Jacksonville Winter Cup Entry Blank Now Available Online

CONCORD, NC - With very little time to lift off the gas pedal, following the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek, the next round for the WKA Winter Cup Series is just around the corner, as the entry blank for the 2nd stop of the series, coming to 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida, is now available online.

With no drops in the series this season, the return of 2 cycle competition to Jacksonville for the second straight year should provide an overflowing pit area and great competition on the historic long backstretch of the 103rd Street Complex.

Both an electronic online version, as well as a paper version of the entry blank are available for the series event, which again will consist of the following classes:

LO206 Senior

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman

Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior

OTK Kart USA ROK Shifter

CRPRACING.com Mini Swift

IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman

Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior

KARTSPORT North America Pro IAME Senior

While the 2 cycle competitors have the chance to return for the second straight year to 103rd Street, the LO206 Senior drivers also are afforded the chance to get a leg up on the track, with the February event a good tune-up prior to the season opening Southeast Showdown for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, scheduled for March 24-26.

The Jacksonville event will also mark the second round for the major incentive program for eventual champions, as well as competitors who participate in all 3 Winter Cup Events, the finale being March 31-April 2 at Ocala Gran Prix.

2017 Winter Cup Champions, aside from the ROK Shifter Class, will receive a set of Bridgestone Tires, as well as 1 free entry into 1 of the 4 remaining Bridgestone Manufacturer Cup Series events for 2017, including Pittsburgh, New Castle, Briggs and Stratton Raceway Park, and GoPro Motorplex.

The ROK Shifter Champion will receive tires, fuel, oil, and a free entry into the ROK Cup USA Nationals in September in Orlando, Florida.

For competitors in the Pro IAME Junior and Senior classes, drivers who compete in all 3 events, including race and overall event winners, will be eligible to win a trip to Lemans, France in October for the X30 International Finals. The incentive for drivers is the more you win, the more times your name will be placed in the drawing, increasing your odds to be chosen for the trip. Aside from the travel cost, all other expenses will be paid for that weekends prestigious event.

Pre-Entry deadline for Round 2 of the Winter Cup Series is February 10. TO REGISTER ONLINE, CLICK HERE. To view the info for the Jacksonville Winter Cup event, CLICK HERE.

Also, there was a new TECH UPDATE posted on January 9th.  You can view that update by clicking HERE. 

Parity Reigns Supreme in Daytona Manufacturers Cup Season Opener

CONCORD, NC - With 10 different chassis scoring wins in the 18 races for the season opener for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series during Daytona KartWeek at Daytona International Speedway, that pretty much signified many different faces on the top shelf of the podium for the Margay Sprint Championships at the World Center of Racing.

Aside from the stout sweeping performance of Corey Towles in the LO206 Senior category, no other driver found themselves with the #1 below their feet when it came time to crown the weekend winners.

For the second straight season, a strong turnout of LO206 Senior drivers began the opening ceremonies for the 4 Cycle Sprint portion of Daytona Kartweek, with Towles, the national runnerup in the LO206 Senior Class on the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, beginning the 2017 season with a vengeance, taking down the field in the first 20 lap final of the week. With an all star lineup of 4 cycle drivers, all sporting the new CIK Bodyworks on hand, Towles turned back the field, with Gold Cup and Road Race veteran Zach Linsell coming home second on Day 1, followed by Hunter Fox, Jeremy Warren, and Eric Fagan.

Rounding out the top ten were Mike Greiner, Patrick O’Neal, Zack Skolnick, Dustin Demattia, and Robby Mott. Day 2 found a little more pressure on Towles, to no avail though, as Demattia chased the 2 time winner across the stripe, followed by Linsell, Greiner, and Fox, with Jordan Bernloeher, O’Neal, Jason Lavere, Drew Lansing, and Ryan Rogers making up the top 10. For his efforts, Towles, piloting a Comet Eagle Chassis, was also the weekends overall champion, sponsored this year by Trinity Karting Group, one of the new sponsors on the series this year.

Next to take the track was the Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman class, with William Robusto striking first on Day 1, flying the Comp Kart colors enroute to the win over Mateo Rubio-Luengo. Making up the top 5 were Anderson Leonard, Garrett Adams, and Brent Crews, with Sam Hinds, Nikita Johnson, Annie Rhule, Nick Snell, and Logan Adams making up the top 10. Day 2 found the Adams brothers improving from their 4th and 10th place finishes, by making it a 1, 2 knockout for the win. Snell also improved on Day 2, taking third, with Robusto and Leonard rounding out the top 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Luengo, Aiden Baker Crouse, Hinds, Thomas Schrage, and Crews. Adams consistency on his FA Chassis also netted him the Trinity Karting Group overall weekend title.

Parity continued in the Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior class where Colin Neal became the first Tony Kart driver to park in the winners circle, topping Tyler Ferris, Emory Lyda, Elliott Budzinski, and Arie Venberg. The top ten were made up of Finnegan Bayliff, Jack Dorsey, Gavin Bayliff, Madison Campeau, and Matthew Mockabee. Budzinski maintained his top 5 consistency on Day 2, climbing the ladder up to the top spot, also on a Tony Kart, topping Spike Kohlbecker, Ferris, Finnegan Bayliff, and Lyda. Top ten were Day 1 winner Neal, followed by James Lynch, Mockabee, Campeau, and Venberg. Budzinski’s pair of top fives also netted him the Trinity Karting Groups Overall weekend title

Senior time on the track on the 2 Cycle side began with the FranklinKart.com Yamaha Senior class where Minnesota hotshoe Alexander Kardashian gave Top Kart their first win of the week, as he fended off 2 time 2016 Champion Braden Eves, with Jake Venberg, Chris Slinden, and Marina Walters rounding out the top 5. Making up the top 10 were Carter Pease, Josh Fierke, Kindra Hurlburt, and Emily Hurlburt. After struggling mightily on Day 1, former champion Dakota Pesek displayed his champions colors, taking the Day 2 win on his Top Kart, with Eves, Kardashian, Fierke, and Venberg rounding out the top 5. Top 10 were made up of Slinden, Pease, Derek Hughes, Walters, and Emily Hurlburt. For his 2 day effort, Kardashian claimed the Trinity Karting Group Overall weekend title.

An added element to Daytona KartWeek, and the combined Mfg Cup/Winter Cup season opener was the appearance of the OTK Kart USA ROK Shifter class. Long time a favorite for 2 cycle fans over the years in Mfg Cup racing history, the return of the Shifter class with their traditional standing starts brought the crowd to the frontstretch fence both days. Taking the win on Day 1 was longtime WKA regular Jonathan Kotyk on his Top Kart, with Vincenzo Sarracino, Rory Van der steur, John Perry Hilton V, and Andres Ceballos making up the top 5. Day 2 found Sarracino edging up one spot in the order on his Tony Kart chassis, while Ryan Lewis rebounded from a last place finish on Day 1 to claim runnerup honors, followed by Michael Stevens, Kotyk, and Ceballos. Sarracino’s consistency netted him the Trinity Karting Group Overall weekend title.

Keeping people glued to the fence, the CRPRACING.com Mini Swift class took to the track next with Caleb Gafrarar turning back a stout field of competition, flying the Parolin Chassis colors, topping Mateo Rubio-Luengo, Calem Maloney, Alex Powell, and Christian Miles. Rounding out the top ten were Jakub Kolar, Frankie Iadevaia, Sam Corry, Ben Maier, and Christian Rutty. Following a top 5 and top 10 in the Yamaha Sportsman class, as well as a runnerup in Mini Swift on Day 1, Luengo finally got the monkey off his back, taking down the field on his Kosmic Chassis, topping Powell, Maloney, Maier, and Jorge Ortiz. Gafrarar rebounded from early race issues to race back to 6th, followed by Kolar, Elliott Cox, Prevail Perkins, and Sebastian NG. Luengo’s top 2 finishes also allowed him to claim the Trinity Karting Group Overall weekend title.

The remaining 3 classes for the week involved the Pro Classes, beginning with the IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman Class, where Ashton Chilton drew first blood, taking the win on his Tony Kart over Santiago Trisini, Aiden Baker Crouse, Lucas Rodriguez, and Nicholas Terlecki. Jamie Newton came home 6th, followed by Connor Zillisch, Nikita Johnson, William Robusto, and Elio Giovane. From 10th to first, Giovane made a huge statement on Day 2, putting his Benik chassis in victory lane, with Chilton, Leonard, Granger Perra, and Brent Crews making up the top 5. Trisini led the next 5, followed by Robusto, Zillisch, Johnson, and Rodriguez. By picking up the Trinity Racing Group Overall weekend title, Chilton not only received the award, but a $500 payday, with Trisini netting a check for $250, and Giovane getting a set of Bridgestone Tires.

Zane Maloney began his quest for the Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior title on Day 1, taking the win on his FA Chassis, topping Dylan Tavella, Max Peichel, Oliver Calvo, and 2 time 2016 champion Pauly Massimino. Rounding out the top 10 were Tahlon Yockel, Luke Wallace, Kaden Wharff, Caleb Bacon, and Tyler Maxson. Probably the biggest comeback of the weekend was for Tyler Gonzalez. After a disastrous Day 1, Gonzalez roared through the field to claim the Day 2 win over Tavella, Massimino, Calvo, and Peichel, with Colin Gasparini, Maloney, Cody Krucker, Connor Ferris, and Gage Rodgers completing the top 10. With his pair of runnerup finishes, Tavella netted the Trinity Karting Group Overall weekend top honors, as well as a check for $500, with Day 1 winner Maloney getting a check for $250 and Massimino earning a set of Bridgestone Tires.

The finale for the week came in the form of the KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior class. With $1,000 on the line for the weekend, AJ Myers stormed to the Day 1 win on his TB Kart, besting Braden Eves, Austin Garrison, Brandon Jarsocrak, and Jonathan Kotyk, while Jacob Donald, Blake Hunt, Austin McCusker, Bradley Zillisch, and Mick Gabriel rounding out the top 10. Day 2 results found Jarsocrak improving from 4th to take the win for Praga, with Kotyk also improving up to second, followed by McCusker, Myers, and Donald for the top 5, while Alexander Kardashian cracked the top 10 on Day 2, followed by Eves, Zillisch, Hunt, and Gabriel. In the end, the $1,000 top prize went to Jarsocrak, with Myers claiming $500, while Kotyk earned a set of Bridgestone Tires.

In addition to the class and Overall Weekend Champions Sponsor, special thanks to Margay for the continued support of the Daytona Margay Sprint Championships. Also thanks to Comet Kart Sales, proud sponsor of the Fast Time Awards both days, to New Jersey Sprint Series for providing the new lineup of Champions Flags, and to Tillotson for providing Generators to one lucky winner each race, as well as Miller Welders, for providing a welder to one lucky recipient at the latest year end awards presentation.

With one of the more successful Daytona KartWeek events in the books, the focus now turns to the next Winter Cup event, taking place February 24-26 at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida. Entry information will be available shortly.

With Daytona also serving as a Winter Cup event, all drivers are still eligible for the multitude of bonuses. With the exception of the ROK Shifter class, all 2017 Winter Cup Champions will receive a free entry to one of the remaining 2017 Mfg Cup events, as well as a set of Bridgestone Tires. The 2017 ROK Shifter Winter Cup Champion will receive tires, fuel, oil, and a free entry into the ROK Cup USA Nationals in September in Orlando, Florida.

Additionally, competitors in the Pro IAME Junior and Senior classes who compete in all 3 Winter Cup events, as well as all race and overall weekend winners, provided they also compete in all 3 events, will be eligible for a drawing, possibly earning a lucky driver a chance to attend the X30 International Finals in Lemans, France in October. So the more you participate, and the more times you win, the better the odds of heading to one of the most hallowed grounds in international motorsports history. Aside from travel, all other expenses will be taken care of for the winner.  

For those strictly following the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, the next event will be May 19-21 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania.

On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest thanks to all for a most successful edition of Daytona KartWeek!

Boyers 4 wins leads all Daytona Road Race Winners & Michel exercises Demons in return to the High Banks

CONCORD, NC - The beginning of a new year for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting also ushered in great new momentum to the series, as over 500 entries packed Daytona International Speedway for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek. Peppered with a great combination of 2 and 4 cycle racers, not to mention new Local Option classes, led by the Cadet LO206 Class, the new season couldn’t have started out better.

While at least 19 drivers found their way to victory lane more than once, Andrew Boyer staked his claim to Daytona’s Gatorade Victory Circle, notching 4 national event wins during the week, sweeping the Animal Heavy, as well as Clone LO206 Heavy classes. Next in line to celebrate 3 times during KartWeek was Margays own Keith Freber. While his crew was busy thrashing at the neighboring Sprint Track in the Margay Sprint Nationals for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, Freber was putting his own thrashing on the competition, sweeping the Yamaha Senior action, while also taking the Yamaha Sportsman Heavy Final on Day 2. The event also marked a welcome return for Matt Michel. Involved in a very hard racing incident just one year ago, Michel returned to the World Center of Racing, conquering the high banks twice, taking the McZero Fabrication Yamaha Sportsman Heavy main on Day 1, then returning to edge Keith Freber in the Yamaha Sportsman Medium Final later in the day.

Other multiple winners included Dawn and Louie Magiera, Dan Febbroriello, Ella Brown, Tracy Phillips, Jason Lorang, Rick Fulks, Logan Nedelka, Ricky Taylor, Patrick Olsen, Brian Wilhelm, Gary Schenkel, and Nicholas Martin.

But for Boyer, it was a dream come true, first knocking down the Clone LO206 Heavy Final on Day 1, topping Joe Cuslidge, James Cartledge, Rob Garland, and Robert Garland Sr. Boyer returned to the track later in the day to top Rob Garland in the Animal Heavy final, with Wesley Thomason, Robert Garland, and Toni Alexander making up the top 5. On day 2, Boyer went right back to work, besting Cuslidge, Rob Garland, Steve Jeffers, and Robert Garland, while again returning to victory lane to sweep the Clone LO206 Heavy final, getting the better of the Garland tandem, Rob and Robert, followed by Thomason and Alexander.

Frebers wins came on the 2-cycle side of the Road Racing fence, first topping Nate Grindell, John Brown, Bill Trumbley, and Adam Trumbley in Yamaha Senior competition. Freber topped Chad Dokken on Day 2 in the same class, with Brown, Adam Trumbley, and Rick Queen making up the top 5. It was again Freber and Dokken in the Yamaha Sportsman Heavy Final on Day 2, with Austin Henry, Tim Linthicum, and Bill Holder making up the top 5.

Florida product Ricky Taylor also checked in for 3 wins on the weekend, notching his first win in the new CIK LO206 Local Option class, which boasted 8 entries for a first-time Local Option Class on the high banks. Taylor topped Rob Hindery, Seth Gordon, Wayne Lee, and Jesse Holt for the top 5 on Day 1. Taylor returned to sweep the class, while also taking Day 2 of the Clone LO206 Lite class as well.

While the series leans mostly on the veteran side as far as level of competition goes, it was great to see the youth movement make their way to Daytona and a new season, as 11 Cadet Racers took to the speedway on Day 1, with Madison Wheatley taking the monumental win over Bree Miller, Austin Harper, Jace Park, and Darryl Lea Moglia. Day 2 found 9 drivers making the return to the speedway, with Austin Harper taking down the win, followed by Wheatley, Moglia, Bree Miller, and Jett Miller. The Cadets, a Local Option Class, will continue as a part of the National Road Race program all season long, next heading to Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia March 10-12 for stop #2 on the series.

Other winners during the week included Darrin Cuthbertson in The Agile Group Unlimited Class on Day 1, topping Brian Wilhelm, Scott Hodges, Roger Lockey, and Anthony Turco. Day 2 Unlimited action found Wilhelm scoring the first of his 2 wins on the weekend, besting Robby Harper III, Allen Hollinger, Anthony Turco, and Joey West. Wilhelm also claimed the Rev Clean Formula 125 class, topping Mitch White and Allen Hollinger.

Jason Lorang also checked in for 2 wins during KartWeek, sweeping the West Texas Outlaws TaG Heavy finals. Lorang bested Jim Snyder, Alex Laughlin, Brian Cherry, and Jean Brown on Day 1, with John Brown, Jamey Brown, Tim Snyder, and Jeff Salak making up the top 5 on Day 2.

It wouldn’t be a Road Race if a Fulks wasn’t in Victory Lane. And that’s where Rick Fulks stepped up to the plate, taking the Tru Stripe 100cc Controlled event, topping Lance Yunck, Gary Mikusch, Michael Tracy, and Scott Stauffer for the top 5. Fulks returned for the curtain call on Day 2, besting Stauffer, Mikusch, Tracy, and Adam Myers for the top 5.

And where there is 1 Fulks, another lingers, as Randy Fulks took the GM Fort Wayne Assembly B Stock action on Day 1 over Scott Goodman, Robby Harper III, Dusty Dean, and Robby Harper.

Andrew Boyer wasn’t the only 4 Cycle driver with multiple success during KartWeek, as Stephen Wheatley checked in for the win in the Hoosier Racing Tire Animal Lite class, bettering Ben Thomason, while taking the Animal Medium class on Day 2 over Quentin Hill.

Brian Fisher claimed Day #1 in the Fisher Racing Engines Stock Honda Class, besting Benjamin Eberhart, Steven Rougeou, Keith Buffo, and Jason Park on Day 1, while Stephen Flatt rebounded from a 10th place finish on Day 1 to score the win on Day 2 over Alex Laughlin, Fisher, Rougeou, and Eberhart.

The WT Racing IAME Sprint class was also well attended, with Nicholas Martin sweeping the weekend action, first over Paul Bachman, Stephen Bassham, Walter Troup, and Donald Nelson, then returning on the second day to top Alex Laughlin, Nelson, Lee Curtis, and AJ Ellis.

Known quite a bit for his tuning capabilities, Patrick Olsen traded spots at Daytona, the end result being a sweep in the KALL Racing/Millers Dynotime Racing Formula 100 class both days, topping Lance Yunck, Scott Stauffer, Brian Morse, and Jason Lorang on Day 1, while Michael Tracy, Travis Miller, Lorang, and Morse chased Olsen across the stripe on Day 2.

Here’s a look at many of the other Daytona KartWeek winners:

Day 1:

WKA Sprint: Louie Magiera

Rapid Racing Vintage: Robby Harper

Yamaha Sportsman Sprint: Dan Febbroriello

Animal Medium: Wayne Moffat

Clone LO206 Lite: Rob Hindery

Junior Sprint: Ella Brown

125 Sprint Shifter: Tracy Phillips

Open Sprint: Jerry Revely

Junior Enduro: Logan Nedelka

TaG Junior: Zander Taylor

Junior Animal: Jordan Johnson

X30 Laydown: Gary Schenkel

Yamaha Sprint: Dawn Magiera

100cc Piston Port: John Brown

Junior LO206: Dylan Amundsen

Day 2:

Yamaha Sprint: Dawn Magiera

TaG Junior: Zander Taylor

Junior Animal: Jordan Johnson

Junior Enduro: Logan Nedelka

Junior LO206: Devin Taylor

125 Sprint Shifter: Tracy Phillips

Open Sprint: Adam Myers

X30 Laydown: Gary Schenkel

Vintage: Dick Charest

Animal Lite: Ben Thomason

Junior Sprint: Ella Brown

WKA Sprint: Louie Magiera

Yamaha Sportsman Sprint: Dan Febbroriello

Congratulations to all Daytona KartWeek winners! Before the next checkered falls at Roebling Road Raceway March 10-12 in Savannah, Georgia, the series will crown their 2016 national champions at the year-end awards presentation, following the day long practice for the Roebling Road Nationals Friday March 10. Final preparations are being placed on the Year End Awards presentation, as well as the entry blank for the series second stop for 2017. Be sure and stay connected to the WKA website for the information regarding both events. 

Chassis Battle Heats Up Early Following Daytona Mfg Cup

CONCORD, NC- As the title claimed for the 2016 Manufacturers Championship Trophy was claimed by the slightest of margins, the 2017 battle for the top chassis on the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series appears to be headed in the same direction. On the heels of the 2016 edition of Daytona KartWeek, which also kicks off the 2017 season for the series, 11 different chassis scored wins in the 18 Final events run during the Margay Sprint Championships at Daytona International Speedway Dec 28-30.

Leading the way was 2016 runner-up Tony Kart, checking in with 4 wins at the World Center of Racing, followed closely by defending champion Top Kart with 3. The Comet Eagle Chassis, as well as Kosmic, were the only other chassis that scored more than 1 victory in the season opener.

The wealth for Tony Kart was spread amongst 4 drivers, with Ashton Chilton scoring one of the wins in the IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman Class. Joining Chilton in the win category for Tony Kart were Colin Neal, the top dog in the Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior class, while Elliott Budzinski took Day 2 honors in the same class, with Vincenzo Sarracino taking the win in the OTK Kart USA ROK Shifter class.

For Top Kart, again 3 different drivers led the way, with Alexander Kardashian taking the Franklinkart.com Yamaha Senior class. Joining Kardashian for Top Kart were Jonathan Kotyk in the ROK Shifter class, while Dakota Pesek claimed the second day of Yamaha Senior competition.

Kosmic cashed in on their 2 wins on day 2 with Mateo Rubio-Luengo taking the CRPRACING.com Mini Swift competition, while Tyler Gonzalez laid claim to the Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior category.

The addition of the LO206 Senior class to the Mfg Cup fold this year led to Corey Towles drawing first blood not once, but twice, leading the charge for the Comet Eagle camp. The two wins were significant also in the fact that Towles was the only repeat winner all week long in national competition, leading to quite a bit of parity for the first national event of the season.

Scoring 1 victory a piece were Comp Kart, TB Kart, Parolin, BTK, FA, Praga, and Benik. Here’s the list of winners per chassis:

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman: William Robusto: Comp Kart

KARTSPORT North America Pro IAME Senior: AJ Myers: TB Kart

CRPRacing.com Mini Swift: Caleb Gafrarar: Parolin

Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior: Zane Maloney: BTK

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman: Garrett Adams: FA

KARTSPORT North America Pro IAME Senior: Brandon Jarsocrak: Praga

IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman: Elio Giovane: Benik

A complete recap of the Margay Sprint Championships will be coming shortly. In the meantime, for a look at the updated Chassis Standings to begin the 2017 season: CLICK HERE.

Major Incentives on The Line For 2016 Winter Cup Participants

CONCORD, NC - On the threshold of entering its 2nd season of national competition, beginning at Daytona International Speedway for Daytona KartWeek December 27-30, the WKA Winter Cup Series has received a HUGE injection of incentives, thus adding to the appeal of the sophomore program.

The series will consist of the following classes; Mini Swift, Pro Swift Sportsman, Yamaha Sportsman, Yamaha Junior, Pro IAME Junior and Senior, LO206 Senior, and ROK Shifter.

Except for the ROK Shifter Class, all 2017 Champions will receive a free entry to a 2017 Mfg Cup event and 1 set of Bridgestone Tires. The 2017 Mfg Cup events drivers will be eligible to receive an entry in include Pittsburgh, New Castle, Badger, and GoPro.

The 2017 ROK Shifter Winter Cup Champion will receivetires, fuel, Oil, and a free entry into the ROK Cup USA Nationals in September in Orlando, Florida.

To make things even sweeter, any competitor in the Pro IAME Junior and Pro IAME Senior Classes who compete in all 3 events, including Daytona, Jacksonville, and Ocala, as well as all event and overall weekend winners, will be eligible to win a trip in October to Lemans, France for the X30 International Finals. Participants who compete in all 3 events will have their name placed in a hat. All race and overall weekend event winners will also have their names placed in the hat, provided they ran all 3 events. The incentive for the winners will be, the more you win, the more times your name will be placed in the hat, thus increasing your odds to win the trip. Aside from the travel to the X30 International Finals in France, all other expenses will be paid for that weekends prestigious event.

Drawing for the X30 International Finals will take place at the March/April weekend finale at Ocala Gran Prix.

Special Thanks to Eric Jones of IAME USA for his hard work and efforts in this program.

Here’s a look at the 2017 WKA Winter Cup Schedule:

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway,

Daytona Beach, Florida

Feb 24-27: 103rd Street Sports Complex

Jacksonville, Florida

March 31-April 2: Ocala Gran Prix

Ocala, Florida

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!!!!

Bridgestone Mfg Cup Series Prepping for Monster Daytona Event

CONCORD, NC - As part of the 3 major events taking place at the same time at Daytona International Speedway during Daytona KartWeek, the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series is busting at the seams, as several major teams and manufacturers prepare for one of the most notable 2 Cycle Events in the country, the Margay Sprint Nationals at the World Center of Racing.

The series first stop at Daytona also doubles as the first event for the WKA Winter Cup Series, now beginning its second season of competition. As a result, 9 major classes will be featured at the season opener, including the very impressive Mini Swift class, boasting some of the best new, young talent in 2 cycle racing in America. In addition, the Pro Swift Sportsman class will be returning for 2017, as well as Yamaha Sportsman, Yamaha Junior, Yamaha Senior, Pro IAME Junior, and Pro IAME Senior, and LO206 Senior, which boasted 40 entries at Daytona 1 season ago. 1 additional class will be featured that will be a part of the 2017 Winter Cup Program, that being the very popular ROK Shifter Class.

In addition to the wealth of classes features, many sponsors, new and existing, will be a part of the 2017 season, including:

Bridgestone

Margay

Allison Racing Engines

Comet Kart Sales

FranklinKart.com

OTK Kart USA

CRPRACING.com

IAME USA East

Woltjer Racing Engines

KartSport North America

Sunoco

New Jersey Sprint Series

Trinity Karting Group

Grand Products

Top Kart USA

McLaughlin Motorsports

Tillotson

Prior to the 2017 season getting underway, Champions, as well as many other special honorees will have the chance to claim their awards and merchandise from the 2016 season with the annual Awards Presentation taking place the evening of December 27 at the Ocean Breeze Club, on the shores of Daytona Beach.

Following Daytona, the series will head to Pittsburgh International Race Complex in May for stop #2 of the season, followed by the traditional July run at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana, then on to dairy country, with an August stop at Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park in Dousman, Wisconsin, culminating with the season finale in October in Race City USA, GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

The Winter Cup Program will remain in Florida for all 3 events, next heading to 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida in late February, ending with a stop at Ocala Gran Prix at the end of March. Here’s a look at the respective 2017 Schedules.

Bridgestone Mfg Cup Series:

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway

May 19-21: Pittsburgh International Race Complex

July 14-16: New Castle Motorsports Park

August 25-27: Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park

Oct 13-15: GoPro Motorplex

Winter Cup Schedule:

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway

Feb 24-26: 103rd Street Sports Complex

March 31-April 2: Ocala Gran Prix

Lastly, if you haven't visited TECH UPDATES under the main UPDATES tab, check it out. Whenever there is a new ruling or a clarification made by the trustees, this section will highlight and help communicate it to our WKA members.

To view the Margay Sprint Nationals schedule for Daytona, CLICK HERE.

To register ONLINE for the Margay Sprint Nationals, CLICK HERE.

To view the latest Tech Update, CLICK HERE.

Road Race Series Ready to tackle High Banks of Daytona, 2017 Season

CONCORD, NC - With pre-entry numbers already exceeding those of last season at the World Center of Racing, combined with a very solid schedule in place for the new year, WKA Officials are excited of the prospect of a great new season for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series, presented by Russell Karting Specialties.

Adding to the excitement are several new classes for the series, including the all new X30 Laydown Class, featuring a modern design, long lasting water cooled engine. The readily available 125 cc engine also features a wide power-band fixed WKA Spec Pipe, with a counter balance, providing more performance at lower rpm’s.

Also new this season is the IAME Sprint Class. Formerly known as Leopard Sprint, the IAME Sprint class will feature engines from both X30 and Stock Parilla Leopard.

These two new classes will be part of the national schedule all season, running a Final 1/Final 2 format

Several new Local Option Classes are on board this season, including the Cadet Sportsman LO206 Class, allowing young competitors from the age of 8-12 to tackle the high banks of Daytona, or at least the tracks massive apron. Also this year will be a Junior LO206 Local Option class, for drivers 13-15, as well as a CIK/LO206 Sprint Class, featuring the CIK bodyworks for drivers 15 and older.

Tons of Sprint and Laydown classes are once again featured, affording drivers multiple choices for the 2017 season.

In addition to a great lineup of competitors coming to Daytona, many sponsors have lined up again this year for Daytona KartWeek, those including:

Dunlop/Xeramic

Rapid Racing

The Agile Group

Tru Stripe

McZero Fabrication

WT Racing

GM Fort Wayne Assembly

Rev Clean

Fisher Racing Engines

West Texas Outlaws

Hoosier Tire

KALL Racing

CKI

Millers Dynotime Racing

Once the series departs Daytona, the quick turnaround takes the series back to Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia for Stop #2, as well as the Year End Awards Presentation. Stops at Summit Point Raceway Park in June, Virginia International Raceway in July, culminating with the popular Grand National finale at Atlanta Motorsports Park in Georgia in September, have many of the Road Race faithful, as well tons of newcomers excited about the new season.

To view the Daytona Schedule for Road Race, click here. 

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.

HT3 900 Pinks for WKA/Maxxis Daytona Dirt World Championships & Update on Classes Receiving Jackets

CONCORD, NC - As competitors continue their preparations for the latest edition of the WKA/Maxxis Daytona Dirt World Championships Dec 27-29 at Daytona International Speedway, it is important to note the sole tire to be used for the event will be the Maxxis HT3 900 Pinks. While there are a variety of tires in the Maxxis family, this will be the tire competitors will be required to run on during the December event.

Additionally, as mentioned many times before, competitors in 5 classes will be receiving extra awards and merchandise, those classes being Pro Stock Medium and Heavy, as well as Pro Junior 1, 2, and 3 Stock Heavy. 1st place in these classes will receive a Jacket, Eagle Trophy, and Check, while 2nd and 3rd will receive Trophies. Since the event will encompass the same schedule both days, these special awards and merchandise will apply to the winners on Day #2 ONLY. Winners on Day 1 will be receiving their respective payouts in the top 5, as well as awards for the top 3, with Pro Stock Medium paying $3,000, Pro Stock Heavy $5,000, and the Pro Junior 1, 2, and 3 Stock Heavy classes paying $1,000 on Day 1.  

On Day #2, Pro Stock Medium and Heavy will again have their respective $3,000 and $5,000 to win events, with the Pro Junior 1, 2, and 3 Stock Heavy increasing the winners share to $2,000 to win.

Parking is going at a rapid pace, as the latest edition of the Daytona Dirt World Championships is on a record pace for entries since moving to the Daytona International Speedway.

Additionally, Sponsors are lining up for the prestigious event, those including Ultramax, Davis Poultry Equipment, P & P Speed Shop, Charger Racing Chassis, Trinity Racing Engines, XCaliber, Fast Trax Kartway, Bryson Motorsports, and Team Halls, with many more expressing interest in the high-profile event.

If you would like to be a sponsor for the latest edition of the WKA/Maxxis Daytona Dirt World Championships, contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or at buddy@worldkarting.com.

2017 Gold Cup Season Coming Together

CONCORD, NC - The planning for the 2017 season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series is nearing completion. Recognizing some of the modifications made in 2016 may not have been the best fit for the program, WKA Officials, beginning with the August New Castle event this past season, and heading into next season, are moving back in the direction that the majority of Gold Cup competitors have been familiar and comfortable with.

Once again, the series will boast a 4-race program in 2017, beginning with the opening event at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida March 24-26, and ending with the season finale at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina October 6-8, again running the track backwards, similar to the recent October Grand National. With 2 well respected and renowned facilities serving as the bookend events for the series, WKA is proud to add 2 new venues to the middle portion of the program for 2017 with Thompson Kart Raceway in Thompson, Ohio serving as stop #2 for the series. The date of the debut of a WKA Gold Cup National to Thompson Speedway will be July 7-9. The third stop is yet to be announced.

The format for this seasons events will be very similar to that of this past season, with classes running qualifying, a heat race, and a main each day. However, in 2017, awards and merchandise will be issued on Day 2ONLY, to the highest overall finisher of the classes they participate in, with the top 3 receiving awards. Kid Kart participants in both the LO206 KID Kart and 2 Cycle Kid Kart classes will receive awards that will go to the winner, with participation medals going to the balance of the drivers in each class. While the 2 engine packages will run together, they will be scored separately, with a winner determined in both categories. The Kid Kart classes will not be national points classes in 2017.

While the 2017 WKA Technical Manual is out, and in the hands of the competitors, it is very important to note that the Board of Trustees have elected to allow both the traditional Gold Cup Bodyworks, as well as the CIK Bodyworks in all classes for 2017, thus giving competitors 1 more season of having the option of which bodyworks to run. However, a CIK LO206 Class has been added in the Senior ranks, for those wishing to run CIK Bodyworks solely.

Entry Fees for this season will be set at $85 for Pre Entry, and $100 at the track for all national classes, with a 1 time practice fee of $60 with your pre entry, and $75 at the track for the weekend. Kid Kart Competitors will pay $50 for their pre entry fee, and $65 at the track, with Practice fees set at the same price as well.

WKA has also incorporated a new Rookie 206 Class for 2017, with the age group set at 6-9 years old. This being a national class, affords parents of 6-9 year old competitors a smooth transition from the Kid Kart Class.

Competitors can count their best 6 of 8 races for the season.      

More information will be coming soon. WKA is looking forward to another wonderful season with the top 4 Cycle racers in the country.

Here is a look at the 2017 schedule:

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

July 7-9: Thompson Kart Raceway, Thompson, Ohio

TBA

Oct 6-8: Carolina Motorsports Park, Kershaw, South Carolina

Here is a look at the 2017 Class Structure:

Rookie: Final 1/Final 2

Sportsman LO206: Final 1/Final 2

Sportsman Pro Gas: Final 1/Final 2

LO206 Junior: Final 1/ Final 2

Junior Pro Gas: Final 1/Final 2

LO206 Senior: Final 1/Final 2

Senior Pro Gas: Final 1/Final 2

Masters Senior LO206: Final 1/Final 2

CIK Body LO206 Senior

Non National Points Classes:

LO206 Kid Karts: FINAL 1/ Final 2

Kid Kart/ 2 Cycle: Final 1/ Final

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.

New Location for Mfg Cup Year End Awards Presentation Set

CONCORD, NC - By virtue of the damage left due to Hurricane Matthew in the Daytona Beach area in October, officials of the Daytona Beach Resort, hosts of last year’s Awards Presentation for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, regrettably will not be completed with repairs and renovation in time to be back open for the Dec 27 awards presentation this year.

As a result, WKA Officials have arranged a working agreement with the Ocean Breeze Club to host this year’s awards presentation, again on the same evening and times. Families and competitors who booked reservations with the Daytona Beach Resort have had their reservations respectively cancelled, at no charge.

Those wishing to stay at the Ocean Breeze Club that the banquet will be held at have until December 18 for the special room rate block.   

 

Ocean Breeze Club

640 N Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach, Florida 32118

Reservation Telephone Number

Direct: (386) 239-9800

Toll Free: (855) 212-3224

Group Code Name: World Karting Association (WKA)

Here are our special rates:

2 Queen Ocean Front with Privacy Balcony: $104.00 per night

2 Queen Ocean View with Private Balcony: $94.00 per night

No Resort Fees

Free Parking

View the updated Awards presentation information below:

Online Banquet RSVP: CLICK HERE

Paper Banquet RSVP: CLICK HERE

Sponsors Rolling in for Daytona Dirt World Championships

CONCORD, NC - With activities well inside of a month for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek, scheduled for December 27-30, sponsorships for all 3 series are rolling in at an expedient pace, including the latest edition of the WKA/Maxxis Daytona Dirt World Championships at the World Center of Racing.

Among the many sponsors retuning to the famed dirt event include Ultramax Racing Chassis, sponsoring the $2,000 to win Semi Pro Stock Heavy class on Day 1. Also back is BDL Motorsports, sponsoring the $2,000 to win Pro Super Stock Heavy class. MC Motorsports is returning for another season as sponsor of the Pro Junior 3 Stock Heavy class, with $1,000 on the line for that class on Day 1, and a $2,000 to win payday on Day #2.

WKA also welcomes back longtime supporter Scott Davis of Davis Poultry Equipment , as well as Jonathan Cash of P and P Speed Shop as additional sponsors.

In addition to the early sponsors signed up, many vendors are already on board to attend the event, making sure competitors have all their needs met at the track. Those vendors include TS Racing, Competition Karting Inc, and Larry Jones Motorsports, with a few others looking to join the list.

If you would like to inquire about the sponsorship packages available, you can contact the following:

Troy Duncan: (706) 384-2400, sponsordaytonadirt@gmail.com

Or

Buddy Long: (704) 455-1606, ext 112, buddy@worldkarting.com

To view the WKA/Maxxis Daytona Dirt World Championship Entry Blank, click here.

Tier 1 Deadline for Daytona Road Race Approaching

CONCORD - With entries rolling in everyday, the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting is on pace for a phenomenal start to the 2017 racing season. Competitors who have yet to enter are reminded that the deadline for Tier 1 for this years event will expire November 25. Currently, competitors can register for $100.

Beginning November 26, the entry fee will go to $120, up to Dec 14, at which time the At Track price will come into play. Limited Garage space is still available. Competitors can contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or buddy@worldkarting.com.

To view the information for the Road Race portion of Daytona KartWeek, CLICK HERE.

Lipari Sweeps GT Machine Grand Nationals at Kershaw

CONCORD, NC - The season finale for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina finally received the checkered flag, albeit 1 month later, following a postponement due to Hurricane Matthew in October, as the GT Machine Grand Nationals drew the season to a close for WKA Gold Cup Competitors.

While Hurricane Matthew was the talk of October, it was Tropical Storm Jim that led the charge of winners on one of the most interesting weather weekends in recent history, as Rochester, New York’s Jim Lipari led a Coyote Motorsports charge, recording 4 national event wins over the weekend in Senior Pro Gas Medium and Heavy. Coming into the weekend, Coyote needed 11 wins to tie Arrow for most wins in the season, while Arrow needed to go winless. However, Arrow scored 2 wins on the weekend with Kevin Lanyi in the LA South Tire Sportsman LO206 Class, just edging Coyote, in what was a runaway in the chassis standings following Race #3 back in August in New Castle, Indiana.

From near perfect fall weather conditions on Friday, to cold, sunny, and windy conditions on Saturday, culminating with an all-day dose of wet weather on Sunday in raw conditions, competitors in all classes were still up on the wheel, fighting for the right to a Grand National Eagle, as well as an ultimate national title.

In addition to Lipari and Lanyi, other notable winners included Jimmy Cole Jackson, leading the Razor Chassis camp with wins in the Junior Pro Gas Lite and Water Medic Junior LO206 Classes, as well as Blake Boon, notching wins in the MattMillerRacing.com Sportsman Gas Lite classes, as well as the Friday night Sportsman Pro Gas Shootout. Sean Meier also recorded a good weekend for the Coyote camp, sweeping the Senior LO206 Heavy mains, as well as the Friday night Money race. And it can’t be Kershaw unless David Kalb Jr is in victory lane as well, as the Ohio speedster notched wins in the Briggs and Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy classes, as well as a Junior Pro Gas Lite and Junior Pro Gas Shootout win on Friday night. Elmer Edmonson was the last double event winner, taking down the Brad’s Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy main events.

Action got underway Friday evening with Blake Boon taking the $200 win in the Brads Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Shootout. In addition to the win, Boon also received a Grand National Eagle for his effort, as well as a brand new Milwaukee brand power gun, courtesy of Chris Kelly, as well as Dave and Sue Koehler from GT Machine. Hunter Burns chased Boon across the stripe for second and a $100 payday, with Elmer Edmonson coming home third, and garnering $50.

Kalb began his winning weekend, also taking down $200 from Brad’s Heating and Cooling in the Junior Pro Gas Shootout, with Jimmy Cole Jackson and Austin Williamson claiming the $100 and $50 paydays for second and third. Kalb also received a Grand National Eagle, as well as a Milwaukee Power tool.

Meier wrapped up the night, taking the LO206 Senior Money race, topping Patrick O’Neal and Brian Collins. For this race, the Hard Charger in the event would receive the Milwaukee power gun, with Patrick O’Neal being the recipient. To add more interest, $100 was placed inside one of the tool cases, with Blake Boon adding to his win total by an additional $100, totaling a $300 evening.

The busy day of activity was topped off by a Thanksgiving dinner, sponsored by Paul Rice Sr of MGM Chassis, as well as Rich Jackson of Water Medic. WKA Thanks Mr Rice and Mr Jackson, as well as the many supporters who could return for the rescheduled event, and get their Thanksgiving kicked off in fine fashion.

As Race Day #1 approached, Jim Lipari went to work, taking the first main of the day in the Coyote Motorsports Senior Pro Gas Medium event, topping Jacob Connor for the effort. Lipari would return later in the day to take the Bordeaux Dyno Cams Senior Pro Gas Heavy main, again topping Jacob Connor, with Matthew Turner checking in for third. Lipari was the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time winner in both classes.

Jimmy Cole Jackson began his multiple win weekend, taking the Junior Pro Gas Lite main Saturday, topping David Kalb Jr, with Austin Williamson, Talia Moffett, and Riley Kelly taking the top 5. Kalb took the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time award.

With 1 win, a Grand National Eagle, and $300 in his pocket already, Blake Boon began his assault on the national points classes, taking the MattMillerRacing.com Sportsman Gas Lite event over Hunter Burns and Elmer Edmonson, with Boon securing the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time award as well.

Meier continued his winning ways from Friday, taking the Briggs and Stratton Senior LO206 event over Corey Towles, Ryan Bennett, Chris Wells, and Jeremy Warren, with Towles taking the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time award.

While the Water Medic Junior LO206 win was his lone of the weekend, Cade Frazier carried the MGM Chassis flag high, rolling to the Saturday win over Jimmy Cole Jackson, Talia Moffett, and Riley Kelly. Frazier also nailed down the Mikim Motorports Fast Time award for the class.

Another first time winner on the weekend was Todd Horton, taking the Briggs and Stratton Masters LO206 Senior class, as the local product topped Tim Stiefel and Brad Farmer for the win. Stiefel claimed the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time Award.

Kevin Lanyi’s 2-win weekend, and ultimate Chassis Championship winning effort began in the LA South Tire Sportsman LO206 Class, where the young driver topped Caleb Gafrarar, Bree Miller, Elmer Edmonson, and Mason Cantrell. Miller took the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time effort for the class.

Kalb found his second win of the weekend in the Briggs and Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy class, besting Talia Moffett, Riley Kelly, and Austin Williamson, with Kalb also taking the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time award.

The finale for Day 1 found Elmer Edmonson scoring his first of the weekend in the Brad’s Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy class. Edmonson topped Hunter Burns, while also taking the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time Award.

As Sunday rolled around, so did the clouds and damp weather. However, the top shelf of the podium changed very little, with Jim Lipari returning to sweep the Jim’s Marine Senior Pro Gas Medium race over Jacob Connor, while also taking down the Trackside Kart Supply Senior Pro Gas Heavy class over Connor and Matthew Turner, sweeping 4 Grand National Eagles, as well as 4 Mikim Motorsports Fast Time Awards.

Kalb equaled Lipari’s win total for the day, first taking the Junior Pro Gas Lite event over Austin Williamson, Jimmy Cole Jackson, Riley Kelly, and Talia Moffett, while also taking down the Briggs and Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy class, topping Williamson, Kelly, and Moffett. Kalb and Jackson were the respective MIKIM Motorsports Fast Time winners.

Boon returned to victory lane in the MattMillerRacing.com Sportsman Gas Lite event, turning back Elmer Edmonson, as well as taking the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time award.

Meier continued his average of 1 win per day, returning to take the Inferno Racing Clutches Senior LO206 main for the second day in a row, topping the heavy rain and water, edging a fast closing Ryan Bennett for the win. Michael Clark rolled home third, with Towles and Stiefel making up the top 5. Towles took the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time effort.

Jimmy Cole Jackson was the only driver to win a race on more than 1 engine package. After winning in Pro Gas on Day 1, Jackson returned to take the Water Medic Junior LO206 event over Saturday winner Cade Frazier, with Talia Moffett and Riley Kelly completing the top 4. Jackson was also the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time winner.

Lanyi returned to sweep the LA South Tire Sportsman LO206 activities, besting Bree Miller, Caleb Gafrarar, Collin Miller, and Mason Cantrell on Sunday, while Blake Boon, an 8th place finisher in the event, was the Mikim Motorsports Fast Time winner.

Tim Stiefel notched the Sunday win in the Briggs and Stratton Masters LO206 Senior class, while Elmer Edmonson wrapped up the weekend in the Brad’s Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy ranks.

With the results in hand, the Unofficial Chassis Rankings gives Arrow a narrow 1-win edge over Coyote 24-22, with Razor finishing up in third with 11 wins.

Here’s a look at the unofficial standings:

Arrow: 24

Coyote: 23

Razor: 11

Ionic Edge: 6

Bandit: 6

Comet Eagle: 6

FA: 3

MGM: 2

With the season in the books, special thanks go out to so many sponsors, including:

RLV Tuned Exhaust Products

GT Machine

Kart City Performance

Mikim Motorsports

Noram Clutches

Coyote Motorsports

MattMillerRacing.com

Briggs and Stratton

Boon and Sons

Water Medic

Bordeaux Dyno Cams

LA South Tire

Brads Heating and Cooling

Jim’s Marine

Spooner General Contractor

Inferno Racing Clutches

Trackside Kart Supply

The 2017 season is shaping up, with the announcement for the new year, pertaining to Class Structure and Scheduling due out December 1st.

On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest thanks to the many wonderful people who love and support the Gold Cup Series. We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and the very best of the holiday season. 

Full Contingent of Animal and Clone Classes to Run Daytona Road Race

CONCORD, NC - As per the 2017 WKA Tech Manual, that will be reaching customers shortly, competitors that have run the Animal Lite, Medium, and Heavy classes, as well as the Clone LO206 Lite and Heavy classes in the past on the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting, will once again have that opportunity for the 2017 edition of Daytona KartWeek at Daytona International Speedway December 27-30, as well as the entire 2017 season.

While there was discussion regarding the streamlining of the classes in both categories, World Karting Officials will be honoring the classes that were in place in both Animal and Clone again for 2017, as per the 2017 rulebook.

As is the case always with all classes in any series, officials will monitor the progress of all classes during the course of the season, to help further determine a course of action for the next racing season, thus ensuring the best possible classes are made available to the competitor each year.

With the resulting announcement, here are the 4 Cycle national classes available to competitors in 2017:

Animal Lite

Animal Medium

Animal Heavy

Clone LO206 Lite

Clone LO206 Heavy

While the classes will not be placed in the current race order for Daytona, which is subject to change, the classes are listed on the entry blank, affording drivers to make their necessary plans for the national classes they will run. The classes will be placed into a workable rotation for all competitors involved at or before the Daytona event.

To view the updated Daytona Road Race Entry Blank, click here.

Titles on the Line This Weekend for Gold Cup at Kershaw

CONCORD, NC - Following a 5 week delay by virtue of Hurricane Matthew in October, the season finale for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series will officially return to action, providing a unique challenge at this weekend's GT Machine Grand Nationals at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina, as competitors will be going in the opposite direction, a vast difference than the June national, thus making the run for the coveted Grand National Eagle, as well as the overall national title in each class, that much more interesting.

Leading the charge for the title will be Jacob Heavlow of Galena, Maryland, the current leader by 175 points over brother Jimmy in the Coyote Motorsports/Jim's Marine Senior Pro Gas Medium class. Staying in contention all season long also has been Glen Burnie, Maryland driver Jacob Connors, while New Yorker Jim Lipari, and Floridian Mike Greiner round out the top five in the classes current standings.

Another Marylander, in the form of Perry Hall, Maryland's Matt Miller is looking to take the top brass in the Junior Pro Gas Lite category. Miller currently sports a 210-point edge over Alex Vrabel, while Ohio's David Kalb Jr, who has become a complete master on the Kershaw course, sits third in the standings, followed by Brian Van Cleve Jr and Austin Williamson.

The battle in the MattMillerRacing.com/Spooner General Contractor Sportsman Gas Lite class is a little tighter, with Rochester, New York driver Blake Boon closing in on the title, leading Fort Myers, Florida driver Elmer Edmonson by 90 tallies, while Hunter Burns, Landen Lewis, and Aiden Baker Crouse complete the top 5.

One of the most competitive classes this year has been the Briggs and Stratton/lnferno Racing Clutches Senior L0206 Class, where Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida driver Sean Meier holds a 112-point edge over Jacksonville, Florida's Corey Towles, while Jacob Heavlow, Michael Clark, and Patrick O'Neal are waging war within the top 5.

The Boon and Sons Kid Kart class has seen a few different competitors up top, with Brently Miller currently atop the standings over Rachel Richter and Carlos Willis, with newcomer Walker Porter expected to mount a challenge this weekend as well.

Possibly the best battle of the weekend to watch may be the Water Medic Junior L0206 Class, where

Matt Miller may have a little tougher fight on his hands, leading by just 35 tallies over Cape Coral, Florida's Jimmy Cole Jackson. Kannapolis, North Carolina driver Cade Frazier, third in the standings, will also be on hand, with Hunter Fox and Talia Moffett rounding out the top 5 in the standings.

Much like Miller, Jacob Heavlow will also be looking to secure his second title of the weekend, holding a

180-point edge over brother Jimmy in the Bordeaux Dyno Cams/ Trackside Kart Supply Senior Pro Gas Heavy Class. Drafting with this pair again is Jacob Connors, with Chris Osgood and Matthew Lewis making up the top 5.

The L&A South Tire Sportsman L0206 Class will also be a great battle to watch, with Midland, North

Carolina driver Caleb Gafrarar, fresh off a Grand National win in the Mini Swift class at New Castle

Motorsports Park in Indiana, ready to tackle another piece of hardware, leading Madison, Alabama's Kevin Lanyi by 35 points. New York's Blake Boon is 75 tallies back as well, with Florida's Elmer Edmonson and Maryland's Brady Atwood making up the top 5.

Miller will be seeking the trifecta this weekend, holding a 175-point edge over Alex Vrabel in the Briggs & Stratton Junior Pro Gas Heavy class, with Brian Van Cleve Jr, David Kalb Jr, and Austin Williamson holding down the top 5.

The Briggs & Stratton Masters L0206 Senior class is by far the tightest points battle, with just 10 tallies separating leader Brad Farmer from New York's Tim Stiefel, with Tennessee's Matt Skaggs, Illinois's Ryan Cassity, and Indiana's Rob Smith completing the top 5.

Finally, in the Brad's Heating and Cooling Sportsman Pro Gas Heavy class, Florida's Elmer Edmonson looks to lock up the title, holding a commanding lead over Landen Lewis, with Aiden Baker Crouse, Adam Maxwell, and Tanner Carter making up the top five spots.

The battle for the Grand National Eagles will kick off Friday with a full day of practice, followed by the Brad's Heating and Cooling Sportsman and Junior Pro Gas Shootouts, in which the winners will also

receive eagles for their efforts, with $200 going to the winner, $100 to 2 nd, and $50 to 3 rd . The Senior L0206 drivers will also be running their final Money Race of the season, with an eagle on the line, and Cups going to second and third, as well as a money payout. The Shootout races will roll off at 4:45 Friday afternoon.

Following the events on Friday, there will be a Thanksgiving Dinner for all competitors, sponsored by MGM Chassis and Water Medic, as WKA will show its appreciation to all competitors for their support for the 2016 season. The dinner will be served buffet style at The Palmetto Club, with guests welcome to head back to the pits and enjoy an early evening meal.

Saturday and Sunday activities will hit the track each day at 8:30am with 1 round of practice, followed by the Mikim Motorsports run for the pole, then 1 heat race, followed by the main events for each day, culminating with the hoisting of the Grand National Eagles for each race winner.

To view the weekends schedule for the GT Machine Grand Nationals, click here.

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

Thanksgiving Dinner to Highlight Kershaw Gold Cup Weekend

CONCORD, NC - Feasting on holiday turkey will begin a couple weeks early this season, as World Karting Officials will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday, following the Shootout and Money races, as part of the opening day festivities for the GT Machine Grand Nationals Nov 11-13 at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Sponsored by Paul Rice Sr of MGM Chassis, as well as Rich Jackson of Water Medic, the dinner not only returns fond memories of the Thanksgiving Weekend events at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, but also gives the organization an opportunity to thank the many loyal customers and families of the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series for their support for the 2016 season.

The dinner, free to all of our WKA customers, will take place at the Palmetto Club, at 6:30pm Friday evening. The menu includes;

Turkey

Collard Greens

Mashed Potatoes

Mac and Cheese

Cookies

Brownies

Lemonade

Sweet Tea

To view the weekend schedule for the GT Machine Grand Nationals, click here.