Sponsor Spotlight: Competition Karting Inc.

How long has the company been around, and who founded it?

We have been in business for over 55 years!

In 1959, Dan Klutz worked for Doss and Sons of Winston-Salem, NC and began servicing kart engines. By 1973, Competition Karting Specialties opened as a division of Doss and Sons. In 1978, Dan and Lewis Dowell purchased it and renamed it Competition Karting, Inc. In January 2016, John Klutz, son of Dan Klutz, and wife Wendy became the owners of CKI.

In 1959, Dan Klutz worked for Doss & Sons of Winston-Salem, NC
 

How long have you been a sponsor of the WKA and what brought you into the karting world?

We have been a sponsor of WKA since its origination. Dan Klutz was one of the original Board members. John has served on the Board and is a current Trustee.

What's going on right now with the company, and where is it going in the future?

John and Wendy say, they are excited about the ownership of CKI. The business is located at 2111 Gumtree Road, Winston-Salem, NC. We are your one-stop-shop for all your karting needs! This year, we released our new dirt chassis the Laser STORM. CKI has a chassis available for all styles of racing: dirt, asphalt, and road race. John has been the WKA Road Race Manufacturer of the Year for 10 years! Not only do we provide racers with a winning chassis, we also provide horsepower (4 and 2 cycle) that will take racers to victory lane. A racer’s quest for speed starts here, too! We continue to strive to be on the cutting edge of the karting industry. For us, Karting is a way of life! Please join CKI, and let us assist you with all your karting needs!

Ways you can connect with Competition Karting Inc:

Email: ckikarting@gmail.com

MANUFACTURER'S CUP WEEKEND RECAP FROM NEW CASTLE MOTORSPORTS PARK

***ORIGINAL STORY WRITTEN BY DAVID COLE OF EKARTINGNEWS.COM***

SATURDAY'S RECAP

NEW CASTLE, IN - The opening round of racing for the 2017 WKA Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series Team Empower Nationals went into the books Saturday at the New Castle Motorsports Park. The fifth round of the 2017 championship chase marked the halfway point of the season, with a solid turnout of competitors in all eight categories, nearly reaching the 150 mark for the day. After cloud covered the New Castle, Indiana area for much of the morning, the skies cleared and the humidity rose, making for a challenging day for the competitors chasing the right setup.

Five drivers had the pace to compete for the win in the KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior division. Top qualifier Braden Eves (Zero Error / Kosmic) and double heat race winner Brandon Lemke (Top Kart) were joined by Daytona winner Brandon Jarsocrak (KSNA / Praga), Garrett Johnston (Top Kart) and Alexander Kardashian (Top Kart). In the end, it came down to the 3 B’s. They shuffled for the lead throughout the main event. Coming to the white flag, Eves made a great move at the I-70 corner to go from third to first. That shuffled them up taking the white, and Jarsocrak emerged from the first turn with the lead. He held the advantage throughout the last mile, crossing the line first for the victory. Eves came in a close second over Lemke with Kardashian placing ahead of Johnston.

Eves came into the weekend leading in both championships, including the FranklinKart.com Yamaha Senior division. Eves (Zero Error / FA Kart) found himself battling with Alexander Kardashian (Top Kart) in qualifying and the heat races. Kardashian set fast time in qualifying and won Heat #2 with Eves taking the opening heat. Dakota Pesek (Top Kart) and Jake Venberg (Merlin) joined them at the front in the main event. The two Top Kart drivers locked up and were able to get away, deciding the race on the final circuit. Kardashian led going into the final corner, driving the defensive line. Pesek pulled a ‘Cole Trickle’, running the outside line and making it hold through the corner. Kardashian had to pinch the exit, slowing his pace. This allowed Pesek to carry the momentum into the lead and to the victory by 32 thousandths of a second. Kardashian settled for second with Eves beating Venberg for the third podium step. Marina Walters (Top Kart) completed the top-five.

Last year at the season finale, Tyler Gonzalez walked away with two wins on the weekend in the Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior. Today, it was a dominating performance by Junior rookie Tyler Maxson (SCR / Tony Kart). After qualifying second, Maxson went on to win both heat races before dominating the main event with a 5.6-second advantage. Top qualifier Connor Ferris (Top Kart) won the battle for runner-up ahead of Tahlon Yockel (Tony Kart) and Spike Kohlbecker (Margay). Point leader Pauly Massimino (Top Kart) drove to fifth.

Colin Neal (MDD / Tony Kart) and Elliott Budzinski (Kart Craft / Tony Kart) came into the weekend tied for the championship and in the win column with two victories a piece. They broke both ties with a showdown to close out the day. A red flag came out with five laps remaining in the main event, involving top qualifier Zack Pretorius (Comet / FA Kart), double heat race winner Spike Kohlbecker (Margay) and Tyler Ferris (Top Kart). The incident bunched up the field for a shootout to determine the day’s winner. Neal and Budzinski came out as the top two drivers, with Neal holding the advantage at the checkered flag for his third victory of the season. Budzinski came 41 thousandths short at the line with Matthew Mockabee (Comet / Tony Kart) joining them on the podium. Junior rookies Kaden Wharff (Top Kart) and Donald Whorton (FA Kart) completed the top-five.

The IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman came down to two drivers. Santiago Trisini (Benik) and Annie Rhule (Energy) were able to get away from the field early and maintain an advantage while the rest of the field battle for position. Trisini led for most of the race with Rhule waiting for an opportunity to work past. On the final lap, Rhule made her move but Trisini fought it off, going on to take the checkered flag for his first victory of the season. Rhule settled for runner-up with Connor Zilisch (Energy) winning the battle for third over Chloe Chambers (Benik) and Logan Adams (Benik).

Anyone in the Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman field had the chance to win. For Sam Hinds, it was his turn. Most of the field ran together until five drivers broke away. Hinds (FA Kart) led with the Adams brothers Garrett (Energy) and Logan (FA Kart) working together. Double heat race winner Connor Zilisch (Energy) tried to break up the trio at the front, but could not stay ahead of them. Coming down to the finish, Hinds led with Garrett on his bumper. The two drag-raced to the line with Hinds able to reach the line first by nine thousandths of a second. Logan completed the podium with Chloe Chambers (Benik) able to take fourth away from Zilisch.

The CRP Racing Mini Swift also welcomed a first time winner with Ben Maier taking the victory. Four drivers battled for the lead position throughout the main event, all taking a turn at the point. Christian Miles (Formula K) appeared to be the quickest driver coming off the Heat #2 win with top qualifier and Heat #1 winner Mateo Rubio-Luengo (Benik) right there. Indy driver Elliot Cox (Energy) joined the fight with Maier emerging at the end of the race as the driver to beat. Coming to the checkered flag, Maier was able to edge out Mateo by eight thousandths of a second. Cox completed the podium in third with Miles ending up fourth. Danny Dyszelski (Benik) rounded out the top-five.

David Kalb Jr. went from zero to hero on the day in the Briggs 206 Senior division. Kalb (Eagle) was shuffled off the track in the opening heat race, placing 10th. Up front, three drivers each led a session with Zach Linsell (MGM) posting fast time in qualifying while Track Kart drivers Eric Fagan and Evan McCorquodale each took a heat race win. Kalb worked his way forward in Heat #2, placing third, helping to move him up on the main event grid. Kalb was the quickest kart on the circuit in the main event. Once joining the top three, Kalb worked his way to the point. Once there, he held the enough gap on the final circuit to cruise to the victory, his first on the year. Fagan drove to second with McCorquodale third. Linsell ended up fourth with Dustin DeMattia (Keener) placing fifth.

SUNDAY'S RECAP

The final day of action completed Sunday at the New Castle Motorsports Park for the WKA Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series Team Empower Nationals. The New Castle, Indiana facility provided great weather all weekend long with warmer conditions all day. The racing all weekend was great, with many of the races coming down to the wire. In the end, six of the eight classes saw drivers double up in the win column.

Brandon Jarsocrak notched his third victory of 2017 at the Manufacturers Cup, coming out of the 20-lap battle in the KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior as the top driver. Top qualifier and Prefinal winner Brandon Lemke (Top Kart) led the majority of the race with Braden Eves (Zero Error / Kosmic), Alexander Kardashian (Top Kart) and Jarsocrak. Kardashian led early with Lemke taking over. It looked as they would be able to lock up and get away, however the rest of the lead pack, including local guest Zach Holden (Comet / Tony Kart) would not let that happen by breaking them up. Holden retired at the halfway point with a broken chain, holding up South African driver Fabienne Lanz (VSR / Tony Kart), thus making it four at the front. Coming to the white flag, Lemke and Jarsocrak went back and forth for the lead. Jarsocrak took over the point at turn one, and Eves went on the attack for second on Lemke. This gave ‘Money’ enough space to reach the checkered flag first. Eves edged out Lemke for the second spot with Kardashian placing fourth. Lanz followed back in fifth.

Braden Eves (FA Kart) and Saturday winner Dakota Pesek (Top Kart) came away as the top two drivers in the FranklinKart.com Yamaha Senior. Eves set fast time in qualifying with Pesek coming away from the Prefinal battle with the win. The two were able to break away from the field in the 18-lap main event. The drag race to the line went to Pesek by 24 thousandths, earning his second win on the weekend and third straight counting the Sunday victory at Pittsburgh. Tyler Trent (Tony Kart) won the battle for the final step on the podium with Jake Venberg (Merlin) and Marina Walters (Top Kart) placing fourth and fifth.

It was a dramatic day in the Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior division. Round Four winner Tyler Ferris (Top Kart) set fast time in qualifying and came away with the Prefinal win after both Saturday winner Tyler Maxson (Tony Kart) and Connor Ferris (Top Kart) retired early while leading. Each started at the back of the 21-kart field in the 20-lap Final. Up front, Junior rookie Kaden Wharff led a Top Kart train of Ferris and Pauly Massimino while fellow rookie Caleb Bacon (Tony Kart) looked to move forward. Everyone however was watching the progress of Maxson, who continued to click off the fast laps of the race. By the halfway point, Maxson was stalking the top-five, and lap 18, took the lead from Wharff. Maxson went on to take the second victory of the weekend with Bacon able to edge out Wharff at the line for second. Tyler Ferris ended up fourth with Massimino in fifth.

Sunday was a notable day for the championship chase in the Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior class. Championship leaders Elliott Budzinski (Tony Kart) and three-time winner Colin Neal (Tony Kart) each had issues in the main event. Budzinski retired early after contact while Neal, who won the Prefinal, was leading the main event until a chain broke with four laps to go. This left three drivers to fight for the victory – top qualifier Spike Kohlbecker (Margay), Tyler Ferris (Top Kart) and Caiden Young (Tony Kart). Coming to the line, Kohlbecker was able to lead out of the I-70 corner. Ferris set up for a pass on the inside down the stretch, but switched back to the outside as Kohlbecker drifted to the left. This slowed Ferris progress enough in the slingshot attempt to give Kohlbecker the advantage at the checkered flag by 87 thousandths of a second. Young followed closely in third with Jack Dorsey (Tony Kart) beating Zack Pretorius (FA Kart) for fourth.

Santiago Trisini (Benik) was one of the six double winners on the weekend, scoring the Sunday victory in the IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman division. Four drivers made up the lead pack with top qualifier and Prefinal winner Chloe Chambers (Benik) getting away at the start thanks to a rough opening corner that included a flip by point leader Ashton Chilton (Nitro Kart). He and everyone else walked away unhurt as the race continued. The trio ran her down by the halfway point with Trisini taking over the point. From there, he led the group for the remainder of the race and won the race to the checkered flag for the victory. Thomas Schrage (PCR) took second with Chambers in third. Connor Zilisch (Engery) was a close fourth with Elio Giovane (Benik) winning the battle for fifth.

The Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman division went down to the wire. Garrett Adams (FA Kart) and Saturday winner Sam Hinds (FA Kart) led the majority of the race with Chloe Chambers (Benik) and Annie Rhule (Energy) looking to make a move. It was not until the last push to the checkered flag that anything happened. Adams and Hinds went side-by-side with Chambers pulling the slingshot, going from third to first by the checkered flag to score her first WKA victory in her first event with the series and visiting the New Castle circuit for the first time. Adams was off by 46 thousandths with Hinds in third. Rhule was fourth with Mateo Rubio-Luengo (Benik) in fifth.

It was four drivers in the hunt early for the CRPRacing.com Mini Swift category until it came down to two at the end. Saturday winner Ben Maier (Nitro Kart) and Mateo Rubio-Luengo (Benik) were the two left standing at the end, with Maier winning the race to the checkered flag by three hundredths of a second. Sebastian Ng (Nitro Kart) was able to make a run at the end of the race to steal third away from Christian Miles (Formula K) and Elliot Cox (Energy) who faded away at the end.

The victor in the Briggs 206 Senior class was decided off the track. On the track, it was a three wide finish with Evan McCorquodale (Track Kart) crossing the line first by four hundredths of a second over David Kalb Jr. (Eagle) and Eric Fagan (Track Kart). In tech, McCorquodale failed a muffler measurement, and had the win removed. This put Kalb on top of the podium for a second time this weekend. Zach Linsell (MGM) was moved to third ahead of Kyle Fogt (CompKart) and Dustin DeMattia (Keener Kart).

Deadline for Northeast Knockout July 18

CONCORD, NC - As 4 Cycle competitors eagerly prepare for the first WKA visit by the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series at Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio July 28-30, WKA Officials want to remind all competitors that the pre entry deadline for stop #2 of the 3 race national program is slated for Tuesday July 18.

Following some exciting competition back in March in Jacksonville, Florida, competitors are hungry to get back behind the wheel and test for many, what will be their first ever visit to the Thompson facility.

Like Jacksonville, drivers will not only be vying for the weekends overall title, and the chance to stand atop the national podium, overall weekend champions will also be receiving generators from Briggs and Stratton, as well as prizes going to the second and third place overall finishers!!!! A minimum of 3 competitors need to be in the class in order to be eligible for the prizes.

Classes that will be vying for the awards and prizes include:

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

Additionally, classes will be available for LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts, as well as Rookie.

Activities will kick off Friday with the traditional Shootout races for Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206, immediately following practice. A 75% payback will be available for each class, based on kart count.

Competitors interested in reserving parking may contact James Denholm at jamestdenholm@gmail.com.

Don't miss the first ever chance to battle it out at Thompson for Gold Cup supremacy!!!!!

To view the entry info for the Northeast Knockout, CLICK HERE.  

Entries Pouring in for VIR Summer Nationals

CONCORD, NC - Woodbridge Kart Club Officials have been overwhelmed by the turnout of pre entries for the latest event for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting. The Summer Nationals, slated for July 21-23 at Virginia International Raceway, stop #4 of 5 for the National WKA Series, will mark a return for the first time in 2 years by the Road Race Series, since the track was repaved in July of 2016. Many competitors are busting at the seams with excitement, awaiting the opportunity to return to one of the most competitive and historic tracks in national sprint racing.

Headlining the action will be the first ever Battle of the Tires, featuring 4 classes on Saturday, including the Hoosier Racing Tire Animal Heavy, WT Racing IAME Sprint, Fisher Racing Engines Stock Honda, and Yamaha Sportsman Heavy classes. Drivers that sport either Dunlop or Hoosier tires on all 4 corners of the kart, and win the event, will receive a free set of tires from the respective tire distributor.

In addition to the four classes listed, there will be several more national classes in attendance, including several Local Option classes, ranging from Cadets to Vintage. Here's a look at the Local Option classes available.

Cadet LO206

Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

TaG Junior

WKC Vintage USA

WKC Vintage Open

WKC Vintage Euro

WKC Vintage Piston Port

Open Sprint

Pre Entries for the event must be received by July 14. Otherwise, competitors will have to sign up at the track. To register online, go to Woodbridgekartclub.com. Make checks payable to:

Woodbridge Kart Club

462 Earle Road

Charlestown, West Virginia 25414

Activities for the Summer Nationals get underway with a full day of practice, beginning Friday at 8am, with a full slate of daily activity Saturday and Sunday, starting 11am Saturday, and 10:15am on Sunday.

To view the Summer Nationals entry blank, CLICK HERE.

Remember to register online at www.Woodbridgekartclub.com!!!!

Manufacturers Cup Series – New Castle Preview

(Original story by David Cole of eKartingNews.com) - The 2017 Bridgestone World Karting Association Manufacturers Cup Series is set to return back to action after taking the month of June off. The third stop of the 2017 championship chase takes teams and competitors to the famed New Castle Motorsports Park for the Team Empower Nationals. The July 14-16 event will host Round Five and Six on the season to mark the halfway point for those vying for the eight championship titles in a best 8 of 10 format. Over 100 entries have pre-entered for the weekend with a number of additional drivers and teams scheduled to arrive in New Castle, Indiana to contest the 1-mile circuit owned by IndyCar driver Mark Dismore.

The weekend also marks the second event for the Bridgestone Mid-Season Shootout. Opening in Pittsburgh, the mini-series that includes the Dousman weekend will award tickets to the Rok Cup International Final in Lonato, Italy. Bridgestone will send the top point earner in the mini-series from Pro IAME Senior, Pro IAME Junior, Pro Swift Sportsman and Mini Swift to the October event. Those who finish the mini-series at the top of the standings in the Yamaha Senior, Yamaha Junior, Yamaha Sportsman and Briggs 206 divisions will receive entry fee, race tires, and drivers pit pass to the WKA Grand Nationals at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina on October 13-15.

With his victory in Round Four, Braden Eves (MDD / Kosmic) has taken over as the championship leader in the KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior standings. A 25-point advantage over Round One winner AJ Myers (TB Kart USA), as the two are the clear favorites reaching the halfway point. Four different drivers have been victorious on the year, including Daytona winner Brandon Jarsocrak (KSNA / Praga) returning for New Castle after missing Pittsburgh. Former WKA champion Brandon Lemke (Top Kart USA) got back on the winning ways with the triumph in Wampum, ready to move up into the championship chase.

Eves (MDD / FA Kart) moved into the lead of the FranklinKart.com Yamaha Senior standings as well following his Pittsburgh performance. Winning Round Three, Eves is the only non-Top Kart driver to win on the year thus far. Round One winner Alexander Kardashian (Top Kart) sits second in the standings with two-time winner Dakota Pesek (Top Kart) trailing by 90 points after four rounds of racing. Merlin driver Jake Venberg and Carter Pease (Top Kart) complete the top-five in the standings, with another solid field of Yamaha drivers expected in New Castle.

Four different drivers have won on the year in the Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior category. Round Three winner and defending champion Pauly Massimino (Top Kart) holds the lead in the standings with a 100-point advantage over Tahlon Yockel (Tony Kart). Tyler Ferris (Top Kart) is the only other 2017 winner scheduled to compete in New Castle, currently sitting fifth in the standings behind Colin Gasparini (Tony Kart) and Max Peichel (Tony Kart).

Colin Neal (Tony Kart) and Elliott Budzinski (Tony Kart) have exchanged wins through the first two events of the season in the Comet Kart Sales Yamaha Junior category. The two have posted the same amount of points over the first four rounds of racing, heading into New Castle to break up the tie. Tyler Ferris (Top Kart) is not too far behind with four straight top-three finishes to sit 15 points back of the duo. Caiden Young (Tony Kart) and Emory Lyda (Merlin) round out the top-five in the standings with nearly 20 drivers already pre-entered for the weekend.

Two wins and two additional podium finishes have kept Ashton Chilton at the top of the standings for the IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman. The Nitro Kart driver holds a 180-point advantage over Round Three winner Connor Zilisch (Energy) heading into New Castle. Brent Crews (Nitro Kart) left Pittsburgh with two runner-up results to move him into third in the standings ahead of Santiago Trisini (Benik) and Logan Adams (Benik).

The Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman class also holds four different winners on the season. The most recent winner, Mateo Rubio-Luengo (Benik), leads the championship chase. Mateo holds a 35-point advantage heading into New Castle over hometown boy and Round Two winner Garrett Adams (FA Kart). His brother, Logan Adams (FA Kart), is third in the standings over Sam Hinds (FA Kart) and Thomas Schrage (PCR).

It is two wins a piece for Caleb Gafrarar and Mateo Rubio-Luengo in the CRPRacing.com Mini Swift division. Gafrarar won Round One and Four, with Mateo (Benik) earning the other two rounds. Gafrarar (Parolin) holds the advantage in the standings by 55 markers heading into the New Castle weekend. Ben Maier (Nitro Kart), Elliot Cox (Energy) and Miles Murray (Nitro Kart) compete the top-five in the standings to this point.

Zach Linsell has been the most consistent driver over the first four rounds in the Briggs 206 Senior championship chase. Linsell (MGM) leads by 102 points over Pittsburgh double winner Eric Fagan (Keener Kart). Jeremy Warren (Track Kart) sits third over Dustin Demattia (Keener Kart).

Below are the top-five in the standings for the Bridgestone Mid-Season Shootout:

Pro IAME Senior

1. Braden Eves – 415
2. Brandon Lemke – 380
3. Alexander Kardashian – 370
4. AJ Myers – 335
5. Ryan Raffa – 280

Yamaha Senior

1. Dakota Pesek – 403
2. Braden Eves – 368
3. Alexander Kardashian – 338
4. Nick Landi – 323
5. Jake Venberg – 298

Pro IAME Junior

1. Pauly Massimino – 397
2. Tahlon Yockel – 392
3. Tyler Ferris – 382
4. Colin Gasparini – 337
5. Alex Yankowski – 282

Yamaha Junior

1. Caiden Young – 393
2. Colin Neal – 383
3. Elliot Budzinski – 363
4. Tyler Ferris – 353
5. Evan Stamer – 263

Pro Swift Sportsman

1. Ashton Chilton – 392
2. Brent Crews – 387
3. Connor Zilisch – 377
4. Logan Adams – 332
5. Annie Rhule – 287

Yamaha Sportsman

1. Connor Zilisch – 402
2. Mateo Rubio Luengo
3. Thomas Schrage
4. Annie Rhule
5. Logan Adams

Mini Swift

1. Caleb Gafrarar – 391
2. Ben Maier – 341
3. Elliot Cox – 331
4. Miles Murray – 291
5. Mateo Rubio-Luengo – 281

Briggs 206 Senior

1. Eric Fagan – 420
2. David Kalb Jr. – 350
3. Jeremy Warren – 315
4. Zach Linsell – 285
5. Evan McCorquadale – 280

MANUFACTURER'S CUP NEW CASTLE EVENT SCHEDULE

CONCORD, NC - We are all geared up for the races this weekend, how about you? Click the button below to view the schedule of events for the Bridgestone Manufacturer's Cup at New Castle Motorsports Park this weekend, July 14th-16th, for the Team Empower Nationals.  See you all real soon!

Sponsor Spotlight: Tillotson Racing

How long has Tillotson been around and who founded the company?

Tillotson was founded in 1914 so it is over 100years old! The company originated in Toledo, Ohio however manufacturing has since moved to Tralee in County Kerry, Ireland. It was originally part of the Borg Warner Group however it was taken over by the Demirco Group in the 1970’s.

Tillotson is famous for developing the first diaphragm carburetor which revolutionized the lawn and garden industry but also found its way into the karting industry. Diaphragm carburetors have since become the standard in kart racing and Tillotson continues to develop their products to suit the specific engine requirements for the Karting market.

How long have you been a sponsor of the WKA and what brought you into the karting world?

Tillotson has sponsored the WKA since 2014. We are the carburetor supplier to engine manufacturer IAME which is the engine used in the WKA series.

What's going on right now with Tillotson and where is the company going in the future? 

Our engineers at Tillotson are continuously developing our carburetors to improve both performance and ease of use. We have been working closely with IAME to help roll out their KA10, Mini Swift, X30, Super X30 and X30 Super Shifters in the US, Europe and Australia.  We have spent thousands of hours in testing and development to make sure the carburetion provides consistent results and is easy to tune.  We are also developing new technologies for open classes and at the international CIK FIA level in the OK categories.  We’ve been having great success there, with our product helping to win the 2016 CIK FIA World Championship. We have some exciting new developments particularly for the USA market which will be announced later this year or early next year.

To read or learn more about Tillotson Racing, check out their website and FB page below:

New Castle Pre Entry Deadline Extended

CONCORD, NC - With the deadline for the TEAM EMPOWER Nationals falling just a day after the 4th of July, and many using Monday the 3rd as an extended holiday weekend, World Karting Officials have moved the Pre Entry Deadline for the July 14-16 national event at New Castle Motorsports Park to Friday July 7, thus giving everyone a chance to get back in the swing of things after the Tuesday holiday.

To register online for the event, CLICK HERE.

To view the paper entry blank, CLICK HERE.

Important Tech Update for Manufacturer's Cup Racers

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

(JULY 3, 2017)

CONCORD, NC - Beginning with the next Manufactures Cup event at New Castle Motorsports Park, we will be including the exhaust header in our engine sealing process for Mini Swift, all the Yamaha classes and Iame Junior.

For the Iame Junior and the Yamaha classes, the wire will pass thru one head nut and thru the support strap on the exhaust header or can pipe.

For the MiniSwift, the wire will past thru one head nut and one of the header nuts.

All other classes require the wire to pass thru two head nuts.

Please insure you have all your hardware drilled with a 3/32" hole in advance.

ATTENTION All two cycle karts competing in the Man-Cup & Road Race Series

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

(JUNE 29TH, 2017)

CONCORD, NC - All two cycle karts competing in the Man-Cup and the Road Race series will be required to utilize an auxiliary carb return spring. This rule does not apply to karts using a slide carb with an internal compression type return spring --- several acceptable types are shown below -- other types may be used if inspected and approved by the WKA tech officials.

This rule will be in effect immediately and all karts must be in compliance before entering the track at upcoming events.  See pictures below for details.

Pre Entry Deadline for TEAM EMPOWER Nationals July 5

CONCORD, NC - Competitors gearing up for the latest stop for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series at New Castle Motorsports Park have 1 week left before the pre entry window closes for the TEAM EMPOWER Nationals July 14-16.

With the Pre Entry deadline set for July 5th, drivers are anxiously awaiting a return to the track, which will mark stop #2 for the Bridgestone Mid Season Shootout, a battle within the ultimate battle for the 2017 national championship. The 3 race shootout will conclude in August at Wolf Paving Raceway in Dousman, Wisconsin, with the top point earners in Mini Swift, Pro Swift Sportsman, Pro IAME Junior, and Pro IAME Senior receiving an all expense paid trip, less travel, to the ROK Cup International Final in South Garda, Italy in October, for classes that utilize Bridgestone Tires.

Top Point earners in Yamaha Sportsman, Yamaha Junior, Yamaha Senior, and CIK LO206 Senior will receive a free entry, race tires, and a drivers pit pass to the season ending Grand National event Oct 13-15 at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Classes on hand for the New Castle event include:

CIK LO206 Senior

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman

Comet Kart Sales Yamaha Junior

Franklinkart.com Yamaha Senior

CRPRACING.com Mini Swift

IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman

Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior

KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior

Activities for the TEAM EMPOWER Nationals get underway Friday July 14 with a full day of practice, followed by 2 full days of racing.

For those wishing to get a jump on the weekend, and practice early, the track will be open Tuesday through Thursday for practice from 10am-7pm. For pricing information, contact Mike Adams at (765) 987-8090.

To register online, CLICK HERE.

To view the paper entry blank, CLICK HERE.

Sponsor Spotlight: CRPRacing.com

What exactly does CRP Racing do?

CRP Racing is a full service kart shop. We carry parts and kart accessories, safety gear (from kid karts to adult) and everything in between.

How long has the company been around and who founded it?

CRP Racing has been around since 2002 and was founded by Kevin Harter. In 2013 it was purchased by Brian Erickson and then sold to John Grim in February 2017.

How long have you been a sponsor of the WKA and what brought you into the karting world?

CRP Racing has been a sponsor for a few years now and we are always at the races as our son, Aryton Grim, races as well.

Are there any WKA racers who you sponsor and would like to highlight?

Aryton Grim, Addison Ianniello & Riley Erickson

What are your plans for the future of CRP Racing?

We are working on expanding our product lines, building our clientele, and expanding our presence all over the United States.  We are working on creating lasting relationships with our vendors and our customers.

To see more information about CRP Racing, please go to their website and like their Facebook page:

***To have your brand featured on our Sponsor Spotlight, please email Nicole at shift.counseling@gmail.com for more information if you have not received information via email yet.***

Battle of Tires to Highlight VIR Road Race Weekend

CONCORD, NC - Located in the shadows of one of the many Goodyear Tire Manufacturing Facilities in nearby Danville, Virginia, it’s only fitting that stop #4 for the Dunlop / Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting,  will be the site of a friendly little wheel war July 21-23 at Virginia International Raceway in neighboring Alton, Virginia.

As competitors prepare for the Summer Nationals at the famed Virginia Road Course, both Jim Russell Jr of Dunlop, the series title sponsor, as well as Adam Batton and the folks of Hoosier Racing Tires, have elected to have a little fun with a few classes on Saturday afternoon, thus awarding a set of tires to winners in 4 specific classes. The classes of choice are the following:

Hoosier Racing Tire Animal Heavy

Yamaha Sportsman Heavy

WT Racing IAME Sprint

Fisher Racing Engines Stock Honda

In order for a driver to be eligible to receive the tires, he/she MUST be running either the Dunlop or Hoosier brand on all four corners of the kart.

Tires, and/or certificates for the tires will be available at the track for competitors on that weekend.

The Battle of the Tires adds yet another element to the prestige of racing on one of Americas legendary road courses. With the North Course being repaved in July of last year, competitors are more than ready for a return to the historic course, a key race in the battle for the respective overall national titles, with the Grand National event at Atlanta Motorsports Park in September hanging in the balance as the deciding race to determine the 2017 national champions.

In addition to tires being awarded on the track, there will also be 2 sets of rain tires given away during the weekend.

Tons of national and local option classes will be offered on that weekend, ranging from Cadet Karts to 4 different Vintage Classes, offering something for every age group available.

Activities for the VIR Summer Nationals get underway with a full day of practice Friday, followed by two jammed packed days of racing Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers wishing to enter can do so by going to: Woodbridgekartclub.com and registering.

To view the entry information and weekend schedule, CLICK HERE.

Briggs Generators and Many Prizes to be Handed Out at Thompson National

CONCORD, NC - In keeping with the theme of the first race of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, WKA Officials will once again be organizing merchandise to go along with the awards to the weekends top overall finishers in the series second event of the season for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series, the Northeast Knockout July 28-30 at Thompson Kart Raceway in Thompson, Ohio.

Through the efforts of Dave Klaus of Briggs & Stratton, the weekends overall champions will be receiving generators for their efforts, with prizes also going to the weekends 2nd and 3rd place overall finishers. In order to claim the prizes, there must be a minimum of 3 karts in the respective national classes.

Classes eligible for the merchandise include:

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Senior Pro Gas

The LO206 and 2 Cycle Kid Kart Classes will be a part of the weekend program as well, running as a non national points class, with awards going to the participants in the class each day.

In addition to the weekend prizes, competitors can get a jump on extra track time and potential money with the Shootout Races Friday evening following practice. Classes will include Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206 with a 75% payback to the top 5, based on kart count.

Thompson Kart Raceway will also be hosting a practice session on Thursday July 27 from 1-8pm. For more information, contact Doug Marsh at (440) 289-5291.

Entries are now being taken for the inaugural visit by WKA to the Ohio facility. To view the weekend schedule, and register for classes, CLICK HERE.

Thompson Gold Cup Entry Blank Now Online & Important Announcements for All Series

CONCORD, NC - World Karting Officials are proud to announce the availability of the latest Entry Blank for the RLV Tuned Exhaust Products Gold Cup Series. The Northeast Knockout, stop #2 on the 3 race series for the Gold Cup Series, brings several competitors to Thompson Kart Raceway in Ohio for the very first time July 28-30, joining the fine staff of Doug Marsh and the CKRA.

10 national classes will be vying for the overall top honors for the weekend, including:

LO206/2 Cycle Kid Karts

GT Machine Junior Pro Gas

GT Machine Sportsman Pro Gas

Target Distributing Senior LO206

Water Medic Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

Boon and Sons Sportsman LO206

Rookie

Masters Senior

Coyote Racing Chassis Senior Pro Gas

As always, action gets underway Friday July 28 with a full day of practice, followed by Shootout races for the Sportsman, Junior, and Senior LO206 classes, with a 75% payback in each class, based on participation.

For those wishing to gain some additional track time, Thompson Kart Raceway will be hosting a practice session on Thursday from 1-8pm. For more information on the Thursday practice, contact Doug Marsh at (440) 289-5291. Fees for the Thursday practice will be taken care of directly by the track, and not a part of the entry blank.

For the second event in a row, the top 3 overall weekend winners will be receiving product, including generators from Briggs & Stratton to the weekends overall winners per class, with prizes for 2nd and 3rd also being made available. Prizes will apply to classes that maintain a minimum of 3 participants in each class.

Entry fee is $85 per national class, with a pre entry deadline slated for July 18. Kid Karts will pay $50 for their pre entry fee, also with a July 18th deadline.

To view the weekend schedule for the Northeast Knockout, CLICK HERE.

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Important information regarding Registration and Pre-Entry pick up for all race series:

Pit Passes must be purchased and all waivers executed prior to picking up pre-entry packets, practice stickers or registering at registration. We will no longer allow competitors to pick up pre-entry packets without proof of pit pass purchased aka wrist band number.

Also, a valid completion license is required. Please be ready to show your current WKA membership license at registration.

Meeting Minutes now available:

The most recent meeting minutes are also now available.  CLICK HERE to read them.

CKI Pads Lead in Chassis Standings

CONCORD, NC - Competition Karting Inc out of Welcome, North Carolina, a longtime stalwart in the chassis business, further strengthened its lead in the Manufacturers Standings this past weekend at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia in the Dunlop / Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting.

Coming into the weekend, CKI tallied 26 wins so far in classes that netted 3 or more entries. This past weekend, John Klutz and the CKI gang added another 8 wins, bringing their current total to 34 wins so far this season. All totalled, 11 different chassis's scored wins at Summit Point, including 2 apiece by Ital Kart, Praga, Bandit, and Minarelli. Registering 1 win for the weekend were Elite, CRG, DSE, Ballistic, PT4, and Cyclone.

The wins accrued by CKI now give them a commanding 28 win edge with 2 races left in the season, July 21-23 at Virginia International Raceway, and the season finale September 15-17 at Atlanta Motorsports Park.

Here's a look at the updated standings:

CKI: 34

MGM: 6

Elite: 5

Ital Kart: 5

Margay: 4

CRG: 3

Praga: 3

Arrow: 3

Owl: 2

Parolin: 2

Warren: 2

PT2: 2

DR: 2

Birel: 2

DSE: 2

Bandit: 2

Minarelli: 2

PVP: 1

Sodi Kart: 1

Coyote: 1

Tony Kart: 1

Kosmic: 1

Ballistic: 1

PT4: 1

Cyclone: 1

VIR Entry Blank Now Available

CONCORD, NC - Fresh off of Race #3 for the Dunlop / Xeramic National Road Race Series event at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia, the preparations for Race #4 are quickly underway, as competitors can now begin the entry process for the Summer Nationals at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, scheduled for July 21-23.

Following a 1 year hiatus at the track due to a repaving of the course used by Road Race competitors in 2016, this years event at VIR is expected to draw huge numbers, as the quest for the national championship in the many national points classes will continue.

Run by the Woodbridge Kart Club, the entry blank for this years WKA Summer Nationals is now available online. both on the WKA website, as well as the Woodbridge Kart Club site. As was the case with the Summit Point event, competitors can go to woodbridgekartclub.com to register for the classes they choose to run. Pre Entry cutoff for the event is set for July 14. After that, competitors will be required to pay the At Track Fees for entering and practice. Checks can be made payable to;

Woodbdridge Kart Club

462 Earle Road

Charlestown, West Virginia 25414.

In addition to the national classes offered, there will be several Local Option Classes available, including

Cadet LO206

Junior LO206

CIK LO206 Senior

TaG Junior

Open Sprint

WKC Vintage USA

WKC Vintage Euro

WKC Vintage Piston Port

WKC Vintage Open

Action for the Summer Nationals begins with a full day of practice Friday on the newly repaved track, beginning at 8am, with racing on Saturday beginning at 11am, and 10:15am Sunday.

To view the Summer Nationals Entry Blank, CLICK HERE.

Get to Know WKA Team Member: Jake Tretow

CONCORD, NC -  If you race in the Manufacturer's Cup or Winter Cup you definitely should be able to recognize Jake Tretow.  Jake flags the start/finish line and is probably one of the best flaggers let alone one of the biggest racing fans out there.  Jake grew up racing karts on the paved oval courses and now is a legends car racer.  He loves being at the races, watching all the battles and enjoys the jokes and camaraderie that comes with being apart of the WKA race staff. Read more about Jake, his racing and flagging life below in this interview:

How many years have you been in the racing world?

"18 years, since 1999."

Have you ever raced? If so, what and for how long?

"I raced WKA pavement oval from 2003-2007 and now I race legends cars."

What made you want to work for the WKA?

"It was a great opportunity to learn more about karting and have a great time with some awesome people."

What does a day in the life look like at the WKA races?

"I'm at the start/finish line all weekend (Friday-Sunday) flagging and watching every race."

What is your favorite racing series to watch?

"Weekly short track racing is by far the best racing there is, whether it is on pavement or dirt."

What do you enjoy most about WKA races?

"The people are awesome and I enjoy watching large groups of karts battle for wins."

Which race has been your most memorable so far, and why?

"I have worked the races at Daytona for the past 3 years.  It's really cool having the Manufacturer's Cup, Road Race Series and Dirt Series all at the same place. "

 Is there anything else you’d like to share?

"Racing is the best addiction there is, but I'm a firm believer that if you are not having fun [at the races] you are in the wrong business."

Conlon Scores Career First Wins in Summit Point Nationals

CONCORD, NC - The third national event of the season for the Dunlop / Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting found some new faces in victory lane, along with some outstanding on track competition all weekend long at Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia.

Headlining the win category was Sean Conlon, scoring his first two career wins in one of the toughest classes of the weekend, the WT Racing IAME Sprint class, sweeping the weekends activities. 

Other multiple winners over the weekend included Jason Lorang, again winning in laydown and situp by virtue of his Formula 100 and TaG Heavy wins. Louie Magiera swept the WKA Sprint category, while Jonathan Tedder took the top honors both days in a stout Animal Heavy field. Pascual Torres cleaned house in Stock Honda competition, while Sean O'Shea did the same in the 100cc Controlled class. Dan Febroriello pulled the broom out in the Yamaha Sportsman Sprint class, while Bill Holder took top honors in both Yamaha Sportsman Medium and Heavy.

For Conlon, his first win came Saturday in the WT Racing IAME Sprint class, topping Clark Gaynor Jr, Brad Adams, Chase Speacht, and Travis Waddell. Sundays race mirrored a Talladega finish, with the  top 6 running nose to tail, then fanning out 4 and 5 wide coming to the stripe, with Conlon again scoring the win, this time over Waddell, with Gaynor, Speacht, and Adams the top 5.

Bill Holder began his weekend off on the right foot, taking the CKI Yamaha Sportsman Medium class honors on Saturday over Scott Clark, Robert Cacoilo, Scott Dixon, and Simon Whitnell. On Sunday, Holder strapped on a little extra weight, taking the Heavy win over Whitnell, Michael Marr, and Scott Clark. 

Midwesterner Jason Lorang continued his impressive season in both styles of Road Racing, first taking the KALL Racing/Millers Dynotime Racing Formula 100 event over Travis Miller, then taking the West Texas Outlaws TaG Heavy class over John Bryant, Gary Sircy, Brad Adams, and Charles Speacht. Lorang returned on Sunday for a sweep of the TaG Heavy action, besting Adams, Sircy, Speacht, and Bryant.

Louie Magiera continues his steady pace of wins, racking up another pair in the WKA Sprint category, first on Saturday over John Leins, James Leins, and Ian Krueger, then returning for the Sunday sweep over John Leins, JC Sanders, George Williams, and Ian Krueger.

Dan Febbroriello was next in line, taking the Yamaha Sportsman Sprint main over son Daniel, with the same result taking place on Day 2.

Sean O'Shea swept the 100cc Controlled class over the weekend, topping Ian Morgan both days, while Jonathan Tedder led the 4 Cycle charge, taking control of both Hoosier Racing Tires Animal Heavy wins. Tedder topped Rob Garland, Andrew Boyer, Ethan Beasom, and Bill Lewis on the first day, with David Clevenger, Tony Wimmer, Garland, and Boyer chasing Tedder across the stripe on Day 2. 

Joining Jonathan Tedder in the 4 Cycle sweep category was Ben Thomason, taking both days of action in the Animal Lite class.

Pascual Torres was the final duel event winner over the weekend, sweeping the Fisher Racing Engines Stock Honda class, first topping David Harding, Steven Waddell, Gonzalo Correa, and Denver Liabenow on day 1, then returning on Sunday to best Waddell, Harding, Daniel Justice, and Collin Johnson.

Other winners over the weekend included:

Day 1:

Animal Medium: David Clevenger

Clone/LO206 Heavy: James Cartledge

Clone/LO206 Lite: Peter Mazzarella

125 Sprint Shifter: Thomas Dupont

The Agile Group Unlimited: George Sunderland

Yamaha Sportsman Heavy: Scott Clark

Junior Enduro: Logan Nedelka

TaG Junior: Jalen Dhanoolal

Junior Animal: Croix Beasom

CIK/LO206 Senior: Clark Gaynor Sr

X30 Laydown: JC Sanders

Yamaha Senior: James Rupert

WKC Vintage Open: Tony Elliason

WKC Open Sprint: Brad Schmider

WKC Vintage Piston Port: Arthur McKenny

Day 2:

CIKLO206 Senior: Clark Gaynor Sr

Junior TaG: Jalen Dhanoolal

Animal Medium: Tony Wimmer

Junior Animal: Croix Beasom

Clone LO206 Heavy: Andrew Boyer

Junior Enduro: Logan Nedelka

Yamaha Senior: Don Johnson

WKC Vintage Euro: Derek Somers

WKC Vintage Open: Fiona Anderson

The weekend wasn't entirely about on track activity, as longtime veteran supporters Bill and Peyton Miller became the latest 2 inductees into the World Karting Hall of Fame, during the Saturday morning drivers meeting, while many of the Woodbridge Kart Club competitors were honored Saturday evening at a cookout at the track, being recognized for their efforts in 2016.

Special thanks to WKC President Rodney Smith and his entire staff for their great hospitality and professionalism throughout the weekend.

The WKA and WKC will unite once again July 21-23 for the 4th national event of the season at the newly repaved Virginia International Raceway. Entry info will be made available shortly on the Woodbridge Kart Club site. 

New Castle Online Registration & Entry Blank Now Available

CONCORD, NC - With 2 races down and 3 to go for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, the Summer officially begins with stop #3 for the series July 14-16 at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana in the running of the TEAM EMPOWER NATIONALS.

Competitors wishing to get a jump on registering for stop #3 of the Bridgestone Mid Season Shootout and the third overall national points race for 2017 can do so now, as both the online and paper entry blanks are now available to view and get signed up.

8 national classes again will be offered, including;

CIK LO206 Senior

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman

Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior

Franklinkart.com Yamaha Senior

CRPRACING.com Mini Swift

IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman

Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior

KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior

The Kid Karts, debuting a few weeks ago at Pittsburgh, will once again be a part of the program, with a competitors Pit Pass covering their cost of entering for the event. 

Pro Swift Sportsman and Pro IAME Junior will again be running for a $500 payday to the weekends overall champion, with $250 going to Second, and a set of Bridgestone Tires going to third, while the Top Overall Champion in Pro IAME Senior will take home a $1,000 payday, with $500 going to second and a set of Bridgestone Tires to the third place overall finisher for the weekend.

One lucky recipient will again be eligible for a Tillotson Generator, courtesy of a drawing to be held Sunday afternoon.

The race will mark the two thirds distance in the Bridgestone Mid Season Shootout, with the finale taking place Aug 25-27 at Wolf Paving Raceway in Dousman, Wisconsin. High Point Earners in the Mini Swift, Pro Swift Sportsman, Pro IAME Junior, and Pro IAME Senior classes will receive an all expense paid trip, less travel, to the ROK Cup International Final in October in South Garda, Italy.

High Point earners in Yamaha Sportsman, Yamaha Junior, Yamaha Senior, and CIK LO 206 Senior will receive entry fee, tires, and drivers pit pass to the season ending Grand National event Oct 13-15 at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina.

For those wishing to reserve parking for the New Castle event, contact NCMP at (765) 987-8090.

To register online, CLICK HERE.

To view the paper entry blank, CLICK HERE.