Go Racing Magazine January 2015

TALKING TO: Karting Legend Jerry Henderson VOL: 20, NO: 1 JAN 2015

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DRIVER PROFILES

QUICK NOTES

JAM PACKED PLANNING NEXT SEASON LONGTERM STABILITY SIGNING ON CRG S.p.A DISCLOSING PATRONS NORTH AMERICAN IMPORTERS ROTAX UPDATES FRESH FACES A NEWCOMER PARTICIPATION CONFIRMATION OPEN SEASON

FAVORITE TRACKS A SUCCESS STORY

A NEW SUPPORTER TUNNEL VISION US OPEN CRG NATIONS

DAN WHELDON AWARD

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US OPEN

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THE WORLD OF KARTING

34 TALKING TO Karting legend Jerry Henderson

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GO Racing Magazine

JANUARY 2015

SPORT K

S p o t l i g

Darren Mercer

CEO/Owner of Random Manufacturing and a manager promotional products.

Only racing back ground has been sport karting, havi at SB Raceway in the weekly leagues in 2011. “That’s SPV found me and got me racing at Calspeed.”

Personal career highlights have been 2nd overall at Grand Nationals, and getting invited to race in Sodi W Finals in France, the past two years.

Finished 2nd in the CalSpeed Super Series for the 2 years, setting a new single season record for Heat wins third on the All-time A-Main win list with five.

Steve Jasinski

Is an Applications Engineer for a company that makes chine tools.

CONTENTS Has only raced karts, starting in 2007 at Go Kart Wor

Made the move to CalSpeed when Dromo closed in 201 DEPARTMENTS

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06 THE INSIDE LINE Personal career highlights include a win at the Mach 08 PIT 2011, andPASS establishing his race team, winning the 20 30 MOM Karting Championship PRD Pilot Title with driver KC Co AT THE TRACK 33 DRIVER PROFILES Scored his second consecutive Heavy Class Champion 44 EVENT CALENDAR CalSpeed Super Series, and is making the transition t chase in 2015.

QUICK NOTES

CLOSING CELEBRATIONS Route 66 Sprint Series

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MOM AT THE TRACK

Regrouping in the off season

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JAM PACKED

Jeremy Aldridge FAVORITE TRACKS 10

Runs the Lake Street Community Center for the City of LA, PLANNING NEXT SEASON 11 fessional theater director.

LONGTERM STABILITY 12 Started racing karts SIGNING ON indoors about 10 years ago at Drom 13 CA. Was the 2004 CRG S.p.A Champion at Storm Karting, which was 13 and drive series at Irwindale Speedway.

DISCLOSING PATRONS 14 A SUCCESS STORY 15 Had a break out year at CalSpeed in 2014, Scoring a to NORTH AMERICAN IMPORTERS 16 Semi-Final round at the Sport Kart Grand Nationals, and A-Main appearance in the eighth round of the Super Serie DAN WHELDON AWARD 17 DRIVER PROFILES ROTAX UPDATES 17 FRESH FACES 18 A NEWCOMER 19 20 PARTICIPATION CONFIRMATION OPEN SEASON 21 Race Clinic: January 24th Sprint Series Season Opener: Jan 22 A NEW SUPPORTER IronMan Series Season Opener: January 24th Super Series Round #2: February 23 TUNNEL VISION 24 US OPEN www.calspeedkarting.com 26 CRG NATIONS

Upcoming Events:

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Go Racing sat down with the team from CRG Nations

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TALKING TO

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CLOSING CELEBRATIONS

Karting legend Jerry Henderson Route 66 Sprint Series

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Photo: Ken Johnson | Studio52

THE INSIDE LINE

STAYINGDATE Words: Richard Zimmermann

Let the silly season begin! Without much racing going on this past month and being the “off season” (in quotes because we all know that there is really no “off season”), much is happening on the driver, team, manufacturer, and dealer fronts. A bomb was dropped on the world of karting with the announcement of CRG S.p.A taking on a new North American importer in the K1 Group through their CRG Nations division. This was something that caught many people off guard and caused a bit of a tizzy in the industry. From what we know, things will be much more clear and better for the entire sport once the dust settles on this one.

Drivers have changed teams as well. Notables in the sprint kart world are Louie Pagano taking Jake Craig’s spot at 2 Wild Karting and Jake going to Formula K. All good though as everything always seem to work themselves out in the end.

The other big news is MaxSpeed Entertainment’s new series.

This looks like a doozy of a series. Heavy hitters in the industry are supporting this new series with their finale being in Las Vegas the weekend before the SKUSA Super Nationals. What is exciting about the Las Vegas event is the Kart Expo that will run in conjunction to the U.S. Open. The expo will be free of cost so spectators and industry professionals can mingle and do business. This is a good piece of marketing as this enables new people to explore the karting world. We hope that dealers and

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manufactures in the karting industry will take advantage of the kart expo. This should be an interesting and exciting event.

Well here is to you, the karter, the professional, the manufacturer.

Happy New Year and may 2015 be the best year in karting yet.

A bomb was dropped on the world of karting with the announcement of CRG S.p.A taking on a a new North American importer

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PIT PASS MAKING THE MAG

www.goracingmagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS 6212 Corte Del Abeto Carlsbad, CA 92011 SALES & MARKETING Richard Zimmermann (760) 949-7447 sales@goracingmagazine.com CONTRIBUTERS MaxSpeed Group, CalSpeed, Pro Media Motorsports PR, Kory Zimmermann, Press@ wskarting.com, CRG S.p.A, Kelly Engstrom, RaceLab, Giancarlo Tinini, Sima Racing, Race Tech Development, Jerry Henderson

LLocated t d att IInfineon fi Raceway R Sales, Service, Coaching, Trackside Storage

Authorized Rotax service center

SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO: media@goracingmagazine.com

MARIA GONZALEZ KART PRODUCTS

Maria is our newest member at K1 RaceGear. Previously a cashier at K1 Speed Anaheim, she is now in charge of managing all of the advertisers’ accounts for GoRacing Magazine.

A recent graduate of California State University Fullerton Maria is glad to be back in her hometown working with a company she is very familiar with before she pursues her Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders. In case you didn’t know Maria has future aspirations of becoming a Speech Language Pathologist and making a difference in the lives of many people.

www.cameronkarting.com www.redlineoilkarting.com www.cameronracingusa.com

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When she’s not in the office juggling K1 RaceGear and GoRacing Magazine or at home slaving away over grad school applications you can find her binging on Netflix, hiking with her adorable Jack Russell Terriers, or enjoying some good music at music festivals.

PHOTOGRAPHY CalSpeed, Pro Media Motorsports PR, RaceLab, Jerry Henderson, Todd McCall – Ontrack Promotions ART DIRECTOR Rob Dommes DESIGN Jared Novakovich 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.

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Ad copy must be received by the seventeenth of the month to be included in the next month’s magazine.

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Jam Packed WSK PROMOTION IS GETTING READY FOR A SEASON FULL OF OUTSTANDING APPINTMENTS Words: Press@wskarting.it THE 2015 CALENDAR HAS GOT 10 EVENTS ON SCHEDULE, ALL ON THE MAJOR ITALIAN CIRCUIT, FOR THE KZ2, KF, KF JUNIOR AND 60 MINI CATEGORIES. THE OFFICIAL 2015 WSK PROMOTION CALENDAR HAS BEEN RELEASED The new racing season promoted by WSK has been announced. The official calendar of the 2015 events has been released with more events than 2014: the 10 appointments on schedule include the two series WSK Champions Cup and WSK Super Master Series and more events on a single round. The categories are open to the usual international categories: KZ2, KF and KF Junior plus the 60 Mini.

SEASON-OPENER IN LA CONCA, THE FINALE IN ADRIA Once again, the facility of Muro Leccese (Lecce, Italy) will host the season-opener with the WSK Champions Cup, the series which has got two rounds on schedule at the first two weekends in February. The circuit of Adria (Rovigo, Italy), which was opened this year with a WSK event, will host the WSK Gold Cup, the first event on a single round in 2015. The cup will be raced just before the WSK Super Master Series. The Series has got four rounds on schedule between March and April on the circuits of Adria, Castelletto di Branduzzo (Pavia), La Conca and Sarno (Salerno). Big news for the 2015 season thanks to the WSK Night Edition, which

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A Chance to Win a One Day Session at Allen Berg Racing Schools will be raced at night on Saturday 4th July under the lights of the powerful lighting system of the Adria Karting Raceway.

Finally, always on the northern Italian circuit, the WSK Final Cup and the Vega Int. Winter Trophy by WSK Promotion, which will be raced in November and December, will close the season.

LASS WORLD C

UCTION NE INSTR ONE-ON-O

WSK PROMOTION 2015 – THE CALENDAR KZ2 - KF - KF Junior - 60 Mini WSK Champions Cup 1

1st February

La Conca (LE - I)

2

8th February

La Conca (LE - I)

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22nd March

Castelletto di B. (PV – I)

3

12th April

La Conca (LE - I)

4

26th April

Sarno (SA - I)

WSK Night Edition Sat. 4th July – by night

Adria (RO – I)

WSK Final Cup 1st November

Adria (RO – I)

Vega Int. Winter Trophy by WSK Promotion 13th November

Adria (RO – I)

• 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 9

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QUICK NOTES

Favorite Tracks kam kartway one of the top 10 favorite tracks on 2014 Words: Kelley Engstrom RacingIn.com took a survey among all their readers from their website and Social Media channels and came up with a list of the 10 Most Favorite Tracks in America. In an article just released, a little go kart dirt track in Rhome, Texas made that list.

All in all, according to Racingin.com, over 400 tracks across America were named in the voting.

KAM Kartway came in at number 8 with such notables as Eldora Speedway (owned by Tony Stewart) and the winner Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The other tracks honored are: 1) Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury, IL 2) Southern Oklahoma Speedway, Ardmore, OK 3) Twin City Motorsports Park, Monroe, LA 4) Eldora Speedway, New Weston, OH 5) Virginia Motor Speedway, Jamaica, VA 6) Dacotah Speedway, Mandan, ND 7) Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, IL 8) KAM Kartway, Rhome, TX 9) Tri-State Speedway, Pocola, OK 10) Camden Motor Speedway, Camden, TN After the announcement, one parent went to KAM’s facebook and had this to say, “KAM has definitely made Zoie the racer she is today, with the fiercest competitors and best race surface she has learned so much!! Thanks Kelley and Mike for what y’all thrive to provide us with.” - Mallory Pierce

racing. There are over 100 YouTube videos featuring KAM drivers so anyone searching for dirt racing is bound to come across one of them and learn about “Outlaw Karting”.

“This is such an honor and it’s only due to the amazing racing families, drivers, sponsors & spectators at KAM Kartway that we are even on the list,” said Kelley Engstrom.

“We are definitely in good company – just look at the list,” adds Mike Engstrom.

KAM Kartway is a known as a race track for those who aspire to be professional race car drivers and prides itself on the Driver Development status it has attained over the years. KAM drivers are recognized for good sportsmanship qualities and fierce competition, and their reputations influence goes far beyond the DFW area, or even North Texas. Tracks from down south all the way to South Dakota have listed KAM Drivers among their roster of winners.

Referring to Zoie Pierce who won the Pure Stock Track Championship Title this year in a class of over 24 registered drivers. Zoie, along with Outlaw 250 Class Champion Pierce Urbanosky, was also featured on an episode of Chevy Hometown Kids that airs on the Fox Sports Southwest Network.

“Our drivers have National Championship Titles from all over including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.

Our daughter, Kaley along with 3 other KAM Drivers - have won the prestigious honors of “Outlaw Dirt Kart Nationals Champion” over a 4 year span,” said Kelley, adding that “the Knoxville Nationals is a goal of many of our racers who want to end up driving Sprint Cars when they get older.”

KAM Kartway was built in 2004 as a 1/8th mile dirt oval kart racing track. Owners Mike & Kelley Engstrom have been in the Karting Industry for 20 years and also own KAM Motorsports (www.kammotorsports.com) – a full service kart shop serving the North Texas karting community. The track has grown from an average kart count of 15 to over 50 in the past 10 years thanks to the growing trend of Grassroots

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Kelley Engstrom at 817-4-OUTLAW or email her at kelley@kamkartway.com. Our website is http://www. kamkartway.com. Any pictures posted are available to use for Media related stories about KAM Kartway. Other media sources include: Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ kamkartway or Twitter www.twitter.com/kamkartway.

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Planning Next Season 2015 SCHEDULE FOR SO-CAL ROTAX CHALLENGE CONFIRMED Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR The inaugural So-Cal Rotax Challenge season completed in October, and plans for the second year are already underway.

United States Rotax Max Challenge racing is at an all-time high, with hundreds of racers across the country taking part in what is quickly becoming the largest category in the sport, crowning the world champions at the Rotax Grand Finals every year. Drivers in southern California have the opportunity to qualify through to the 2015 ‘Olympics of Karting’ and it all begins at the So-Cal Rotax Challenge.

“I am pleased with the numbers from the first year of the So-Cal Rotax Challenge. Our series was the first in the United States Rotax Max Challenge program to register 50 members and at the end of the year, we were in the top three for overall members. This bodes well for a first year program and I look forward to double digit growth in 2015. Local Rotax racing has been a part of Southern California karting for almost 15 years and will be here for quite some time. The Rotax engine is still the most popular touch and go powerplant in Southern California, as there are far more Rotax engines in the market than most of the others combined. While other programs add and eliminate engines to promote their own agendas, the Rotax program just keeps moving forward. I am pleased to be able to give those customers a place to race.”

So-Cal Rotax Challenge is scheduled for six rounds in 2015, contested at two popular facilities right in the heart of the metropolitan Los Angeles area. Two events, including the opening round in February is set for the Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside. One of the historic circuits in the sport, Adams challenges drivers to push the limits and test their talents around the same layout that many of current karting and motorsports stars honed their skills. Both events will run in conjunction with the SoCal Sprinters organization, bringing together more racers together and opening up the Rotax Max Challenge to karters who may not be familiar. The second course included on the 2015 program is the CalSpeed Karting Center in Fontana.

“This year’s schedule works around Rotax programs across the country, including the Rotax Challenge of the Americas, the United States Rotax Grand Nationals, and other major events in 2015,” commented Seesemann. There is too much racing during

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the months of March and April, so there will be a gap between our February and May events. We make up for it with a double header in June, followed by events in August and October. You can not have two better circuits then Adams and CalSpeed. The second race at Adams will be at night, giving our racers the unique opportunity to compete under the lights. With CalSpeed, that facility gives us the opportunity to run a different layout each time, keep the competitors and teams on their toes. That includes the ‘2 Days, 2 Ways’ format in June. The first day will be in one direction, and the next round will contest the same layout but in the opposite direction. This will keep the drivers and mechanics on their toes all weekend.”

2015 So-Cal Rotax Challenge Schedule February 28: Adams Motorsports Park - Riverside, California (with SoCal Sprinters) May 9: CalSpeed Karting Center - Fontana, California June 20-21: CalSpeed Karting Center - Fontana, California August 22: Adams Motorsports Park - Riverside, California (with SoCal Sprinters) October 25: CalSpeed Karting Center - Fontana, California New for the 2015 season is the addition of Briggs & Stratton LO206 Senior category to the Local Options class roster. This spec 4-Cycle engine program is a very reliable, and affordable, which offers exciting racing for new racers and veterans alike. Should interest grow, the addition of a LO206 Junior and LO206 Cadet Divisions may be added during the year. Honda Kid Kart will continue to be part of the series in 2015.

Seesemann concluded, “This program is a great low cost entry point into karting that we desperately need. We can’t draw new people into our sport if every race they go to has a $1,000 entry fee and $2,000 pitspots. While those races have a place at the top of the pyramid, the base needs to be as affordable as possible to attract new racers. That is the mission and goal of the So-Cal Rotax Challenge.”

For all information regarding the So-Cal Rotax Challenge, be sure to bookmark the RotaxChallenge.com website and view extra on the program’s Facebook page.

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Long Term Stability SUPERKARTS! USA COMMITTED TO FUTURE OF STOCK HONDA CLASSES Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR A new focus on a single manufacturer for their TaG program has provided Superkarts! USA with some much needed longterm stability, and this is only amplified when paired with the organization’s continued support and dedication to the Stock Moto shifterkart program that utilizes the Honda CR125 engine package. It is impossible to argue that SKUSA is not the leader in the category, as they continue to position the formula has a key segment of their operation. That said, SKUSA’s increased partnership with the IAME product line has brought about speculation that the Italian manufacturer’s gearbox engine could become a replacement for Stock Honda program in SKUSA’s shifterkart categories. SKUSA wishes that it be known that this is by no means the case. SKUSA remains fully committed to the Stock Honda program and they see many years of working closely with Honda and HPD. “The IAME X30 Shifter is a cool engine, for sure, and something of that style could be an option for the distant future, but our focus remains on supporting the incredible foundation that we have with the Honda CR125 and our support from Honda and HPD,” Kutscher confirmed. “Yes, the current Stock Moto formula has a few issues in terms of cost-control and detonation, which we’re very well aware of, but are working on solutions for those issues while still supporting the program completely. We’re strengthening our partnership with HPD and we’re totally committed to supporting our community of shifterkart drivers who have their racing programs invested in their CR125s. The class remains the most affordable way to race shifters, which are still the coolest karts on the planet!”

The long-term future of the Stock Honda CR125 product will obviously rest on the topic of parts availability, although Honda and HPD continue to manufacture the necessary components and will be able to stockpile inventory to maintain the supply.

SKUSA’s shifterkart ladder program remains totally focused on the Stock Honda package, with the Junior drivers beginning their gearbox careers in the S5 Junior Stock Moto class. The continued growth of S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto has fueled a steady stream of top drivers graduating into the S1 Pro Stock Moto class, including

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current stars like Billy Musgrave, Sabre Cook, Jake French, Christian Schureman, Ryan Kinnear, Alec Gumpfer, Augie Lerch and Connor Wagner. The growth of the S4 Master Stock Moto might be the highlight of the SKUSA ‘S’ program these days, having attracted a record number of drivers to this year’s SuperNationals.

“Our Stock Moto program is so solid right now and I’m thrilled to watch the progression of drivers from S5 through to S1,” Kutscher added. “The program is now developing the top drivers we knew it would, and I’m equally as stoked by the names and numbers we have in ‘my’ class – S4. The Masters drivers are so passionate and professional. We’re privileged to have them as part of the Superkarts! USA family.”

To that end, Superkarts! USA is also excited to announce a new approach to the S4 Master Stock Moto class that will present a level of recognition within the category. S4 Master Stock Moto will remain a category for drivers 30 years of age and over, and SKUSA will introduce a new classification – S4 Super Master Stock Moto – which will reward drivers 45 years of age and older. This program will focus primarily on regional ProKart Challenge racing for 2015, providing trophies to the top-three ‘Super Master’ finishers and a secondary championship chase. On the Pro Tour, in addition to the regular top-three S4 Master drivers being awarded trophies on the podium, SKUSA will also acknowledge to top ‘Super Master’ in the field by presenting a special trophy during the podium celebrations. ‘Super Master’ drivers will remain eligible for all of the standard S4 Master class awards as well.

For more information on anything related to Superkarts!

USA, please visit their website – www.superkartsusa. com – or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

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Signing On JAKE CRAIG SIGNS WITH FORMULA K AND RACELAB Words: RaceLab Southern California karting sensation Jake Craig has signed on as an official Formula K Racing driver, joining a rare list of Americans to earn the title of a true factory driver. Craig, coming off the most successful karting season of his career, will be an official driver and brand ambassador for both Formula K and RaceLab. Formula K calls Maranello, Italy its home and is based just down the road from the most storied name in all of motorsports, Ferrari.

Andrea Bertolini, Formula K founder, represents a direct connection as he is also a factory driver for Ferrari. Craig had the opportunity to see this relationship first hand when he was invited to Maranello in October to take part in the Ferrari Driver Academy.

The 17 year old Mission Viejo, California native will compete for championships under the watchful eye of RaceLab owner Steve Rickman. Rickman is one of the most experienced veterans of North American karting passing along knowledge as a former driver, team manager, and now business owner. Having been a driver and then, the team manager behind the Genesis CRG mega-team in the 2000’s and now the successful owner of RaceLab, Rickman will provide an invaluable amount of support for Craig in dealing with the new challenges he will face both on and off the track. Craig and Rickman will team up with former ART Grand Prix America team manager Kyle Kuntze to lead the charge on bringing the Formula K brand to the forefront of the west coast karting scene. The group will operate under the RaceLab banner and will be poised for a full assault on the Rotax Challenge of the America’s, SKUSA Prokart Challenge, Rotax Can-Am Prokart Challenge, SKUSA ProTour, Rotax Nationals and a number of local Southern California events. In addition, the schedule will include a large European slate for Craig that will include WSK, CIK, and Rotax EuroMax events.

Craig will be not only the team’s lead driver, but he will also assist in development for the North American market ensuring that the FK product is capable of winning any class, with any engine, and on any type of tire.

“This is a dream come true for me and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect opportunity!” Craig explains. “My goal has always been to become a factory driver and to now be an official driver for Formula K allows me to prove I can compete amongst the best karting drivers in the world. After testing the chassis, I knew that big things were ahead for the brand in 2015 and I’m just excited to be the lucky one who gets to put the team on the podium! The 2015 season can’t get started soon enough and I would like to thank Formula K and RaceLab for making this a reality.”

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“Formula K entrusted me with the responsibility of finding a top American talent to represent them and I couldn’t think of a driver more qualified than Jake,” Rickman commented. “His resume speaks for itself but his attitude and demeanor go a lot further and we are all very excited to see what this season has in store for us. With the tandem of Jake and Kyle and the support of Formula K I feel we have an amazing group of talented individuals that together that can put FK and The RaceLab on top of American karting scene this season.”

CRG S.p.A CRG TO CHANGE STRATEGY IN NORTH AMERICA WITH K1 SPEED Words: Giancarlo Tinini Words from Giancarlo Tinini, CRG S.p.A. founder and president regarding the latest change of strategy in North America.

“I am pleased to announce that CRG will be adopting a new distribution and race development program for the entire North American continent with the K1 Speed organization. The choice to partner with K1 is based on the fact that they have demonstrated an exemplary and unique format on a national level like only few entities have done before them. Their system places brand awareness and service as a top priority accompanied by a well-structured program at all their locations. This is exactly what the racing segment of our business requires if we want to offer the same level of service, brand awareness and race support to all our CRG devoted clients. We will be working hard to achieve this goal through a well-structured and capillary distribution network as one of our short term objectives.”

Giancarlo Tinini CRG S.p.A. GO

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Disclosing Patrons 2015 SERIES SUPPORTERS ANNOUNCED FOR ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR

Premier winter karting series on the left coast set to start January 9-11 in Tucson, Arizona In just two weeks’ time, the season will be underway at the Musselman Honda Circuit outside Tucson, Arizona as the 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas program opens its eighth season as the premier winter karting series on the left coast. Seven Rotax Max Challenge categories begin a six-round championship series along the southwestern half of the United States to open up the 2015 karting season. Pre-entries continue to roll in for the opening rounds, scheduled for January 9-11, with over 150 drivers anticipated for the first weekend.

Many of the racers heading to the Musselman Honda Circuit are preparing for a chance to be one of the four racers to win a 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas championship and ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals. The title winners in Senior Max, Junior Max, DD2 and Masters Max will earn the right to represent their respective country at the ‘Olympics of Karting’, a prize package valued anywhere between $8,000 and $10k. Entries to the United States Rotax Grand Nationals are scheduled to be awarded to United States drivers that earn the championship in the DD2 Masters, Mini Max and Micro Max divisions.

adds to an already established 5-star customer service program and winning race team; motorsportsdevelopmentgroup.com Masters Max: Cambrian Go-Karts Entering its 11th season, the family run Cambrian Go-Karts shop is continuing to expand from its San Jose, California base.

Don and Donald Durbin were already established in the karting community, and now continue to provide service and support for karting enthusiasts both new and old. Their full array of products, maintenance and repair department, as well as trackside support for a number of local events make them a full service karting operation; cambriangokarts.com Junior Max: Rolison Performance Group One of the most successful race teams in recent years is the Rolison Performance Group. Led by veteran karter Mike Rolison, the operation is focused on driver development for any type of driving background. RPG team secured two Rotax Challenge of the Americas championships the last two seasons, with Phillip Arscott a now two-time Senior Max champion with Blaine Rocha and Austin Versteeg claiming titles behind the wheel in Junior Max packages.

In total, Rolison Performance Group sent eight drivers to the Rotax Grand Finals as part of Team USA that last two seasons; www. rolisonperformancegroup.com

These prizes, and many more set to be awarded over the three weekends from January to March, are offered thanks to seven karting companies that have step up to show their support of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas program for the 2015 season as class sponsors. Each of the seven companies are all authorized Arrive and Drive vendors for series events, and offer a wide variety of trackside support for the three weekends of The Challenge, servicing all the Rotax Max Challenge categories.

Mini Max: PSL West PSL West is Western Canada’s source for all things CRG. In addition to a solid dealer network covering the western Canada and the northwestern portion of the United States, PSL West operates a national level race team that is focused on raising the bar for customer service. Equipment leasing, arrive and drive programs, along with driver coaching are just some of the luxury services PSL West offers for drivers to win championships. Danny Kacic, President of PSL West, has worked with CRG since 2002, both as driver and shop owner, including a long-term relationship with the CRG factory; crgwest.ca

Micro Max: Motorsports Development Group Motorsports Development Group is a full-service competition business founded in 2007 by multi-time national karting champion Stuart Robinson. MDG offers a full range of services, from career management, driver coaching, and much more, including their own World Challenge race team. The addition of a full karting program

Senior Max: Nash Motorsportz Experience and commitment are two words to describe the work ethic of Nash Motorsportz. Owners Seth and Tracie Nash have built their company on what is best for each client, with the results to prove it. They provide outstanding engineering and coaching for each of their drivers. Nash

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Motorsportz is also a Rotax Service Center and has a complete line of chassis and products; nashmotorsportz.com DD2 Masters: Ryan Perry Motorsports If your focus is solely on race track performance, look no further than Ryan Perry Motorsports. Their mission is simple, become the top race team in North America. No matter what level of the sport, winning and developing you into the best racer possible is the ultimate goal. RPM provides a list of services valuable to every racer, where preparation, driver development, data analysis, transportation, storage and the most important aspect...tuning.

RPM is focused on driving you to success.

DD2: CRG-USA The Colorado-based operation has grown into a powerhouse race team in just two years. The CRG importer has helped to grow the successful brand throughout the western half of the United States, and support a number of talented drivers, including former series champions Nicholas Latifi and Felipe Fraga. In 2013, CRG-USA helped guide Joey Wimsett to the runner-up finish at the Rotax Grand Finals in New Orleans, earning the best finish ever by an American in the DD2 category; crg-usa.com Precision Karting Technologies, HoleShot, Ribtect, Acceleration Kart Racing, K1 RaceGear have also added their names to the Rotax Challenge of the Americas supporter list. All companies have donated certificates for podium and drivers meeting giveaways.

Race Tech Development has provided $50 gift certificates for ever single podium finisher to be used toward media releases, equaling to $6,300 available. M2 Image Solutions is the official supplier of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas podium hats and series apparel, which will be available trackside at registration each weekend.

Registration remains open at Registration.RotaxChallenge.com website until midnight on Friday, December 26 when pre-entry for the Tucson event closes. Host hotels for all three events in 2015 under the Schedule & Tracks menu of RotaxChallenge.com. Racers are encouraged to book their rooms early for all three events, as hotel rooms may be difficult to secure due to other events in each city during the same weekend - especially for the Phoenix rounds in February. For more information on the 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas, be sure to bookmark www.rotaxchallenge.com and watch for updates as the season draws closer.

2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas Schedule January 9-11, 2015: Musselman Honda Circuit - Tucson, Arizona February 13-15, 2015: Phoenix Kart Racing Association - Glendale, Arizona March 13-15, 2015: Simraceway Performance Karting Center - Sonoma, California

A Success Story SIMA HAS ITS MOST SUCCESSFUL WINTER SEASON TO DATE Words: SIMA Racing SIMA opened its doors this year in 2014 for its most successful winter season to date, and the racing was incredible. The 2014 season saw SIMA draw over 200 championship contending racers. So now that they have another year under their belt and already looking to turn to the 5season, why would they do it any differently? SIMA Raceway is beginning their Winter season on Jan 31st 2015 to start the new year. The series will consist of three races, th with the following two dates falling on February 28 and April th th 10 -12 , and blend right into the start of their summer season as it did this year. Class structure will stay much the same as it did this year, with three TaG Junior divisions for ages 7-16, the ever popular TaG Senior and divisions, 4 stroke light/heavy, Direct Drive, and finally Sportsman/Expert Shifter. Just like in any other form of professional racing, SIMA started preparing for the following season as soon as 2014 was finished, and look to make their already popular local race series grow exponentially. SIMA accomplished that this year with a competitive and fun atmosphere for drivers and spectators alike, as well as giving away almost $30,000 in prizes and year end rewards. Prizes ranged from a small karting chains, MG tires, VP fuel, My-Chron packages, Seattle Mariners tickets, La Crocadile restruant gift certificates and much more all given away at days end, including one four trips to the ROK Cup in Lonato, Italy. There are very few series where you can travel so little and race for such substantial prizes. SIMA has done an incredible job with their new facility here and given so much back to the karting community. It gives the karting community something to be proud of, and hopefully entrants and attendance will continue to grow at this amazing facility and local club series come February 2015.

SIMA Raceway would also like to thank the amazing support from their 2013 sponsors; without them the season would not have been possible. Italian Motors USA, Italkart,IAME, Michael Valiante Racing, VP Racing Fuels, AIMsports, GMZ Race products, MG Tires, Courtney Concepts, Designs of All kinds, Le Crocodile, The Seattle Mariners,RLV, and Arroxx race suits.

The SIMA 2015 Winter Series Schedule is as follows: -Jan 31st - Feb 28th th th - April 10 -12 combined with Gold Cup Please visit www.simaracing.com, contact info@simaracing. com or call (360) 988-5104 for more information

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North American Importers THE K1 GROUP BECOMES THE SOLE NORTH ARMERICAN IMPORTER OF CRG

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Words: K1 Group The K1 Group, including K1 RaceGear, Go Racing Magazine and K1 Speed the world’s largest indoor karting organization with 25 centers nationwide and growing, together with CRG, one of karting’s most prolific manufacturers, have reached an historical exclusive importation and distribution agreement for the entire North American continent under the name CRG Nations.

K1 together with Patricio Jourdain will be responsible for managing all importation and distribution rights for the CRG racing line karts starting January 1st, 2015.

This exclusive agreement will also include CRG’s R2R (Rent 2 Race) Centurion rental kart product line and program as another important part of this partnership offering greater structure and product awareness throughout North America.

This accord marks the beginning of an historical agreement that will give the CRG kart racing community greater support and the sport of karting even more visibility.

As part of the rental agreement, the K1 Group is developing a program that will take the millions of indoor kart racers around the country and introduce them to the outdoor competition world.

With the K1 Group’s expertise and success in the indoor market, this same mentality will extend into the outdoor karting world.

The number one goal is to grow the outdoor karting market as a whole which will benefit racers, dealers, tracks, and manufacturers.

“We are very excited to announce this partnership, also very positive to work hard and bring the CRG brand even higher than it is already. We have an incredible group of people who will be working with us to make this happen.

Our main focus is to serve efficiently to everyone in need for CRG products; we understand racing and its challenges, therefore we understand very well our customer needs.” said Patricio Jourdain, Director of Operations for CRG Nations.

CRG Nations will partner with CRG USA who will be responsible for the exclusive handling of the current and new CRG dealer

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network in both the U.S. and Canada along with operating the Official CRG Factory Race Team in North America. The goal for both will be to establish a strong dealer network that will provide a great support system for all CRG customers. “Our goal is to support all existing dealers and offer them a more structured approach of selling and promoting the CRG brand.” said Richard Zimmermann, General Manager of CRG Nations.

“We are excited to work with Stacey Cook and CRG USA as they have done such a superb job that it only made sense to continue with CRG USA’s winning ways.” New and existing dealers can order directly from CRG Nations or CRG USA. Both companies will provide the same level of high quality service and the same pricing. The benefits will be for the proximityof the dealers to either CRG USA or CRG Nations for better shipping options.

CRG Nations will offer an extensive inventory of chassis and parts in order to properly service all CRG dealers and customers in a timely matter while offering a well-defined dealer network across both Canada and the United States.

CRG Nations will work closely with its official National team, CRG USA, as the CRG brand will compete in the entire national, regional and club levels across both countries.

About CRG S.p.A. CRG has always been focused on quality, detail and constant product improvement thanks also to the contribution of its own racing department and Racing Team and therefore can offer a wide range of products suitable for all karting drivers (young, rookies, professionals) through a solid network of importers and distributors placed all over the world. Always directed towards performance hunt and innovation, CRG is a leading, forward-looking company in the world of karting.

For more information on the CRG product line or to become a dealer, please contact CRG Nations at sales@CRGnations. com by email or phone (760) 690-7178. You can also visit www.CRGnations.com. You may also contact CRG USA at (855) TEAMCRG (832-6274) or email sales@crg-usa.com.

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Dan Wheldon Award DAN WHELDON AMBASSADOR AWARD TAKEN OVER BY MIKE MAURINI AND WILL CONTINUE AT THE 2015 FLORIDA WINTER TOUR Words: MaxSpeed Group With the group of people at the MAXSpeed Entertainment taking over the reins of the Florida Winter Tour, employees were thrust into action immediately to organize, plan and make changes to one of the largest and most competitive series in North American karting. With the addition of the ROK Cup USA program and the evolution of the Rotax MAX Challenge weekend, few items were over looked as the planning continued throughout the last quarter of this year.

“One of the awards that I wanted to see continue under the new management of the series was the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award that had been a sought after prize in the Florida Winter Tour for the past three seasons,” explained Mike Maurini, owner of Race Tech Development, Koene USA and great friend of the late Dan Wheldon. “Being proactive, I made a few phone calls and offered my hand to help rekindle the award for the 2015 Florida Winter Tour. I know it means a lot to Bill Wright, several members of the karting community and myself, and with the help of Richard Boisclair from MAXSpeed Entertainment, he agreed that I would be the perfect successor to manage the award.”

Developed by former Florida Winter Tour owner and promoter Bill Wright, the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award is expressed in his words as twofold: first to honor the memory of Dan Wheldon, and secondly to inspire others to be aware and adopt the personal attributes that made Dan an outstanding father, racer, friend and a strong and positive image for the karting community.

Continuing with Wright’s tradition, the award will be presented to a Florida Winter Tour participant who best represents karting with a highly competitive spirit, a helpful and positive attitude, and a professional image. The eligibility for the award requires the recipient to be a Florida Winter Tour participant. Although drivers are the most visible part of any series, success in karting requires a group of individuals including drivers, parents, tuners, mechanics, coaches, team managers, business owners, importers, track owners and even event promoters.

Maurini added, “I always work hard to emulate Dan’s attributes; to be the kind of person that could be a recipient of the Dan Wheldon Ambassador Award. Though I was never able to win it, I am happy and honored to take over the program and award it to a deserving winner.”

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Rotax Updates UNITED STATES ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE BULLETIN Words: MaxSpeed Group As you may know, we at the MAXSpeed Group are always trying to listen to our customers and some have been unhappy with the current Rotax Mini MAX regulation in regards to the minimum squish gap. In trying to make this class as level playing field as possible, we have come to the conclusion with the help of our customers that the performance of the package has declined.

Our intentions are high and with current tests we know we will be able to provide all Rotax Mini MAX competitors and their supporting teams with a solid baseline coming with the new EVO products. However, the first races of the season would suffer if we were to stay unchanged; therefore, after some careful and datafilled testing at the Homestead Karting facility this past weekend, we have come to the conclusion that the current 2.8mm squish setup is not suitable. MAXSpeed Group has decided to lower the minimum squish to 2.4mm, as this will increase the level of performance to a level we are happy with for winter racing at both the annual Rotax Challenge of the Americas (COTA) and Florida Winter Tour (FWT).

The purpose of the attached United States Rotax MAX Challenge bulletin is to inform the karting community with as much notice as possible, that the official Mini MAX Squish will be reduced from 2.8mm to 2.4mm effective December 22, 2014.

MAXSpeed Group would also like to remind the Rotax karting community of the following: 4.1) Modifications: Neither the engine nor any of its ancillaries may be modified in any way. “MODIFIED” is defined as any change in form, content or function that represents a condition of difference from that originally designed.

Any modifications to factory parts may result in disqualification, or exclusion of the event and or series. This rule has not been changed but this is rather a reminder that any type of modifications will not be tolerated at any level of the Rotax MAX Challenge program. It is the responsibility of the Authorized Rotax MAX Service Center and the driver to know and understand the Technical Regulations at all times and for each series. Please read the appropriate rulebook to know and understand any rule changes. The technical regulations for COTA and FWT are posted on their websites and are available for download and there have been several modifications from previous years.

Josh Smith, MAXSpeed Group GO

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Fresh Faces TOP KART USA ANNOUNCES TWO NEW DRIVERS FOR 2015 Words: Race Tech Development Both JP Southern and Jack Miller have decided, independently, to join team Top Kart USA for the 2015 season. This news is exciting for all parties involved. As Jack Miller explains, “We have watched the development of the Top Kart chassis over the last couple of years here in the USA. The results speak for themselves, podium after podium. Top Kart has worked very hard at making changes that will allow the driver to quickly dial in the chassis for the ever changing track conditions.”

The Top Kart USA team is excited to be having these up-andcoming drivers join their Junior lineup for next year. CEO, Bill McLaughlin Jr. adds, “With a great year for our Junior program in 2014 winning the Tag Jr championship in 3 of 4 major national series, such as Florida Winter Tour, USPKS, and SKUSA Pro Tour, our experienced and talented drivers of Zach Holden and David Malukas look forward to having yet 2 more blue karts on their side to run with.”

For 2015, Jack Miller will begin racing in the WKA Manufactures Cup, SKUSA National series, USPKS, Florida Prokart Series, and part time KRA series at New Castle Motor Sports Park. Miller and his family plan on filling in the voided weekends with various venues, as well as training and supporting a goal of making it to a few European races as well.

This year, Miller won both Championships in the Yamaha Junior class at NCMP driving a Tony Kart, at the ripe age of 10. The battles he endured throughout the season were intense, which set the Millers on the lookout for a good, performance-driven kart, which would be critical in order for him to win. Following the championships, Jack tested a Top Kart with the X30 engine. He was fast right out of the box, and his feedback was simple and to the point, “The Top Kart turned in better than the other chassis, which makes it easier to drive.” He went on to say that both Karts are good; however he liked the ease of cornering and braking better in the new Top Kart, continuing, “It’s a very predictable kart to drive.”

Miller has competed against Zach Holden and David Malukas, fellow Top Kart drivers, over the years when the age differences overlapped and the rules allowed. He considers them great drivers and is looking forward to racing with them again, and knowing how great of competition they are just adds more anticipation towards being a part of this team, and maybe even having the possibility of landing on the podium ahead of them. Jack will turn 12 this June and will be one of the youngest drivers to compete in the highly competitive Junior class. However, Miller just feels like age is but a 18

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number, “I have never really cared about my age or the age of other drivers I’m just having fun driving fast go karts and fighting hard on the track.” Another of the reasons the Millers are excited about joining Top Kart USA is that they have a long lasting relationship with the McLaughlin family and are excited to be back under their tent.

JP Southern’s camp is equally as excited to be racing with a blue Top Kart next season. “We appreciate the many years of our long relationship with PCR, Checkered Motorsports and the Budjuso family, and the success we accomplished together will not be forgotten. That being said, we could not pass up the chance for John Paul to be in close contact with the highest level of drivers Malukas and Holden, along with a team focused and experienced on winning Junior level championships. This environment will put John Paul in an situation to be challenged and help sharpen his skills in his junior program.”

The Southern’s plan to compete in WKA , the Florida Pro Kart Series, USPKS, and the SKUSA Pro Kart Series. They also plan on getting JP into a kart as often as possible on the lay weekends, their goal being continually raising his physical and mental abilities and preparation, maximizing his on-track-focus, as well as creating opportunities for feedback to be able to win.

The Southern’s go on to say, “The change to the Top Kart USA team materialized quickly, and we will be as prepared as possible for that first lap in the new chassis at the WKA opener next week. But, be assured, we will not allow that to be an excuse not to bring the best competition level we can to the table. I have full confidence that the professionalism of the Top Kart Staff, constant communication and attention to detail they have show us to date will have the new Top Kart equipment prepared and sitting on the grid on practice day and John Paul will drive it. We plan to compete and give it our best effort to fight for the front, and that’s why we will be in Daytona,” continuing, “We are very thankful for the opportunity to get to work with the Top Kart USA team as well as bringing with us the continued support of Woltjer Engines and Zero Error Racing.”

COO, Blake Deister, adds, “As we have a very focused core junior racing program we emphasize on trackside support and dedication to sharpening the upcoming drivers in the Sportsman and Junior categories. Keying in on race craft on track and working with drivers on Top Kart are our main focus areas. With 2 new drivers on our team for the national circuits in 2015, we have great GO Racing Magazine

A Newcomer SODI KART USA / DALLAS KARTING COMPLEX ADDS JAKE FRENCH FOR 2015 ROSTER Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR The 2015 season is just around the corner, and the Sodi Kart USA / Dallas Karting Complex operation is in full speed, gearing up for what could be its best season yet. Leading the charge for the growing race team is newly acquired Jake French, who will pilot a Sodi Kart in the DD2 and S1 Pro Stock Moto categories in 2015.

The 18-year-old from nearby Sache, Texas joins the program after a successful career in both Rotax and shifterkart competition.

“Mike and I are extremely excited to have Jake French coming on as Pro Driver for Sodi Kart USA / Dallas Karting Complex. Jake will not only be a leader on the racing team but will also be coming on as a full time employee at DKC as lead driving instructor for a newly formed division of driver development,” commented Dallas Karting Complex co-owner Kevin Adds. “We have been looking for the right person to add to our team and have found him with Jake.

He is always among the fastest on-track at any event he attends.

We feel with time, Jake will get on track assisting our other drivers and training full time for upcoming season, making our program the team to beat. Making the race team even stronger is long-time tuner Mark French. Jake’s father has guided him throughout his career, helping him to reach to the top ranks in karting and having him is going to be a huge addition also.”

Jake will start out the 2015 season with a return to Rotax racing.

He will be part of the massive Sodi Kart DD2 attack at the Florida Winter Tour. Already committed include French, Nathan Adds, Austin Wilkins, along with three-time Team USA and defending US Rotax Grand Nationals DD2 Masters champion Mike Jones. Adding strength and depth in this attack are Sodi Kart factory drivers confidence that we will again achieve success with the release of our 2015 Twister chassis for the Junior and Senior drivers as well.”

With JP an experienced Junior competitor, he will look to take part in the Top Kart USA / Mclaughlin Motorsports effort to move drivers up the ladder of motorsports from karting to open wheel formula cars. JP Southern sees this as a great opportunity for his racing career and he will look to take full advantage of this program in the coming years.

Further information on Top Kart USA and McLaughlin Motorsports can be obtained by contacting their offices at 317.870.3122 or visiting them online at www.TopKartUSA. net. The top Kart USA online store is now live and ready for orders. Visit Shop.TopKartUSA.net to place your orders today.

GO Racing Magazine

Anthony Abbasse and Arnaud Kozlinski. Abbasse is a longtime Sodi driver, many French titles and is a two-time SKUSA SuperNationals SuperPro winner. Kozlinski is the 2009 world karting champion, making a return back with the Sodi brand for the 2015 season.

Success came early for Jake, earning the US Rotax Grand Nationals Mini Max title in 2007 and the transition was quick into the Junior ranks. In 2009, French placed third at the US Rotax Grand Nationals, earning his first ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals. The focused turned toward shifterkart racing after that, having tested the water in S5 Junior Stock Moto back in 2008. After a solid few seasons in the S2 Semi-Pro division, Jake moved on to the S1 Pro category. In 2012, French finished fifth in the SKUSA Pro Tour standings. The following season, his focus was on building a stock car career before moving back to the karting seat, placing 10th on the Pro Tour standings in 2014.

“I’m really excited to join the Sodi Kart USA / DKC team with Mike and Kevin,” added Jake French. “Joining the DKC team and driving the new Sodi Kart in DD2 and S1, along with leading a new driver development program, will make 2015 my best season yet. I’m looking forward to starting the season off at the Florida Winter Tour and that my dad will continue to be alongside me as my mechanic.”

Spots still remain to be part of the Sodi Kart USA / Dallas Karting Complex operation at the Florida Winter Tour in the coming months, including the opening rounds on January 23-25 at Homestead Karting. Plans are already underway for the 2015 Texas ProKart Challenge and Superkarts! USA Pro Tour program, which will include French, Adds, Wilkins, along with 2014 SKUSA Pro Tour S5 Junior Stock Moto Trenton Estep returning for the upcoming season.

To find out more about Arrive-and-Drive opportunities with the Dallas Karting Complex race team aboard one of their successful Sodi Kart packages, contact Kevin Adds at 214-4581500 and visit them at www.dallaskartingcomplex.com.

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Participation Confirmation FLORIDA PRO KART SERIES CONFIRMS SOME OF NORTH AMERICA’S TOP KARTING TEAMS PARTICIPATION IN INAUGURAL SEASON Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR

The inaugural Florida Pro Kart Series (FPKS) Winter Series is set to commence the second weekend of the 2015 calendar year at the Palm Beach Kart Center in Jupiter, Florida. Hosting a variety of TaG and Shifter kart divisions, the premiere series has a lot to offer to both the national level driver and the average karting competitor. Offering a winter program giving teams and drivers the most bang for their buck, the FPKS is set to embark on their initial venture with several of North America’s top karting teams.

“We are very pleased with the response from our teams and drivers,” explained Series Promoter Glenn Biggs. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure an organized and successful program. We are excited about the upcoming 2015 series and are working hard to ensure our customers leave the track with a smile.”

In one of the many efforts to help the karting community, the Florida Pro Kart Series has worked a deal with Woltjer Engines to have the IAME X30 and Leopard engines available for rent at all Florida Pro Kart Series events.

Interested parties are asked to contact Daniel Woltjer at 918.258.0598 or 918.605.8575 with discounts being given to competitors who sign up for all three series events.

Biggs added, “The Florida Pro Kart Racing Series pre entry special that gives the entrants a free Mechanic Wrist Band ($40.00 Value) is will come to a close December 27th, 2015.”

2015 Florida Pro Kart Series Registration - http:// floridaprokartseries.com/shop/

With several classes on the docket including Briggs, TaG and Shifter, multiple teams throughout North America have confirmed their participation in the Florida Pro Kart Series.

These teams include: Top Kart USA, Kart Sport North America and Arrow, Franklin Kart, Mike Doty Racing, Praga North America, Champion Racing, Verde Speed, Keane Racing, Gold Racing, 3G Racing, TB Kart, Tecno Kart, Race Line Motorsports, PKT Axles, Comet Kart Sales, DRT Racing and Woltjer Racing.

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please visit them online at www.FloridaProKartSeries.com or contact Glenn Biggs rdglennbiggs@yahoo.com. The “NEW” redesigned web site is now open for information and registration.

Race Dates: January 9-11 Palm Beach February 6-8 Palm Beach March 13-15 Jacksonville

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Open Season REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2015 ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS PROGRAM Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR In just a few weeks, the top Rotaxians from around the world will travel to Spain to compete at the 15th annual Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals to decide this year’s world Rotax champions. Your chance to be part of Team USA in 2015 begins this January when the Rotax Challenge of the Americas begins its eighth season. The premier winter karting series on the left coast has seen an increase in driver participation every season, and more is expected in 2015 with the opening of registration for the opening round on January 9-11.

“The numbers and level of competition continues to increase with every year of the Challenge,” stated series promoter Andy Seesemann. “It is surreal that we are beginning our eighth season, as it seemed like yesterday that we were making the announcement at the US Grand Nationals in Colorado. We have enjoyed strong support from a number of drivers, teams and industry members. That has helped our continued growth, and the talent that continues to race in the series. We have our top three Junior Max drivers on Team USA this year, along with two of the top-three in Senior Max, along with our DD2 and DD2 Masters champions going to Spain. Not to mention our Mini Max champion scored the victory at the US Grand Nationals and many of our Micro Max drivers were in contention. If you want a chance to race against the best, the Challenge is the place to race.”

raise their prices every year. The growth of our series has allowed us to remain at the same prices from 2013 while still continuing to offer the same professionalism and dedicated personal,” added Seesemann. “Our schedule this year was put together by working with the karting industry and around what is becoming a busy winter season. That however placed us on challenging weekends for hotel rooms in all three cities for all three events. It would be wise for racers to make their hotel reservations way in advance because rooms will sell out.”

The closing date for registration for the opening event in Tucson is December 26. Class and series sponsors are signing up as of right now, with more information, including championship prizes to be announced in the coming weeks.

2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas Schedule January 9-11, 2015: Musselman Honda Circuit - Tucson, Arizona February 13-15, 2015: Phoenix Kart Racing Association - Glendale, Arizona March 13-15, 2015: Simraceway Performance Karting Center Sonoma, California For more information on the 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas, be sure to bookmark www.rotaxchallenge. com and watch for updates as the season draws closer.

The 2015 schedule for the Rotax Challenge of the Americas program is similar to that of last year. The opening two rounds open up at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona.

February 13-15 keeps the series in the Copper State with a return to the Phoenix Kart Racing Association in Glendale for Rounds Three and Four. The finale returns to the month of March, as the program travels north to wine country. The final two rounds at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California on March 13-15 will decide the 2015 champions.

Registration is now open at Registration.RotaxChallenge.com website, along with information on host hotels for all three events in 2015 under the Schedule & Tracks menu of RotaxChallenge. com. Racers are encouraged to book their rooms early for all three events, as hotel rooms may be difficult to secure due to other events in each city during the same weekend - especially for the Phoenix rounds in February.

“For a third straight year, we are keeping the same fees. It is unprecedented in karting, as we continue to watch other groups GO Racing Magazine

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A New Supporter IAME USA TO SUPPORT FLORIDA PRO KART SERIES Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR The presence of IAME has been growing steadily all across America since the formation of IAME USA was announced, along with its two partners - IAME USA West and IAME USA East. The new Florida Pro Kart Series is now the latest program to add a full range of IAME categories to its class line-up. The series, which kicks off on January 9-11 at the Palm Beach Kart Center in Jupiter, Florida, has added an IAME Mini Swift category to their schedule, which is set to run in the TaG Sportsman division and will be scored separately.

In addition to IAME Junior and IAME Senior, which allows both the IAME X30 and the Parilla Leopard, the TaG Open and TaG Master divisions will also welcome IAME branded powerplants, giving the series a full range of classes at the Florida Pro Kart Series.

The top finisher in the series point standings in the new IAME Mini Swift category will receive a coveted Guaranteed SuperSunday Starting Spot for the 2015 Superkarts! USA SuperNationals in Las Vegas, along with paid entry and race tires. The second place finisher in the standings will receive a free IAME Mini Swift engine.

Third place will receive a $500 IAME gift certificate, fourth place a $250 IAME gift certificate, and fifth place a $100 IAME gift certificate. All of these packages will be presented in March at the final event in Jacksonville, Florida. Possible weekend prize packages will be announced in the near future.

IAME USA East will be on-site for all Florida Pro Kart Series events, including the opening weekend at Palm Beach, providing rental packages of the Mini Swift engine. An arrival day of Tuesday, January 6 for the opening rounds of the FPKS program will give IAME USA East the opportunity to distribute the new IAME Mini Swift engines in person, and to support the IAME dealers and racers on hand throughout the program. Rental packages are available for $250 for a weekend, and if you wish to purchase an engine, you may do so for just an additional $745, which equates to the special purchase price of $995.

Prizes from IAME continue into the IAME Junior and Senior categories. The champion from the Florida Pro Kart Series in each class will earn a ticket to the IAME International Final. Second place receives an IAME X30 engine, while third through fifth in each division will be awarded IAME certificates ($1,000 - $500 - $250).

Weekend payouts include $1,000 to the win, with second receiving

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$500 and third place receiving a set of Bridgestone tires. Two competitors from the IAME Junior and Senior divisions will have the opportunity to also win a free entry and race tires in a raffle, along with a Guaranteed SuperSunday Starting Spot at the 2015 SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas.

The recent announcement of Superkarts! USA moving its TaG Cadet program to the IAME Mini Swift has kicked off a new program for those series competitors to transition over to the new engine through two levels of product acquisition. SKUSA is offering a special direct trade-in program for the 50 SKUSA competitors who competed in either all three SKUSA Pro Tour or all of their ProKart Challenge events in 2014. These preferred customers will have the option of turning-in their fully-operational Mini Rok engines for a free IAME Mini Swift. Should they have two Mini Rok engines, they are eligible to receive two free IAME powerplants. If these core racers wish to keep their Mini Rok engines, they will be first in line to take part in the second level of the program, which will have 100 engines to be sold at $995 each - 50 through IAME West and 50 through IAME East. These will be available at one per customer.

Throughout the remainder of the 2015 season, a complete IAME Mini Swift package will then be available for $1495 to help launch the new program.

IAME USA dealers throughout the country will be providing engine rental programs throughout the year for the Mini Swift engine package, including the SKUSA Pro Tour, Florida Pro Kart Series, the SKUSA ProKart Challenge programs, and other facilities hosting IAME categories in 2015.

GO Racing Magazine

Tunnel Vision SELLIKEN FOCUSED ON STOCK CAR PROGRAM FOR 2015 Words: ProMedia Motorsports PR Over the past eight years, Portland, Oregon’s Luke Selliken has gone from sampling the thrill of motor racing on the indoor kart tracks of his hometown as a child to standing atop the nation’s karting competition as one of the best young drivers in the sport.

With multiple championships and race wins to his credit from his years of kart racing running with the Rolison Performance Group, Selliken has now re-focused on the 2015 season with a new Super Late Model stock car program that will see him head into a campaign at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA after pre-season training events in Arizona and California during the winter months.

The 16-year-old tested and drove for Mike Barrett Racing during this past summer and took to the much-heavier car incredibly quickly, finishing sixth. Luke most recently finished third in a main event at Havasu 95 Speedway in Arizona after qualifying 11th in his first run at the track.

“2014 was a great learning year, as it was my rookie season in Senior karting,” Selliken stated, looking back at a strong year of national level karting racing. “My speed and consistency were very good and we accomplished some very impressive results. Thanks to the great team that Mike Rolison has put together, I was a threat to win almost every event I entered. It was also quite exciting to further my career and begin racing stock cars. I am already feeling very comfortable in the full-sized car and, in my second race, we were in the top-three with the speed to win. The transition has been both challenging and fun, as the car is completely different from a kart, although many of the skills I have learned karting have translated very well. I am excited for the coming season and competing in a full season of both karting and late model racing with the goal of race wins and championships.”

The move to the NASCAR stock car effort is a planned graduation for Selliken, who advanced from his position as one of the leading Junior kart racers in North America, having won many races as well as one of the hardest titles to score, the Superkarts! USA Pro Tour TaG Junior championship. This crown came with the prestigious #1 plate, which he ran in 2013. In his rookie season in the ultracompetitive Senior division, Luke made great strides in running against the older and more experienced pilots and became a force to be reckoned with before the end of the season.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to watch Luke develop into

GO Racing Magazine

one of the elite Junior drivers in the United States and his move to Senior this past year was so impressive,” commented Rob Howden, Editor-in-Chief of eKartingNews.com, the sport’s leading online news website. “Although he was thrown into the deep-end back in January, he matured quickly and learned from his competition. By mid-summer, he could be counted among the finest Senior pilots in the country.”

In addition to his graduation to car racing, Luke will maintain a seven-race karting schedule in 2015, one that will focus once again on qualifying him to run in the Rotax Grand Finals, which is known as the ‘Olympics of Karting’, annually drawing drivers from over 60 countries. After qualifying for Team USA in 2013, he had a stellar run at the Rotax world championship in New Orleans, qualifying fifth and finishing eighth over 72 of the world’s finest drivers. Selliken came up just short of making the national team this year in his freshman Senior season, with only bad luck hindering some incredibly strong outings in the qualifying events. Luke will attempt to qualify for Team USA in 2015 by running three major karting programs; the Rotax Challenge of the Americas winter series, the Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge in the Northwest and the Cold Stone US Grand Nationals, which will take place in August in Kershaw, South Carolina. Luke races with the sport’s leading team – Rolison Performance Group – which provide him with a full spectrum of training and support. Selliken has run with the team for many years and his growth as a driver can be attributed directly to their program.

Be sure to visit SellikenRacing.com for more about Luke and follow his updates on Facebook.

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Maxspeed Entertainment Forms ‘US Open” National Series Words: MaxSpeed Group In an effort to provide the karting community with a national series for both Rotax and Stock Honda competitors, MAXSpeed Entertainment, along with several partners within the karting industry, have come together to form the US Open and International Kart Expo. Managed by MAXSpeed Entertainment, who are known for promoting world-class events such as the Rotax Pan American Challenge, Florida Winter Tour, United States Rotax Grand Nationals and the 2013 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, have put together a three race program that will see stops in the states of Texas, Colorado and Nevada as well as a premiere kart show that will take place the week of the Championship Finale in Las Vegas.

“We had several teams, competitors and business owners within the industry approach us over the past two years to build a race program that covered the calendar from January to November as an international Rotax series within the United States,” explained MAXSpeed Group’s President Richard Boisclair. “Entertaining the idea and adding a few of North America’s popular and competitive shifter kart classes as asked for by our customers, we formed the US Open and will kick off the series at the Dallas Karting Complex in May.”

“We are very excited to announce the US Open,” explained MAXSpeed Entertainment’s Garett Potter. “Over the past year we have worked with our clients and listened to their ideas and concerns. Our customers love the current winter racing programs offered from COTA on the west, FWT on the east, along with the US Rotax Grand Nationals, but they needed more racing. Not just races but true international quality competition. With this new series we can not only deliver on that but also give racers one program to race with the entire year, and dealers and teams will also have a solid, stable platform to build their programs around. We have taken every minor detail to put together a series that is for the competitors, and with the support from some of North America’s top karting teams, we are now ready to move forward.”

Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada at The LINQ Hotel & Casino, which will host for the Championship Finale, MAXSpeed Entertainment and multiple teams, importers, dealers and supporters joined forces to commit to the three race weekend program. Offering all seven Rotax MAX Challenge classes and five shifter divisions, the US Open will provide all with an abundance of track time, fair technical inspection and a great platform for competition all while drivers can battle wheel-to-wheel for race wins, podium results and impressive awards and prizes. Present in ‘Sin City’ and putting their support behind the US Open include Full Throttle Karting, Rolison Performance Group, J3 Competition, Dallas Karting Complex, 24

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Grand Junction Motor Speedway, CRG USA, Miller Motorsports Park, Champion Racing/Intrepid, 2Wild Karting and Phil Giebler Racing. While several other high profile teams have committed to the series, they were unable to attend due to prior obligations in getting ready for the upcoming 2015 season.

The US Open will kick off their inaugural season at the Dallas Karting Complex (DKC) in Caddo Mills, Texas. Taking place on the May 14-17 weekend, teams and competitors will be treated to a Texas-size welcome, as track owners Kevin Adds and Mike Jones are excited for the new and promising series.

“We are very excited to host the first round of the US Open series at Dallas Karting Complex,” explained DKC’s Mike Jones. “We are approaching our fourth anniversary in the next couple of months and our facility continues to grow and improve with each and every passing day. As the Rotax classes continue to grow in our region, we feel adding the Stock Honda classes to the venue will only help the new series and our local racers.”

Kevin Adds continued, “The US Open concept is a great idea and will only strengthen the relationship between DKC and MAXSpeed Entertainment. Just as our facility has been growing for the past four years, so has our relationship with MAXSpeed Group, Rotax and Richard Boisclair. Business people for the better of the sport, I can see the vision of the US Open and am excited to put our efforts behind the program.”

Next on the docket, the US Open will travel north to CRG USA and Stacey Cook’s Grand Junction Motor Speedway facility in Grand Junction, Colorado. Set to take place the weekend of June 25-28, championship battles will begin to take shape before drivers depart the Mile High state and head west to Las Vegas

“As the owner of the Grand Junction Motor Speedway, we are very excited to support the new US Open championship in 2015. With a true National Championship series that brings the two biggest motor packages in the country together under one series, we believe this will bring stability and a business model that will be extremely successful,” explained Stacey Cook. “Also MAXSpeed is the one organization that is fully capable of organizing and running a National program of this caliber! We are also very excited to host the series at our facility Grand Junction Motor Speedway June 2528, 2015. Both Stock Honda and Rotax race very well on our track and we believe it will be an incredible opportunity to showcase our facility to the best drivers in the country.”

The US Open Championship Finale, set for November 10-14, will be one of the premier events on the North American and world GO Racing Magazine

calendar in 2015 as The LINQ Hotel & Casino welcomes the close of the championship series. With a $250 million dollar makeover just in time for the arrival of the US Open, this venue is ready for a Vegas kart show like no other. With the LINQ located right on ‘The Strip’ in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, MAXSpeed Entertainment has inked a deal with Caesars Entertainment that will see the US Open end the year with a bang. An industry show, championship finale event and black tie gala on Las Vegas Boulevard will be featured right below the ‘High Roller Wheel’ in a true “on the strip” atmosphere in downtown Las Vegas. Ending the weekend with the black tie gala on Saturday evening, similar to the CIK/FIA Championship awards ceremony, teams and competitors will have the chance to experience an awards ceremony unlike anything seen in the United States. Competitors of all ages will have the chance to celebrate a successful year of racing while in a professional yet fun atmosphere and will be recognized for their amazing skill, teamwork and perseverance it took be successful in the US Open program.

Keeping with the international Rotax scene, all seven Rotax MAX classes will be offered including Micro MAX, Mini MAX, Junior MAX, Senior MAX, Masters MAX, DD2 MAX and DD2 MAX Masters. With Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals tickets available for the winners of the Championship Finale event in Las Vegas for Junior, Senior, DD2, and DD2 Masters, MAXSpeed Entertainment will also award the championship finale winners of the Rotax Micro and Mini MAX classes with an all-expense paid trip to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) as a member of Team USA. With the opportunity to support their fellow Americans and take in the sights and sounds of the world-class event, this trip is an opportunity of a lifetime for any young and up-and-coming karter.

Potter added, “The younger divisions are the future of karting and giving them a chance to join Team USA overseas as a spectator will be the chance of a lifetime. This will show them that all the hard work does pay off, and what they need to prepare for. Their awards will include flight and hotel for each Mini and Micro champion.”

The US Open will also offer five shifter kart divisions that will give a chance for drivers to do battle in a true professional karting series.

As Stock Honda classes become the premier shifter class in North American karting, it was only fitting to introduce the series with five different divisions. Starting with the youngest category, Junior Shifter (ages 12-15) will be the first of the classes followed by Senior Shifter (ages 15+). Elite Shifter (ages 15+), with the approved MAXSpeed Entertainment license, will be the headline shifterkart class. Rounding out the classes will be Masters Shifter (ages 30+) and Veterans Shifter (ages 45+). All shifterkart classes will utilize MG FZ (Yellow) tires with a rules package to be announced in the coming weeks.

While Rotax finale race winners will receive tickets to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals event, MAXSpeed Entertainment is excited to announce a complete prize structure in the coming weeks that will be the largest in the company’s history. Stay tuned GO Racing Magazine

for more details soon!

Boisclair continued, “Rotax is the largest racing program in not only the United States, but the world. The US Open will provide the North American market with a true, international Rotax campaign while adding additional classes that are prominent in the market.

With the acquisition of the Florida Winter Tour and already promoted events such as the Grand Nationals and Pan American Challenge, MAXSpeed Entertainment is quickly being recognized as one of the most respected and one of the largest race promoters in the world.”

Registration for the US Open will commence on March 1, 2015 and will take the same approach as other MAXSpeed Entertainment promoted events. Focused on the complete program, the US Open will offer discounts for teams and competitors that register for all three series events in advance. With two events per weekend for the opening two rounds and a championship finale event in Las Vegas, the series will count heat races, prefinals and all five main events towards the end-of-the-year championship.

Potter continued, “The professional series in motorsports do not offer drops. They reward drivers that are consistently at the front of the field. The US Open will adopt the same format and count all five main event results towards the end-of-the-year title chase. Drivers will also have the opportunity to garner points through their qualifying, heat race and prefinal results.”

2015 US Open Schedule May 14-17: Dallas Karting Complex - Caddo Mills, Texas June 25-28: Grand Junction Motor Speedway - Grand Junction, Colorado November 12-14: The LINQ Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada

Not part of the US Open series but part of the MAXSpeed Entertainment package is the additional announcement of the International Kart Expo (IKE). Set for the week of the Championship Finale, the IKE will take place at the entrance to the race track on the grounds of the newly renovated LINQ Hotel & Casino with free admission for all industry members and spectators. With support from designers, karting companies and manufacturers, the IKE will allow these vendors to showcase the newest karting products from all around the world. With manufacturers on site all week giving dealers, racers and the general public time to check out the new innovations for the 2016 karting season, teams, competitors, families and spectators will need to proceed through the exhibitors to enter the facility.

Boisclair continued, “The industry is in need of a place for vendors and manufacturers to display their efforts and what better place to do that than in Las Vegas before one of the largest kart race weekends in North America. We have talked to all the major chassis brands and they will all be in attendance. It is going to be a great event.”

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QUICK NOTES

CRG Nations GO RACING MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH THE TEAM FROM CRG NATIONS TO TALK ABOUT THE FORMATION OF K1 GROUP, THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CRG NATIONS ALONG WITH BECOMING THE NORTH AMERICAN (US AND CANADA) IMPORTER OF CRG AND WHAT MIGHT BE ON THE HORIZON FOR THE FUTURE

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Words: GoRacing Magazine GRM: A lot has happened in the last couple of weeks for K1 Group with the announcement of CRG Nations becoming the US and Canadian importer for CRG. How did all of this come about?

CRG Nations: First let me clarify the import agreement. K1 is the CRG importer of the racing/competition karts in the US and Canada only. The CRG rental kart program agreement includes; US, Canada and Mexico. CRG was not satisfied with having two separate importers and the competition it created, the confusion and lack of structure. CRG was looking for a solution to bring a more structured, streamlined approach to importing and promoting the CRG brand.

The timing was perfect in that CRG found a successful and wellstructured existing business that it could work and grow with.

GRM: Can you explain to our readers and karting community the different entities that exist within K1 Group and how each play a role within the karting community and its overall success?

CRG Nations: Let’s start with K1 Speed, probably the one most everybody is familiar with, even people that know nothing about competition racing have heard of K1 Speed; the largest indoor electric karting facility in the US. And no, K1 Speed is not changing from their existing karts to CRG. K1 RaceGear was created to provide racing equipment, safety apparel and both karting and auto racing accessories. Both K1 Speed and K1 RaceGear have been in business for over 10 years. Go Racing magazine was acquired just over a year ago and continues to be the largest karting magazine in the US. CRG Nations was developed to be the CRG importer for the US and Canada. Coming within the next 12-18 months K1 Circuit will be a CIK certified outdoor kart track and racing destination, located in Southern California. K1 Group is the “umbrella” that all of these divisions fall under.

GRM: Wow! To say you guys have been busy these

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last 12 months would be an understatement.

CRG Nations: Yes, we are fortunate to have a great group of people and everyone with their unique talents and areas of expertise have worked together to make this possible.

GRM: How does this new import agreement effect the previous importers and the current dealer network?

CRG Nations: We worked closely with CRG S.p.A. to give the previous importers an opportunity to continue under the new structure. PSL decided to go a different direction. We have come to an agreement with CRG USA to become the National CRG Race Team and North American distributor. All current CRG dealers will remain dealers for 2015; structured dealer agreements and pricing is going out to each of them. Dealers can now benefit from the option to purchase from CRG USA in Colorado or CRG Nations in California; regardless of who they place an order from; pricing will be the same.

GRM: We read in the official press release about K1 Group wanting to grow karting as a whole, can you elaborate on that a bit?

CRG Nations: In the coming months K1 Group is working to release a program that will take the indoor karting community and introduce them to outdoor karting competition. This will have a positive ripple effect on the entire karting community across the country. The karting industry on a whole is an ebb and flow cycle, we are excited to be a part of this growing industry and support its continued success.

Current dealers and any other parties interested in dealership opportunities, please contact: CRG Nations CRG USA 6212 Corte Del Abeto 3002 N I 70 Frontage Road Carlsbad, CA 92011

Grand Junction, CO 81504 (760) 690-7178 (855) TEAM CRG – (855) 832-6274 sales@crgnations.com info@crg-usa.com

GO Racing Magazine

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EMAIL INFO@CRGNATIONS.COM OR CALL (760) 690-7178

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6212 Corte Del Abeto, Carlsbad, CA 92011 | crgnations.com

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The Benefits of Protex The Protex barrier is unique in that it benefits both your business and your customer. As a business owner, you enjoy lower maintenance costs, lower installation costs, greatly reduced replacement costs, and stunning design that can give your track a high-end aesthetic. Your customers will enjoy greater visibility, greater impact absorption, and greater safety – and they’ll likely appreciate the looks just as much as you do!

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MOM

MOM at the

TRACK A Mother’s Perspective Words: Kory Zimmermann

Ah, the off season or as referred to by to many: Silly Season. A time to regroup, recharge, and for some take a look at where they are currently in the sport and where they want to be in the coming year. For many drivers, race teams and those involved in the racing industry; silly season means change.

We sold our kart in preparation to make a change in manufacturers only to find out other plans were in the works and opportunities available to stay with our current manufacturer. We sent our motor out to be re-built and upgraded from a Junior Rotax to a Senior Rotax motor, only to get a call from Spain about the unveiling of the new Rotax EVO Motor. Yep, it’s Silly Season.

In 2014, I was involved in karting more than I have ever been in years past and in many new and different capacities. As the Mom of a karter, we focused on a new series and I was there to support, encourage and lend an extra hand when needed. It was a lot of fun this past racing season, and while we didn’t do as many races as we had initially hoped, the events we did saw constant improvement, great results and growth. This year I look forward to helping in other new capacities at the track.

2014 also brought on new opportunities. I came onboard to help with GoRacing Magazine. Each month I look forward to all that is happening in the karting community both in the US and abroad, and I strive to bring our faithful readers interesting content and look forward to expanding on all of the different forms of karting across the globe in the coming months.

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I am also the wife of a karting industry professional. It is exciting when I get to see my husband at work; the relationships he builds, the problems he solves and solutions and growth he offers the sport. I have a lot of admiration for that man, he has been in the racing industry for a very long time. It has chewed him up and spit him out a number of times, yet his love of the sport is unending.

As I look back on 2014; it was a pretty amazing year and as I look forward to some of the things already on the calendar for 2015 this coming year is going to be even better. Change is good, I think you have to be a bit crazy, partially mad and definitely silly to survive in this sport. Luckily there are few places I would rather be than at the racetrack supporting my son and the sport!

Here’s to a great 2015, I’ll see you at the track!

GO Racing Magazine

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SPORT KART S p o t l i g h t

Darren Mercer

CEO/Owner of Random Manufacturing and a manager for And4us.com promotional products.

Only racing back ground has been sport karting, having started racing at SB Raceway in the weekly leagues in 2011. “That’s when the guys at SPV found me and got me racing at Calspeed.”

Personal career highlights have been 2nd overall at 2013 Sport Kart Grand Nationals, and getting invited to race in Sodi World Series World Finals in France, the past two years.

Finished 2nd in the CalSpeed Super Series for the 2nd time in three years, setting a new single season record for Heat wins in the process. Is third on the All-time A-Main win list with five.

Steve Jasinski

Is an Applications Engineer for a company that makes high speed machine tools.

Has only raced karts, starting in 2007 at Go Kart World and Dromo 1.

Made the move to CalSpeed when Dromo closed in 2010.

Personal career highlights include a win at the Machismo 12 Hour in 2011, and establishing his race team, winning the 2014 Los Angeles Karting Championship PRD Pilot Title with driver KC Cook.

Scored his second consecutive Heavy Class Championship in the 2014 CalSpeed Super Series, and is making the transition to the overall title chase in 2015.

Jeremy Aldridge

Runs the Lake Street Community Center for the City of LA, and is also a professional theater director.

Started racing karts indoors about 10 years ago at Dromo One in Anaheim CA. Was the 2004 Champion at Storm Karting, which was an outdoor arrive and drive series at Irwindale Speedway.

Had a break out year at CalSpeed in 2014, Scoring a top 10 finish in his Semi-Final round at the Sport Kart Grand Nationals, and also made his first A-Main appearance in the eighth round of the Super Series.

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TALKING TO

Jerry Henderson Jerry Henderson

JERRY HENDERSON GORACING RECENTLY SAT DOWN TO TALK WITH KARTING LEGEND JERRY HENDERSON

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oRacing Magazine had the opportunity recently to talk to and work with a karting legend, Jerry Henderson. Here’s a little bit about his background in racing and how he got involved in the sport of karting.

My name is Jerry Henderson and I became involved in karting in the early 80’s. I first bought a dirt kart from Mike Burris and raced at Ascot Raceways until they closed their doors in 1984. I then took my dirt kart out to Adams and ran on the asphalt for the first time and had a blast, except 34

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the dirt tires didn’t last too long on the pavement. After that I went and got some racing slicks from Mr. Burris and started racing the next year (1985). I did what every guy does when he starts racing, and I over drove the kart and got my butt kicked.

It took me 5 years to get sponsored and I have to thank Jim Berry from the Leading Edge for believing in me and giving me the chance to race with the big dogs. My first race for the Leading Edge was in Las Vegas and it was a pro race and I felt the pressure big time! I was really fast in practice and thought I had as good of chance as anyone

to win that race. There was one problem though as I got over amped and crashed in the first turn of Qualifying. I had to start the LCQ in last place and they only took 2 drivers to the main from the LCQ. I got up on the wheel and finished 2nd to make the show. I drove my butt off again and finished 7th out of 32 that made the show. I went on to win 11 California state championships, 3 SuperNats, 1 Rotax Nationals, 19 club championships.

I became a driving coach in 2002 when I opened the Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley, CA. My first student was Robin GO Racing Magazine

Stonesifer, and trust me, when she left that day I didn’t think I could do this because it was so hard for me to relate to what a new Karter was going through. I started out doing a lead follow and when I put her in front of me, I followed her line. Believe me when I tell you it takes discipline to follow someone in front of you at first.

I could have played hand ball against a curb when she left that day, but I learned to figure it out so I could be the driving instructor I wanted to be. I always get the line figured out first as if your 1 foot off on entrance, it’s 2 feet off on exit. I use a radio system so when I’m on the track with my students so that I can give them instant information and feedback of what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong.

One of the biggest challenges I find is that what works for one kid, might not work for a different child.

Some kids need to be challenged and some need to be consoled. I love it when the student understands what I want them to do and they get it! I call it getting GO Racing Magazine

up on the wheel, and when they do it right, the clock won’t lie. I have over 12 years as a coach and I get as much out of training them as they get from me. One of the things I try to instill in my students is to be consistent in every corner, every lap, and every race from start to finish.

If you’re out at the track, break it down to one corner at a time, and get that corner down before you move onto the next one. Here’s a question for you: What is the most important corner on the track?

The last one before the longest straightaway as 70 percent of the passes are done on the longest straightaway.

Karting has changed a lot over the years and the biggest thing is the cost. This sport is getting to the point where the middle class can’t afford to do it on a national level anymore, and that bothers me. I know every racer out there is looking for a sponsor. The best way to get sponsored is to be consistent everywhere you go

and be respectful to the other racers and parents, because you never know who might sponsor you down the road. I’ll tell you a quick story of someone that I had numerous issue with on the track, and let’s just say we didn’t like each other at all.

His name is Robby Mott. Now he’s a hell of a racer and one of the toughest guys to beat. Whenever I had to race against him, I would beat him, and he would beat me. Sometimes we even took each other out! Anyway, after I opened my track out in Victorville, he came to do some driving coaching. After spending some time him not trying to beat him on the track, we became friends. He actually sponsored me with some of his great products, and I would have lost the house if you told me 10 years earlier that he would sponsor me (thanks Robby). The point I’m trying to make is you never know who’s watching you, and they may be your next sponsor.

Life is good, winning is better!

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CLOSING CELEBRATIONS ROUTE 66 SPRINT SERIES CELEBRATES 2014 SEASON | ProMedia Motorsports PR

I

t was another historic season for the growing Route 66 Sprint Series in 2014. The program has become the largest regional series in the Midwest, and perhaps the country with an average of 282 entries per weekend. A season-end awards ceremony was held in Springfield, Illinois to honor those who earned spots on the championship podium, along with another fun and exciting year of karting. The October 11 event was emceed for the first time by the voice of the Route 66 program, Tim Koyen. Everyone was entertained throughout the night, including a photo booth for the attendees to take some candid pictures. Prizes reached into the tens of thousands thanks to the work and effort of series promoter Mark Coats and his series staff, along with the number of series supporters and banquet sponsors, offering up a number of special prizes and awards, including a championship ring and jacket for each class title winner.

Ten categories were offered in 2014, from Kid Kart to Leopard Senior, with five challenging and popular facilities in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. In April, the season began at the Concept Haulers Motor Speedway in Norway, Illinois. After taking the month of May off, the South Bend, Indiana course of Michiana Raceway Park hosted the second event of 2014 in June. Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park in Dousman, Wisconsin held the third event in July, with the New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana hosting the August rounds. The finale took place at the home of the Route 66 Sprint Series - the Mid-State Kart Club facility in Springfield, Illinois in September.

Chassis Manufacturer/Importer for the 2014 Season with 45 Wins: Franklin Motorsports Merlin Racing Chassis Jamie & George Sieracki Engine Builder for the 2014 Season with 31 Wins: Woltjer Racing Engines Daniel Woltjer Raffle and Special Prizes 2014 Tony Kart EVK - Brandon Collins 2014 Merlin Kart - Brandon Collins 2014 Merlin Kart - Ron SchaffKart Lift “Winch Lift” - Alex Bertagnoli KPV Complete Engine Package - Delaney Keaveny Broilmaster Charcoal Smoker/Grill - JoAnn Brombark Hi-Top Dining Table & Chairs - Keaveny Family Yamaha Engine - Pierce Sonderup 50/50 Money Drawing - Keaveny Family KPV Complete Engine Package - Austin Schaff LO206 Briggs Engine - Brandon Klein Yamaha Engine - Tate Steinman Yamaha Engine - Robby McQuinn Leopard Complete Engine Package - Brandon Lemke 2014 Route 66 Sprint Series Championships Standings Kid Kart – by Hollywood Crane Service

Plans are underway for the 2015 season, with the same 10-categories to be offered at the five events this coming year. MidState Kart Club hosts the season opener on April 10-12. May will once again be open, as the series readies for the first ever trip to the challenging US Air Motorsports Park in Shawano, Wisconsin on June 12-14. Michiana Raceway Park is the third event of 2015, set for July 17-19, with New Castle Motorsports Park scheduled for August 14-16. The 2015 series finale will take place at the Briggs & Stratton Raceway Park on September 11-13.

Below is the list of special award winners, raffle prize winners, and those who earned hardware in their respective categories for the 2014 Route 66 Sprint Series: 38

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1st Place: Dylan Julien - #85 - Oconomowoc, WI - Merlin / Drake Engines 2nd Place: Pierce Sonderup - #31 - Champlin, MN 3rd Place: Elliot Cox - #51 - Indianapolis, IN 4th Place: Charlie Kremer - #10 - Dubuque, IA 5th Place: Logan Julien - #8 - Oconomowoc, WI 6th Place: Cooper Christ - #15 - Lake Saint Louis, MO 7th Place: Trevor Johnson - #7 - Blue Grass, IA 8th Place: Dillon Steinmann - #20 - DeSoto, MO 9th Place: Hannah Drake - #5 - Riverside, IA * All Participants Receive a Bicycle!

GO Racing Magazine

Komet Cadet- by Haddock Ltd & Express Karts and Parts

Leopard 125 Junior - CKT Racing Engines

1st Place: Alex Bertagnoli - #4 - Lakewood. IL - Merlin / Woltjer Racing Engines 2nd Place: Sam Mayer - #22 - Franklin, WI 3rd Place: Austin Schaff - #118 - Sussex, WI 4th Place: Stephen Dial - #7 - Elwood, IL 5th Place: James Lynch - #76 - Chicago, IL 6th Place: Matthew Northrop - #122 - Sugar Grove, IL 7th Place: Connor Cass - #2 - Hartland, WI 8th Place: Riley Yates - #9 - Rockton, IL 9th Place: Michael Paterno - #03 - Willowbrook, IL 10th Place: Joshua Hansen - #44 - Burlington, WI * Set of 4 MG Reds and $50 Express Karts Gift Card for 1st thru 5th, $50 Franklin Gift Card for 6th thru 10th

1st Place: Brandon Lemke - #01 Eagle, WI - Merlin / Woltjer Racing Engines 2nd Place: Emily Hurlbert - #10 - Northfield, MN 3rd Place: Max Nufer - #27 - Glencoe, MO 4th Place: Dillon Schwanbeck - #524 - Poynette, WI 5th Place: Nicholas Nufer - #72 - Glencoe, MO 6th Place: Michael Rutter - #5 - Downers Grove, IL * Set of MG Yellows for 1st thru 5th, 6th receives $50 Franklin Gift Card

Leopard 125 Senior - by Franklin Kart

Komet - by Comet Kart Sales & Haddock LTD 1st Place: Christian Besasie - #11 - Brookfield, WI - Merlin / Source Racing Engines 2nd Place: Ryan Weyer - #12 - Hubertus, WI 3rd Place: Kyle Gluth - #26 - Sussex, WI 4th Place: Delaney Keaveny - #91 - Annadale, MN 5th Place: Jeremy Roche - #23 - Oconomowoc, WI 6th Place: Roman Padans - #6 - Madison, WI * Set of MG Yellow Tires for 1st thru 5th GO Racing Magazine

1st Place: Tommy Andersen - #8 - Big Bend, WI - Tony Kart / Innovative Performance Engines 2nd Place: Michael Geringer - #3 - Elburn, IL 3rd Place: Elliot Finlayson - #59 - Yorkville, IL 4th Place: Colton Ramsey - #08 - Springfield, IL 5th Place: Armin Cavkusic - #61 - Chicago, IL 6th Place: Darin Marcus - #6 - Chicago, IL 7th Place: Anthony Granata - #69 - Itasca, IL 8th Place: Josh Hotz - #22 - Mukwonago, WI 9th Place: Adam Crepin - #37 - Saint Louis, MO 10th Place: Kindra Hurlbert - #12 - Northfield, MN * Set of MG Yellow Tires for 1st thru 5th GO

39

LO206 - by Briggs Racing

Yamaha 100 Junior – by Woltjer Racing Engines

1st Place: Matthew Bartling - #07 - Sheridan, IL - Birel Chassis 2nd Place: Jeremy Roche - #23 - Oconomocow, WI 3rd Place: Brandon Klein - #4 - Naperville, IL 4th Place: Mike Reimer - #55 - New Lennox, IL 5th Place: Robert Bromberek - #89 - Lemont, IL * 2nd thru 5th receive $50 Franklin Gift Card

1st Place: Brandon Lemke - #01 Eagle, WI - Merlin / Woltjer Racing 2nd Place: Dillon Schwanbeck - #27 - Poynette, WI 3rd Place: Becker Reardon - #7 - North Liberty, IN 4th Place: Ryan Weyer - #12 - Hubertus, WI 5th Place: Brant Carter - #21 - Davenport, IA 6th Place: Colin Armour - #89 - Sandwich, IL 7th Place: Cohle Santiago - #17 - New Lennox, IL 8th Place: Emanuel Richmond - #48 - North Aurora, IL 9th Place: Jeremy Fierke - #9 - Lemont, IL * Set of 4 MG Yellow Tires for 1st thru 5th, $50 Franklin Gift Card for 6th thru 10th

Yamaha 100 Rookie – by Triple E Sales 1st Place: Mason Maine - #6 - Lake Saint Louis, MO - Tony Kart / Switch Racing Engines 2nd Place: Cameron Christ - #5 - Lake Saint Louis,MO 3rd Place: Conner Churchill - #199 - Beloit, WI 4th Place: Tate Steinmann - #20 - DeSoto, MO 5th Place: Mason Santiago - #55 - New Lennox, IL 6th Place: Taylor Maas - #22 - Caledonia, WI 7th Place: Ben Chejfec - #05 - Glen Ellyn, IL 8th Place: Bayne Bennett - #99 - Granger, IN 9th Place: Alex Graspas - #25 - Eureka, MO 10th Place: Kasey Gish - #16 - West Bend, WI * Set of 4 MG Reds for 1st thru 5th, $50 Franklin Gift Card for 6th thru 10th Yamaha 100 Cadet – by Switch Racing Engines 1st Place: Austin Schaff - #118 - Sussex, WI - Merlin / Woltjer Racing Engines 2nd Place: Sam Mayer - #22 - Franklin, WI 3rd Place: Alex Bertagnoli - #4 - Lakewood, IL 4th Place: Michael Paterno - #03 - Willowbrook, IL 5th Place: Stephen Dial - #7 - Elwood, IL 6th Place: Matthew Northrop - #122 - Sugar Grove, IL 7th Place: Connor Cass - #2 - Hartland, WI 8th Place: Maks Kowalski - #21 - Barrington, IL 9th Place: Greg Della - #96 - Hartland, WI 10th Place: Aidan Harrington - #74 - Des Plaines, IL * Set of 4 MG Reds for 1st thru 5th, $50 Franklin Gift Card for 6th thru 10th 40

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Yamaha 100 Senior – by RLV 1st Place: Killian Keaveny - #41 - Annandale, MN - Top Kart / Woltjer Racing Engines 2nd Place: Collin Griffin - #55 - Winfield, IL 3rd Place: Robby McQuinn - #09 - Springfield, IL 4th Place: Christian Ledesma - #11 - Joliet, IL 5th Place: Kyle Gluth - #26 - Sussex, WI 6th Place: Eric Bartsch - #3 - Hazel Green, WI 7th Place: Adam Crepin - #37 - Saint Louis, MO 8th Place: Brad Brittin - #7 - Springfield, IL 9th Place: Darin Marcus - #6 - Chicago, IL 10th Place: Tim Brinkman - #99 - Chatham, IL * Set of MG Yellow Tires for 1st thru 5th, $50 Franklin Gift Card for 6th thru 10th 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 Those interested in the Route 66 Sprint Series, head to route66kartracing.com.

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Event Calendar

Event Calendar FEBRUARY 1

EVENT INFO WSK Champions Cup

LOCATION La Conca, Italy

6-8

Florida ProKart Series

Palm Beach Kart Center Jupiter, FL

8

WSK Champions Cup

La Conca, Italy

13-15

Rotax Challenge of the Americas

Adobe Dam Park Phoenix, AZ

21-22

Florida Winter Tour – Rok Cup USA

Orlando Kart Center Orlando, FL

22

LAKC - CalSpeed

Auto Club Speedway Fontana, CA

27-28

Florida Winter Tour (Feb 27 – Mar 1) Rotax MAX Challenge

Orlando Kart Center Orlando, FL

28

Sima Winter Series

Sumas International Motorsport Academy Sumas, WA

* Dates Subject to Change, contact Series/Track for Additional Information

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