To read the most recent meeting minutes from August 7th, 2018, please click the button below:
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WKA News
It is will great sadness that we email our karting members today. Mark Taylor was very well known and respected in our karting community and often worked for WKA at our national races and at Daytona Kartweek. We would like to pass this newsletter onto you from our friends at the Woodbrige Kart Club which includes a message from Mark's family:
WKC NEWSLETTER
As most of you have heard we at WKC have lost one of our very own. I received the call from Brandon Taylor on Friday telling me of this very sad news. He and I talked about a posting to FB and I wanted the family to tell me their wishes.
As the family states below. Mark was a incredible person and I will never forgot him. The personal friendship that he and I had was awesome. He always had encouraging words for me and my family.
He will be deeply missed by many and especially his extended family here at WKC. I know right now he has his foot down on the pedal and hands on the steering wheel wheeling that go kart around the track.
Rest In Peace Mark!!
Rodney Smith, President Woodbridge Kart Club
Family statement....
Family, friends, and entire karting community;
It is with the deepest regret that we inform you all of the passing of our father, Mark Taylor. He passed away peacefully while sitting in his home in Manassas on August 9. 2018. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers during this time and, like most of you, are going to miss him greatly. Dad was living life fully until his unexpected death and loved being at a racetrack and being around people. He was especially proud of us but was even prouder and happiest when he was around his three granddaughters.
To each of you who meant something to Dad, thank you. He has made countless friends in his journey through karting and the stories he could tell were priceless. We thank you for helping to make those wonderful memories that we will never forget.
Dad was devoted to his fiancé Trina, his dog Ovi, and the rest of his family. He was a man with a kind heart that will be missed by everyone. We hope to see you at the visitation and/or funeral service.
God bless you all,
Brandon Taylor and Kendra Ballantine
Enhanced Pricing and Added New Advertising Opportunities For 2019
Now that the WKA Board of Trustees have updated the contents of the WKA Tech Manual for 2019, the association has opportunities for Karting Industry partners to get exposure in 2,500 copies of the 2019 Tech Manual, with enhanced pricing and new advertising opportunities for the new year.
“We looked at the way we were presenting the Tech Manual ads to our partners, and thought, ‘Let’s really give them new opportunities this year’.” stated WKA’s President Kevin Williams, “So we reduced the pricing from previous years and added a couple new bits to help the Industry gain new exposure. The Office Team can even design custom packages based on the partner’s needs.”
New for the 2019 edition is simpler pricing structures at reduced rates from previous years, additional places to advertise that were not available before, and a whole new item to be included with the Tech Manual mailing…a 2019 Wall Calendar for karters to hang in their home, garage, or office.
Artwork deadlines for the 2019 Tech Manual is September 7. For ad space availability, pricing, or to create your own custom ad package, contact Marie@WorldKarting.com or call 704-455-1606.
About World Karting Association- The World Karting Association has been a non-profit, Membership Organization since 1971, and has provided venues for members to enjoy all aspects of Karting in the USA, from its office in Concord, NC, including the famous Daytona Kartweek. Providing Regulations, Instruction and Certifications, Racing Series, Insurance, and venues for fair and safe Karting on all levels, WKA has a place for everyone in Karting. For more information, contact WKA at info@worldkarting.com, or www.worldkarting.com
“Vote for Karting!"
August 9, 2018 – As one of the most anticipated events on any karters calendar, the World Karting Association (WKA) Daytona KartWeek is a must attend for North American teams and drivers and just today, the event was nominated for the Best Sports Event of 2017. Nominated by the readers of SportsTravel for a 2018 SportsTravel Award, the WKA organization was the only motorsports organization of any kind that received a nod.
“Wow!” expressed Kevin Williams, President of the WKA. “We pride ourselves on good racing and putting on great events so receiving a nomination of the stature, really shows how much effort our staff puts into our events. Our goal is to ensure that every team and driver leaves at the events conclusion with a smile and wanting to come back the following year.”
With voting open until August 15th, 2018, the WKA Daytona KartWeek event can be found on the awards ballot that appears at www.SportsTravelAwards.com. The WKA Daytona KartWeek can be seen on the ballot in two separate divisions:
- Amateur Sport - Best Sports Event, Series, or Circuit
- Overall Best Sports Event of 2017
Williams added, “I would invite and welcome all of the karting community, including your friends and family, to vote and vote often. This is exciting news and helps promote karting to the world outside of motorsports.”
The winners of the 2018 SportsTravel Awards will be announced at TEAMS ’18 in Louisville, Kentucky during the week of October 1 – 4, 2018. More information about TEAMS ’18 can be found at http://teamsconference.com/
About World Karting Association- The World Karting Association has been a non-profit, Membership Organization since 1971, and has provided venues for members to enjoy all aspects of Karting in the USA, from its office in Concord, NC, including the famous Daytona Kartweek. Providing Regulations, Instruction and Certifications, Racing Series, Insurance, and venues for fair and safe Karting on all levels, WKA has a place for everyone in Karting. For more information, contact WKA at info@worldkarting.com, or www.worldkarting.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 @ RTDMediaAndMGMT as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.
Pierre “Pete” Jules Michel, 70, passed away unexpectedly on August 3rd, 2018 at his home in Perry, Georgia. Pete’s funeral service will be held on Friday August 10th, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home, 417 S. Houston Lake Road Warner Robins, Ga 31088.
Pierre Michel was born on July 21st, 1948 in Manchester, New Hampshire to the late Eugene and Marie-Jeanne Michel.
Pete has been widely known in the karting industry beginning with the opening of Michel’s Kartway, Inc. on October 1st, 1967 in Miami, Florida. Pete started racing himself in 1958 and building motors for other racers since 1967. On March 12th, 2016 Pete was inducted in the World Karting Association’s Hall of Fame. He has since passed down his love of racing to his children, Matthew and Ashley Michel.
Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Michel; Children: Collette Baglia, Matthew Michel, Ashley Michel, Tina Romaine, Teri Rionda (George). Grandchildren: Kayla Rionda, Geovanni Romaine, Nicole Romaine, Victor Romaine, Noah Romaine and Jordan Rionda. Siblings: Andy Michel and Paul Michel (Cookie).
The family asks in Lieu of flowers to please donate to this Go Fund Me account:
https://www.gofundme.com/pete-michel-memorial.
If it is easier, you can send checks to the WKA office payable to Matt Michel and we will be glad to forward all donations to the family.
CONCORD, NC - Although still reviewing a few rules, the Trustees held their annual face-to-face meeting to review the regulations in the WKA Tech Manual for 2019. The intention is to get the book out earlier than in past years, as a benefit to the members.
Here are some of the highlights that will take affect in 2019:
- 2019 Manufacturers Cup Dates, Venues, and Classes
- Kid Karts have been added to Daytona
- More flexible event requirements and points structure for Manufacturers Cup
- Revise Camera Mounting Regulations on Karts to help racers
- Addition of the Push-Back Bumpers in Manufacturers Cup
- Clearer definition of Competition Age
- Clearer definition of some Road Race Classes
- Much more...
These regulation changes were reviewed and updated solely to benefit the racers, and make the Tech Manual more understandable and easier to follow. Check back over the next couple of weeks for final 2019 Tech Manual updates as the Committees and Trustees continue to make WKA better for its members.
The meeting minutes have been posted to the documents page on the WKA website. To access and read them now, click the button below:
CONCORD, NC - The entry blank for the VEGA Tires Road Racing Series race at Heartland Park Topeka Raceway during the weekend of August 10-12th is now available. Click the button below to view it.
CONCORD, NC - The latest meeting minutes from the conference call on June 6th are now available to read. Click the link below to be taken to them.
Calling All WKA Members, Vote for WKA Daytona Kartweek!
Sports Travel Magazine conducts its National Sports Travel Awards each year, and the time has come to submit nominations by June 30.
Sports Travel Magazine is an organization that WKA participates in, and pairs Venues with Sports Organizations and offers event assistance for each party to ensure that events are the best they can be for everyone. Each year they recognize the best Sports Events and it is time the WKA Members show the rest of the Sporting Event world that Karting is a relevant sport.
WKA is asking its members to cast a nomination vote for WKA's Annual Daytona Kartweek as the Best Single-Sport Event each year, the only Karting event that hosts Sprint, Dirt Oval and Road Racing all in one event week.
Voting is simple, simply click on Sports Travel Awards link, https://www.sportstravelawards.com/ click Nominate, then type in WKA Daytona Kartweek in the Category of Best Single-Sport Event to bring Karting to the forefront of the Sport Event world.
Let's promote one of the best Karting Events of each year by voting WKA's Daytona Kartweek!
Briggs & Stratton Rule Update
CONCORD, NC - To view the Briggs & Stratton rule update, click the links below:
Latest Meeting Minutes Now Available
The latest meeting minutes are now available on the WKA website. To view them, click the link below:
MEETING MINUTES
Board of Trustees removes Ferris, promotes Williams as President
CONCORD, NC - On March 26, the Board of Trustees convened for a two-day meeting at the WKA headquarters in Concord, North Carolina. Among the first order of business by President John Ferris was the appointment of a restructured Officers level. With a unanimous vote by the Board, Kevin Williams was promoted from International Liaison to the sole Vice President position. Vice President, 2-Cycle Lynn Haddock and Vice President, 4-Cycle Bobby Gettys were named to the 2-Cycle Director and 4-Cycle Director, respectively.
Tuesday, March 27, a closed session by the Board of Trustees was convened. During the session, there was a general consensus for a need to create a better environment and working relationship between the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, and staff in the office. To help oversee, the Board of Trustees nominated and voted to name Mike Tetreault as Chairman of the Board, to assist the new President in directing the organization to its core values. Through the Code, WKA is governed by the President and Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. The Board of Trustees proceeded to discuss the job performance of President John Ferris. At the conclusion of the discussion, the majority of the Board voted to remove Mr. Ferris as President of the World Karting Association. With his removal, the Board followed with a vote to promote Williams as President of the World Karting Association. Following the closed session, 2-Cycle Director Haddock submitted his letter of resignation from his position.
“World Karting Association’s mission is to provide a safe, fair, and consistent environment for the beginner, hobbyist, and future stars of motorsports fulfilling their racing dreams, and I think WKA can focus back on those core values.” Stated Kevin Williams, “Additionally, our industry partners will benefit from the changes the Trustees made today, and the forward-thinking programs we have planned from the grass-roots to the top levels of all of Karting.”
President Williams is conducting a search to fulfil the positions of the executive committee in the near future. The full meeting minutes will be published to WKA website when approved by the Board of Trustees for publication. Continue to return back to www.worldkarting.com and make sure to follow the WKA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts which you can click below.
CONCORD, NC - To read the exciting Briggs & Stratton press release regarding their Weekly Racing Series and over $48,000 in prizes, click the button below.
New Port Richey, FL, March 21, 2018 (Newswire.com) - World Karting Association (WKA) has partnered with Race Face Brand Development to offer two new programs as benefits to their members. Race Face Tel-Med and Race Face University. “We are excited to partner with the WKA not only as a Manufactures Cup Sponsor in the Jr. Yamaha Class but to be able to offer these great programs to WKA Members,” said Rod Wortham CEO Race Face Brand Development.
Race Face Tel-Med is a medical and lifestyle benefit program including Teladoc. Teladoc gives you access to a doctor 24/7 via phone, online or mobile app. Anytime, anywhere with no fee per visit. You can get a diagnosis, treatment options and a prescription if medically necessary saving you hundreds of dollars and valuable time when treating yourself or your child when you are traveling with your race team. Plus, it includes discounts on dental, vision, prescriptions and much for as little as $19.95 per month for up to 5 members of your household. “After attending several races last year and talking with hundreds of parents it was clear there was a need for a program that would give access to a doctor 24/7 whether at home or on the road as long as it was affordable. We believe that we have delivered that with Race Face Tel-Med,” said Wortham.
Race Face University (RFU) is an online training program designed to maximize a driver’s marketability and brand. A semester is an 8-week course-of-study that includes training videos, live weekly webinars, and interactive content training about important branding resources like: Hero Cards, Media Decks and Sponsorship Proposals. Additional important marketing and branding training topics include: Social Media, Building a Fan Base, Performance vs Results, Goal Setting and so much more. “In today's world of racing the amount of money that it takes to compete is overwhelming. For those competitors who want to move on to pursue a professional racing career you need sponsors and creating a Brand is a necessity. Young drivers and their parent need to have a Blueprint in place to even have a chance to attract a marketing partner in today’s world with the amount of competition that is in the marketplace.” said Wortham.
"At Race Face University, our mission is to give young racers a competitive advantage on-the-track, and parents a marketing and branding advantage, off-the-track."
“Being a Membership Organization, WKA is always looking for ways to provide benefits to our awesome membership.” Stated John Ferris, President of the World Karting Association, “Providing methods of activation within Karting to Race Face for their Tel-Med and University programs is yet another way WKA brings value and benefits to Karters that are rarely seen at this level of motorsports. We are thrilled to be a part of these programs.”
How to get started, go online to:
Race Face Tel-Med: http://racefacetel-med.com/ (Use Invite Code WKA)
Race Face University: http://www.racefaceuniversity.com/ (Use Invite Code WKA)
About Race Face Brand Development
Race Face Brand Development is made up of a staff and an advisory team of well-established leaders in the auto racing world: Rod Wortham, Lorin Ranier and Tom Baker. Together this group has nearly 100 years of combined experience and successes in driver coaching, media, marketing, and branding from the kart level right up through the crown jewel — NASCAR. In addition, Rod Wortham is the CEO and founder of Race Face Brand Development, Lorin Ranier of Ranier Racing Development is considered as the premier driver development adviser in the motorsports industry and Tom Baker is the personal development instructor and owner of Race-Chaser Online.
About World Karting Association
The World Karting Association has been a non-profit, Membership Organization since 1971, and has provided venues for members to enjoy all aspects of Karting in the USA, from its office in Concord, NC. Providing Regulations, Instruction and Certifications, Racing Series, Insurance, and venues for fair and safe Karting on all levels, WKA has a place for everyone in Karting. For more information, contact WKA at info@worldkarting.com, or www.worldkarting.com
CONCORD, NC - The latest conference call meeting minutes have been posted to the WKA website. Click the button below to be taken to the minutes from the February 13th call.
CONCORD, NC - The WKA Membership Meeting minutes from the January 25th, 2018 meeting are now available on www.worldkarting.com.
To be taken straight to the minutes, CLICK HERE.
CONCORD, NC - The most recent board of trustees conference call meeting minutes have now been posted on the WKA website. To read them, click the button below.
CONCORD, NC- The WKA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee is pleased to announce the addition of the two newly elected members to the Board of Trustees along with their 2 and 4 cycle representatives.
District 1
Trustee: Chris Kardashian
2-Cycle Rep: Jim Russel Jr.
4-Cycle Rep: Chris Sliden
District 10
Trustee: Art Verlengiere
2-Cycle Rep: Lloyd Mack
4-Cycle Rep: Rod Verlengiere
We would like to thank all of you who expressed an interest in serving on the board of trustees and also those who voted in the election.
CONCORD, NC - The 2018 WKA Tech Manual is now available. To place your order, please contact the WKA office at 704-455-1606. Here is a sneak peak of the cover...
CONCORD, NC- WKA would like to thank Roebling Road Raceway for extending the offer to our racers and making available trailer storage at their facility in Bloomingdale, GA. Interested racers may drop their trailer off for storage on the way home from Daytona KartWeek. Trailers can be stored until WKA’s next Road Racing event at Roebling Road on March 9th, 2018.
We ask that you kindly contact Jack Abbott with Roebling Road with any questions and to make arrangements at (912) 247-0472. A Storage fee of $30 applies, along with an agreement of release that must be signed.
CONCORD, NC - The latest meeting minutes have now been posted on the WKA website. To view and read them, please CLICK HERE.
CONCORD, NC - Taking rumor out of the equation, WKA is announcing the termination of the employment of Buddy Long.
As we have in the past, we as an organization, look forward to upholding our high level of integrity and service to our racing community.
Looking ahead to the start of 2018 race season, we look forward to seeing you at Daytona KartWeek. The legend will continue.
