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.

11.18.2015 - Charger Racing Chassis, MC Motorsports back at Daytona Dirt

CONCORD, NC - With the recent announcement of the return of the WKA/Unilli Dirt World Championships to the Dirt Track at Daytona for another year comes many of the sponsors from last years event returning as well. WKA is proud to announce the return of Charger Racing Chassis and MC Motorsports to their respective sponsorship roles for yet another year.

In 2014, Charger Racing Chassis, led by Boomer Hawk, sponsored the Pro Animal Heavy Class on Day 1 of the Dirt World Championships. With that class returning to the fold again this year, as well as a $5,000 to win carrot dangled out there, this years Pro Animal Heavy class is expected to again be busting at the seams, with 51 drivers vying for the top payday last year.

Much like Boomer, Matt Connell and the MC Motorsports group have been involved in the Dirt Motorsports world for years.  Sponsoring the Pro Junior 1 Heavy class 1 season ago, MC Motorsports returns as yet another proud class sponsor in 2015.

The return of these two long standing Dirt figures in the karting world is just the tip of the iceburg, as calls and inquiries for sponsorship and parking are flooding the WKA Office daily, making the latest edition of the Unilli Dirt World Championships another monster of a race for the holidays.

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the limited front row parking spots, or sponsorship, can contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or buddy@worldkarting.com.

11.18.2015 - Tier 1 Deadline For Daytona Kart Week Fast Approaching

CONCORD, NC - The deadline for the first tier for entry fees for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek Dec 27-30 for the WKA National Road Race Series, as well as the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup/Winter Cup Series is fast approaching. Deadline for Tier 1 is Wednesday November 25 for competitors wishing to take advantage of the lowest pre entry rates. The second tier will kick in November 26, and run through December 11. After that, competitors will be required to pay the At Track fees.

Interest, as well as entries is pouring into the WKA Office everyday for the latest edition of the karting spectacle at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway. The event, which also includes the Unilli Dirt World Championships on the flat track, will be joined by the inaugural appearance of the WKA Winter Cup, comprised of a number of classes from the Mfg Cup and RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, running 2 different series at the same time, with points being accrued simultaneously in the 2 series.

To view the respective entry blanks and get your entries in, click on Racing Series on the WKA website, then click Daytona Entry blank under any and all of the 3 series.

11.17.2015 - Winter Cup Series Kicks Off At Daytona, Class Structure, Jax Entry Blank Online

CONCORD, NC - The beginning of the 2016 national points season for the World Karting Association will feature yet another new series for the new year. Joining the Dirt, Road Race, and Manufacturers Cup Series for Daytona Kart Week in December will be the all-new WKA Winter Cup Series. Combining a mixture of classes from both the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup and RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, the Winter Cup will blend into the newest version of the Margay Sprint Championships at Daytona, with a total of 8 of the 10 classes running for Winter Cup points, as well as Mfg Cup points, for those running in 2 cycle.

Classes that will make up the all-new Winter Cup program include Mini Swift, Pro IAME Junior, Yamaha Sportsman, Pro IAME Senior, Pro TaG Sportsman, and Kid Karts from the Mfg Cup Series, while many are excited about the inclusion of the LO206 Junior and Senior classes from the Gold Cup Program.

With the mix of 2 series, drivers will follow the 2016 rules for the 2 respective national series, as per the WKA Tech Manual. 2 cycle drivers will follow the 2016 Mfg Cup engine, chassis, and tire specs, while LO206 will adhere to the policies for 2016 for Gold Cup.

While Race 1 for the Winter Cup also serves as the first national event of the year for the Mfg Cup Series, the format will remain the same throughout the 3 race series, with competitors participating in qualifying, 2 heat races, and a final each day, with awards available each day for competitors in the top 5.

Once the series departs Daytona, all eyes will focus on the series second event February 5-7 at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, with the series finale to be 1 month later, March 4-6 at Go Pro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Points will be specific to the 3 race Winter Cup program, as there will be no divisional or regional points added in to determine the eventual Winter Cup Champion at the season ending event, thus allowing Champions, as well as the second and third place finishers in the overall standings to be determined, and crowned in Mooresville.

Many companies, such as Margay and Ionic Edge Chassis, have incorporated an arrive and drive program for Daytona. Be sure and contact these companies if you would like to take part in the inaugural edition of the WKA Winter Cup Series.

For those unable to make it to Daytona, the February Entry Blank for the Jacksonville event is online, as well as the Class structure. Be sure and click on Racing Series on the World Karting Home Page, which will then allow you to check out the 2016 national schedule, class structure, and future entry blank information.

11.16.2015 - Welage and Kardashian Head Mfg Cup Champions List for 2015

While the 2016 season opener for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup season is less than 6 weeks away in Daytona, there is just enough time to pause and relive the 2015 season that led to a pair of multiple champions, in what turned out to be one of the most enjoyable seasons for competitors in recent history. Heading the list of champions this season was Ohio driver Jason Welage, taking home 3 titles, one of those in the all new, and most popular IAME sponsored Swift Cup class. Unfortunately, the designation of the Swift Cup class as Local Option prevents Welage from claiming one of the most prestigious awards in karting, the Triple Crown. However, many were pleasantly surprised that the Swift Cup class not only came out of the gate quickly at the second event at Go Pro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina, but eventually turned into one of the Must See events each weekend on the Mfg Cup Series. So while 2 national titles and a Local Option title went into Welage’s record book this year, the popularity and strength of the Swift Cup class clearly allows Welage to be safe in the knowledge that 3 very tough titles were indeed earned.

In addition to Welage’s Swift Cup championship, the Ohioan also claimed the Comet Kart Sales Yamaha Sportsman and DRT Racing Pro TaG Sportsman titles as well.

Joining Welage as a multiple champion was Alexander Kardashian, taking the Tillotson Pro X30 and HYTORC of Texas Pro Leopard Senior titles, making these 2 drivers the only multiple champions in 2015. Other champions included:

Dakota Pesek: Zero Error Racing Yamaha Senior Pipe

Brandon Lemke: KARTSPORT North America Pro IAME Junior

John Paul Southern Jr: Woltjer Racing Engines Yamaha Junior

Donald Whorton II: New Jersey Sprint Series Yamaha Rookie

Benjamin Maier: CRP Racing Kid Karts

With the Swift Cup class not cranking up until the series second event at Go Pro Motorplex, the battle for the title was even harder to claim, with Pauly Massimino and Welage splitting the wins down the middle at 2 apiece. However, consistency would play a key role in this class, with Welage able to maintain solid runs throughout the season, netting him the title. Connor Ferris was also able to maintain a consistent season, coming home second in the standings, pinned in between the 2 winners, with Massimino third, followed by Tyler Ferris and Luca Mars. Rounding out the top 10 were Owen Mahle, Eli Trull, Annie Rhule, Robert Noaker III, and Caleb Bacon.

Massimino would return as a threat in several more classes, including the Comet Kart Sales Yamaha Sportsman Class, being 1 of 4 different winners in this class for the year. And once again, consistency would play the key role, as Welage took the title, all without aid of a win. With Massimino, Aiden Harrington, and Gage Rodgers scoring wins in this class, Robert Noaker III would  become the only repeat winner, taking wins at New Castle and Pittsburgh. However, with Noaker missing the series third event in Wisconsin, his title hopes were dashed. So again, a steady and most consistent Welage took another title. Noaker came home second in the standings, with Massimino, Rogers, and Tyler Ferris completing the top 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Madison Campeau, Joshua Warren, Thomas Schrage, Kaden Wharff, and Emil Schluz.

The third time was again the charm for Welage, securing the title in the DRT Racing Pro TaG Sportsman class, taking 2 of the 5 wins on the season. The steadiness of Luca Mars finally paid off at New Castle, as the young driver checked in for his lone win of the season, netting him the runnerup honors in the series standings. Noaker came home third, with Connor Ferris and Pauly Massimino completing the top 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Madison Campeau, Gage Rodgers, Kaden Wharff, Thomas Schrage, and Caleb Bacon.

Switching to Senior action, Kardashian took the first of his 2 titles in the HYTORC of Texas Pro Leopard Senior class. Kardashian remained patient and consistent throughout the season, as Dustin Stross, Jacob Donald, Andrick Zeen, and Derek Dignan all claimed wins. But Kardashian saved the best for last, taking the win, and subsequent title at Pittsburgh. Dignan came home second in the series final rundown with Zeen, Olivia Horn, and Austin Osborne rounding out the top 5.

While Kardashian went without a win in the Tillotson ProX30 Senior Class, consistency again paid off, as the young driver laid claim to his second title of the year, again besting Derek Dignan, with Dustin Stross, Andrick Zeen, Abby McLaughlin, and Olivia Horn completing the top 6.

They say it only take 2 karts to make a race. And in the Zero Error Racing Yamaha Senior Pipe class, the statement was spot on, with Dakota Pesek and Derek Hughes enjoying some great battles this year, with Pesek claiming 4 of the 5 wins, the other going to TJ Koyen in Wisconsin. Hughes finished second in the standings with Tony Peterson coming home in third. The class will change over to a Yamaha Senior Can class in 2016, a move many view as most popular for the new year.

In Junior competition, Brandon Lemke was clearly on top of his game in the KARTSPORT North America Pro IAME Junior class. After Zach Holden reeled off wins at Daytona and Go Pro, Lemke slammed the door shut on victory lane, taking the remaining 3 events, as well as the title. Holden would finish second, followed by John Paul Southern Jr, Jack Miller, and Geo Bromante. Top ten were made up by Alex Bertagnoli, Leonardo Stoia, David Malukas, Michael Cruz, and Scott Beyer.

Southern would not be shut out of champions circle, as he claimed the Woltjer Racing Engines Yamaha Junior title, with Zach Holden and Brandon Lemke again the chief Rivals to Southern in the class. Lemke appeared headed for another title, after taking 3 of the 5 wins in the class at Daytona, New Castle, and Pittsburgh. Bromante took the win at Go Pro, while Southern claimed his loan win of the season in Dousman, Wisconsin. Holden’s consistency netted him second in the standings with Lemke, Marina Walters, and Drew Lindley the top 5. Bromante came home 6^th overall, with Ariana Gnad, Austin Schulz, Brody Warren, and David Malukas completing the top 10.

In the New Jersey Sprint Series Yamaha Rookie Class, Donald Whorton II had a bookend season of victories, taking the wins at the season opener at Daytona, as well as the finale in Pittsburgh, good enough to claim a solid title over Nick Snell, while Owen Mahle, Lucas Smalec, and Eli Trull completed the top 5. Top ten were made up of J.Elliott Cox, Riley Erickson, Nicholas Terlecki, Annie Rhule, and Isaac Beekman.

Last, but certainly not least were the always exciting CRP Racing Kid Karts as Benjamin Maier came away with the title. While title chasers Adam Brickley and Caleb Gafrarar claimed the Daytona and Go Pro wins, Maier would reel off 3 straight to take the title in yet another most competitive class. Brickley and Gafrarar would make up the top 3, while Sofia D’Arrigo and Danny Dyszelski IV completed the top 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Sam Corry, Austin Olds, Ava Dutton, Aubrey Adams , and Hoyt Mohr.

The champions, as well as top 10 finishers, and many other most worthy recipients of special awards will be recognized at the series annual awards presentation December 27 at the Daytona Beach Resort and Spa, same location as last year. The Mfg Cup Banquet will be the only banquet this year at Daytona, as the Road Race Series awards banquet will be held later at another location. Be sure and make your reservations now for the season ending awards presentation. Information can be obtained by viewing the Daytona Mfg Cup Entry blank online, or by contacting Marie Borsuk at World Karting at (704) 455-1606, EXTENSION 111, or reaching her at marie@worldkartig.com.

The 2016 schedule is pretty well set with dates and venues for the series first 4 events in place. The final venue is New Castle, with the final date in September to be finalized shortly.

Here is a look at the 2016 National Schedule for Mfg Cup:

Dec 28-30: Daytona

April 1-3: Go Pro Motorplex, North Carolina

July 15-17: New Castle Motorsports Park

Aug 19-21: Pittsburgh International Race Complex

Sept: New Castle Motorsports Park. Date to be determined shortly.

On behalf of the World Karting Association, special thanks out to Kevin Hunley and Bridgestone for their title sponsorship of the series for another year. Thanks to all of our race sponsors, Margay Racing Products, IAME USA, McLaughlin Motorsports, and Top Kart USA. Thanks to all of our class sponsors mentioned earlier, including Streeter Super Stands, the sponsor of the Fast Time Awards this year.

And thanks to all the champions, drivers, sponsors, crewmembers, fans, Moms and Dads, Grandparents, and all the many fine people who helped make this years edition of the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series most enjoyable.

We wish you the very best of the Holiday Season. And we will see you in Daytona!!!!!!

11.12.2015 - Crouse, Headley, Alder, and Miller lead All Winners in Memorable Gold Cup Season

CONCORD, NC - When the 2015 version of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup season started back in March at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, many should have known then that the 4 victories snared by Aiden Baker Crouse would be just a small taste of the top shelf of the podium for the young Sportsman driver. In fact, it served as just one-fourth of the national event and Friday Night Shootout wins the North Carolina driver would attain in the 2015 season, as Crouse totalled16 victories in all for the year. Crouse’s path of multiple wins spread like fire throughout the pit area to other camps, as Senior driver Paul Headley, carrying the banner for the Animal ranks in 2015, notched 9 wins, while Junior Class competitors Jason Alder and Matthew Miller would take 8 and 6 wins respectively, with Alder matching Crouse at the season opener in Jacksonville with 4 wins.

The end result of all the success for Crouse led to titles in 3 classes, including the Razor Chassis Sportsman Pro Gas Lite and Heavy classes, as well as the Miller Welders Sportsman LO206 Class. In the LO206 class, Crouse topped Tanner Carter, a 3- time winner in his own right on the final weekend of racing alone in Barnesville, Georgia.  Riley Kelley, who began to catch steam in Kershaw, South Carolina at the series second stop, and exploded for 4 wins in Camden, Ohio, finished third in the LO206 standings, with Cale Hall and Mark Steube completing the top 5. In the Sportsman Pro Gas Lite class, Kelley, Carter, Hall, and Macon Moore were the top 5 for the season, while Kelley, Moore, Steube, and Andrew Willis, a 2-time winner on opening day, completed the top 5.

While Crouse cleaned house in the Sportsman ranks, the battle between Jason Alder and Matt Miller kept fans on their toes. After Alder swept the Van K Wheels Junior Pro Gas Lite, as well as the Brads Heating and Cooling Junior Pro Gas Animal classes at Jacksonville, victories became a little tougher to come by with David Kalb Jr ripping off 3 wins in Kershaw, including the Friday night shootout win, while Miller and Hunter Johnson claimed the other wins that weekend. 2 more wins by Johnson in the season finale, coupled with wins by Alex Vrabel and Cody Hall kept things a little tighter than Alder wanted. But in the end, the Maryland driver took the Junior Pro Gas Lite title over Miller, with Joshua Stark, another most consistent finisher this year, taking third in the standings, while Hall and Brian Van Cleve completed the top 5.

Miller claimed the Junior Pro Gas Heavy title, as well as that of the Thor Oil Junior LO206 class, racking up six wins, and the Gas title over Vrabel, with Alder, Stark, and Jimmy Cole Jackson completing the top 5.

In the LO206 category, Miller topped Hall, Jackson, Alder, and Talia Moffett, one of the many up and coming top females in 4 Cycle Sprint competition.

The battle in the Tyler Sandmeyer LO206 Kid Kart Class turned out to be most competitive, despite Brently Millers sweep of the action in race 1 at Jacksonville. Owen Lloyd turned 2 runnerup finishes at his home track in Race #1 into a victory at Kershaw, while Bryce Sanders also began to gain some momentum with the other Kershaw win. But then the Jax Walker Show came to town, with the defending champion gaining 3 wins in the next 2 stops in Camden, Ohio, as well as Barnesville, Georgia. And despite issues early on the final day of competition, Walker was able to snare yet another title, as Peyton Bridges triumphed in the series finale, giving the young driver a huge lift going into next year, making it 5 national winners in 8 races for 2015. With the 3 wins, Walker claimed the title over Lloyd, with a very consistent Blake Boon, as well as Caleb Gafrarar, who also runs Kids Karts in the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, and 2 time winner Brently Miller completing the top 5.

While it would be hard for the Senior contingent of the Gold Cup Series to top the exploits of the Junior ranks, the return of strong fields in both the Briggs and Stratton Racing Senior LO206 class, as well as the Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas Series, kept the fans on the fence.

For the LO206 Class, 6 winners in 8 races made for some great competition, with Eric Fagan and Tyler Smith the only 2 time winners. Other winners included Evan Cowen, Gary Lawson, Ben Wagenhals, and Dustin Demattia. But in the end, consistency won out, as Austin Queen laid claim to the championship over Wagenhals, with Haley Kummer, another top female runner placing third in the final standings, while Demattia and Fagan completed the top 5.

For Three Quarters of the season, it appeared the Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas Animal crown would travel back to Maryland, with 4 victories by Jacob Heavlow, 1 by his brother Jimmy, and another by fellow Marylander Chris Wells. But again, consistency, coupled with a sweep of the season ending events in Georgia led to Sean Meier taking the top honor in 2015. Jacob Heavlow ended up a solid second with Zachary Linsell, Tyler Smith, and Dustin Demattia completing the top 5.

While the stats didn’t show a title for Zachary Linsell on the national points side, Linsell more than made up for it on Friday night, taking 3 of the 4 Senior Shootout races in 2015, a pretty tough feat, considering the level of competition each race for that class. The only win that eluded Linsell was Camden, Ohio where Jacob Heavlow added to his impressive 2015 win total. Linsell also did quite a bit of racing on the WKA VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series this past year as well, spreading him pretty thin.

2015 marked a bittersweet season for Paul Headley. With the ever-changing landscape of karting, the run for the Animal Methanol classes came to an end this year, as the LO206 and Pro Gas Classes enjoy their time in the spotlight.

Headley reeled off an impressive 9 wins between the Animal Medium and Animal Heavy Mix classes, fending off the efforts most weekends of Jim Lipari, Cayla Chapman, and Josh Stiefel.  Taking 3 of 4 wins at Jacksonville, Headley also scored wins at every other track on the tour this season, thus placing his name in the record books as the last Animal Methanol winner in the Gold Cup, as well as 2 titles. Headley topped Lipari, Chapman, Stevie Roberts, and Jacob Heavlow in Animal Medium, while besting Stiefel, Case Hall, Joey Miller, and Connor Tebbe in the Animal Heavy Mix class.

And with that, the 2015 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series is in the books. Our thanks to Art and Rod Verliengre of RLV for their wonderful title sponsorship.

Special thanks to Kyle Luttrell and Ionic Edge Chassis for their sponsorship of the Jacksonville event, Rob Smith and Kart City Performance for sponsoring the June Kershaw nationals, Jerry Cole and Michigan Kart Supply for the top billing of the Camden event, and to Dave and Sue Koehler of GT Machine for once again sponsoring the Grand National event in Barnesville, Georgia.

Special thanks also to the entire North Florida Kart Club, David Watkins and the crew at Carolina Motorsports Park, Gary and Elaine Gregg at G and J Kartway in Camden, Ohio, and Bob Barthelemy and the entire GSKA crew at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia for their hospitality.

Thanks to Tyler Sandmeyer Racing, Razor Chassis, Coyote Motorsports, Van K Wheels, Miller Welders, Thor Oil, Briggs and Stratton Racing, and Brads Heating and Cooling for their Class Sponsorships this season. Thanks to Steve Baker of Baker Racing Engines for the Contingency Program for all the competitors this season, and to Brad Farmer of Brads Heating and Cooling for extending his sponsorship dollars out and funding the Friday Night Shootout Races for the Sportsman and Junior Pro Gas drivers, making it a great start to the weekend.

And congrats once again to Tommy Triplett and Bandit Racing Chassis for winning one of the tightest battle in Manufacturers Championship competition, edging Razor Chassis by 4 wins 26-22, for the winningest chassis in the Gold Cup this season. The balance of the standings were:

Arrow: 21

Coyote: 8

MGM: 6

Ionic Edge: 5

FA:1

Tommy, along with the rest of the champions, top ten drivers, and many other special recipients of awards will be honored for their 2015 efforts at the annual awards presentation, which is currently being finalized at this moment.

While the awards and merchandise package is currently being assembled, one of the many special offers comes from Kyle Luttrell and Ionic Edge Chassis, as any and all class champions, no matter what chassis they were on this season, will receive a $500 certificate towards a new Ionic Edge Chassis.

As part of the Contingency program this past season, Ionic Edge offered a $250 certificate for the purchase of a new Ionic Edge Chassis, or $75 for the race winners this year, as well as a $150 certificate to the 2nd place finisher, or $50, provided they displayed 3 sponsor stickers on their karts this year.

Plans for the 2016 season are shaping up nicely, with the first 2 events slated for April and June respectively at 103^rd Street Sports Complex in Florida and Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina. The third date is getting the finishing touches placed on it, with the fourth and final venue and date right behind it. Announcements on the complete 2016 Schedule will be out soon.

On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest thanks to everyone for an incredibly enjoyable and successful season. We wish you all the safest and happiest of holiday seasons!!!!

11.12.2015 - Daytona Dirt Class Structure Now Online

CONCORD, NC - With the Monday announcement of the classes and purses for the latest edition of the WKA/Unilli Tires Daytona Dirt World Championships Dec 27-30 at Daytona International Speedway, comes the Class Structure for the 39 classes that will be on hand for this years event, sporting $100,000 in purse, awards, and prizes. This year’s lineup is relatively close to that of last Decembers event, with very few changes, mainly to the Junior 3 classes, which will utilize the big pipe in their Clone classes this year, along with a Blue Restrictor Plate.

The respective No Pro Classes have been changed, in name only, to Semi Pro, with the same theme attached to the classes. As is the case with other programs, any driver who runs the $10,000 to win Pro Clone Heavy Class CANNOT run the Semi Pro Clone Heavy Class. Drivers must choose which of those 2 classes they will designate to run. The same applies to Day 1 with the Semi Pro Animal Heavy and $5,000 to win Pro Animal Heavy classes. Drivers running Pro Animal Heavy CANNOT run Semi Pro Animal Heavy. Drivers must choose one or the other, but not both. This rule applies strictly to these classes specifically, and does not prohibit a driver from running any other senior classes such as Champ Heavy, Limited Modified, or Animal or Clone Medium classes for example.

It is also a requirement for ALL drivers that are planning to run a Pro Class, that they MUST enter a Trophy Class. For example, once a driver decides to run either Pro Clone Heavy or Semi Pro Clone Heavy, they MUST also be entered in 1 of the classes that pays $500 to win with an overall purse of $1,000. This is the rule that applied at Daytona last year, and will be enforced once again this season.

Drivers must also remember, if respective minimum kart counts are not met in any class, purse payout will be 80%. As you fill out your entry blank, be mindful of the classes listed in their respective purse categories for minimum class participation numbers, as well as respective entry fees.

To view the Class Structure for Daytona Dirt, click on Racing Series on the WKA website. You will see the categories, including Speedway Dirt. Underneath will be a designated category for 2016 Class Structure.

Anyone with questions regarding the 2016 edition of the WKA/Unilli Dirt World Championship can contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or at buddy@worldkarting.com.

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.

11.11.2015 - Bowling Green Winners Keep Rolling In

CONCORD, NC - On the heels of recognizing many multiple winners in the first ever Fall Brawl October 23-25 at NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky between the WKA VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series and the KART/MARRS Series, comes yet another list of winners who earned their share of victories, and eventual titles. One of those drivers was Midwest competitor Mark McGuire who claimed the Sprint TaG Senior 2 victory and subsequent title by virtue of his win in the rain on Sunday. As most people know, the KART/MARRS Series runs in the rain. And with wet track conditions still prevalent on Sunday, McGuire took full advantage, taking the top spot over Sam Jordan and 5 time weekend winner Jim Russell Jr. While Russell took the Sprint TaG Senior 1 race on Saturday, McGuire’s consistent finish enabled him to lay claim to both titles for the year in a very competitive class.

Other winners over the weekend were James Crawford in the KART 125 Shifter class, taking the win over Rich Voss and Thomas Dupont. Ben Moris was the Animal Limited Modified winner over Charles Wilbur and James Finn, while Jere Lightwine scored the Sprint 125 Shifter win over Jar Langenfeld and Pierce Baldus.

John Penczak was the Saturday winner in the Sprint 80cc Shifter class, taking the win over Jerry Kellum, while Trevor Harris took top honors in the TaG F1 race over Glen Critchett and Brandon Basela. Otto Vollmerhausen was the top dog in the WKA Sprint class over Adam Myers and Lindsay Read, while Andy Leighninger took the Yamaha Sportsman Sprint win over Jeff Leighninger and Richard Russell.

Here’s a list of some of the other KART and WKA winners from the October event.

Briggs Animal Sportsman: Scott Schrimpf

Sprint Briggs and Stratton LO206: David Cypert

Sprint TaG Cadet: Zander Taylor

Sprint TaG Junior: Sebastian Bushey

B Stock: Rick Fulks

Piston Port: Brad Read

Yamaha 4 Hole Can: Rusty Benson

Sprint Yamaha CIK: Mark McNaught

100cc Controlled Spec: Sean O’Shea

Formula 100: Travis Miller

Unlimited F: Allen Hollinger

While the 2 series have wrapped up their respective seasons, a big thanks out to Kelly Read and the KART/MARRS group, as well as WKA Race Director Robby Harper, the entire work staff, drivers, sponsors, and track staff for making the first visit to NCM Motorsports Park a truly great experience.

11.09.2015 - Daytona Dirt World Championships Entry Blank Now Online

CONCORD, NC - The long awaited, much anticipated Entry Blank for this years version of the WKA/Unilli Dirt World Championships at Daytona International Speedway Dec 27-30 is now available online. Once again, as indicated by the title of the pit board, the event will utilize Unilli Tires only for all classes for the second consecutive year. What HAS changed is the increase in purses for the 38 classes that will take part in this years Dirt World Championships.

While the bulk of the classes have remained the same, an amended purse structure has competitors participating in the richest Daytona Dirt event yet, with purses, awards, and prizes exceeding $100,000!!!

Every class participating will run for a money payout, ranging from $500 to win to $10,000 for the first place recipient. Competitors should note that there are 2 pages to this years entry blank, the first being the traditional entry blank page itself. The second page will provide a breakdown of all classes running each day, along with their corresponding purses and entry fees listed. While purses in Pro Animal Heavy and Pro Clone Heavy are guaranteed, the remaining purses are contingent on class minimums with either a 15 or 20 kart minimum required for maximum payout. Otherwise, payout will be 80%. Be sure and check the class you are in for your respective requirements.

In addition to the Money payouts, drivers finishing in the top 3 will receive awards, with the winners in all classes receiving a 2015 WKA Unilli Dirt World Championship Jacket.

Also new for the Dirt competitors for 2015 is the change in the membership status. While in the past, competitors had to pay $55 for a full membership, this season, any new master members will only be required to pay $30 for their full year membership, a deal that will last through April 30 of 2016. While April is the deadline for the program, any new member getting a membership during that time period, will be able to take full advantage of a years membership, which includes a 2016 edition of the WKA Technical.

Activities for the Dirt World Championships get underway with sponsor and competitor parking Sunday morning Dec 27. As has been the case in the past, there will be a 4 hour practice session that same day from 1-5pm with pit gates closing at 7:30pm. The next 2 days will be full blown race days with practice kicking off each days activities. In the event of a rainout on one of the race days, Dec 30 has once again been set aside for a rain Date.

Anyone wishing to inquire about parking or sponsorship opportunities may contact Buddy Long at the WKA Office at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or email to buddy@worldkarting.com.

To view the WKA/Unilli Tires Dirt World Championship Entry Blank, click here.

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.

10.31.2015 - Revised Road Race Reserve Number Form Now Available

CONCORD, NC - Following discussions with the Competition Committee, the revised version of the 2016 WKA Road Race Series Reserved Number Form is now available online. Competitors wishing to reserve a number for the 2016 season can click on the Road Race Series logo on the website. Click on the Reserved Number link to view and fill out the form properly.

Competitors are urged to read the instructions regarding the Reserved Number process very carefully before reserving their number for the year.

The Reserved Number program begins at Daytona International Speedway for Daytona KartWeek, site of the first race of the 2016 national racing season.

10.29.2015 - Russell x 5 In WKA/KART Fall Brawl in Bowling Green

CONCORD, NC - The first edition of the Fall Brawl at NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky between the WKA VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series and the Russell Karting KART/MARS Series turned out to be not only a battle between the top 2 Road Race Karting groups in the country, but a constant battle with Mother Nature all weekend long. In the end, competitors left very happy, as the two competing organizations worked as 1 well oiled machine in providing a full weekend of on track action, assuring all competitors earned their titles on the track, avoiding the alternative, that being rain points. While the KART Series already runs in the rain, half the battle was already won. Whether it be wet or dry, Jim Russell Jr of Raymore, Missouri brought the sunshine to his pit area, claiming 5 national event wins for the weekend, taking wins in the Sprint TaG Senior 1 and 2 finals, as well as Stock Leopard, Tag F and TaG Heavy.

While no other driver could equal the feat of Russell, there were still plenty of multiple winners for the weekend as Steven Wheatley claimed both finals in the Animal 385 class. Rob Hindery and Benjamin Thompson also shared a pair of national event wins, with both splitting wins respectively in the Animal 360 and the Clone LO206 360 classes for 2 wins apiece.

Other multiple winners included James Cartledge in the Clone LO206 385 Classes, Brian Fisher in Stock Honda, Robert Garland in the Animal Masters 410 classes, Matt Michel in Yamaha Sportsman Lite and Medium, and Kent Vaccaro in Junior Enduro Lite and Heavy. The ladies held their own as well with Abigail Tobin checking in for wins in the Animal Junior Sprint Lite and Heavy classes, while Amy Hollowell claimed the wins in Junior Sprint Lite and Heavy.

For Russell, victory came in the KART sanctioned Sprint TaG Senior class twice, as the Missouri driver topped Sam Jordan and Todd Hite for the win on Saturday, while returning Sunday to top Aaron Tirez and Sam Jordan for the top prize. While Russell also laid claim to the Tag F and TaG Heavy KART wins, he ventured into the highly competitive Streeter Super Stands Stock Leopard class for WKA, taking the win over Ian and Dennis Bushey.

For James Cartledge, one of the many southern drivers making the venture to Bowling Green, he edged Tim Gallagher in the first race for the Clone LO206 385 class, while coming back Sunday to repeat the effort over Gallagher one more time.

Brian Fishers Stock Honda wins were also tough ones to come by in one of the most competitive classes of the season. Fisher claimed the win on Saturday over Lee Waddell and Pascual Torres, while besting Chris Hines and Steven Rougeou in the second race on Sunday.

Steven Wheatley led the charge in the Animal 385 class on both days, topping fellow southern drivers Blake Beattie and Rob Garland in the first final. On Sunday, Wheatley topped Beattie and Garland again, with Brent Hadden taking 4^th both days.

Rob Hindery and Benjamin Thompson shared the top spot in 2 different classes this weekend. On Saturday, Hindery claimed the Clone LO206 360 win with Thompson and Tim Gallagher the top 3, then claimed the Animal 360 win on Sunday over Blake Beattie and David Clevinger. Thompson took control of the Animal 360 class on Saturday over Beattie and Hindery, while taking the Sunday version of the Clone LO206 360 class Sunday.

Back over to the 2 cycle side of life, Matt Michel took the Yamaha Sportsman Lite class on Saturday over Tim Linthicum and Jeramie Weeden, while returning Sunday to claim the Yamaha Sportsman Medium class over Linthicum and Lindsay Walkup-Fox.

Robert Garland led the Animal Masters 410 contingent, taking the Saturday win over James Cartledge and Steve Johnson, while Sundays version was not only a repeat performance, but a mirror image of Saturdays top 3.

And at least 1 Father/Son combination took victories this past weekend with Anthony and Kent Vaccaro scoring 3 wins between them. Anthony, the elder of the two, claimed the Yamaha Heavy win over Scott Grenier and Robert Cacoilo while Kent swept the Junior Enduro Lite and Heavy wins.

While Saturdays classes were a mix of both series, Sundays early rain prompted Race Directors Robby Harper and Kelly Read to alter the schedule. With KART adaptive to running in the rain, the first 2 events of the day were all KART classes. By the time the KART events were done, and a 30 minute WKA practice session was complete, the track was in perfectly dry shape, allowing the WKA competitors, who normally do not run in the rain, the opportunity to take to the dry track and decide their titles behind the wheel.

The final checkered flag at Bowling Green also completes the 2015 season for the VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series, but not for long. Entry information has already been distributed for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek, scheduled as always Dec 27-30 at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.

On behalf of WKA, our sincerest thanks to all the sponsors this year, the bulk of which were at Bowling Green for the finale, congratulations to our 2015 soon to be announced national champions, and special thanks to Kelly Read at KART, as well as Mitch Wright and the entire staff at NCM Motorsports Park for making the First edition of the Fall Brawl a great one!!!!!

Thank you!!!!

VEGA/TSRacing

CKI

Matthai Material Handling

Millers Dyno Time Racing

KALL Racing

The Agile Group

Streeter Super Stands

For more information on Daytona KartWeek, click here.

10.20.2015 - Fall Brawl Set To Take Center Stage This Weekend at Corvette Museum

CONCORD, NC - The highly anticipated battle in the bluegrass state is all but here for competitors on the VEGA/TSRacing National Road Race Series and the hotshoes from the midwest in the KART Series as the Fall Brawl hits the ultra modern NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky this weekend for the final event of the season. With point titles on the line for national championships, World Karting brings their full compliment of national racers and classes to the National Corvette Museum for the first time ever. 35 National WKA Classes, along with 26 potent classes from the KART Series, and 4 Local Option classes running both days, has the event and the paddock area busting at the seams.

Activities for the Fall Brawl kick off Friday with a full day of practice slated to run from 9am-5pm. On Saturday, following practice, the first group takes to the track at 10:45am. At least 7 groups of competition will keep the West Course busy all day, with racing slated to end at 5pm. On Sunday, following the Mandatory 2 Hour break in late morning, the track will be open for the final day of competition beginning at 1pm, with another full day of racing running till 5pm again.

Parking for the event will get underway Thursday, beginning around 3pm. Any competitors utilizing awning poles or trailers jacks will be required to have plywood placed underneath.

For more information on the Fall Brawl, click here.