Go Racing Magazine April 2015 by Go Racing Magazine

VOL: 20, NO: 4 APR 2015

$5.99 USA | $6.99 CAN

WEST ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS

EAST FLORIDA WINTER TOUR

LOS ANGELES KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP

CALIFORNIA PROKART CHALLENGE

TESTING USF2000 MACHINES

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E V S - S P O R T S . C O M

THE WORLD OF KARTING

26 FINAL FINISH

Rotax Challenge of the Americas

GO Racing Magazine

APRIL 2015

CONTENTS

OPENING AT THE RACES Los Angeles Karting Championship

DEPARTMENTS

06 20 22 48

THE INSIDE LINE CLASSIFIEDS MOM AT THE TRACK SERIES DIRECTORY

QUICK NOTES

FLAWLESS FINALE Florida Winter Tour

09 10 10 11 12 13 14 16 16

SECOND SESSION

California ProKart Challenge

A NEW BEGINNING A FIRST RACE BIG PRIZES KARTING IN VEGAS SPRING TIME GEARING UP REGULATING DRONES AT THE RACE TRACK

FUEL TAMPERING TESTING MACHINES

FEATURED 26 FINAL FINISH

Rotax Challenge of the Americas

20 CLASSIFIEDS

GO Racing Magazine

22 MOM AT THE TRACK The Keys to Success

OPENING AT THE RACES

Los Angeles Karting Championship

40 FLAWLESS FINALE Florida Winter Tour

44 SECOND SESSION

California ProKart Challenge 5

Photo: Ken Johnson | Studio52

THE INSIDE LINE

STAYINGDATE Words: Richard Zimmermann

Most of the country is finally starting to look and feel like Spring, while it already feels like Summer in some parts, which means more and more racers are heading to the track! Included in this month’s issue of GoRacing Magazine we see the Florida Winter Tour and Challenge of the Americas cap off their 2015 season along with many clubs across the country getting ready for their season openers. It is exciting to see karters advance onto other forms of racing through the Mazda Road to Indy program, check out the recap this month as these drivers experienced a test-day in Formula Ford 2000 cars. Last month’s Mom at the Track commentary received numerous positive emails and comments and Kory follows up this month with another great piece discussing the ”community of karting” or perhaps, the lack there-of. This month we debut our Classifieds section of the magazine. Do you have racing equipment, used parts or gear you are looking to sell? Contact sales@goracingmagazine. com to list your stuff, you might have exactly what one of our readers and fellow karters are looking for.

Most of the country is finally starting to look and feel like Spring, while it already feels like Summer in some parts, which means more and more racers are heading to the track!

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CONTRIBUTERS MaxSpeed Group, CalSpeed, Pro Media Motorsports PR, Kory Zimmermann, Briggs & Stratton, Greg Cirillo, IFEA.COM, F1Series, X30 Challenge Europa SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO: media@goracingmagazine.com

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•Subscribe to the Go Racing Magazine for 12 issues and you are automatically entered to win a one day session at Allen Berg Racing Schools •Current and new subscribers are eligible to win •A winner will be announced twice a year in July and January 8

GO RACING Magazine is published monthly and is distributed to Kart Clubs, Tracks, Shops, and Kart Racers in the United States, Canada, and the world. If your club or kart racing organization is not receiving GO RACING Magazine, please let us know by giving us a call. GO RACING Magazine is designed for you, our reader, and fellow racer. Any editorial information you wish to contribute is not only welcome, but is requested. We don’t know what is happening at your club or at your track unless YOU LET US KNOW. Material submitted to us becomes our property. We assume no responsibility or liability for the validity of claims in connection with items appearing in GO RACING Magazine. AD DEADLINE 17th of Every Month For The Following Month. Ad copy must be received by the seventeenth of the month to be included in the next month’s magazine.

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QUICK NOTES

A New Beginning ROUTE 66 SPRINT SERIES SET TO BEGIN 15TH SEASON Words | Photo: ProMedia Motorsports PR A memorable season is set to begin for the Route 66 Sprint Series as the program is ready to host its 15th year. The opening rounds of the five-event weekend program, sponsored by B&B Electric and serves as the Loren Niehaus Memorial event, is set for the Mid-State Kart Club facility in Springfield, Illinois for April 10-12. Once again, the Route 66 Sprint Series is offering everything from Kid Kart to TaG, utilizing powerplants from Yamaha, IAME, and Vortex. Putting together one of the top staffs in the country, the Route 66 program is about great tracks, great racing, and great people. The first two rounds of the 10-race championship chase (counting the best eight toward the point standings) begins outside Springfield at the Mid-State Kart Club facility. What is considered the home circuit of the series, the Midwest racers get the chance to shake off the rust after a long and cold winter. All entrants at the first race of the season receives a FREE 15th anniversary Route 66 Sprint Series t-shirt. After taking the month of May off, the series heads north to the challenging US Air Motorsports Raceway in Shawano, Wisconsin on June 12-14 presented by Praga North America. A month later is a return to the Michiana Raceway Park outside South Bend, Indiana on July 17-19 with event support from EMJ Metals. The fourth stop takes racers south outside Indianapolis at New Castle Motorsports Park on August 14-16, sponsored by Verde Speed Resources. The final two rounds, presented by QPS Employment, take place September 11-13 at the historic Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park - home of the Badger Kart Club - in Dousman, Wisconsin. The series is offering 10 categories on the season, beginning with the popular Kid Kart division. Yamaha Rookie offers the transition from Kid Kart to a larger size frame. Yamaha Cadet, Micro Rok, and Komet Cadet fill out the remainder of the classes for drivers under the age of 12. Junior drivers can take part in the Yamaha and Leopard divisions, along with the Komet class that welcomes drivers 13-years and older. Rounding out the Senior divisions is the Yamaha and Leopard classes. Class sponsors include Hollywood Crane Service, Tony Kart, KartLift, Comet Kart Sales, Switch Racing Engines, Express Karts & Parts, Woltjer Racing Engines, CKT Racing Engines, FranklinKart.com, and RLV. Innovative Performance will be supplying the awards

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for fast time in 2015. Look Trailers is the official trailer of Route 66 Sprint Series and PRO-TEC System One as the official trailer. Other companies showing their support of the 2015 program include L&T Clutches, MG Tires, Vortex Engines, Schwanbeck Racing, PKTAxles. com, IAME USA East, KartSport North America, Haddock LTD, MTEC, Target Distributing and Wings Etc Restaurant. Series CEO Mark Coats has put together a strong roster of series officials for the season. Series Director Rick Fulks will oversee the at-track duties with Jason Ludwig as the Race Director and Rick Jump as Tech Director. Tony Jump and Tim Anderson will assist Ludwig and Jump respectively. Denny Long has been tabbed as the Head Flagman, with Alli Long serving as head of Registration and Scoring. At-track assistants include Becky French and Tony Wyse. The Dial family hosts the series fuel and apparel. Tim Koyen is the official voice of the Route 66 Sprint Series with Kathy Churchill the photographer. Also assisting the series is Dan and Julie Green (Series Registration and Scoring), Matt Long (Webmaster) and George Sieracki (Senior Advisor). Already 125 competitors have signed up for the first Route66 Sprint Series event of 2015. Pre-registration for the opening rounds at Mid-State Kart Club on April 10-12 ends Sunday, April 5 at midnight. At-track registration begins Thursday, April 9 along with entry check-in and packet pickup. For more information on the Route 66 Sprint Series, head to route66kartracing.com. 2015 Route 66 Sprint Series April 10-12: Mid-State Raceway - Springfield, Illinois June 12-14: US AIR Motorsports Park - Shawano, Wisconsin July 17-19: Michiana Raceway Park - North Liberty, Indiana August 14-16: New Castle Motorsports Park - New Castle, Indiana September 25-27: Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park - Dousman, Wisconsin November 7: Champions Banquet (Crown Plaza) - Springfield, Illinois

QUICK NOTES

A First Race

Big Prizes

RACE #1 OF THE 2015 GEARUP CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

THE BRIGGS & STRATTON WEEKLY RACING SERIES PRESENTED BY RLV

The weekend of April 10th & 11th the F-Series looks to start a fantastic season at the fabulous GoPro Motorplex in NC. We are really excited as Pre-Registration and the Season Pass confirmation has made it clear this year will be a very competitive year. The information listed below is to keep everyone informed of some of the changes and financial benefits that are available from the series.

Have you ever wondered how you stand up against other racers in your state or region of the country? That is the premise behind the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series. “We wanted to incorporate the fun and excitement of racing the 206 crate engine with a program that supports both the racers and local tracks running it” stated David Klaus, Director- Briggs & Stratton Racing. RLV is helping with the nuts and bolts of this program. “I can’t say enough about RLV, they are simply a stand-up company. Amsoil, the leader in synthetic oils, is another partner we are proud to have onboard. “Briggs & Stratton 4T custom blended by Amsoil is simply the best engineered synthetic on the market and the only oil we recommend for our racing engines.”

Trying to work every angle to enhance our competitors experience for 2015 the F-Series team has compiled a group discount package for accommodations at every race of the season. Holiday Inn Express and Park Inn by Radisson have extended our racers and teams great pricing when booked in advance under the F -Series group rate. All details are listed on the website make sure to take a look at the options and expiration dates so you don’t miss these great deals. Pre Registration and Season Pass The 2015 F-Series Season will see a subtle change in the registration procedure that are certain to make the event more enjoyable. Every event will now require pre-registration through our website. The process will be a two-step procedure with a registration form that upon submittal will redirect you to the payment options page. Every event will require this process unless you have chosen the Season Pass option which will require only a one time sign up for all events. Please notice the different payment options and the time it takes to clear payment as pre-registration will need to be confirmed seven days prior to each event. Participants registering at the event will not benefit from the discounted rate. After completing all the online requirements the only obligation will be to retrieve your credentials and the signing of the insurance waiver at the events registration desk.

Each track that signs up will receive a track pack of ‘goodies’. In addition each track will receive a substantial discount on a PowerSmart Inverter Generator available at banquet time. Tracks also will be competing for the ‘206 Top Track’ award in each region which includes $2,000 of Briggs & Stratton facility improving equipment. Racers in each region will be competing for over $11,000 in generators and pressure washers. “Great prizes along with bragging rights are on the line as well as every racer’s cumulative points will go towards crowning our 2015 ‘Top 206’ tracks.” “Our PowerSmart Inverter line of generators is the highlight of this program. Quiet power, incredible portability, industry leading bells and whistles like a USB connection, LCD display, fuel gauge, parallel connecting capability, and more! Exactly what every racer needs!” Check out the PowerSmart series at www.BriggsandStratton.com. For complete rules and regulation and track signup please visit www.BriggsWRS.com Contact: David Klaus – BriggsRacing@basco.com

Event Changes from 2014 MG Rain Tires will be mandatory as of the first round of 2015 and are available through the series or any of the tire vendors at the event. To ensure availability orders must be placed 14 days prior to each event. As of 2015 timing transponders will have to be mounted and charged for every official session on practice and race day to ensure us and each and every competitor accurate and professional service. Call 704-662-6900 http://www.f1series.com/Event_Registration.html

GO Racing Magazine

Karting in Vegas SUPERKARTS! USA PARTNERS WITH LAS VEGAS CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY Words | Photo: ProMedia Motorsports PR For the last 18 years, Superkarts! USA has been capping its season with the running of the famed SuperNationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. The race has developed from its roots of drawing 150+ competitors out at the Las Vegas Kart Center to now regularly topping the 500+ driver mark as the single largest karting event in the world. Over the years, the SKUSA SuperNationals has cemented its place in the sport and its vocabulary, as such, has also become known by an abbreviated title: the ‘SuperNats’. For many, it’s simply ’Vegas’. Superkarts! USA’s return to Las Vegas this coming November for SuperNationals XIX will be marked by a move to an incredibly exciting new venue – the Las Vegas Convention Center – and a brand new and very important partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

This year’s SKUSA SuperNationals is primed to be the biggest and best edition ever. Work continues on the new track and paddock layout at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which offers SKUSA much more area to work within. A record-setting purse and prize package is in development, and the upcoming CBS Sports Network broadcast of last year’s SuperNationals is a signal of great things to come. SKUSA has a number of exciting announcements in the works, so stay tuned. The 2015 season will be one for the record books. For more info on anything related to Superkarts! USA, please visit the website – www.superkartsusa.com – or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

What all this means to the sport is that the SuperNationals IS Vegas. Las Vegas recognizes the importance of a marquee motorsports event like this in the city and has been aware of the SKUSA SuperNationals for years. They were eager to attract the event to their convention center parking lot and become an official SKUSA partner. SKUSA members can expect to see Las Vegas branding and collateral to support and grow this partnership throughout 2015. “Partnerships are so important in our industry, and now we have two groups pushing in the same direction to get the job done, to find success,” enthused Tom Kutscher, Superkarts! USA President. “This partnership means a great deal to Superkarts! USA moving forward, as we close on the 20th anniversary of this incredible event. To get the seal of approval from Las Vegas, for SKUSA and karting itself, is huge and it speaks volumes to what our staff and the sport has been able to do collectively over the past 18 years. I’m so excited about the future of the SuperNationals in Las Vegas. It’s our home. It could never move…the SuperNationals IS Vegas.” The growth of the SuperNationals, the ability to draw in major industry support, and the constant international attraction and media that the event develops was part of what prompted Las Vegas to see SKUSA as the official authority in karting. You can be certain that SKUSA’s 18 years of dedication to holding this event in Las Vegas has made an impressive and clear statement.

GO Racing Magazine

QUICK NOTES

Spring Time SPRING TIME AT 7 LAGHI KART Words | Photo: X30 Challenge Europa

After three successful editions in Belgium, on the wake of Mariembourg, the X30 Challenge Europa will start in few days on the soil of Lombardy, as it will be held for the first time in Italy on the circuit 7 Laghi in Castelletto di Branduzzo, few kilometers far from Milan. This spring race should be enlightened with sun, even though few drops of rain are expected on Sunday. The reasons behind the success With 19 countries represented (France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, USA, Estonia, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Finland, South Africa, Lebanon, Norway, Finland, Monaco and Japan) and more than 140 drivers at the starting blocks (an increase of 20% compared to 2014!), the event promises to be a popular and sporting success. The keys of the success? As usual, the organizing staff has put

the little attentions in a main event to offer an unforgettable and particularly faultless organization: centralization of the race management in the “Race Control”, close to the paddock, live timing, renowned speakers, staff and officials from four countries (France, Belgium, Italy and Germany), dedicated photo service, flawless prize giving... and some Easter eggs for Drivers and Teams. All such ingredients mixed with a friendly atmosphere, the natural competitive spirit and a level that is increasing year after year. The Contenders In X30 Junior, the “old-timers” as Tom Lledo, Belgian Gilles Magnus, Teo Laforge and David Malukas, straight from US and with a fine reputation, are among the favorites. However, they will have to be aware of the Germans as Loris Prattes, Lucas Braune or Toni Bauer. Finally, the Spanish David Martinez Clavell, the Greek “Konstantinos” and the South African Stuart White, also have an interesting rating at the bookmakers. The Belgians Maxime Drion, Maxime Potty, William Godfrey and Victor Compere, the title holder Vincent Fraisse, the Japanese Masato Okada or the German Niklas Kry, will race in X30 Senior, where 60 drivers will compete with very sporting fairness. The Swiss Fabio Scherrer under the TopKart colors and the French Thomas Ricci and Sylver Garcia will surely offer surprises in this advanced class. Stefano Cavaciutti, Fotis Sotiropoulos and the Norwegian Adrian Borch Smeby could be the revelations of the weekend. In X30 Master, the homeboy Tino Donadei, the Peruvian Mario Barrios or the multiple winner of the Le Mans 24H Karting Wilfried Lecarpentier, will necessarily have to be kept under control. Eyes also on the formidable Finnish Mikko Laine (3° at the IAME International Final 2014) and Antti Ollikainen, the Belgian Pierre-Yves Corthals or Brazilians Jose and Antonio Ventre, and French Pierre Allemande, everyone aiming for the success! Finally, in the X30 Super Shifter (175cc, 6 speeds) new for 2015, the Belgian Thierry Delre will be the “Super Favourite” but nevertheless he will have to watch out for his countrymen Corentin Gregory and Rémi Theunissen and especially for the Monegasque Clivio Piccione and Louis Prette. The Lebanese Karl Massaad (one of the IAME International Final surprises) can also mix the cards of the weekend! Famous names of the International Karting scenario such as Jonathan Thonon, Patrik Hajek and Matteo Viganò, have decided to join in this class too! See you all in Castelletto for tremendous Racing!

GO Racing Magazine

Gearing Up SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA READIES FOR THE START OF THE 2015 SOCAL CHALLENGE Now that the 2015 Challenge of the Americas series has concluded it is time for FTK Promotions to focus on local competition. In a little over one month, the SoCal Challenge will begin its season at the CalSpeed Kart Track on Saturday, May 9th, with a one day event. It will return to CalSpeed 6 weeks later with a “2 days, 2 ways” format, where the track will be run one direction on Saturday and run the reverse direction on Sunday. This will be the first time either configuration will be run all year, thus giving no competitors any advantage. After taking July off, the SoCal Challenge will trek to the World Famous Adams Kart Track for an August 22nd night event to be held in conjunction with the So-Cal Sprinters. The finale will be held back at CalSpeed on Sunday, October 25th.

NO expensive number panel rules FREE pitspots ON site registration SoCal Challenge events are low stress, fun filled, family events like local karting should be.” Please stay tuned for future announcements regarding LO206 rules and any special offers relating to the Rok Shifter class. Entry forms and information available @ www.rotaxchallenge.com.

“It has been a busy winter for me and it will good to get back to grass roots racing,” says series promoter Andy Seesemann. “I can’t wait to get back to the local tracks and have some low stress races.” As previously announced, SoCal Challenge will run all the Rotax Max Challenge approved classes, plus a few additional to give a variety of engine owners the opportunity to race. SoCal Challenge Classes 2015: Rotax - Junior, Senior, DD2, Masters, Mini, Micro, DD2 Masters Honda KidKart – Honda KidKart is a great spec class to get the youngest competitors their start in karting This popular class will be run for the the second year with the series and offers a motor package to the series champion. Mini Rok - The locally orphaned Mini Rok class was added to give those local racers who were abandoned by another organization a place to come and race without having to buy a new engine. OTK USA has offered two MiniRok International Finals spots to help promote the class for 2015. Rok Shifter - Rok Shifter was added for those that prefer a purpose built engine for their shifter kart experience. The series champion will earn a trip to the Rok International Finals thanks to OTK USA. LO206 - LO206 has gained some traction around the US as a very low cost entry point into our sport. With all of the focus on higherlevel sprint karting lately, the budget racer has been ignored. The LO206 program is the best way to bring new blood into the sport and offer veteran racers a class with an affordable price point. NO official practice days NO stamped tires GO Racing Magazine

QUICK NOTES

Regulating Drones at the Racetrack Words | Photo: Greg Cirillo | Don McCullough

certification of drones, the licensure of operators (pilots) and proper use in U.S. airspace; but those rules are unlikely to become law until well into 2016. So then why are people are buying drones and flying them anywhere and everywhere, if it is mostly illegal? There are three explanations.

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There is a long-standing exemption (meaning that the FAA looks the other way) for aircraft modelers. Long before the advent of lightweight cameras and quadcopters, you had hobbyists building and flying model aircraft – often replicas of actual aircraft. Applying the above FAA standards, these would otherwise be considered aircraft and would require airworthiness certifications, pilot licenses and airspace compliance. But in a nod to practicality, the FAA allows modelers to enjoy their hobby provided that they voluntarily comply with a written understanding restricting flight operations [1]. This modeler’s exemption is now applicable to modern quadcopters to the same extent as it applies to model aircraft operators. For operators that want to remain within the exemption, their operations are limited in a number of ways, including remaining within the operator’s line of sight, under 400 feet, away from other people and away from air traffic. Most importantly, the use of drones must be non-commercial, meaning that it is not done for profit or even for reimbursement or barter.

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The second explanation for why you see so many drones in use (despite FAA restrictions) is that many operators have no concern or no idea that they are behaving illegally, and the FAA does not have the resources to stop them. This may change as the FAA very recently released guidelines to encourage local law enforcement officials to identify and prosecute illegal drone operations [2].

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The third explanation for current drone uses is that, beginning in late 2014, the FAA started issuing one-off exemptions in response to specific petitions seeking limited use of drones, including commercial uses. There are only a handful of legal operators under this exemption process, but that will likely increase. As with the modeler’s code, operators will be severely restricted in their operating area and operator requirements.

We’re leaving this topic to the experts- so we brought in Greg Cirillo to guest blog for us. Greg is a Partner in the law firm Wiley Rein, LLP, and Chairman of the firm’s Aviation Group. He practices in their McLean, Virginia office and in addition to handling unmanned aircraft matters, he has a multinational practice representing owners and operators of private aircraft in purchase, sale, leasing, financing, regulatory and tax compliance matters. Greg also holds an SCCA National Competition License and races his #50 Spec Racer Ford on East Coast road courses. Years ago, the auto racing community embraced the use of micro video cameras (GoPro, Contour, etc.) for entertainment and education. We now have the ability to capture that video from outside the car, on a remotely controlled aerial platform. Views that used to be captured by helicopters and blimps for tens of thousands of dollars, can now be had for hundreds of dollars, or less. A good, remotely controlled, unmanned aircraft (or drone) can cost under $500, and provide high definition footage suitable for broadcast. Unfortunately, for the near future, the vast majority of wellintended uses are technically illegal. And if you are hosting or sponsoring an event, you need to consider both the safety risks and privacy infringements posed by drones. What must a host know in order to remain in compliance with law? And what should a host do in order to minimize liability for drone usage? “Anything this good must be illegal” That statement is largely true for most uses of drones, at least for the next year or two. In a nutshell, the law on civilian drone use in the United States is as follows:

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers a drone to be an aircraft, whether it weighs 15,000 lbs. or 3 lbs. As odd as this seems, it has been challenged legally and upheld by the NTSB.

•

Unless a specific exemption applies, to operate in our national airspace (which means outdoors and off the ground) the equipment needs to satisfy FAA airworthiness standards, the operator needs to meet FAA licensing requirements, and the operation must comport to the same airspace rules as a Cessna 172 or Airbus A380. Yes, really.

• 14

The FAA is developing rules to govern the airworthiness GO

As an event host, here is what you MUST do Make an effort to prevent unlawful drone usage and protect yourself from illegal uses. Drones can be dangerous if they come in contact with visitors, participants or racing equipment. As a starting point, nobody should be operating a drone at your facility unless you are convinced that it is legal. For example, if a photographer offers to produce and sell video at your event, that photographer is going to need to show an FAA exemption GO Racing Magazine

permitting that use. If a race team wants to employ a drone to record driver practice at various sites on the track, you will need confirmation and acknowledgment that they are within the modeler’s exemption, or have an FAA exemption. Even an amateur blogger capturing video for his or her blog is going to need to show you an FAA exemption. In all cases, the drone operators need to attest to the legality of their operation, assume responsibility, and hold the host harmless from damage. This may require the facility to issue a restricted “drone permit” (with wrist band for the operator) in exchange for written assurances from the drone operator, including backup documentation and possibly proof of insurance. As an event host, here is what you SHOULD do Even if the intended drone usage is technically legal, as an event host you need to manage drone use in order to advance visitor safety and to keep yourself out of other legal matters involving privacy or illegal nuisance. The simplest approach is instituting a complete ban on drone usage. In the right context, this is the way to go since enforcement is easy. But commercial and popular forces will come into play and you will want to allow certain uses either by the media, race teams or even in support of your own operations (inspection or promotion). In that case, it is vital to understand what is legal GO Racing Magazine

(including knowing your local laws protecting the privacy of individuals, and prohibiting nuisance activities), and educating your staff so they can carry out your objectives. As above, you will need to build in new procedures and documentation to address the safety, privacy and liability risks of drone uses. Keep in mind that the law will change when the FAA issues its detailed, final rules, and whatever policies and procedures you adopt today will need to be reviewed and revised when the law changes Republished with permission of the International Festivals & Events Association’s “i.e.: the business of international events” quarterly magazine. The premiere association supporting and enabling festivals and events worldwide. For more information on the IFEA, go to: www.ifea.com Republished with permission from IFEA. Editor’s note: Many racetracks now have drone-specific policies. Be sure to get a copy before your next track event. (1) The FAA has published a January 13, 2014 Memorandum of Understanding with the American Modelers Association, building on a long history of self-regulation by aircraft modelers. (2) January 8, 2015 FAA Press Release and Notice. http:// www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=81244 GO

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Fuel Tampering Testing Machines MAXSPEED GROUP STATEMENT ABOUT FUEL TAMPERING Words: MAXSpeed Group Recently, drivers were disqualified from the Rotax Challenge of the Americas event on March 13, 2015 in Sonoma, California; it was found at the post-race technical inspection that drivers were using illegal additives in their fuel. This is a problem that has plagued a variety of motorsports events throughout the world. MAXSpeed Group takes technical violations like this very seriously. The result of this person’s actions, who tampered with a competitor’s fuel, has been banned from any United States Rotax MAX Challenge events for the next 12 months and the two team managers have been put on probation for the next 12 months and will pay a fine. Adding prohibited additives in the regulation is not an interpretation of the regulation, inattention or negligence, this is something done on purpose, clearly against the regulation. This is cheating and clearly a breaking of sportsmanship and the Rotax code of conduct. In addition, this put the health of the cheater, other drivers, technical inspectors and many others in danger. The addition of chemicals in fuel exposes those who use the chemicals to personal injury, some of which may be immediate, and some with long-term effects. USRMC Regulations prohibit the chemical treatment of fuel and tires for competition; our main concern is the health effects of exposure to such hazardous/toxic compounds. Illegal chemicals can/do poison people. Education of our competitors and officials is important. We encourage all of our competitors to communicate this concern and actively discourage the use of these chemicals, not simply because they are not permitted by regulation, but because they are hazardous. While there are others, here are some of the most common chemicals used by “Cheaters”: Benzene, Xylene and Acetone. MAXSpeed Group will never accept the unacceptable, especially in cases where people put somebody else’s health in danger. This is why, in the best interest of our competitors and customers, we took severe decisions in this case and we will continue to do so in the future.

FOUR ROTAX DRIVERS TEST USF2000 MACHINES AT HOMESTEAD MIAMI SPEEDWAY Words: MAXSpeed Group Bringing the alliance between the MAXSpeed Group and Andersen Promotions full circle, recently four drivers from the United States Rotax MAX Challenge program had the opportunity to test in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, the first level of the Mazda Road to Indy. After a selection process that included applicants narrowed down to twelve finalists and interviews with the likes of Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires champion Gabby Chaves, US karting legend Alan Rudolph, and three-time Rotax Grand Finals champion and four-time Euro MAX champion Ben Cooper, the four drivers selected participated in a one-day test at the Homestead-Miami Speedway road course, part of official winter testing for the USF2000 series. “What a great experience for these up and coming karters,” explained MAXSpeed Group’s President Richard Boisclair. “To get behind the wheel of an open wheel formula car straight out of their Rotax powered kart is something that some racers will never have a chance to do. Thank you to the Mazda Road to Indy, Andersen Promotions, and all the staff at MAXSpeed for a successful partnership. We are looking forward to growing together in the future.” The four drivers included Sabre Cook, 19, of Grand Junction, Colorado, who teamed with JAY Motorsports for the late January test. “Working with JAY Motorsports again was very enjoyable and harmonious,” said Cook. “They helped me analyze my performance and the car after every session and it was very beneficial. It was such a joy driving a proper car for the first time on a beautiful track! I cannot thank everyone enough!” Jay Green, Team Owner, JAY Motorsports, noted this of Cook’s performance, “It was one of Sabre’s very first times in a car. She is a very experienced karter. She did very well in the car. It was a big learning curve – a lot to learn in a very small amount of time. I think she would go very far in the series. She just needs a little more experience. She is very talented and very smart, and I think she would do a great job.” Michael McCarthy, 15, of Clearwater, Florida, partnered with Team Pelfrey in Homestead. GO Racing Magazine

Promotions, Afterburner Autosport and MRTI! I look forward to racing the MRTI USF2000 series soon!” Oliver Askew, 17, of Tequesta, Florida, also joined Afterburner Autosport in Homestead. Askew was only able to complete four laps due to a mechanical problem and his test day is being rescheduled. Tim Walsh, Team Owner, Afterburner Autosport had this to say of Brooks and Askew, “Christian jumped right in the car and took it easy and careful at first, but caught right on with the car and the shifting and things like that. It was his first time in a car and hopefully he will be in one of these cars next year. I think he could be right up there amongst the top five right off the bat. Unfortunately, we encountered a problem with our second car and Oliver was only able to manage four laps. We will be rescheduling another test around his karting schedule and look forward to giving him a full day’s outing.” “We couldn’t be more pleased with our partnership with the MAXSpeed Group and our first test outing,” said Michelle Kish, COO of Andersen Promotions. “The opportunity to introduce these young talents to the next step on the racing ladder is very rewarding as is the positive feedback from both the drivers and the teams.”

“For sure this test will go down as one of the best days of my life,” McCarthy said. “The difference between a car and a go-kart is huge, but many of the skills needed to drive a car successfully crossover from go-karting. The day was filled with learning new techniques, car familiarity and interaction with Team Pelfrey. I learned so much from this experience and I firmly believe that my future is in this series. I cannot wait to get back in an USF2000 car! Thank you MAXSpeed Group, Mazda Road to Indy, and Team Pelfrey for this amazing experience!” “We had high hopes and Michael ran very well,” noted Nigel Tuckey, Team Manager, Team Pelfrey. “He is a young kid and this was his first time in cars. He had a couple of little lazy spins but nothing untoward. He went very well and ran some really good times for us down at the Homestead test.” Christian Brooks, 14, of Santa Clarita, California, ran with Afterburner Autosport for the one-day test. “This entire experience from the application process, the live feed interview process with Gabby Chaves and Rob Howden, the INDYCAR licensing and medical exam process and the actual USF2000 test at Homestead-Miami Speedway has been an amazing learning experience to prep me for my future in motorsports!” exclaimed Brooks. “Thank you MAXSpeed Group, Andersen GO Racing Magazine

The partnership between the Mazda Road to Indy and MAXSpeed Group, announced in June of 2014, will work to foster the next wave of up-and-coming drivers. Rotax is the largest racing series in the world in any form of motorsports with over 15,000 drivers competing each year. For more information on the MAXSpeed Group and MAXSpeed Entertainment, promoted events including the Cold Stone Florida Winter Tour, US Open, United States Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Nationals, Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, Team USA and the entire Rotax program, please visit www.GoRotax.com. Be sure to like GoRotax on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ GoRotax) and follow on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/GoRotax).

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TRACK A Mother’s Perspective Words: Kory Zimmermann Integrity: Match your behavior with your values Failure Leads to Success: Learn from mistakes Speak with Good Purpose: Speak honestly and kindly This is it!: Make the most of every moment Commitment: Make your dreams happen Ownership: Take responsibility for your actions Flexibility: Be willing to do things differently Balance: Live your best life Sounds pretty simple, right? I came across these on a handout my daughter brought home from school the other day. These are the 8 Keys to Success that they have learned about at school. Each month they focus on a Key and learn how to associate it in their everyday life; both at home, at school and in everything they do. As kids we have all learned a variation of this; maybe it was the Golden Rule, or other similar principles and values. But somewhere along the way, on the road to becoming adults, it becomes less about these core values and more about Greed, Ego, Selfishness, and Dishonesty. As I read these Keys, it came to my mind “this is exactly what the karting industry is lacking” and people have allowed egos and greed to run rampant. Instead of honesty and integrity, there is a lot of blame, finger pointing, and cheating types of attitude. Instead of Flexibility and Failure Leads to Success, it is I don’t like your ideas or what you are doing so you aren’t allowed to play in my sandbox anymore. What we need to stop and realize is that the future of karting isn’t with the 40, 50, 60+ year olds that are the business owners,

race promoters, and team owner’s associated with karting. The future of karting lies with the kids; the 5 – 15 year olds that want nothing more than to get to the racetrack and race. But as parents, and responsible adults it is our job to make sure we are leading by example, being good role-models and paving the way so that these kids can one day be a part of growing and developing ideas to support the karting industry in a positive way. Whether you race on the West coast or the East Coast in Canada, Mexico or Europe, regardless of what chassis or engine you run; collectively we are a karting community. I looked up the word community in the dictionary and found this: The word “community” is derived from the Old French comunete which is derived from the Latin communitas (from Latin communis, things held in common), a broad term for fellowship or organized society. One broad definition which incorporates all the different forms of community is “a group or network of persons who are connected (objectively) to each other by relatively durable social relations that extend beyond immediate genealogical ties, and who mutually define that relationship (subjectively) as important to their social identity and social practice.” Perhaps as a whole, we need to take off the rose-colored lenses, step out of our ego’s and connect with one another “objectively”. When you are busy throwing rocks at one man’s glass house, you will often come back to find someone busy throwing stones at yours. When we build relationships and bridges to promote success; our community stays strong. Integrity, Balance, Speak with Good Purpose, Failure Leads to Success, Flexibility, This is It!, Commitment and Ownership…it really is that simple!

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FINAL

FINISH ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS COMPLETES 2015 SEASON AT SIM RACEWAY ProMedia Motorsports PR Challenge of the Americas

he eighth season of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas came to close over a picture perfect weekend at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California. The final two rounds of the six-race championship wrapped up, with four Rotax Grand Finals tickets, and two entries to the US Rotax Grand Nationals awarded to the six drivers that emerged as the top driver over the course of the past three months. Beginning in Tucson, followed up with Phoenix and the finale in Sonoma, the racing was spectacular, the competition was fierce, and enough excitement to make the racers looking forward to next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program in January 2016. As we saw last year, the Nash Motorsportz Senior Max title went down to the wire with second year Senior driver Luke Selliken scoring the championship by a slim four points over rookie Christian Brooks. Bryce Choquer became the fifth different winner of the season as he won a dramatic Saturday main event that ended in a three-wide photo finish. The Canadian scored the fast lap in qualifying, but was shuffled back in the Prefinal to fourth as Brooks scored the win over title contender Brenden Baker and Jake Craig. Brooks led the majority of the main event, with several lead changes taking place throughout the 25-lap event. On the final circuit, Brooks was leading with Choquer closing in. At the final turn, Choquer and Brooks were side by side with Selliken getting a slingshot on the outside to make it a three-driver chase to the

S. Falcone / Masters Max

checkered flag. Choquer had enough momentum to sneak on the inside for his first series victory while Selliken inched past Brooks for second. Sunday was much of the same as the title was down to just three drivers - Brooks, Selliken and Baker. Qualifying went similar to Saturday’s session, until Baker edged out Choquer’s time to earn the fast lap as he took the checkered flag. More fighting up front continued with Baker able to secure the top spot on lap 12, and score the win to place himself at the head of the title chase. Brooks was fighting inside the top-five when late in the race he was sent off-course, aided by another driver and rejoined the race to finish 12th. The young 14-year-old title contender was not to be done, as he fought his way back into the top-five. At the time, Baker was leading a four-driver battle for the lead when on lap 16, Marotta and Selliken slipped past. Brooks attempted to move around Baker as well, and the two made contact. The race and the championship were finished for Baker, while Brooks continued on in the third spot, trying to run down the top two. Marotta would not be denied, becoming the only double winner in the six-round series. Selliken held second, and crossed the line as the series championship with Brooks completing the race podium, four points short of title. Sting Ray Robb secured himself the Rolison Performance Group Junior Max title with his third victory of the series during Saturday’s action. After qualifying third behind local drivers Carter Herrera and Mason Cohen, Robb scored the win in the Prefinal and edged out Canadian Kellen Ritter and Trey Brown in the Final. Sunday, Robb came on late to steal the fast time in qualifying, 28

Top Left: B. Choquer / Senior Max Left: G. Langon / Mini Max Top: M. Michoff / Junior Max Middle: D. LaRoque / Micro Max Right: The Junior Max field takes the green Bottom left: M. Marotta / Senior Max Bottom middle: P. Durrant / Mini Max Bottom Right: It was a battle on Saturday and Sunday in the DD2 category between Cook and Illavia

and then sat out the remainder of the day, taking last place points as the championship was locked up. That opened the door for Michael Michoff. After qualifying fifth, the California driver fought his way forward and won a hard fought battle in the Prefinal. The main event was another war, this time against two-time winner Nick Brueckner. The two went back and forth on the final lap, with Michoff executing a great pass after the infamous Tic-Tac-Toe section. He held on to score his first series victory, with Brueckner placing second and Zoey Edenholm a career best third place finish. The Cambrian Go-Karts Masters Max championship chase came down to just two drivers, however, Scott Falcone did his best to prove otherwise. The 2012 series champion dominated the weekend. After he swept the action Saturday, besting both championship contenders Paul Bonilla and John Crow, Falcone began his attempt to sweep the weekend. Scott posted fast time in Sunday qualifying, and was leading the Prefinal until a broken rear sprocket stopped his race early. He quickly made his way through the field, and was leading the Final by lap two. From there, he powered away to victory over Bonilla and Billy Cleavelin. With two straight runner-up finishes, Bonilla clinched his second class title, and his first ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals. The CRG-USA DD2 title went down to the very end, and beyond, with the head-to-head battle between Sabré Cook and Michael Ilavia. Cook entered the weekend leading the championship, with Ilavia responding on the first day of competition. Michael swept the round, except for the fast lap bonus in the Final going to Cook. Ilavia once again won the pole position and the Prefinal Sunday, setting up for a winner-take-all scenario in the last Final of the championship. The two fought back and forth throughout the 25-lap event. Cook went off course on lap 11, giving Ilavia space midway through the race. She regrouped and cut down the lead to nothing, regaining the top position heading into the final few laps. The two made the last lap memorable fighting for the lead, with Ilavia making a last corner pass, and winning the drag race to the checkered flag. Following the race, a protest was filed and a penalty for contact while gaining position was handed to Ilavia, moving him down one position and handing the victory, along with the championship to Cook. Five different drivers took the checkered flag over the six rounds in the PSL West Mini Max class. Payton Durrant was the only driver to win twice, scoring his first in Phoenix, and his second during Saturday’s action in Sonoma. It was a wild finish, that featured top qualifier Jak Crawford and Prefinal winner Sebastian Alvarez battling hard. Grant Langon and Durrant were right there at the end. Contact collected all but Durrant, as he knifed his way around the spinning karts to take the lead and go on to score the Final victory. Austin Torgerson came through for second with Hannah Greenemeier placing third for her first trip to the podium. That set up a number of drivers to be still in the hunt for the championship heading into the final round on Sunday. Alvarez made his bid known, posting fast time in qualifying. He would finish third in the Prefinal after another battle with Crawford. The winner however ended up being Langon, and he would not go away in the Final. 30

The trio battled all race long, with Langon driving away to become the fifth different driver in class for his first series victory. Alvarez won the fight for second over Crawford, which awarded the Mexican driver enough points to earn the championship, the first of his career. Crawford tied Durrant in the point standings, however, the two wins by Durrant gave him the vice-champion position. For the second straight year, one driver dominated the Motorsports Development Group Micro Max division. Duplicating the feat set by last year’s title winner Jak Crawford, Arizona driver Diego LaRoque won all six feature races on the GO Racing Magazine

M. Illavia / DD2

S. Cook / DD2

season to score the series championship. The Sonoma weekend was the exclamation point, as LaRoque top the results sheet for every on-track session. A perfect score came Saturday, earning fast lap honors as well over Josh Pierson and Ashton Torgerson. Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s racing was the same with LaRoque on top of the podium, this time having the fast lap honors stolen by runner-up Leland Honeyman with Torgerson in third. The complete recap of the Sonoma weekend can be viewed in a digital magazine, along with complete coverage from eKartingNews.com. For more, visit rotaxchallenge.com. GO Racing Magazine

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LOS ANGELES KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP OPENS 2015 SEASON | ProMedia Motorsports PR

he 2015 kicked off for the Los Angeles Karting Championship with the first event of the year held at the CalSpeed Karting Center in Fontana, California on March 29. The leading race series in Southern California welcomed over 180 entries, with perfect weather conditions throughout the day for the 18 categories to begin their championship chase that includes over $40,000 in cash, prizes and other assorted programs that will be awarded this year, thanks to the support and contributions of the sponsors and series supporters.

day in the Open division, with Jesse Romer placing third. Musgrave ran uncontested in the S1 class. The new Acceleration Kart Racing S4 Super Masters Stock Moto welcome Kalvin Chen as the first victor. Chen swept the action in the new category, driving to a five-second victory in the main event over Sean Bond and Ron Rossetti. Nicky Hays bested Cruz Fiore in the Nash Motorsportz S5 Junior Stock Moto class.

The largest class of the weekend was the Buddy Rice Karting TaG Senior group, swept by Aaron Aguire. Qualifying in the 23-driver field was tight, as six drivers posted a lap within a tenth of a second to Aguireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 42.963-second lap. Henry Morse and Matt Johnson came 11 thousandths off his time to finish the session second and third. Aguire led all 10 laps of the Prefinal over Johnson. Shuffled back at the start, Aguire fell back to fifth at one time in the Final. He worked his way forward, taking over the lead from Carlee Taylor with the white flag waving. Aguire held on for the victory with Taylor in second. Christian Brooks was a close third with Johnson fourth and Justice Lepe completing the top-five. Colby DuBato scored the first victory of the season in the second largest class of the weekend, the Mack Motorsports PRD 2 division. The day began with Jake Drew at the top of the order after qualifying, posting the only sub 44-second lap. Both trailed Jonathan Shone in the Prefinal, as Dubato was second at the stripe. Shone charged forward in the 10-lap event, beating DuBato to the line for the win. The two continued battling in the 16-lap Final with Drew waiting in the wings. DuBato raced to the checkered flag first for the victory. Shone settle for second with Drew in third. Ryan McElwee was fourth with Jordan Turner in fifth.

Billy Musgrave

The successful HMS Honda Kid Kart division welcomed 11 drivers for the day, as Sheldon Andrews set the pace. Andrews went wireto-wire in the Prefinal and Final after qualifying, scoring the victory by nearly 15 seconds. Zackary Martinez and Brodey Vicars completed the podium. Three of the five PRD categories were swept on the day. Connor Funk bested the iKart West Senior PRD field by nine seconds in the main event with the victory over Joey Paonessa and Jacob Pope. Bryan Bender held off Daniel Rivera in the Phil Giebler Racing PRD Masters category, with Mike Johnson placing third. Cole Keith Cotham was under attack in the Prefinal for the P1 Engines PRD 1 race. After earning the win, the top qualifier went on to nine-second advantage in the main with Dominic Gorden and Shea Weston joining Cotham on the podium.

Colby DuBato

Eight drivers, aside from Aguire, swept their respective categories on the day. Billy Musgrave doubled up in the sweep and win category, besting the field of the TM Racing Open Shifter and Pure Karting S1 Pro Stock Moto. Willy Axton kept Musgrave honest all 36

Sheldon Andrews GO Racing Magazine

Erik Jackson Cole Keith Cotham

The MMK PRD Senior Pilot category featured 16 newcomers and novices to the class, helping to grow the sport toward the future. Ivan Urueta finished the day as the first winner on the season. Urueta qualified third behind Derek Esquibel and Tyler ReviereVerninas. All three were separated by just 76 thousandths of a second. The Prefinal finished with Urueta squeaking by Esquibel at the line for the win, while the final was all Ivan, pulling away to a five-second victory. Esquibel drove second with Reviereverninas running third.

Ivan Urueta

Completing the Superkarts! USA TaG categories with LAKC are the Master and Cadet divisions. Seven drivers made up the CRG So-Cal TaG Master class on the day, all chasing Erik Jackson. An issue in qualifying placed Jackson at the back of the field for the Prefinal with Tony Rossetti on the pole position. It took just six laps before the defending class champion was at the point, taking the win and going on to lead all 16 laps in the Final for victory. Nick De Graf made a late charge to take over the second spot from Rossetti. The 13-driver field in the DR Kart TaG Cadet division began chasing Cole Keith Cotham, after posting a fast lap two tenths clear of Colin Queen and Oliver Calvo. The Prefinal saw Calvo come away GO Racing Magazine

with a last lap pass on Ryan Schartau, who was penalized down to fourth after the race to move up Cotham and Shea Weston up the grid for the main event. Schartau quickly bounced back, getting into the lead on lap two and holding on for the remainder of the race to secure the victory. Calvo ended up in second with Cotham the third spot. Junior 1 Comer continues to be among the larger classes at LAKC, with 19 in the Fleming Racing Engines Jr. 1 Comer and six in the Empire Karts Jr. 1 Comer Pilot divisions. After qualifying sixth, Joseph Daniele went on to win both the 10-lap Prefinal and 16-lap Final. The main event was a five-driver battle, as Daniele secured the victory on the final lap over Rylee Martinez, Jace Jones, Aden Dodge and Colin Queen. Jones was removed from the results following technical inspection, promoting Dodge to the third step of the podium. Chance Gibson duplicated the same feat as Daniele, winning the Prefinal and Final in the Pilot group. Gibson scored the victory by over four seconds ahead of Aidan Yoder and Devin Newcomb. Chandler Campbell scored her first win in the PKS S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto division. After Alejandro Hernandez earned fast time in qualifying, Campbell won the Prefinal and battled with the top S1 and S4 drivers in the main event. She finished second overall to Musgrave, beating Tyler Coffman and Hernandez in class. The MRC S4 Master Stock Moto class was decided between Willy Musgrave and Darren Elliott. Musgrave dropped the hammer in qualifying and came out the winner in the Prefinal. Elliott was able to edge out Musgrave for the victory in the Final, as Kalvin Chen completed the podium. The Smokin Fast Racing S3 Novice Stock Moto welcomed 13 drivers to the grid on Sunday, with Royal McKee taking the victory. Aaron Schmitt set the pace in qualifying, and was able to score the win in the Prefinal. McKee worked past Schmitt on the opening lap, never looking back to take the victory. Schmitt settled for second with last year’s PRD Senior Pilot champion KC Cook in third. The next event for the LAKC program is set for April 26 at the same CalSpeed facility. For more about the 2015 Los Angeles Karting Championship program, please visit LAKC.org and ‘Like’ them on Facebook. GO

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FINALE A PERFECT ENDING TO THE 2015 COLD STONE FLORDIA WINTER TOUR ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE | MAXSpeed Group | Cody Schindel/CKN

t was another great weekend of racing in Florida to close the 2015 Cold Stone Florida Winter Tour Rotax MAX Challenge program, presented by Chase Racing and Brash Racing, last weekend in Ocala, Florida. Taking place at the pristine Ocala Gran Prix facility, the championship finale provided for some exciting wheel-to-wheel action and points battles that went down to the very last on track session. When the weekend was complete, seven class champions were crowned with five receiving invites to the 2015 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Portimao, Portugal later this year. “What a great finish to our first Florida Winter Tour after taking the reigns of the program in July of last season,” explained MAXSpeed Entertainment’s Garett Potter. “The point format for the final event weekend kept several drivers in the championship battle and made every on track session very important. It was great to see the teams and drivers working hard to ensure success.” Taking home main event victories on Championship Sunday were Diego LaRoque in AM Engines Rotax Micro MAX, Sebastian Alvarez in J3 Competition Rotax Mini MAX, Leonardo Nienkotter in PSL Karting Rotax Masters MAX, Jordan Lennox-Lamb in Dallas Karting Complex Rotax MAX DD2, Luis Schiavo in Dallas Karting Complex Rotax MAX DD2 Masters, Anthony Gangi Jr. in CRG USA Rotax Junior MAX, and Steven Szigeti in Rolison Performance Group Rotax Senior MAX. Earning the 2015 Cold Stone Florida Winter Tour class

championships were Ugo Ugochukwu (Micro), Sebastian Alvarez (Mini), Sting Ray Robb (Junior), Kyle Kirkwood (Senior), Jordan Lennox-Lamb (DD2), Christophe Adams (DD2 Masters) and Leonardo Nienkotter (Masters). Earning tickets to the 2015 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals: Mathias Ramirez (Junior), Kyle Kirkwood (Senior), Nick Neri (DD2), Christophe Adams (DD2 Masters) and Leonard Nienkotter (Masters). At the close of the final event weekend and between the race day and championship podiums, the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award that was taken over by Mike and Elena Maurini was given out to the deserving recipient. Earning his name on the perpetual trophy as a true ambassador to the sport of karting, Ben Cooper took the honors and was awarded the Dan Wheldon “Lionheart” photo book as well as a commemorative trophy to keep in his possession at his home in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. With round three of the Rotax MAX Challenge program presented by Chase Racing and Brash Racing complete, the championship point standings are now official. 2015 Cold Stone Florida Winter Tour points are available to view on the GoRotax.com website. “I would once again like to thanks the teams, competitors, tuners and families for an awesome series,” continued Potter. “Also, thank you Jorge Arellano and his staff at Ocala Gran Prix for the utmost in hospitality and help throughout our two week tenure at Ocala Gran Prix. We look forward to seeing everyone at the US Open program in Dallas in May.” GO Racing Magazine

GO Racing Magazine

SECOND SESSION CALIFORNIA PROKART CHALLENGE ACTION HEATS UP AT WILLOW SPRINGS |

ProMedia Motorsports PR | Dromophotos

ypical west coast sunshine weather greeted over 150 drivers for the second round of the California ProKart Challenge event at the Willow Springs International Raceway on March 6-7. The Superkarts! USA regional program hosted its second event of the 2015 season, taking on the challenging Rosamond, California facility. After battling wet weather conditions last month, it was all sun and dry SKUSA MG Tires for the competitors in the 11 categories that are competing for a piece of the $75,000 prize package in 2015. Only three drivers were able to repeat their opening round victory, as the series welcomed eight new winners on the early season. The largest category of the weekend was the Phil Giebler Racing TaG Senior division, featuring 25 competitors all on the IAME X30 or Parilla Leopard engine. Adding to the list of many distinguished victors in the category over the years is Senior rookie Christian Brooks, sweeping the round at Willow. Brooks set the pace in qualifying, as the only driver to run under the 44.5-second mark. Fellow rookie Phillippe Denes was second, while Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix Scholarship driver Austin Elliott clocked in third. The order remained unchanged in the first heat race with Brooks scoring the win, while Elliott took over the second spot from Denes in the second heat after Brooks led all 10 laps once again. Brooks and Elliott set the pace in the main event as Denes was shuffled back early on. Brooks led from the green flag until lap 13 when Elliott took the lead. On the final lap, Brooks reclaimed the top spot and held it to cross the line two tenths ahead of Elliott. David Vasquez had the best seat in the house, running third most 44

of the 16-lap race watching the battle unfold and earning a podium result. Denes slipped to fourth while defending Pro Tour champion Jake Craig ended up fifth.

Senior rookie Christian Brooks landed his first TaG Senior victory in Willow

Defending two-time series champion Billy Musgrave appeared to be the driver to beat in the Vemme Kart/Extreme Karting S1 Pro Stock Moto class, only to have his run at the front come to a halt, paving the path for Jarred Campbell to earn his second straight main event victory. Musgrave set a blistering lap in qualifying to earn fast time with the only lap under the 43-second bracket. He then went on to earn both heat race wins by over two seconds GO Racing Magazine

ahead of Campbell and last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s S2 champion Kolton Griffin. At the opening lap of the main event, Griffin slotted into second behind Musgrave, and ran there for five laps. On lap six, Griffin attempted a pass on Musgrave for the lead, and the two made contact. Neither were able to continue on from the accident, as this gave Campbell the lead and he showed the way for the remainder of the race to score the victory. Matias Podboj drove to the runnerup position, with Ryon Beachner completing the podium.

Sixteen drivers made up the Leading Edge Motorsports TaG Cadet Rookie group, won by George Diakoumopoulos. Dakota Tate set the pace in qualifying, only to see Jacob Yesnick steal the win in Heat #1. Diakoumopoulos was right there in both sessions, and went to the front in Heat #2 followed by his brother Alexander. George led the opening five laps of the Final until he was run down by Tate, who took over the lead on lap six. He led five circuits until Diakoumopoulos regained the point, taking the checkered flag first two laps later. Tate settled for second with Taylor Gibson on the podium in third. Alexander Diakoumopoulos ended up fourth ahead of Cole Shade.

Jarred Campbell doubled up in the S1 Pro win column

The California ProKart Challenge staff elected to separate the TaG Cadet and TaG Cadet Rookie fields into two race groups. This put 22 drivers in the Leading Edge Motorsports TaG Cadet category, with 21 of them chasing Oliver Calvo. A podium finisher in 2014, Calvo swept the Willow event to earn his first California PKC victory. Just 65 thousandths separated he and Cole Keith Cotham in qualifying, with Calvo locking in the fast lap. It was a two-second victory in the opening seven-lap heat over Colin Queen and Cotham, followed by a three tenths advantage in the second heat race over Cotham as Queen fell down the order. Round One winner Anthony Willis worked his way up the order all day, positioning himself into the second spot early on in the Final. Calvo proved too consistent, taking the victory by seven tenths. Willis posted the fast lap of the race to go along with his runner-up finish, while Jace DenmarkGessel won the battle for third over Cotham and Dominic Gorden.

Oliver Calvo swept the day in TaG Cadet GO Racing Magazine

George Diakoumopoulosttook the win in the TaG Cadet Rookie class

Throughout 2014, Darren Elliott was the driver to beat in the SwedeTech Racing Engines S4 Master Stock Moto category, scoring the championship in his return to the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat. Starting out 2015 in the same fashion, the chance at another long win streak came to a close thanks to former series and Pro Tour champion Jimmy McNeil. Qualifying set the stage, with McNeil clocking in the fastest time by two tenths over Elliott. McNeil led the opening heat race until lap four when he was forced to retire with a broken shift rod. This gave Elliott the lead and the win, while McNeil was classified 18th in the race group. Elliott led all 10 laps of Heat #2 over Rob Logan and Willy Musgrave, with McNeil fighting his way up to seventh. Taking a position every lap at the start of the main event, McNeil was back into the lead on lap six. From there, he led the remainder of the race to score the victory. Elliott, recording the fast lap of the race, was eight tenths back, with Logan finishing third. Musgrave ran fourth with Mike Mantel in the fifth spot. The 2Wild Karting S4 Super Master Stock Moto division welcomed a first time winner in Ken Schilling. The new category for drivers over the age of 45 saw Darrell Tunnell set the pace throughout much of the day. Posting the fast time in qualifying, Tunnell went on to win both heat races as well with Schilling GO

Former series and Pro Tour champ Jimmy McNeil fought back to score the win in S4

trailing. Schilling got the jump at the start of the feature race, and led all 16 laps for the victory. Tunnell settled for second, with Round One winner Phil Dunford winning the battle for third over Kalvin Chen.

Vatche Tatikian swept the TaG Master division

Carter Williams was another driver to sweep the Willow round, earning his second victory of the season in the Ryan Perry Motorsport S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto class. Williams recorded another solid effort in qualifying, placing second overall in the S1/ S2 combined group, before going on to heat race wins of 1.7 and 3-second margins. He then went on to finish third overall in the main event, scoring the class win by 1.6 seconds over Jack Freese, with Daniel de la Calle in third.

Ken Schilling landed his first series victory in the S4 Super Master class

The 19-driver field for the Mike Manning Karting TaG Master class was the largest turnout in recent history, with everyone chasing Vatche Tatikian. A three-tenths advantage in qualifying led to a one-second win in Heat #1. In the second race, Tatikian was shuffled back to third behind Kevin Manning and Brian Phillipsen. By the end of the race, Tatikian regained the lead to score the win. Manning once again got the jump on Tatikian at the start of the main event, and led the first eight laps. Tatikian took over the point on lap nine, and was able to pull away to a 1.7-second advantage for the victory. Manning settled for second, with Phillipsen in third. Federico Aguini was fourth and Tom Ricketts placed fifth. 46

Carter Williams made it two for two in S2 Semi-Pro

The Nash Motorsportz TaG Junior category was hotly contested with three different drivers at the top of the result sheets on the day, as Nicky Hays came away with the victory. 2014 TaG Cadet champion Trey Brown posted the fast lap in qualifying ahead of Round One winner Sting Ray Robb and Hays. The three battled in the opening heat race with Robb coming out the winner. Both Brown and Robb dropped down the order in Heat #2, allowing GO Racing Magazine

Hays to drive away to the win. Hays to cruised to the main event victory, leading all 15 laps for his first of the year. Brown fought his way from the back to the front, posting the fast lap of the race to end up second, with Robb up to third. Colby Dubato and Jake Drew completed the top-five.

Callum Smith scored his second straight victory in the Sanner Racing S5 Junior Stock Moto class to add to his point lead. Jason Pettit stole 10 points in qualifying with the fastest time over Smith and Noah Grey, with the three drivers separated by just 72 thousandths of a second. Smith got the holeshot and led all 10 laps of Heat #1 before going on to pace the 10 laps in Heat #2. Smith drove away to a seven-second advantage in the 16-lap main event. Pettit finished second, with Grey holding third.

Nicky Hays triumphed against a strong TaG Junior field

Callum Smith scored his second straight feature win in the S5 Junior

The driver roster for the Professional Kart Support S3 Novice Stock Moto division climbed to 14 for the Willow event. Round One winner Aaron Schmitt posted the fast time in qualifying with a monster lap compared to the other S3 drivers. It translated to a two-second win in Heat #1, although the field caught up in Heat #2. Schmitt fell down to third, as Joe Morton led all 10 laps and Pablo Carballedo slipped past in the final laps for second. Carballedo got the jump on Morton in the Main and led all 16 laps to score the victory by just under five seconds. Schmitt moved around Morton late in the race to claim second. Robert Heck Jr. and Enzo Prevost rounded out the top-five.