WKA Announces Charlotte Event Name, Class Structures & Registration Date

Registration to Open Memorial Day 2019
 

CONCORD, NC - After extensive work and dedication from the WKA Staff, Trustees and Executive Team for WKA’s return to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, June 21-23, the World Karting Association is pleased to bring the event into a little more focus with the announcement of the Event’s Name, Class Structures, and Track Layouts, all available at worldkarting.com.  Registration for all three races will be available Memorial Day.

“The WKA Team has already put so much into this event to applaud our rich history at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, it was time we announced to our membership and the Karting Public the important aspects of this trifecta event.”, stated WKA President Kevin Williams, “Work still continues, securing all other aspects of this stellar event, which when completed will be announced on the event page of WKA’s website, worldkarting.com. Everyone on our great sport is really looking forward to this event.  It’s very exciting!“
Together with the Charlotte Motor Speedway, WKA announces the event name, the Charlotte Motor Speedway WKA Karting Challenge in Concord, NC.  Branding the event as a major step in establishing identification to help Karters from all disciplines to plan their racing commitments.

With input from all the WKA Series Committees, Class Structures for all three racing programs are now available.  National Classes from the WKA Tech Manual are included for both the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup for Sprint Racing, and Vega Tires National Road Racing Series for Road Racing, while Speedway Committee Members recognized an exciting line up for the MaxxisSpeedway Dirt Race.  Local Option Classes offered for the Sprint Track will include the Briggs 206 (CIK Chassis) Senior Class, while the Road Race will invite Open Sprint and Vintage Piston Port and Open racers to the event.

With a well-orchestrated plan to establish safe, competitive, raceable track layouts for all three programs, WKA Staffers solicited industry experts to design and maximize the track layouts for the WKA Karting Challenge at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Road Racers will enjoy the majority of the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway “Roval”, (without the back straight chicane), leaving a substantial amount of the Roval available for the Sprint Racers, both racing in counter-clockwise direction.  Conversely, the Speedway Dirt Racers will relish a modified version of the renowned Charlotte Dirt Track to do battle Friday and Saturday nights of the event weekend.
 
“Making information available to our members and the karting public, especially on our website, worldkarting.com, is an important part of delivering consistent news that is beneficial to our audience and helps the karting community make their plans., “continued Williams, “The enormous assistance of the WKA team and the amazing staff at Charlotte Motor Speedway to bring such a monumental event to the karting community is really for everyone’s enjoyment.  After all, that’s why we bring such creative events to karting.  With these announcements today, we now look to prepare the registration forms, which will be available Memorial Day.”

Hotels and discounted rental cars have already been secured for the participants at discounted prices, and are available for the event right now at www.worldkarting.com   Online Entry/Entry Forms, parking, garage/pit space/camping reservations will be available Memorial Day, 2019.

About World Karting Association- The World Karting Association has been a non-profit, Membership Organization since 1971, and has provided venues for members to enjoy all aspects of Karting in the USA, from its office in Concord, NC, including the famous Daytona Kartweek and annual Charlotte Motor Speedway Karting Challenge.  Providing Regulations, Instruction and Certifications, Racing Series, Insurance, and venues for fair and safe Karting on all levels, WKA has a place for everyone in Karting.   For more information, contact WKA at info@worldkarting.com, or www.worldkarting.com

To view your race series' information regarding the Charlotte Motor Speedway Karting Challenge, click the links below:

Vega Road Racing Series

Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series

Maxxis Speedway Dirt Race

2018 National Road Race Schedule Released

CONCORD, NC - As preparations for the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek approach, WKA Officials are happy to release the 2018 version of the National Road Race Schedule. As a long standing participant in Daytona KartWeek, the Road Race Series will again kick off what will amount to a 7 race national schedule beginning at the World Center of Racing.

The national schedule gets the increase in events as a result of successful discussions with the KART organization in the midwest, returning a much needed midwest venue to the national fold for WKA. Events at Heartland Park Topeka, as well as a return to the National Corvette Museum facility will enhance a national schedule that features a great mix of national venues, including continued relationships with Southern Kart Club and Woodbridge Kart Club. 

Additionally, preparations are also in the works for the 2017 National Road Race Awards Presentation to be held in conjunction with the annual awards presentation for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series on December 27. Location and time of the festivities is still being finalized, and will be anounced shortly.

Once the series departs Daytona, competitors get a couple months off before heading to Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia for stop #2 with the Southern Kart Club March 9-11. 

The third stop on the series will be a change from the past 2 years, as WKA Officials will switch the annual September event at Atlanta Motorsports Park to the weekend of May 4-6. 

Stop #4 will be a return to the freshly repaved Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia June 2 and 3. The Woodbridge Kart Club is currently looking into the ability to host a Friday Practice Day, with details coming shortly.

WKC will be the host of the 5th stop on the series, as competitors hopefully find a little cooler weather this year at the famed Virginia International Raceway July 20-22. Strong numbers in the series return to the facility this past year were greeted by incredibly hot temperatures, but fantastic racing. 

The insurgence of midwest flavor on the schedule takes center stage for the remaining 2 events with stop #6 at Heartland Park Topeka Raceway in Kansas August 10-12.

From there, the series has a chance to catch its breath, as many tracks will be wrapping up regional programs. The Grand National finale will take place at NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky November 9-11.

With an increased schedule, competitors will be able to count their best 5 of 7 races for season points, with a minimum of 4 races required to be run to qualifyfor year end awards. For Final 1/Final 2 formatted races, it will be best 9 of 14 races, with a minimum of 8 races run for year end awards.

Here's a look at the 2018 National Road Race Schedule:

Dec 27-30: Daytona International Speedway

March 9-11: Roebling Road Raceway

May 4-6: Atlanta Motorsports Park

Jun 2, 3: Summit Point Motorsports Park

July 20-22: Virginia International Raceway

Aug 10-12: Heartland Park Topeka Raceway

Nov 9-11: NCM Motorsports Park

If you would like to reserve your number for 2018, CLICK HERE to be taken to the form.

Pro IAME Junior and Senior Drivers to Run new Bridgestone YNB Compound for GoPro Finale

CONCORD, NC - Bridgestone Officials have notified World Karting Association, that due to a lack of ample supply of Bar Coded YLM Tires, and in an effort to ensure that competitors in the Pro IAME Junior and Senior classes are well covered for the season ending Grand National event October 13-15 at GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina, the new Bridgestone YNB Compound would be the tire that will be utilized.

All competitors in these 2 classes who have pre-entered by the October 6 deadline, will be issued  1 free set of practice tires, as well as 2 sets of race tires for the weekend. Tire pick-up will begin at noon on Thursday Oct.12th.  Additionally, any drivers in these 2 classes who still have the Bridgestone YLM Tires in the wrapper, can do a one for one exchange for the new YNB compound tire at the event.  Bridgestone asks that competitors contact, Margay Racing Products at (314) 771-4242 or Grand Products at (215) 244-1940 with the quantity of each size so they can have the proper amount at the event for exchange.  

As of September 13, dealers have taken possession of the YNB tire, giving customers time to purchase additional tires for practice, and testing on the new YNB compound.  This is a copy of the Bridgestone announcement:   

As Bridgestone enters its 40th year of supplying premium kart racing tires to the US Karting market, Bridgestone Kartsport would like to confirm its product line for the 2018 season and beyond. Consisting of two new compounds (YNB, YNP) along with two existing compounds (YLC, YDS), Bridgestone continues its practice of offering a complete range of tires for all sprint kart racing applications.

Homologated with CIK-FIA as the ‘prime’ compound, the Bridgestone YNB has already proven to be an outstanding tire in the KZ & KZ2 categories in WSK, the CIK World Championship and CIK European championship and will replace the YLM compound typically used in premier-level racing in the US.

Bridgestone has long been the tire of choice when it comes to wet weather racing and that dominance is set to continue with the new YNP rain tire which features a new compound and more aggressive tread pattern and replaces the YLP compound.

The YLC and YDS compounds have proven to be ideal tires for club, regional and national level racing for several years and both compounds will remain unchanged for 2018.

Continuing a relationship that exceeds 25 years, Bridgestone will be the exclusive tire supplier for the World Karting Associations 2018 six-race Manufacturers Cup series.

2018 Bridgestone Kart Tire Product Summary: 

YDS Compound: Sizes: 4.5/10.0-5, 6.0/11.0-5, 7.1/11.0-5 Durometer: 68 Barcoded: no

Available: now Applications: Club racing with an emphasis on durability

YLC Compound: Sizes: 4.5/10.0-5, 6.0/11.0-5, 7.1/11.0-5 Durometer: 48 Barcoded: yes

Available: now Applications: Club, regional & national level racing, ideal for Briggs LO206 and Yamaha categories 

YNB Compound: (NEW) Replaces: YLM Sizes: 4.5/10.0-5, 7.1/11.0-5 Durometer: 36 Barcoded: yes

Available: September 1st Applications: Premier & National level racing 

YNP Compound: (NEW) Replaces: YLP Sizes: 4.5/10.0-5, 6.0/11.0-5 Durometer: 35 Barcoded: yes

Available: late September Applications: 2 & 4 cycle rain racing 

Please note: durometer readings are taken at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius +/- 2C (73.4F +/- 3.5F) with a humidity of 50% +/-5%.

This decision was made as a result of the ongoing professional relationship between Bridgestone and WKA, with officials feeling this is the absolute best way to maintain as level a playing field as possible in the midst of an unexpected situation.

Daytona KartWeek Plans in Full Swing

CONCORD, NC - With the 2017 racing season rapidly coming to a conclusion, World Karting Officials are busy preparing for the beginning of the 2018 national season, which, in comparison to most other forms of motorsports, begins before the previous calendar year comes to a halt.

WKA and Daytona International Speedway Officials, as well as other groups involved in the December spectacle, have already begun discussion on the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek. At present, the various Competition Committees for the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting, and Speedway Dirt have begun not only the process of finalizing class structure, but also nailing down the 2018 national schedule.

As always, Daytona KartWeek will get underway December 27 with parking for all 3 groups participating, followed by a full day of practice for Road Race and Mfg Cup Dec 28, while Speedway Dirt will begin Race Day #1. National competition for the Road Race and Mfg Cup Series will officially kick into gear Dec 29th and 30th.

Be sure and keep in touch with the World Karting website for weekly updates, as the latest edition of Daytona KartWeek nears.

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.

Get to Know WKA Team Member: Xander Clements

WOODSTOCK, GA- If you have raced in or have come to watch a race in the WKA Manufacturer's Cup or Winter Cup, his face may not look familiar but his voice just might.  Xander Clements has been announcing in both of these WKA series for over the past year now and the race action has never been more exciting.  A fellow kart racer himself, Xander conveys the excitement of every move down the twists and turns of tracks all over the Eastern seaboard. He definitely has a voice beyond his years.  Not only does Xander announce, he is friends with many of the racers and often is a source of support and coaching.  Read more about Xander in his interview below:

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

"Woodstock, Georgia."

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE RACING WORLD? 

"My earliest involvement in the sport takes me back to before I can really remember. When I was really young, my parents were both still working, so my grandmother on my dad's side babysat me often. She also did the same for many of my cousins, and my older cousin Mason stored his Power Wheels monster truck at her and my grandfather's house. I really wanted to drive it, but I was way too small to reach the pedals. After constant nagging, my grandmother finally gave in. She took her walking cane and used it to press the gas gently while I steered around her driveway, and I've been hooked on the sport ever since." 

HAVE YOU EVER RACED? IF NOT, WHAT SPORTS OR HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

"My parents never could afford to buy a kart and a full time mechanic, so I never got started as young as I would have liked. I was always looking up brochures and websites online of every different discipline of entry level racing I could find, though. Mini cups, Bandoleros, Legend Cars, Baby Grands, 1/4 Midgets, 1/2 Midgets, and of course, go karts. But without any mechanical background (my dad is an English major and my mom works in IT) we were still scared of jumping in and running our budget out in a few weeks by not knowing what we were doing.

The summer I turned 9, the local indoor karting track began hosting weekly camps. $199 for five days from 9-5 of non-stop racing, arcade games, coaching, lunch, and hanging with other 8-12 year olds. We did a ton of these weekly sessions, and when I was able to convince the promoter of the track's adult league to open a junior division, I finally got my start. 

I ran three seasons, placing 2nd in Junior Semi-Pro the first season, winning 11 of 12 races and the championship in the season, and then winning the championship in Junior Pro in my final season. 

After that, we took a break from the indoor league as we had reached the top, and began to save up. About a year later, we took a trip down to Barnesville, GA, to watch the club races at Lamar County Speedway. We found a friend from the indoor league racing there, and that was the one connection my parents needed to get involved in the sport with confidence. We bought our first kart a few weeks later.

I eventually graduated from that club after a year and a half and raced my first few national races in 2014, beginning with WKA Daytona KartWeek. In 2015 and 2016, we couldn't afford to race as much and only made one national, but this year I am racing at least five events and possibly more."

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THE WKA? 

"Well, when I began racing at Barnesville, I asked one the club's board members if I could announce the races I wasn't driving in. Since we had no announcer at the time, he gave me a shot, and I announced every club race there ever since. When WKA Gold Cup returned to the track in 2015, Steve Roberts of Roberts Kart Shop referred Buddy to me to call the action. He even offered to cover my pay for the weekend because he believed that Buddy and everyone would like my announcing so much they'd pay him back in full.

Long story short, the weekend was a success, and when Buddy asked me if I was available for Daytona, I was over the moon. I ended up getting to announce the entire Winter Cup and Manufacturer's Cup seasons for 2016, and am getting to do it all over again this year!"

WHAT DOES A DAY WORKING FOR WKA LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

"While I don't work in the physical offices, my day normally begins with picking up my announcing binder that Buddy prepares for me for each race. I make a few announcements in the morning to let everyone know our plans for the day, and if we have a wireless mic at the track, wander through the paddock to say hi and welcome all of our racers. 

I really enjoy getting to connect with the drivers and their families at the track, and in most cases I get to do that. However, once qualifying gets under way, I am 100% focused on announcing everything on track until we throw the checkered flag on the last race of the day. After that, I normally wander around again to say hi with any racers I didn't get the chance to talk to yet in the weekend."

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACING SERIES TO WATCH? 

"Karting is by far the most exciting form of motorsport. In karting, it's a rarity to watch a single driver pull away to an easy victory, but in car racing, it's a rarity to watch a pack of drivers battle for the win on the closing laps."

With that said, I'd have to say either Australian V8 Supercars or NASCAR when it goes to road courses. Both put on a fantastic show."

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WKA RACES?

"I really enjoy practice being able to spend time throughout the weekend meeting and speaking with all of our racers. Karting is an amazing community of people, and seeing the smiles on parents faces when they hear their kid's name over the PA system is simply priceless."

WHICH RACE HAS BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SO FAR?

"That would easily be the first Daytona KartWeek I announced, at the beginning of the 2016 season. Working out of a hot and humid trailer with the windows open let in the roar of nearly 250 entries every time they opened up the throttle down the front stretch. I wore my voice out that weekend by being so excited to be calling the action. 

I also got to meet and make friendships with some pretty amazing people! Rob Howden was working the EKN broadcast that weekend, and he has since become a great mentor of mine. Chris Wheeler has also helped me a ton as he is a great announcer in his own right, and I consider him a good friend as well. There are a ton of other amazing people I got to meet that weekend - far too many to name."

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

"I just want to thank everyone at my WKA home track in Barnesville, GA for always supporting me. Without all of them, I wouldn't have been able to get any of the opportunities I'm enjoying right now. Karting is filled up with great people, and I hope that I can make a quarter of an impact on someone that the GSKA group made on me."

Pittsburgh Online Registration Now Open

CONCORD, NC - With the WKA Winter Cup Series serving as the buffer between the Daytona Mfg Cup event back in December, and the race #2 May event at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, it will serve as a welcome sight for those who are specifically running the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series solely, as the online registration for the Keystone State Nationals is now open.

Scheduled for May 19-21, the Pittsburgh event will also serve as a return for the Kid Kart program, which will be running as an exhibition class. For competitors in that class, the pit pass will also serve as the entry fee for that weekend. In addition to the Kid Karts, the full national slate of classes will be returning, 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 return of the Money Races will also take place at Pittsburgh, with competitors in Pro Swift Sportsman, Pro IAME Junior and Senior running for paydays in the top 2, with a set of Bridgestone Tires going to the third-place finishers. Sportsman and Junior drivers will run for a $500 payday, given to the weekends overall champion, with $250 going to 2nd place. For Senior, $1,000 will go to the overall weekend winner, with $500 going to second.

The event will also mark another drawing for a Tillotson Generator, which will also be done during the Sunday afternoon podiums.

While Winter Cup Champions were just crowned, the points battle at Pittsburgh will be a result of the current points from the Margay Sprint Championships back in December at Daytona.

Here's a look at the top 5 in points in the respective classes, heading into Pittsburgh:

CIK LO206 Senior:

1 Corey Towles

2 Zach Linsell

3 Hunter Fox

4 Dustin Demattia

5 Mike Greiner

Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman:

1 Garrett Adams

2 William Robusto

3 Mateo Rubio-Luengo

4 Anderson Leonard

5 Logan Adams

Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Junior:

1 Elliott Budzinski

2 Tyler Ferris

3 Colin Neal

4 Emory Lyda

5 Finnegan Bayliff

Franklinkart.com Yamaha Senior:

1 Alexander Kardashian

2 Braden Eves

3 Jake Venberg

4 Chris Slinden

5 Josh Fierke

CRPRACING.com Mini Swift

1 Mateo Rubio-Luengo

2 Caleb Gafrarar

3 Calem Maloney

4 Alex Powell

5 Ben Maier

IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman:

1 Ashton Chilton

2 Santiago Trisini

3 Elio Giovane

4 Lucas Rodriguez

5 Anderson Leonard

Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior:

Dylan Tavella

2 Zane Maloney

3 Pauly Massimino

4 Max Peichel

5 Oliver Calvo

KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior

1 AJ Myers

2 Brandon Jarsocrak

3 Jonathan Kotyk

4 Braden Eves

5 Austin McCusker

To register online for the Keystone State Nationals, CLICK HERE.

Get To Know WKA Team Member: Buddy Long

CONCORD, NC - You might recognize Buddy Long as "THE VOICE" behind the NASCAR Xfinity, Truck and Cup race series but did you know that he is a vital part of the WKA team?  As the WKA Operations Director, Buddy is a key component of planning and creating successful race weekends.  We thought you should get to know a little more about the WKA Team, so we are getting this party started by getting to know more about the man, the voice, the legend, Mr. Buddy Long!

Where are you from?

I am originally from Leonardtown, Maryland, about an hour south of Washington, DC, two hours south of Baltimore.

How did you become involved in racing?

I became interested in stock car racing when my Dad took me to my local dirt track, Potomac Speedway in Budds Creek, Maryland. I was about 12. I never had the desire to race, I just love watching and participating in other ways.  In total, I have been in racing for 37 years.

How did you get the opportunity to be a race announcer?

My inspiration for announcing came from my love for reading my racing paper out loud. It not only helped develop my announcing style, it also helped me to remember things about racing better by reading out loud.

By the age of 15, I was the track announcer. I didn’t even have a Drivers License yet. I worked at Potomac for many years and I also announced at many other tracks including Dorsey, Hagerstown, Southside, Langley, East Carolina to name a few.

I auditioned for Motor Racing Network, and have been working as a NASCAR announcer for MRN for the last 17 years, doing Truck, Xfinity, and Cup races, as well as being the PA voice at Daytona and Homestead.

How did you get into the karting scene?

I began working at karting tracks in the mid nineties; Amelia Motor Raceway and Virginia Sports Arena, as well as pa at Richmond International Raceway. The late Ricky Carpenter of Virginia Sports Arena brought me down to be one of the announcers in 1995 to work the George Kugler Memorial at Charlotte Motor Speedway, part of the North American Karting Championships. Drivers back then included Jenson Button and Jarno Trulli, now racing Formula One.

From there, I worked various events as an announcer for WKA until 1999, when they were looking to hire a full-time Operations Director. The radio station I was working at in Maryland was about to be sold. So I made the leap to North Carolina.

Which is your most memorable race?

Karting: Introducing all the Italian drivers at the NAKC at Charlotte and butchering their names. They laughed. Also playing the wrong CD. Instead of the national anthem at this international race, I played Sugar Pie, Honey Bun. Not my best moment.

NASCAR: Announcing the starting lineup for the Daytona 500 this year on National TV. It was a great honor.

Which racing series are your favorite?

In karting, I enjoy all series.  In NASCAR, I prefer the Truck Series, and in Dirt racing I like Late Models, World of Outlaw and Lucas Oil Series---or my hometown track when I am home on a weekend!

What do you enjoy the most about WKA events?

What I enjoy the most about the WKA events is breaking through the barrier of the US vs THEM. I love my karting family very much, and there isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for them. And they know that.  I am very approachable. In my profession, announcing and WKA, that’s everything.  I love the sport and its people.

For a glimpse into a recent MRN broadcast with Buddy, CLICK HERE.

February Trustee Meeting Minutes Available Online

CONCORD, NC - The minutes of the first WKA Board of Trustees Conference for 2017 have been approved and are now online for review by the WKA Membership.

One of the many topics discussed were the results from the most recent edition of Daytona KartWeek, involving the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series, the Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series, and the WKA/Maxxis Speedway Dirt event.

The next Board of Trustees Meeting will be held in early March. Once approved, the minutes of that meeting will be made available to the membership online.

To view the February Meeting Minutes, CLICK HERE.

Roebling Road Race Entry Blank Now Online

CONCORD, NC - Entry Information regarding the second event of the season for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting is now available online. As has been the case the last few years, competitors wishing to enter the Roebling Road Nationals March 10-12 at Roebling Road Raceway in Savannah, Georgia in advance may fill out the entry blank by using MotorsportReg.com. You can see the link to the event page on www.southernkartclub.com.  Entries DO NOT come to the WKA Office.  All entries are submitted to Southern Kart Club through MotorsportReg.com.

WKA and SKC Officials are anticipating another banner turnout of entries, coming on the heels of a most successful Daytona KartWeek, where entries far exceeded those of the previous year.

For competitors wishing to pre-enter, there are 2 tiers for entering, with the initial deadline coming February 17. Should competitors miss the initial pre-entry deadline date, the second deadline is March 7. After that, the At Track Pricing will go into effect.

Another added perk to the weekend is the annual Awards Presentation, being held this year at The Art Gallery at The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, located in Pooler, Georgia, just a few miles from the track, and adjacent to many of the hotels on I-95 in Pooler.

A full buffet dinner will be served with doors opening at 7pm Friday March 10. Dinner will be served at 7:30 with the awards presentation getting underway at 8pm. 2016 Champions, as well as many other special recipients will be honored on that evening. Seating is limited to 120 people. So be sure and make your reservations as soon as possible.

To view the Roebling Road Entry Blank, CLICK HERE.

To view the Road Race Banquet Form, CLICK HERE.

Help Needed for Hall of Famers

CONCORD, NC - WKA recently learned of some very challenging circumstances regarding 2 members of the Karting Family. For those that have been around the karting industry for many years, the name Ron Withrow may indeed ring a bell. 

Serving in a variety of capacities within the WKA organization, including that of Race Director and Officer for the organization on many different occasions spanning decades, Mr. Withrow and his wife Carma, both WKA Hall of Fame Members, Ron in 1991, Carma in 1996, have encountered some very rough circumstances.

While residents of Kentucky for many years, the Withrows also spend quite a bit of time in Sarasota, Florida. While in Kentucky recently, Ron fell and broke his ribs, spending up to a month in the hospital. During this time, adding insult to injury, heavy rains in Sarasota, Florida led to major roof issues, in which the complete interior of the home was destroyed by water damage.

Ron is retired, and on Social Security, which doesn’t allow for a quick repair of damaged items, as many in this position can well attest. This is a couple that has bled the WKA colors for many decades in a variety of capacities.

Those wishing to help the Withrow Family in this great time of need are more than welcome to send any financial or emotional support to:

Ron and Carma Withrow

Lot 101

1919 Buccaneer Road

Sarasota, Florida 34231-3458

On behalf of the World Karting Association, our sincerest thanks for helping two very special members of the WKA Family.

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!!!!

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.

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

Revised Daytona Road Race Order Now Available for Viewing

CONCORD, NC - With a new season on any series comes changes to the class structure from year to year. The latest announcement for the new season for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting has undergone some offseason change to their Class Structure.

A combination of new classes, elimination of others, and streamlining of some, has resulted in 11 national sprint and 11 national laydown classes for the new season, as well as a plethora of Local Option Classes.

By virtue of all the changes, as well as maintaining consistency with the race order that has been utilized this past season, WKA Officials have updated the race order for the latest edition of Daytona Kart Week, scheduled for Dec 27-30 at Daytona International Speedway.

As always, the organization relied heavily on its Competition Committee, as well as the voice of the competitors running the series, in an effort to establish the Race Order for this year.

Entries are already rolling in at a steady pace, with garage space going fast. Anyone wishing to rent a garage for the weeks activities can contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext 112, or buddy@worldkarting.com

To view the entry blank and race order for the Road Race port ion of Daytona Kart Week, click here. 

World Karting Association, Purdue University partner to advance electric karting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WKA Salutes 2016 Bridgestone Mfg Cup Champions

CONCORD, NC-  The 5 race national program that began on the beaches of Daytona in December, and ended at the tail end of summer in Indiana in September has come to a conclusion for 2016, as the WKA Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series enjoyed a major resurgence of national entries, not to mention stellar competition all season long. In the end, 8 national classes are going to be recognized December 27 at the Daytona Beach Resort on the shores of where it all started for 2016.

A memorable season, highlighted by one of the few female karting champions WKA has seen in its history, as well as a 2 class champion from Ohio who scorched the field on occasion, not to mention the fierce competition.

While there are many wonderful stories within the confines of the 2016 season, one of the best came from Pennsylvania driver Madison Campeau. The Championship winning effort was but one part of the story, as Campeau also found second place on occasion by mere inches at the stripe, yet not deterring the young driver from forging ahead, eventually getting to the front side of that battle of mere inches, thus taking the title in the Allison Racing Engines Yamaha Sportsman Class. Following an 11thplace finish on Day 1 at Daytona, Campeau rebounded big time for a 3rd place finish. GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina would be the beginning of the battle of inches, as Campeau was edged out by Robert Noaker III in a photo finish, followed by a 4th place finish on Day 2. The battle of inches followed Campeau to the July event at New Castle Motorsports Park, where this time Garrett Adams would be the victor, while again a second had to be settled for. A 5th place effort ensued on the second day. The turning point came on Campeau’s hometown turf in August at Pittsburgh International Race Complex, where the keystone state driver notched a win and runner-up finish, thus taking the battle for the title with Indiana’s Kaden Wharff back to New Castle in September. Campeau backed up her winning Pittsburgh performance, taking the win on Day #1, with a 5th place finish, thus securing her class title, becoming one of the few females in World Karting history to claim a national championship. Wharff wound up second in the overall standings, followed by Garrett Adams, Logan Adams, and Caleb Bacon. The remainder of the top 10 included Thomas Schrage, Robert Noaker III, Lucas Smalec, Nick Snell, and Nic Sheppard.

The series also found a 2-time champion this season in the form of Ohio’s Braden Eves, taking titles in the KartSport North America Pro IAME Senior and Fullerton Karts USA Yamaha Senior classes. Starting the season off, racing the likes of NASCAR Sprint Cup star AJ Allmendinger at Daytona, Eves mounted a 3rd and 9th place finish in the Pro IAME Senior ranks, while notching a 3rd and 4th in the Yamaha Senior class. Eves garnered a 3rd and 7th at GoPro in the IAME class, while also taking a 3rd and 10th in the Senior ranks. The wick was turned up big time at New Castle in July, as Eves cashed in with a sweep of wins for both classes on both days, as well as the overall weekend title, thus placing some distance between himself and his closest rivals, Brandon Lemke in Pro IAME Senior, and former champion Dakota Pesek in the Yamaha Senior ranks.   Eves headed to Pittsburgh for a 2nd and 4th in the IAME class, while taking another win and 2nd in the Yamaha Senior ranks. Eves returned to the scene of the New Castle July massacre, again scoring a win, and taking 3rd in the Pro IAME Senior class, while a 2nd and 6th was good enough for the Yamaha Senior title as well. In the end, Eves bested Lemke, Brandon Jarsocrak, Alexander Kardashian, and Jacob Donald for the top 5, with Jonathan Kotyk, Abbey McLaughlin, Nick Landi, Mick Gabriel, and Elliott Finlayson wrapped up the top 10 in Pro IAME Senior. The balance of the top 5 in Yamaha Senior were Pesek, Lemke, Landi, and Kardashian, with Derek Hughes, Jake Venberg, Brad Brittan, Killian Keaveny, and Patrick Healey rounding out the top 10.

Unlike the champions already mentioned, Jeremy Fletcher came right out of the gate smoking hot, with a sweep of the Daytona action in the CRPRacing.com Mini Swift class. Fletcher was also the weekends overall champion. After skipping the GoPro event, Fletcher returned to New Castle with a vengeance, taking a win and 2nd , again taking the weekends overall top honors. Pittsburgh provided more of the same, with Fletcher sweeping the weekends action, as well as his third overall weekend champion honors, then wrapped up the season at New Castle with a 2nd on the first race, thus ending an amazingly consistent and dominant season with the title in hand. Eli Trull came home second in the final standings, with Caleb Gafrarar, Danny Dyszelski, and Benjamin Maier making up the top 5. The balance of the top 10 were Sofia D’Arrigo, Sebastian NG, Thomas Annunziato, Elliot Cox, and Hoyt Mohr.

It’s hard to not win a title when your first name is Indy. And that’s exactly what Indy Ragan did, taking the Water for a Cause Kid Kart title this season. And if Daytona was any indication, Moms and Dads were in for a competitive treat, as Ragan and Ava Dutton took the wins, while Austin Olds 2nd and 3rd place runs nailed down the weekends overall title, providing a possible preview to one great season in the Kid Kart ranks. And that was indeed the case at GoPro with Tristan Young taking Day 1 activities, while Ragan took second on Day 2, and Ayrton Grim claimed the weekends overall top honors. Stop #3 at New Castle would see Ragan take a pair of runner-up finishes to Dusty Larson and Preveil Perkins, with Perkins the overall weekend champ. Ragan would rebound for a win and 2nd at Pittsburgh with Tristan Young checking in for win #2 on the season, while Ragan took the weekend overall title. The finale at New Castle found the swap between Ragan and Austin Olds, with both drivers sharing wins and respective runner-up finishes, with Olds taking his second overall weekend title for the year. The class saw a slight defection up to the Mini Swift class, due to birthdays for both Ava Dutton and Ayrton Grim, yet never lost sight of the competitive nature all season long, as Olds finished 2nd to Ragan in the points, with Karsyn Walters, Tristan Young, and Christopher Bowman completing the top 5. Top ten were made up of Aubrey Adams, Dusty Larson, Preveil Perkins, Ayrton Grim, and Ava Dutton.

The IAME USA East Pro Swift Sportsman Class again was one of the most exciting classes to watch all season, with Luca Mars taking down the 2016 title. Mars season began somewhat bittersweet, with a 4th and 20th, placing himself in an early season hole for the title. Success at GoPro was even harder to come by, as Mars mustered a 9th place finish as his best for the weekend. A 5th and 9th at the July New Castle event was an indication that things were slowly beginning to turn. And much like fellow keystone state rival Madison Campeau, Mars turned up the pressure by sweeping the Pittsburgh events in his home state, as well as the overall weekend title. Another win and runner-up finish in the season finale at New Castle clearly proved you can dig a hole for yourself, stay focused, and race through a very competitive field for the title, as Mars topped Kaden Wharff, Connor Ferris, Zane Maloney, and Rylee Engel for the top honors. Completing the top 10 were Madison Campeau, Caleb Bacon, Jason Welage, Annie Rhule, and Brent Crews.

Final year end results for the Franklinkart.com Yamaha Junior and Woltjer Racing Engines Pro IAME Junior classes are still under review, and will be released shortly.

On the chassis front, Top Kart notched another season long win, totaling 17 victories, with Tony Kart a close second with 12 this season.  Benik had a good season with 9 wins, while FA finished 4th with 8 wins. Merlin and Praga rounded out the top 5 with 7 wins each.

The 2016 champions will be honored at the annual awards presentation December 27 at the Daytona Beach Resort, part of Daytona KartWeek. Information regarding the awards presentation, as well as Daytona KartWeek will be forthcoming shortly.

WKA would like to congratulate all 2016 champions, top 10 recipients, and the balance of the many drivers who supported the 2016 season. Special thanks to so many include:

Bridgestone

Comet Kart Sales

Checkered Motorsports

Sunoco

Tillotson

New Jersey Sprint Series

Water for a Cause

Allison Racing Engines

KartSport North America

Franklinkart.com

IAME USA East

CRPRacing.com

Woltjer Racing Engines

Fullerton Karts USA

Daytona Road Race Entry Blank Now Available

CONCORD, NC - With the 2016 season for the Dunlop/Xeramic National Road Race Series presented by Russell Karting just a few weeks old, World Karting Officials have been busy gearing up for the series most prolific race of the season, as competitors can now view the 2017 national classes and options for the 2017 edition of Daytona KartWeek at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.

With a new season comes some changes, additions, and deletions of classes from the previous year, with 22 national classes being offered, 11 in Sprint, 11 in Laydown, with 4 Local Option classes that will be offered regularly, in addition to a few others that will be offered at specific venues.

National Laydown classes returning in 2017 include B Stock, Junior Enduro, Yamaha Sportsman Medium, Yamaha Sportsman Heavy, Yamaha Senior, 100cc Piston Port, 100cc Controlled, Formula 100, Formula 125, and Unlimited, with the addition of the new X30 Laydown class. This class will feature the IAME X30 Engine, and will be available to drivers 15 and older. With the exception of B Stock, Formula 125, and Yamaha Senior, all other laydown classes will run the Final 1/Final 2 format.

The majority of changes came on the Sprint side, where a streamlining of the 4 Cycle classes, in an effort to strengthen entries took place. Classes returning for 2017 are Junior Animal, Junior Sprint, Yamaha Sportsman Sprint, Yamaha Sprint, WKA Sprint, TaG Heavy, Stock Honda, and 125 Sprint Shifter. The Leopard Sprint class will also be returning, but under a new name, IAME Sprint, with the Stock Parilla Leopard and X30 engine packages available, as well as a specific weight for both engine packages. The class will be available for drivers 16 and older.

The Animal and Clone classes will take on a new look this year, with 1 class available per day for each engine package. Animal Lite, Medium, and Heavy will be condensed into an Animal 385 class, with the Clone LO206 Lite and Heavy classes also following the same path, running a Clone LO206 385 as well. One of the many issues was the number of classes, and finding enough of a gap between races for drivers running all these classes, virtually making for a Race Directors nightmare. Creating these two classes not only cuts down on multiple classes with small entries, but also provides officials the chance to fairly separate the 2 classes, affording a driver that runs both engine packages, but on the same chassis, the opportunity to have time to make the switch in plenty of time.

4 Non National Local Option classes will be made available in 2017, beginning with the Cadet Sportsman LO206 for drivers 8-12. For the 2nd straight year, the TaG Junior class will also be offered for drivers 13-16, with the newest additions this season being Junior LO206, for drivers 13-15, as well as a CIK/LO206 Local Option Class for drivers 15 and older.

Additionally, the Daytona event will offer Local Option opportunities for the following classes:

Animal Limited Modified

Open Sprint

Vintage Limited

Vintage Euro

Vintage USA

Pre Entry will open November 1st for Daytona KartWeek, with a 3-tiered system back in place again. Competitors will have from November 1st to Nov 25 to take advantage of the initial pre entry price of $100 per class, with the 2nd tier running from Nov 26 to December 14, at a cost of $120, with the At Track fees set at $140, same as last year. Entry Fees for the Cadet, Junior LO206, and CIK/LO206 will be set at $65.

Competitors wishing to purchase a garage, or rent an RV Spot at Lake Lloyd can contact Buddy Long at (704) 455-1606, ext. 112, or at buddy@worldkarting.com.

To view the entry information, as well as respective time schedule for the Road Race portion of Daytona KartWeek, click here.