Helpful Hints for Customers Coming to Daytona KartWeek

CONCORD, NC - In advance of the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek, scheduled for December 27-30 at Daytona International Speedway, WKA would like to provide some Customer Friendly Items, that hopefully will make your experience at The World Center of Racing a little more enjoyable this holiday season.

For competitors arriving in the Daytona Beach area, prior to December 27, the official parking day for KartWeek, the speedway is providing an area in the West Lot of the facility to drop your trailer off, since many hotels in the area do not have adequate parking for a trailer. The early drop off for trailers begins December 23, and is open from 7am-7pm daily.

Once the 27th arrives, customers will be asked to go to Gate 70, which is the official sign in location on Parking Day. If you are coming to the speedway off of I-95, turn right at Williamson Blvd, which is on the Turn 1 and 2 end of the speedway. From there, proceed to your first stop light, which is Midway Blvd. Turn left at Midway, and proceed to Gate 70. Depending on the series you will run, or your status, there are windows for the WKA/Maxxis Dirt, the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series, as well as a Comp Pass window for sponsors and workers.

If you are arriving on the 28th and beyond, you will turn at the Gate 40 entrance off of Williamson Blvd, and proceed past the Guard Shack to the 3 way stop. Turn left at the stop and proceed to Ticket Booth E, which will be at your right. Again, there will be windows for all 3 groups, as well as a Comp Pass Window.   Pit passes are available depending on your length of visit. Event Passes, 2 Day, and 1 day passes are available, as well as a $10 pass for spectators who arrive after 4pm for the Daytona Dirt World Championships.

Anyone who needs to ship any items to the speedway, need to ship in this manner:

Your Name

WKA Competitor

c/o Daytona International Speedway

1801 West International Speedway Blvd

Daytona Beach, Florida, 32114

HOLD FOR PICKUP

For those competitors running in the Road Race and Manufacturers Cup Series, a Sunoco Fuel Truck will be on the property beginning Tuesday Dec 27 at noon, and will be there till 5pm. The truck will return on the 28th and 29th, from 8am-5pm. The truck will not be at the track on the 30th. So competitors are urged to get the bulk of their fuel for the weekend by the 29th. The truck will staged at the Manufacturer Cup Series pits, with a fuel shuttle service provided by WKA to take care of the Road Race competitors on a daily basis.

Competitors attending the Mfg Cup Awards presentation, and are staying at the Lake Lloyd RV site at the speedway, are urged to make arrangements with a Cab or Uber, assuring they have a way back to the track, in the event the rv is their only form of transportation. The address for the Ocean Breeze Club is 640 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118. Toll Free number is 855.212.3224 The Awards presentation will be Tuesday Dec 27. Doors open at 7, with dinner at 7:30 and the award presentation at 8pm.  

For Mfg Cup Series Competitors who use Tillotson Carbs, Andrew Fallon with Tillotson will be on hand to offer support during the event.

We hope these helpful hints will be of great benefit to all who are attending the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek. If anyone has additional questions, feel free to contact the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606.

Thanks so much for attending Daytona KartWeek. We wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season!!!!

Pre Entry Deadline for all 3 Series of Daytona KartWeek Dec 14

CONCORD, NC - With December flying by at a rapid pace, competitors who have yet to submit their entries for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek are reminded the pre-entry deadline for all 3 series, including the WKA/Maxxis Dirt World Championship, the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, and the Dunlop/ Xeramic National Road Race Series, presented by Russell Karting, is just 1 week away, December 14.

Competitors have until that point to take advantage of the pre- entry pricing, before the At Track Pricing kicks in. Entries have been pouring in at a record pace, with Road Race Entries already exceeding those of last year, as well as Mfg Cup, and the highly anticipated return of Maxxis Tires and the optional Tri State Series points deal to the Dirt Track, with sponsors and entries still coming in daily.

With just 1 race per season at present in the Dirt program, competitors are required to fill out a Temporary WKA Membership Application, at a cost of $25. While the registration window will be manned by 4 workers at Daytona on Parking Day, WKA, in an effort to keep the lines flowing, and down as best as possible, are urging competitors who need to sign up as a member, to take advantage of the Membership Application in advance of the event, and download the application, which is available on the Speedway Dirt Series site, fill out, and return to the WKA Office. This will allow for a much better start for all competitors for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek.

To view the Membership Application for Dirt, CLICK HERE.

To view the Dirt World Championship entry blank, CLICK HERE.

To register ONLINE for the Mfg Cup, CLICK HERE.

To view the Mfg Cup entry blank, CLICK HERE.

To view the Road Race entry blank, CLICK HERE.

WKA CIK WHEEL CLARIFICATION

CONCORD, NC - Recently we have received several calls regarding the wheel width rules for the LO206/CIK Senior class that will be competing in the Man-Cup series in 2017.

Max overall wheel width    front --5.625"   ---   rear --8.5"  (mounted assembly as raced)

This clarification also applies to the LO206/CIK class (362.18)  being run in the Road Race Series also.

2017 WKA Manufacturers & Winter Cup Updates, Awards Banquet, and Daytona Race entry NOW ONLINE!

CONCORD, NC - While the 2017 version of the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series Schedule was released months ago, WKA Officials have finalized all the venues and dates heading into the new year. While the Manufacturers Cup Series has maintained its original 5 race schedule, the schedule for the WKA Winter Cup Series has been modified, based on scheduling challenges with competing series.

To provide customers that run multiple programs as much of a break between races as possible, the very successful 3 race winter program, now entering its second season, has adjusted its dates and venues, with stops in Daytona, Jacksonville, and Ocala.

Following a return to impressive numbers in 2016, the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, as always, will begin the season at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway December 27-30 for the Margay Sprint Nationals. The event, as was the case last year, will also be counted as the first WKA Winter Cup program for the new season. The next Manufacturers Cup event will then take the competitors to the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania May 19-21.  The series will then head to its traditional mid-summer stop July 14-16 at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana, with the August venue becoming another trip to the Midwest August 25-27 at the newly renovated Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park in Dousman, Wisconsin. The finale will bring the racers to Mooresville North Carolina.  Champions will be determined at GoPro Motorplex at the season ending Grand National event October 13-15. Competitors will be able to count their best 8 of 10 finals for the Man-Cup series in 2017.

On the Winter Cup side, once the program departs Daytona in December, the series will head to 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida February 24-26, with the finale scheduled for March 31-April 2 at the Ocala Gran Prix facility making this an all Florida Winter Cup in 2017.  There will be NO DROPS in the Winter Cup program, competitors will count 6 out of 6 finals.

The WKA Manufacturers and Winter Cup Classes offer the same structure as 2016 with a few changes: 

Kid Kart will be running as an exhibition class at the Manufacturers and Winter Cup events for just the cost of a Pit Pass.  They will have the opportunity to take laps during breaks and lunch at these events, with all drivers receiving a medal for participation. Kid Kart racers wishing to compete in the Kid Kart Class for a National Championship will have the opportunity to do so as the class is now part of the 2017 WKA Gold Cup Series. (details coming soon) 

Lo206 Senior (CIK Body Work and Man-Cup Chassis Rules) has been added to the Manufactures Cup filling the void left by Kid Kart. This class with the its huge growth in the Midwest and the North Carolina area should make for a very good addition to the Manufacturers Cup class structure. 

On a technical note, Yamaha Junior, starting in Daytona will have new size rear tires.  The WKA Trustees voted back in mid-2016 to change to 7.10 for the 2017 Season. There are no other changes for the class. 

A new addition to the Winter Cup Class Structure will be the local option ROK Senior Shifter Class. The package is strong in the state of Florida, so the WKA Trustees wanted to give this class an opportunity in the WKA series. This will give the local Florida racers the chance to bring their ROK Shifter equipment onto the Daytona Karting track for the first time and then compete in Jacksonville and Ocala, tracks that they are very accustomed with.  The Class will follow the ROK Cup engine rules and use the ROK Cup Bridgestone (YLR) slick tires.  

2017 CLASSES

Mini Swift

Pro Swift Sportsman

Yamaha Sportsman

Yamaha Junior

*Yamaha Senior (Daytona, Pitt, New Castle, Dousman & GoPro)

Lo206 Senior (Man Cup Chassis Rules)

IAME Junior

IAME Senior

**ROK Senior Shifter (Winter Cup only— (Daytona, Jacksonville & Ocala)

Listening to the racers suggestions the WKA Trustees voted to change its format to better accommodate an earlier finish on Race Day Two.  However, because of the short amount of daylight during Daytona Kart Week and the pit closing curfew, Daytona will follow Race Day Two format that consists of Qualifying, Heat and Final both race days.  WKA will extend the laps of the Heat and Final races.  The lineup for the Final both days will consist of points from Qualifying and the Heat race each day to set the grid for the final.  Day 1 and Day 2 are separate race days and don’t impact each other.

The balance of Winter & Manufacturers Cups will consist of Race Day 1 being the same as 2016 with Qualifying, Heat 1, Heat 2 & Final with Race Day 2 consisting of Qualifying, Heat and a Final (extended laps from day 1) with the lineup for the Final of Race Day 2 consisting of points from Qualifying and Heat. Again two separate race days that don’t impact each other.  It should be noted WKA Practice schedule will not be changing.

Here’s a look at the 2017 National Schedule for both series:

BRIDGESTONE MANUFACTURER'S CUP SERIES

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida

May 19-21: Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania

July 14-16: New Castle Motorsports Park, New Castle, Indiana

Aug 25-27: Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park, Dousman, Wisconsin

Oct 13-15: GoPro Motorplex, Mooresville, North Carolina: Grand National

WKA WINTER CUP SERIES

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Florida

Feb 24-26: 103rd Street Sports Complex, Jacksonville, Florida

March 31-April2: Ocala Gran Prix, Ocala, Florida

AWARDS BANQUET

WKA will host its annual Manufacturers Cup Champions Awards Banquet for the 2016 Season on December 27th @ 7:00 pm hosted at the Daytona Beach Resort and Spa Hotel.  Discounted room rates can be found by contacting the hotel directly 1-800-654-6216 or the link below.  “WORLDKAR” has to be put in the group code when doing it online and must be mentioned if doing it via phone. 

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFO:

Online Race Registration

Online Banquet Registration

Paper Entry Blank to mail, fax scan or email

Paper Banquet Form to mail, fax or scan or Email

Daytona Beach Resort and Spa reservation link

World Karting Association, Purdue University partner to advance electric karting

CONCORD, NC — The World Karting Association and Purdue University reached a three-year agreement that makes Purdue the exclusive engineering and technology academic partner of the WKA.

The WKA will become the sanctioning body of the annual evGrandPrix (electric vehicle grand prix) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway starting with the 2017 season. Purdue Motorsports will manage the educational aspects of the grand prix, and the WKA will manage the operation of the race, said Danny White, director of motorsports at Purdue.

Adding an electric karting division on the WKA circuit is a top priority, he said.

"Purdue Motorsports will work with the World Karting Association to see how we can assist in the addition of a professional electric division to WKA karting," White said. "We are honored to work with this group to expand the future of evKarting worldwide."

The university and WKA will work together to create programs that promote science, technology, education and math (STEM), and build the fan base of electric karting.

Known as the foundation of motorsports, WKA sanctions national, regional and local kart racing events every week across the United States and is an affiliate member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States, a liaison of the FIA. Since its inception in 1971, WKA has a place for everyone in karting and now expands its support to the growing electric branch of karting.

The Purdue Motorsports MSTEM3 program (Motorsports STEM for Manufacturing and Medicine) at Purdue is an education initiative designed to spark students' interest in STEM fields by taking advantage of Purdue's location near Indianapolis, the "Racing Capital of the World." 

(Original story written by: Megan Huckaby of Purdue University)

Trustee Elections Open in 3 Districts

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials have announced that the trustee election process for 3 of the 10 Trustee Districts in the country have begun. The 3 Districts that elections will be taking place in this year are are the following:

District 2: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi

District 5: Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

District 8: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

If you are a resident in one of these districts, and are a WKA Master Member, you now have the opportunity to participate in the selection of the trustees that govern WKA.

The first step in the election process is to nominate qualified trustee candidates. Nomination Ballots will be going out in the mail to all WKA Master Members shortly.

The 3 members receiving the most nominations from each district will be asked to submit their choices for a 2 and 4 Cycle Representative.

An official ballot will be mailed to WKA Master Members from an independent accounting firm. Be sure and take a moment to fill out your ballot and return to the address listed on the ballot no later than November 11.

Thank you to all of our WKA Master Members in advance for your part in the selection process of trustees and respective 2 and 4 Cycle representatives in these 3 fine districts.

WKA Tech Manual Advertising Available

WKA Tech Manual Advertising Available

CONCORD, NC- With the 2016 racing season in the final stretch, work has begun on the 2017 version of the World Karting Association Tech Manual, as members of the respective Competition and Tech Committees, as well as Board of Trustees and Office Staff, finalize information on class structure and rules for all national series for the upcoming season.

In addition to being a well coveted book by competitors, it is also a perfect place for companies to promote their business and products for an entire year.

At present, WKA is accepting ads from sponsors and companies. There are a variety of ad sizes available, from business card size to full page ads.

If you would like to advertise in the 2017 edition of the WKA Technical Manual, contact Marie Borsuk at (704) 455-1606, ext 111, or marie@worldkarting.com.  Or you can fax to (704) 455-1609.

Deadline for submitting information will be Friday September 30. 

Annual WKA Membership Meeting to be held at New Castle Event

Annual WKA Membership Meeting to be held at New Castle Event

CONCORD, NC- The annual WKA Membership Meeting will be held a little earlier this year than last, with the New Castle Motorsports Park facility serving as the setting for members of all series of racing to join the many officers and trustees available that weekend.

The meeting will take place Thursday September 22, which will serve as parking and load in day for the Top Kart USA Grand Nationals for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, with the precise location and time to be announced during the day.  

Members will have the opportunity to receive the most up to date status of the organization, as well as have the chance to ask questions and offer insight to their respective programs.

While the Membership Meeting will be held during a Mfg. Cup Series event, any members that are within reasonable driving distance to the New Castle location, are more than welcome to attend, including Gold Cup, Winter Cup, and Road Race Series members, along with any members not directly attached to any particular series.

The meeting is for the WKA Membership solely. Any current WKA Member wishing to partake in the meeting will be required to show his/her current WKA Membership Card upon entrance to the meeting.

08.11.2016 - New WKA Website Debuts

New WKA Website Debuts

CONCORD, NC - Following some unfortunate technical issues, the newest version of the WKA website is up and running. As is the case with any new or updated website, there are changes and modifications that make a customer's previous navigational path a little different, taking some time to get adjusted.

Please take some time to browse through the new site and provide any feedback to the WKA Office staff members that you feel will help make your journey through the site even more customer friendly.

Our sincerest apologies to our loyal customers for any inconvenience this may have caused during the reparation period.