged to take care of their membership renewal in advance through the WKA Office, thus avoiding the additional work at the track.

All the necessary forms are available by clicking Racing Series on the WKA site, then going to Entry Blank. The membership and parental consent forms are listed in that area as you continue to scroll down.

So download, print them out, and sign up, and we’ll see you at Daytona at the end of the month!!!!

11.30.2015 - WKA and EKN Partnering for Trackside Live in 2016

The 2016 season is just around the corner, and sanctioning bodies, race series, promoters and clubs are all busy working on the details for the upcoming year of competition. The World Karting Association has its highly anticipated Daytona KartWeek on the schedule next month right between the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, welcoming racers from all over the world to compete in Sprint, Road Racing and Dirt Oval competition. It’s truly one of the sport’s most unique overall events. The Manufacturers Cup Series continues to evolve year after year, helping to mold the current and future stars of the sport. 2016 will also mark the return of the partnership between WKA and eKartingNews.com – which will see the website provide its unparalleled Trackside Live coverage for the entire season. “I’m so thrilled that EKN will be working closely with the WKA once again, and we’re ready to fire things up for the 2016 season,” commented Rob Howden, eKartingNews.com Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. “The WKA has worked hard in recent years to evolve their programs to provide their members with the experience they’re looking for and it’s exciting that we can now take the coverage of the Man Cup to the next level.  I can’t wait to hit the ground running in Daytona.”

The 2016 Manufacturers Cup Series begins in Daytona, on December 27-30 at the Daytona International Speedway. Following the completing of the new Winter Cup program in March, the series refires on April 1-3 at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina for the IAME USA Nationals. The series then travels west to the popular New Castle Motorsports Park on July 15-17 before heading to the soon-to-be repaved Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania on August 19-21. The series finale is set for a return to the New Castle facility, with a September weekend to be determined.

“We’re extremely excited to have the ability to be back on board with EKN,” stated WKA President John Ferris. “Their coverage of the karting events, not to mention their overwhelmingly positive impact on the karting industry has nothing but win-win written all over it for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, and the continued growth of karting.”

Through our EKN Trackside Live coverage program, eKartingNews.com will be publishing daily race reports, photo galleries and updates on their forum discussions, and all across their social media outlets – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The coverage also includes the popular EKN Live program, featuring live audio and live timing of all the racing action from their ekartingnews.com/live page. Companies interested in marketing opportunities through the EKN Live program are asked to contact Rob Howden directly via rhowden@howdenmediagroup.com

11.25.2015 - Happy Thanksgiving To All From WKA

CONCORD, NC - Racing will take a brief pause this week, as members of the motorsports industry take time to spend with their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday, giving thanks for another great year, personally and professionally. On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest and humblest thanks to all the competitors, sponsors, Moms and Dad, Grandparents, additional family members, and countless others for helping to make the 2015 season for the World Karting Association a great turning point to what is expected to be a blockbuster year in 2016.

We wish each and every one of you the safest and happiest Thanksgiving ever, as you spend time with your family, truly celebrating what is most important. We then look forward to having our karting family back with us next year, beginning with the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek at the World Center of Racing December 27-30.

Safe Travels this Holiday Season, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

11.24.2015 - Tech Manual On Its Way

CONCORD, NC - As an early Christmas gift to many, the 2016 version of the WKA Tech Manual has completed the printing process, and as of Friday November 20, had begun to make its way from the printers, and into the mail boxes of all WKA Master Members. With the Thanksgiving Holiday upon us, members may not receive the new edition of the rules book until after the holiday is complete, with many sure to receive them no later than the first week of December.

For those wishing to purchase a Tech Manual, cost of a book is $30, plus shipping and handling. To make arrangements to acquire a Tech Manual, contact Jeannie Harrison at (704) 455-1606, ext 110, beginning Dec 1^st.

11.23.2015 - November Board Minutes Posted Re: Road Race Wet Weather Policy

CONCORD, NC - The minutes from the latest WKA Board of Trustees Meeting from November are now available online. The main topic of the November meeting pertained to the status of the National Road Race Series Rain/Wet Track Policy. Competitors are encouraged to read the minutes, as the results of the meeting will have a direct bearing on the season opening event at Daytona International Speedway for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek slated for December 27-30.

To view the November minutes, click here.

11.11.2015 - New Master Membership Status Now in Place

CONCORD, NC - As competitors prepare for the beginning of the 2016 national racing season, with the new season comes new competitors and members. And effective immediately, all new Master Members can join WKA for an annual membership fee of just $30, from now until April 30 of 2016. A regular annual membership to WKA costs $55, making for a great savings for new customers to the World Karting Association.

Also beginning with the 2016 season opener at Daytona, Temporary Memberships will no longer be offered.

As a result of the change in fees to the new members, the same perks will also apply, providing the new members the 2016 version of the WKA Tech Manual, currently in production.

To take advantage of this limited opportunity for new master members, contact Jeannie Harrison at the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606, ext 110, or members@worldkarting.com.

11.11.2015 - CKI, Top Kart, Bandit Take Respective Manufacturers Titles

As the 2015 national racing campaign has come to an end, so does the year long battle for one of the most coveted titles in the karting industry, that being the bragging rights for chassis manufacturers sporting the most wins by their drivers in a season. With the final event for the VEGA/TS Racing National Road Race Series wrapping up just a couple weeks ago in Kentucky, the season long battle between Competition Karting Inc, known as CKI, and Mind Game Motorsports, also known as MGM, was settled. After losing the top spot to MGM on the Road Race side in 2014, CKI roared back to claim 51 victories in the 2015 season, with MGM holding a strong second with 33 wins overall. While at least 25+ chassis’s were represented in 2015, CKI and MGM began the battle at Daytona, taking the lead, quickly distancing themselves from the rest of the field.

John Klutz and the CKI gang will receive their latest Manufacturers Championship Award at the annual Road Race Awards Presentation, with date, time, and location still to be determined.

The first title to be snared this year came on the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series in late August in Pittsburgh where Top Kart won an extremely tight battle with Merlin and Tony Kart for supremacy in the 2cycle sprint category. Top Kart emerged with 15 wins this season, while Merlin and Tony Kart shadowed the winner across the stripe with 11 and 10 wins respectively, clearly one of the closest and best battles in recent history. Praga also registered some very notable wins in 2015, netting 6 wins on their chassis, coming in a close 4th. Bill McLaughlin will receive the honors for Top Kart at the Manufacturers Cup year end Awards Presentation Dec 27 at the Daytona Beach Resort and Hotel, as part of the Daytona KartWeek festivities.

A familiar old friend returned to victory lane in the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series with former champion Bandit Racing Chassis returning to the top of the heap in one of the most competitive seasons ever in 4 Cycle Sprint racing. Coming down to the final event in Barnesville, Georgia in late September, Bandit scored enough wins to stave off former champion Razor Chassis, who wound up with 22 wins, while Arrow Racing Chassis, the leader for most of the season, finished third with 21 wins.

Tommy Triplett and the Bandit gang will be honored with their award at the Gold Cup Year End Awards Ceremony, with date, location, and times currently being finalized.

On behalf of the World Karting Association, congratulations to the 3 Chassis winners this year, and to the countless amount of drivers, crewmembers, and sponsors, providing the support for these companies to return to the top of the heap. Congrats just as equally to the companies that finished right behind this years winners, providing some awesome competition and a great variety of professional equipment for drivers to have the opportunity to choose from.

11.08.2015 - Race Organizers Announce Kart Classes

Inverness, Fla. > The City of Inverness is preparing for its fifth annual Inverness Grand Prix Motorsports Festival on the evening of Friday, November 20, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 11

a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This World Karting Association (WKA) sanctioned event will have go karts, racing enthusiasts

and spectators geared up for Grand Prix festivities centered on Courthouse Square in Downtown Inverness.

Friday night brings the annual free kick off to all festival>goers with a special Friday Night Thunder car cruise in,

motor festival vendors. The free concert in downtown with favorite Stormbringer with special guest Robby

Steinhardt from the band Kansas with hits “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on Wayward Son.”

Saturday the streets of downtown Inverness will be transformed into a challenging kart racing track. Inverness!

Grand Prix announces 2015 kart classes:

AKC KID KARTS >With guests>min. 225lbs, BSP red

plate. Ages 5>7

AKC JR SPORTSMAN > With guests>min. 285lbs, BSP

purple plate. Ages 8>11

LO206/Clone Jr/Sr. > Georgia Sprint Kart Assoc regs.

AKC MODIFIED/HEAVY > AKC regulations

TAGS Jr/Sr > Florida Pro Kart regulations

YAMAHA>ANIMAL CHALLENGE

Stock Appearing Yamaha 390lbs, Stock Yamaha Pipe 350lbs, Stock Yamaha Can 330lbs and WKA Limited

Animal 390lbs

CHAMP KARTS Jr/Sr

Except for “KID KART CLASS” 8 karts will constitute a class. Entrants in classes which have less than 8 karts

may be offered the opportunity to run in a class of like performance. Weights may be adjusted to insure parity.

11.08.2015 - Inverness Grand Prix is a unique experience

The Inverness Grand Prix Motorsport Festival is a two-day event that starts with a Friday night rock show, and Saturday is a festival with street races and entertainment. This City event zooms into its 5^th year of hosting this rare street kart race that is sanctioned by the World Karting Association. Friday kicks off with a car cruise-in and free concert featuring regional favorite Stormbringer with a special guest, Robby Steinhardt, former member of the band Kansas. Stormbringer and Steinhardt will perform hits like “Carry on my Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Stormbringer describes their style, “soaring leads, crisp four-part harmonies, thunderous drums, dramatic keyboards and crunching guitars.

Saturday entertainment highlight is the addition of the Powerskip Jumpers. They are described as “the acrobats from StarStudded Productions as they jump, skip, and leap through the air on powerskips!"

The Inverness Grand Prix and Motorsports Festival is a unique event that allows street karts to race at high speeds through downtown Inverness. This event brings a large crowd down to visit the various shops and restaurants in the area. It is a family-friendly event with activities, car shows, vendors, and races throughout Saturday,

Filter Youth Development is a Citrus County nonprofit that provides mentoring and skill-building to children through classroom activities and play on dirt bikes. This nonprofit was selected because of its natural alignment with the Inverness Grand Prix and its mission to improve the lives of youth in Citrus County. Filter Youth Development is currently seeking sponsors.

11.06.2015 - DAYTONA DIRT ENTRY BLANK INFO COMING MONDAY

CONCORD, NC - The long awaited Daytona Dirt Entry Blank info is being finalized this week, and will be available online Monday evening November 9. Competitors should also be aware that this years version of the Daytona Dirt Entry Blank for the WKA/Unilli Dirt World Championships  will involve 2 pages. The first page will be the traditional Entry Blank. The second page will contain the breakdown of classes, purses, and entry fees. Activities for the Daytona Dirt World Championships begin with practice Dec 27 from 1-5pm. Race day action will be Dec 28 and 29 with a raindate set for Dec 30.

11.02.2015 - Bridgestone releases new soft/medium YLM kart tire YLC to remain unchanged for 2016

St. Louis, MO – (October 29, 2015) -- Bridgestone Americas has released a new soft/medium compound kart tire for 2016. Designated ‘YLM”, the compound has already been selected by the World Karting Association as the spec tire for both IAME Senior and IAME Junior in the 2016 WKA Manufacturers Cup Series. Developed with extensive testing in Europe, the YLM has shown excellent performance and improved consistency over multiple heat cycles. In its initial US outings, the YLM performed flawlessly in winning all Yamaha classes at the Rock Island Grand Prix and also proved its versatility and longevity in the Florida Pro Kart Series Open Shifter class. Drivers at both events noted that they were especially impressed with the consistency over multiple heat cycles.

The YLM is available in 4.5/10.0-5 and 7.1/11.0-5 sizes and is in stock for immediate shipment from Bridgestone kart tire distributors. Pricing is identical to the Bridgestone YLC compound tires.

Also for 2016, the widely-spec’d YLC compound will remain unchanged and continue as the designated tire for many of the country’s leading series and tracks.

Since 1978, Bridgestone has dominated kart racing around the globe. Bridgestone has consistently produced the highest quality and best performing kart tires in a wide range of sizes and compounds. Bridgestone has consistently supported many kart tracks, clubs, series and drivers throughout the US over almost four decades. Bridgestone kart tires are available from karting dealers throughout the US. For more information on Bridgestone kart tires or to learn more about club, series or track sponsorship contact a Bridgestone distributor today.

Margay Racing                                      Grand Products                                                                        Empire Karting

St. Louis, MO                                          Warminster, PA                                                                       Redlands, CA

1.800.562.7429                                       215.244.1940                                                         909.793.9695

www.margay.com                              www.grandproducts.com                               www.empirekarts.com

11.02.2015 - The Briggs and Stratton Weekly Racing Series

The Briggs and Stratton Weekly Racing Series Midwest Region -FINAL

The Midwest Region results for the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series presented by RLV are in the books! “The Midwest region stretched all the way to Nola motorsports Park which made for a unique dynamic”, stated David Klaus, Director-Briggs Racing. “With Nola first out of the gate with results the thaw of spring made for weekly top ten changes as upper Midwest tracks began to catch up.”

With the final drop of the checkered flag Midwest racers from 5 tracks locked up a bounty of over $10,000. A special thanks to all of our sponsors: RLV, PowerSmart Inverter Generators, Sox Racing, and Amsoil for sharing a passion to support local racing and making this prize package possible.

Your overall Midwest Champion, from Mid-State Kart Club is

Ryan Cassity!

Here are your top 10 Finishers and the Briggs & Stratton Powered hardware they walk away with:

1^st – Ryan Cassity               Mid-State Kart Club                           8,000 Watt B&S Generator

2^nd –Greg Lacoste Jr.       Nola Motorsports Park                   P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

3^rd – Logan Smith               Concept Haulers                                 P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

4^th – Dan Seaman              Concept Haulers                                 P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

5^th – David Cox                     Mid-State Kart Club                           P3000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

6^th – Jeff Scott                       Mid-State Kart Club                           P2000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

7^th – Scott Griffin                Nola Motorsports Park                   P2000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

8^th – Ken Williams             Mid-State Kart Club                           P2000 PowerSmart Inverter Generator

9^th – Creig Olcott                Northland Region Kart Assoc.    2,300 PSI B&S Brute Pressure Washer

10^th – Craig Pyatt               St. Louis Karting Assoc.                                     2,300 PSI B&S Brute Pressure Washer

The 2015 Briggs Weekly Racing Series ‘Top’ Track award which takes the top 50 finishers and calculates total scores to determine a track winner is Nola Motorsports Park!

As our ‘top’ track award winner Nola will receive $2,000 in Briggs powered product to improve their infrastructure.

To our top 10 winners, your primary club contact will be contacted shortly and your ‘goodies’ will be headed to your club for pickup.

10.16.2015 - 2016 Tech Manual Now At Printer

CONCORD, NC - With Class Structure already in the hands of many competitors for the 2016 season, giving them a head start on new classes, as well as a brand new season, competitors can also be assured the 2016 version of the World Karting Association Technical Manual is not far behind. Following months of hard work by the respective Competition and Tech Committees, as well as the Board of Trustees, 2 Cycle Vice President Lynn Haddock, and our webmaster Keith Roberts, the newest version of the Tech Manual found its way to the printer earlier this week, and should be finished and ready for distribution shortly, placing the organization months ahead of last years issue, and very close to back on schedule, as October has traditionally been designated as the Tech Manual Month.

While the process of printing the books is underway, members that are eligible to receive the Tech Manual should make sure if they have changed their address recently, to contact WKA, assuring the Tech Manual will find its way to the proper address.

For those needing to verify their address in the WKA Database, feel free to contact Jeannie Harrison at (704) 455-1606, ext 110, or email her at members@worldkarting.com

10.15.2015 - Trustee Ballots In The Mail

CONCORD, NC - By now, many of our WKA Members have received their latest Trustee Nomination Ballots in the mail. This year, the 3 Districts that WKA will be conducting trustee elections in are:

District 3: North Carolina

District 6: Michigan and Ohio

District 9: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of Canada.

If you are a resident of one of these Districts, this is your opportunity to participate in the selection process of trustees that govern WKA.

The first step in the election process is to nominate a qualified trustee candidate. In order to be a trustee candidate, the person you nominate must be a WKA Master Member in good standing, age 18 or older, and a resident of your district. The three members receiving the most nominations from each district will be asked to submit their own slate, which includes a 2 cycle and 4 cycle representative.

Submit your nomination ballot to:

Better Financial Solutions

6465 Frank Avenue NW

Canton, Ohio 44720

Attn: Becky Wilson

In roughly 60 days, you will receive the Official Election Ballot, listing the trustee candidates from your district, along with their respective 2 and 4 cycle representatives.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606.

10.01.2015 - American Logan Sargeant wins CIK-FIA World Championships

CONCORD, NC - American karting received a huge shot in the arm recently with the success of Logan Sargeant in the CIK-FIA World Championships, held at the World Circuit La Conca in Muro Leccese, Italy. Sometimes regarded as sort of a university for motorsports, drivers indeed earned their degrees on this day, helping to further elevate them in their racing careers. For Sargeant, the degree of talent runs in the family as older bother Dalton, a former International driver as well, has advanced into the NASCAR world, running the K and N Pro Series East, a development series that helps drivers attain the next level of NASCAR, whether it be Trucks, Xfinity, or Sprint Cup. Dalton is currently leading the Sunoco Rookie points by 1 tally over current points leader and teammate William Byron.

But while Dalton awaits his end result this weekend in Dover, Delaware for the series finale, this day belonged to younger brother Logan. 162 drivers from 36 different countries and 5 continents converged on Apulia in southern Italy to take part in the championships.

Sargeants victory came in the KFJ Class. Feeling pressure from Frenchman Clement Novalak and Brazilian Caio Collet from the start, Sargeant took the lead from the pole, never looking back enroute to a most impressive victory. Novalak came home second with Collet third, Englishman Sami Worship fourth and Venezuelan Sebastian Fernandez completing the top five.

“Logans victory speaks volumes for American racers in karting” stated World Karting Association President John Ferris. “ His victory is a huge accomplishment, displaying the enormity of talent the United States possesses”. “ But just as importantly, it provides such a great shot in the arm for the beginning racers who look to achieve great things one day, making them realize anything is possible”

World Karting Association, as well as the entire American Karting World, salutes American Logan Sargeant for his awesome accomplishment, and congratulates the competitors from all over the globe for their amazing talent that enabled them to make it to the most recent edition of the CIK-FIA World Championships.

09.11.2015 - 2016 WKA Tech Manual Progressing, Sponsorship Available

CONCORD, NC - Following the recent Board of Trustees Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in late August, significant progress is being made with regards to the 2016 edition of the WKA Technical Manual. With recommendations submitted by all series Competition Committee Members, and voted on by the Board, WKA has now begun the process of finalizing the class structure and rules for the major national series for 2016, including the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series, RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, as well as the all new WKA Winter Cup, which will debut at Daytona in December as part of the Manufacturers Cup Series season opener, with events following in February at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, and wrapping up in March at Go Pro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

As has been tradition with this issue, ad space is available in the Tech Manual. Interested businesses have different options for advertising, whether it be a full page ad or a business card size ad. With this book encompassing the full season, it is the most used and most read issue, making it of great value for your business to be a part of. Business Card ads run just $40

For more information on advertising rates, feel free to call Marie at the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606, extension 111, or email at marie@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.