Archives - Norcal Karters

2-28-10 Bordogna Engines Blazing Fast in Prokart and Prairie City Appearances

The Bordogna engines continued performing upfront in every race and at every track this season like the previous 6 years.

At the Prokart Season Opener Competing in the HPV2 class, Bordogna engines finished one, two, three in the 1st heat, with Dan Langon, Jack Freese and Jonny Norris, drivers who are using 3 different chassis brand and different setups.

In the second heat, the same drivers finished 2nd at only 0.01 sec to the winner and 3rd, Norris had bad luck at the main event, starting the race almost 2 rows behind the leader, Jonny Norris did a great race catching the leader every lap, and finishing in the final 2nd place.

At Prairie City, last weekend, Bordogna Engines had another great day in the Cadet divisions, placing Bordogna Race Engines one, two, three on the heat in comer, and 1st and second in HPV1, with Hunter Kelly winning the main on Comer, and Nick Sommers taking the championship points ahead in HPV1.

Bordogna Racing Engines wants to say Thanks to Prokart Challenge and All Stars Karting (Prairie City new Owners) for a clean and professional organized events. Obviously, Congratulations to our drivers for this great beginning of the season.

If you are looking for fast engines, and the best track support, feel free to contact Daniel Bordogna, (916)256-0385 or visit http://www.bordogna.us

2-25-10 Effort Equals Results for MMI Drivers and Tony Kart in 2010

David Vasques let everyone know that he is one of the best, sweeping the JR 2 classes at the region 7 opener at Buttonwillow Raceway; a thrown chain in the KPV 2 Final on Saturday was the only thing that kept him from sweeping all 4 main events for the weekend. David sat out round 2 in Phoenix and he has been helping out the team in region 11 driver coaching with some of our region 11 drivers Blake Murdock and Logan Dorsey. MMI is very fortunate to have David, Sergio and David Chavez (Grandpa) on the team for sure, when they are not racing in Region 7 they are up here helping our other drivers to excel to their goals. David is preparing for the next round at Buffalo Bills and hopes to carry on where he left off in Buttonwillow.

Next for MMI was the IKF Region 11 opener at Davis, California where two of our Tony Kart pilots let people know that they came to race as Curtis Paul put his new Tony cadets off pole in both JR1 and KPV1, Contact with another kart in turn left Curtis watching from sidelines in pre-final and bad coil in the main left Curtis with his work cut out for him in JR1 points chase. While in KPV1 Curtis led the opening laps of pre-final but faded to 4th and after a rough start in the main couldn't make up any ground and ended up 6th in the 15 kart field. Blake Murdock was the second driver that stepped up big time in his first year of competition in the full regional series grabbing the pole in a very competitive KPV2 class, with the Vasquez/Chaves trio in Blakes pit and a Position One hot rod on his Tony, Blake had the tools to get it done. In the pre-final a miscue left Blake in the wrong spot on the start left Blake frustrated with a 6th place finish, and with a clear head and determination Blake went from 6th to 3rd posting fast lap of the race and closing on the leaders.

Last but not least for MMI and Tony Kart was the Pro Kart North race at Infineon Raceway were Austin Keller contested in the Jr. Tag division. Austin qualified his Tony Kart P2 in a field of good Karts. That left Austin with a good spot on the grid for heat one, but contact from another Kart on an attempted start left Austin sidelined. The second heat saw Austin struggle with traffic starting in the rear and ending up with a 6th place starting position for the main where Austin worked his way to third, unfortunately the front two karts had gotten away from Austin but when they made contact Austin slid into 2nd and his best finish at that level of racing.

MMI is glad and very proud to be associated with not just these kids but all of the Kids and customers I call my friends, THANK YOU very much for you support,

THANKS AGAIN - Scott Conway Team MMI

2-25-10 Italian Motors USA and IAME to Award Engine packages and Trips to SUPERNATIONALS for NW Gold Cup Racers

The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Series will be adding the exciting IAME Cup Regional Championship to their racing program in 2010. With IAME North American factory importer, Italian Motors providing sponsorship of the IAME Cup Regional Series, this series looks to be another northwest karting success story. The stable single engine race proven package ensures great competition and tough engine tech that will make this a best driver series instead of the motor of the week series. Top race teams will not be required to develop multiple engine packages that was so common in the past with multi engine package series

Italian Motors will be awarding 4 engine packages at the Year End Gold Cup Banquet in 2010 along with 2 trips SKUSA Super Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There will be 3 IAME leopard packages and one IAME gazelle Package to be given to the NW Gold Cup eligible IAME Cup drivers.

You have to ask: How can I qualify for this IAME Engine Package Giveaway?

Each time a racer enters a 2010 Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint event in Gazelle, Cadet, IAME Leopard JR 2, IAME Leopard JR 3, or IAME Cup classes your name will be entered in the drawing. At the end of the year at the NW Gold Cup Karting Banquet the current regional Champion of each of the respected IAME classes will draw the winning name for the IAME engine packages. All drivers must be present at the NW Gold Cup Karting Banquet to claim the IAME engine packages. Therefore, the more times you enter a NW Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Series events, the more chances you have to win one of these great engine packages.

More exciting prizes to be awarded will be two trips to compete in the 2010 SKUSA SUPERNATIONALS!! The huge prize packages will be awarded to the IKF Region 6/ Gold Cup Leopard JR 3 and IAME Cup Champions at the Year end banquet. Winners must be present to accept the award packages. These great additions to the popular Gold Cup Sprint Series, will give the two Champions a great opportunity to compete against some of the best Karters in the world.

“It is our way of saying Thank You to all great northwest racers that have supported the popular IAME Leopard and Gazelle engine packages over the years.” Said Claudio Valiante of Italian Motors USA.

For more information about Italian Motors and the IAME engines contact Italian Motors at 604-253-4248 or www.italianmotors.com for an IAME dealer near you.

The Premier Northwest Regional Series, the NW Gold Cup, is the oldest karting series in the Northwest. The NW Gold Cup Series dates back to the early 1960's when the regional karters decided they were tired of racing amongst their local club members and decided to put on a regional series to race against other clubs at different tracks. Back then, all the regional clubs raced for a single trophy known as the Gold Cup and it was awarded each year to the club with the most seasonal points. Over the last 50 years, all the top racers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia have come together to race each other. Many of the finest kart racers in North America have come from this northwest race series. This is evident from the numerous National titles the Pacific Northwest drivers have won over the years.

The NW Gold Cup Sprint Series has added many great regional drivers onto the list of Who's Who of Kart Racing and long revered as the one of the best run series in the North America. The tradition of greatness continues today with current drivers like Odenthal, Rolison, Holmboe, Hodapp, Valiente, Wimsett, Arscott, Nekeel, Glover, Daniels and Choquer to name a few.

The IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Sprint Series events are all IKF sanctioned and insured events run by a professional Race Director and Race Official team enforcing a consistent set of IKF sanctioned rules developed and approved by the northwest regional clubs. All race events have a professional race announcer for the spectators and racing families. This regional sprint race series is very professional with nine race events at eight different race facilities. No two race courses are the same and the different tracks have eliminated the home track advantages that can happen with other series. For the competitors, that means quality racing and quality officiating at many different tracks.

The 2010 IKF Region 6 / NW Gold Cup Series will once again be the home to one of the largest and most competitive Regional Series in the United States and Western Canada. Plan a northwest family vacation this summer and race with some of the best kart racers in the United States and Canada.

For more information, log onto www.nwgoldcup.com for a complete listing of NW Gold Cup racing classes, event dates, event pre-registration and local motel information. You can also e-mail Bill Hettick, IKF Region 6 Sprint Coordinator directly at wghrock@comcast.net

2010 NW GOLD CUP & IKF REGION 6 SPRINT SCHEDULE

Date, Location & Sponsoring Club

March 26-28
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA
Tri-Cities Kart Club

April 23-25
Horn Rapids Raceway, Richland, WA
Seattle Kart Club

May 28-30
Spokane Kart Track, Spokane, WA
Spokane Kart Racing Association

June 11-13
Mission Raceway Park, Mission BC
Westwood Kart Association

July 23-25
CARTBC, Chilliwack, BC
West Coast Kart Club

August 6-8
Mt. Highway Raceway, Spanaway, WA
Puget Sound Go Kart Association

August 20-22
MAC Track, McMinnville, OR
Portland Karting Association

September 3-5
Glenn Moran Track, Boise, ID
Snake River Karters

September 17-19
Sumas International Motorsport Academy,
Sumas International Motorsport
Sumas, WA
Academy

2-25-10 Superkarts USA Set to Launch New Website

Comprehensive online package will provide community platform, beginning with opening of shopping cart for SpringNationals registration

The newest component of Superkarts! USAs evolution will be debuted next week when the organization rolls out its new comprehensive website - www.superkartsusa.com - which has been designed to be the companys online information system. With four regional series, a new national circuit and the biggest event in the sport - the annual Superkarts! USA SuperNationals - currently in place, SKUSAs new website will become the sanctioning bodys communication hub when it comes to information delivery, competitor interaction and series promotion.

The continuing expansion of our program is exciting for all of us at SKUSA and the ability to present all of our regional and national programs under one roof is very important, enthused Tom Kutscher, President of the emerging karting operation. Adding the Pro Tour and the Mountain Region to our program this season further fuels our momentum and stokes our motivation, and the power to support each of them with this new online platform will be big for us. Im thrilled with what our team has put together.

SKUSAs new site will bring class, clarity and simplicity to the organizations membership, providing a home base for all of the companys efforts. If a current or potential SKUSA racer needs information, it will all be available at superkartsusa.com.

The real beauty of the site is the lack of garish bells and whistles, as odd as that sounds coming from a designer, commented Eyenovation Multimedias Chris Ortenburger, the architect of the new SKUSA website and a long-time SKUSA partner. There are already great sites out there for videos, photos, and karting news, so the goal was to avoid having yet another one. With people being busier than ever, the goal was to develop something organized, lean, and comprehensive. Working in concert with SKUSAs IT guru Tony Leone, I think the final result is just that. A competitor can find everything, whether regional or national, in one convenient place.

The launch of the new website will also provide the opportunity for SKUSA to open up the shopping cart for the inaugural SpringNationals at Infineon Raceway on April 16-18, the debut round of the new three-weekend Pro Tour. SKUSA will open the online registration desk for the SpringNationals on March 8 for discounted entries, and will then close things down on April 11 so that the staff can make its way to the soon-to-be-announced host hotel for the big event, which is being held in the world-renowned wine country of Sonoma County.

The SKUSA Pro Tour is picking up a great deal of support on the heels of the organizations announcement that guaranteed starting spots of the SuperSunday grid of the annual SuperNationals would be provided to the top-five drivers in the Pro Tour class heading into the Las Vegas event. Theres something to be said for rolling into Nevada knowing that youll be racing in the main event, especially went it comes to the over-subscribed categories. SKUSA will be releasing the prize money and point championship purses for the Pro classes - S1 and TaG Senior - before the middle of March.

Last but not least, the SKUSA staff is working diligently to wrap-up their research on a new TaG Cadet program, which will complete their class structure, providing a platform for drivers between the ages of 9-12. The program is in the final stages of completion and will extend SKUSAs line-up to its both ends of the competition spectrum, offering drivers a chance to begin their careers with the customer-oriented organization. The new class will become part of the Pro Tour and will be supported by the regional series as a local option. SKUSA will release complete news and class information next week.

2-22-10 Team Aluminos Adds to Season Win Total at Prokart Challenge North

Leesmann, Smith and Fraser all pilot Aluminos-prepped machines to victory at Infineon

The opening round of the SKUSA ProKart Challenge North program on February 13 was a successful event for the Team Aluminos squad. At the Jim Russell International Karting Center in Sonoma, California, Team Aluminos used their home track knowledge to put three of their five drivers competing on top of the podium, with a runner-up finish added in for good measure. Team tuner Fritz Leesmann scored the headline S1 victory with Jeff Smith and Larry Fraser scoring wins in S4 and TaG Senior.

Leesmann, an ICC standout the last few years, made his Stock Moto debut aboard an Aluminos-powered entry. Out of the box race day, Leesmann was the driver to beat as he posted the fast lap of the qualifying session - a 48.909. He would go on to lead all eight laps of the opening heat race, however a fault at the start cost him two positions in the finishing order. Leesmann battled back in the second heat to reassume the point by lap five, en route to the win. In the 20-lap feature, Leesmann was untouchable as the NorCal native posted the fast laps of the race to score the win by over eight-seconds.

It was great to get back into the seat as its been a few months for me, stated Leesmann following the event. Aluminos gave me a chance to get back in and have fun. The Aluminos stock moto engine package is awesome so all I had to was fine-tune my CRG chassis throughout the event. If feels good to be on top of the podium.

Smith and Fraser had similar results on the weekend, leading all their on track proceedings. Smith, making his 2010 debut after scoring the 2009 ProKart Challenge South S4 championship, began the event with top honors in qualifying with a 50.985 - the only driver under the 51-second mark. Falling back to third in the opening lap, Smith bounced back and was again at the point by lap five, holding on to take the win. Smith then stretched out the legs of the Aluminos-prepped entry in heat two to lead all eight laps for a five-second win. On cruise-control, Smith carried on in the 20-lap feature to post the fast laps of the race for a 12-second margin of victory.

It felt really good to start the year off strong, commented Smith. The Aluminos squad pulled the kart out of the garage for me and it was solid from the moment we hit the track. I really need to thank Rob, George Tavares and Tom Dyer for their efforts to put me up front as I havent been in the seat for a number of months. Hopefully this will lead into another championship season, this time in the North, and also when we began to contest the SKUSA Pro Tour in April.

Fraser kept strong in P1 throughout the event though his journey to victory was hotly contested. In the morning qualifying session, posted a 52.039, which put him on the pole position by just seven-hundredths of a second. Pressured all eight laps of the first heat race, Fraser led them all for the win, duplicating the feat in the second heat with his closer rival retiring after the first half of the run. Pacing the field for the first half of the 20-lap main event, Fraser engaged in battle for the final 10 laps for the win. Buying his time and using his experience to his advantage, Fraser piloted his Aluminos entry to the checkered flag first by just 0.068-seconds for the victory.

Fraser stated, This win is big for me. I raced on a chassis that was new to me which we put together the day before down at the Aluminos shop. I was a little nervous because we didnt get a chance to practice with it because of the rain on Friday, but it was fast right away. Its always nice to beat the young guys in the TaG Senior group as there were a number of fast guys here this weekend. I have to thank Rob and the rest of the Aluminos group for their help in my victory.

In the TaG Masters category, Peter Workum flew Aluminos colors to a runner-up position in his first TaG outing of the season. The Arizona driver competed in the opening PKC South round in the S4 division and will contest the TaG Masters category in the North. Workum qualified third overall behind two veterans of the Sonoma circuit. In the opening heat race, Workum raced his way to second and just missed out for the same position in the final heat race to run third. Shuffled back at the start of the feature, Workum went to work to recover the real-estate lost. By the halfway mark, he reclaimed the second spot. Despite running the fastest laps of the race, the leader was too far out to contest for the win, settling for the second step of the podium.

The final driver competing under the Aluminos banner on the weekend was S1 driver Brad Dunford. In his third year competing in the Stock Moto division, Dunford was awarded the SKUSA A license to compete in the headline division. Finishing sixth in last years PKC North S3 standings, Dunford picked up where he left off by placing in the same position in Saturdays main event. Dunford continues to work on building his racecraft and karting knowledge under the Aluminos tent, working with drivers such as Leesmann and SKUSA SuperNationals two-time winner Tom Dyer along with George Tavares, the teams data engineer and in house engine builder.

On the docket for Team Aluminos will be the second round of the ProKart Challenge South at the Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, California on February 26-27. Aluminos is currently accepting any inquires for Arrive and Drive packages for that event and the rest of the 2010 season.

2-19-10 SwedeTech Customers Stand on the Top Step

Five SwedeTech customers stood on the top step at the opening rounds of the ProKart Challenge Series.

Wilton, CA – February 15, 2010 – The ProKart Challenge has logged the opening rounds for the South and North series, and SwedeTech customers put the blue and yellow logo at the front of the pack again. In the PKC South Series, three SwedeTech customers stood alone on the top step.

Jason Campbell was fast all weekend long, and put his SwedeTech powered S4 package out front to bring home the first round win. Representing Team Visalia was Todd Scholta. And this guy needs horsepower. I think he made three trips to the dinner line hosted by PKC, and then went to The Outback Steakhouse afterwards. Todd drove consistently all weekend long, and when the checkered waived, he was in the front of the S4 Magnum class. Good Job Todd. The third and youngest SwedeTech customer standing on the top step was Louie Pagano, running the SwedeTech Parilla Leopard engine in the Tag Jr class. Louie just checked out.

On other notes from the weekend events in Fontana, Arie Luyendyk Jr., finished third on a borrowed SwedeTech engine, after missing practice, qualifying, and a heat trying to troubleshoot the old engine. Thank you to Jason Campbell for helping out other racers. Andrew Wiener finished 5^th in the competitive Tag Jr class.

Traveling up North for the first round of PKC North series at Infineon, the S1 class was filled. Fritz Leesman aboard his Aluminos package walked away with the win powered by a SwedeTech Stock Honda. Under the same Aluminos tent was Jeff Smith, running the S4 class on a SwedeTech package, also brought home the big trophy.

In the Tag Jr division, Austin Keller was powered by his Parilla Leopard to finish a strong second. SwedeTech would like to congratulate and thank all the customers that have help put our name up front. We do our best to include all of our customers in podium results, but if we happened to miss you, please let us know so we do not make the mistake twice.

On a side note, there was also some great racing action on the big road course at Infineon with the NCK Road Racers ripping off laps. If anyone has information on the results and finishes from the big track, please contact SwedeTech.

For more information, contact Jason Berry at (916) 687 – 3980, www.swedetechracing.com (technical site), or www.shopswedetech.com. SwedeTech Racing Engines offers parts and service for all two – stroke kart racing applications. Please note our new phone numbers, fax number, and shop address.

2-16-10 Leesmann and Alcorn Lead the Way at Prokart Challenge North Opener

Drivers persevere through wet Friday to enjoy great competition in Saturday kick-off

The 2010 season for the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge North program got underway this past weekend at the Jim Russell International Karting Center, which is located on the grounds of Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. A solid group of 63 competitors traveled to the popular karting circuit to contest in nine divisions, including the organizations new Stock Moto ladder progression class structure. The weather did not cooperate too often during the opening round as Fridays practice sessions saw rain cover the area for most of the day. Heavy fog pushed back the start to Saturdays action, as well, but thanks to the cooperation of the competitors and the determined SKUSA staff, they were able to get all the racing in before the sun ducked behind the Northern California mountains.

The Superkarts! USA organization brought out a solid opening round prize package for those who earned their way onto the PKC North podium. Before racing began, Friday attendees were treated to a fabulous tri-tip BBQ dinner thanks to the Thomas family and head grillmaster Scott Jeffery. A few attendees also took advantage of free ride-along drifting demonstrations with the head instructor of the Jim Russell Racing School as well. Once the racing was completed Saturday, all of the first place podium finishers received a Mothers Polish bucket full of car and kart care products. Also given away, aside from the unique PKC trophies, were a free set of MG Tires, a five-gallon can of VP Racing Fuel, and two free entries to the next PKC North event. SKUSA is all about giving back to their customers, and the response from many of the new PKC members was enthusiastic.

In the new headline S1 category, Fritz Leesmann set the pace in qualifying as the only driver to dip below the 49-second mark with a 48.909-second lap time, quicker than Tommy Thompson by over three tenths. The 2008 PKC Stock Moto champion Jason Toft moved up to third in qualifying when Brett Buckwalter the defending TaG Senior champion was found to be noncompliant in the tech inspection for using the wrong fuel brand. Leesmann and Thompson led the way through the first eight-lap heat race while Brett Felkins got the jump on Toft for third, holding the spot through the checkered. Leesmann, however, would be moved to third in the order for jumping the start. Felkins and Toft would be the early pace setters in the second heat before Leesmann recovered the point once again on lap five, going on to score the win. Toft ended up second with Felkins third and Thompson back to fourth.

The 20-lap main event began with contact between Toft and Felkins in the opening corner. The result dropped Toft to the tail of the field and eventually out of the race, moving Thompson up to second. In addition to the contact, a seriously fast lap on cold MG tires allowed Leesmann to extend an early lead. Pacing the field for all 20 circuits, Leesmann scored the inaugural S1 Pro Stock Moto victory for PKC North competition. Thompson held on to second while Felkins fell off the pace, allowing Buckwalter to battle forward to claim the third step of the podium in his Stock Moto debut.

Matt Alcorn set the tone in the S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto category as he has shown great progression in the series program. Outrunning the competition in qualifying by just over half a second, Alcorn went on to earn consecutive five-second victories in the heat races before stomping the field to a 15-second win in the 20-lap feature. It was certainly an impressive performance. Neil Joseph was the lead challenger throughout the day until lap 17 of the feature, when he spun off track due to water contact. This handed the second spot to Jared Woolf and moved Cameron Pringle up on the third step of the podium.

The new S3 Novice Stock Moto was a two-dog fight that saw David Gwin and Christopher Yettito scrapping throughout the day in the class debut. Gwin struck first with top honors in qualifying before the two split the heat races. Gwin had the early advantage in the feature before Yettito took the point on lap three, when Gwin retired early with a stuck throttle. Yettito went unchallenged to score the inaugural win. On track at the same time, defending ProKart Challenge South S4 champion Jeff Smith punctuated his 2010 debut with a sweep of the proceedings. Smith narrowly edged Alex Keith for the pole in qualifying, posting a 50.985-second lap. After a slow start, Smith bounced back in the opening heat to edge out Brad Shaffer for the win. From there, he went flag-to-flag in the second heat and the feature as well, scoring the win by 12 seconds over Shaffer and Jack Arluck.

Veteran Larry Fraser led the always-stacked TaG Senior category at the opening round. In a battle of youth versus experience, Fraser edged Dylan Lupton for the pole in qualifying by just seven-hundredths of a second. Lupton kept constant pressure on Fraser in the opening heat, but Fraser still went on to lead all eight laps for the win with David Harwin a close third. The start of the second heat saw Lupton and Harwin getting shuffled back as Jess Peterson and JP Cadoux got by on the opening lap. This allowed Fraser to break away for the easy win, as Peterson held off a charging Harwin for second. Lupton would retire near the halfway mark with a broken exhaust. Fraser led the field to the green flag for the feature race and quickly broke away from the rest of the field battling for second. Harwin held the spot, fighting off Taylor Young, until a charging Lupton was up to fourth by lap three. After working by Young, Lupton battled Harwin for the second spot. Once into second, Lupton quickly attacked Fraser near the halfway mark as the two battled for the final ten laps. Lupton had the advantage each time by the stripe except for the final time, as Fraser was able to make a last lap pass stick, beating Lupton to the line by 0.068 seconds for the victory. The third spot on the podium was also decided on the last lap, as Troy Diede was able to work by Harwin for the position.

The TaG Master class saw a clean sweep as well, as former G1 driver Ethan Wilson has made a successful move to the Touch and Go package for the 2010 season. Wilson led all but one lap in the first heat before going wire-to-wire in the second and the 20-lap main event. Wilson scored the victory by seven seconds over Peter Workum, with Jeff Deehan rounding out the podium. Deven Sanchez made a splash in his PKC North debut, leading the days action in the TaG Junior category. Out-pacing Austin Keller and Austin Thomas in qualifying, Sanchez scored the win in both heat races and led all 20 laps for the feature win to cap off his perfect day. Keller battled back to claim second after some heat race issues, while Niki Luna started off the season with a podium finish in third.

In HPV-2 Junior competition, it was Kathryn Cornell who led in qualifying, although Daniel Langon led things in the opening heat race as Cornell dropped back to fourth. Langon battled with Jonny Norris for the lead in the early goings of the second heat until Cornell joined the fight, sliding by on the final lap to take the win. From there, she would lead all 20 laps for the feature victory, three seconds ahead of Norris with Jarred Campbell getting by Langon for third. Making its PKC North series debut, the S5 Junior Stock Moto category had one lone entry, although more drivers are scheduled to join the program as the season progresses. Daniel Langon went unchallenged to earn maximum points to start off the year.

The next PKC North race is set for March 12-13, returning to the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway. The SKUSA crew will first head to Willow Springs Raceway for the second round of the ProKart Challenge South on February 26-27. These events will lead into the opening round of the SKUSA Pro Tour, set for April 16-18, at the JRIKC circuit in Sonoma, CA.

2-1-10 IKF Region 11 Super Series Kicks off Season at Blue Max
Source & Photo's: RaceMediaGroup.com

The IKF Region 11 Norcal Super Series opened up at the Blue Max Kart Club in Davis, Ca this past weekend for the 2010 Season opener. The weather slammed the Track hard with rain the week leading up to the event providing wet conditions and major puddles on the track. The Clubs staff worked hard Friday and early Saturday clearing up the standing water on the track while funneling the Racers rigs into the pits. Truck loads of road base had been brought in throughout the weeks leading up to the season opener and the weekend before providing a dry environment for parking. As soon as the rainy weather stopped Saturday morning, the crew once again got on the track pumping water and blowing the track to allow practice to begin. Mid day another rain storm came in and, as soon as the rained stopped, the Blue Max staff again prepared the track and dried the water to get the karts back on track. New faces leading the NCTA board and new classes filled the attitude in the pits with optimism as the racers look for a new start to what looks to be another strong Regional racing contingent.

First on the track was Kid karts. Zach Corbitt grabbed fast time running a 51.101. On the start of the Pre-Final Tomas Mejia launched off the line to grab the hole shot and the lead. Mejia paced the field for much of the race before Corbitt ran him down and made the pass for the win and the pole in the Main. On the Start of the Final Mejia once again launched to the lead on the start. Corbitt had the better kart to run down the leader and made the pass for the lead. Zach pulled away to a big lead and cruised to victory. Isaiah Ingle got second with Mejia third.

Jr Comer was on track and Blaine Rocha got fast time with a 41.538. Rocha looked to be the driver to beat in the heat, but Teamate Joseph LaRosa stayed close and quiet to start on the front row with Rocha. On the pace laps of the Final Rocha was struck with some bad luck as his Wild Kart stalled and ended his day on the sidelines. This moved Davey Manthei up to the front row for the start. The opening laps saw LaRosa and Tyler Burk go to the front as the two began to pull away from the field. Burk stayed close to LaRosa and as the white flag flew the two leaders were battling for the win. Burk made a diving late braking pass on LaRosa into the turn five corkscrew, only for LaRosa to do an over-and-under move to pull back alongside Burk going down the backstretch. The two drivers went side by side into the final hairpin with Burk on the outside. Burk got squeezed into the grass and spun around coming to the Checkered. LaRosa got the win and Manthei made a great drive from seventh to capture second place. The Spin for Burk dropped him back to third.

IKF Tag Sr was up and Neil Alberico grabbed fast time with a 36.530. On the start of the Pre-Final Alberico and Emmick Cobra’s Jesse Gwin made contact in the opening lap sending the two to the tail end of the field. This allowed IKF Expert Glenn McKinnon to runaway with an easy win that saw Local Driver TJ Fischer running fast laps late cutting into the lead significantly, and looked to be a hard fought race in the main. The first start of the final saw a big wreck in turn one that sent Emmick Cobra’s Jesse Gwin to the ambulance. The restart had bad luck for Fischer who wouldn’t make a lap and McKinnon back to a big lead. As laps progressed Alberico coming from the sixth starting spot ran down McKinnon and made the pass for the win. Post race tech had Alberico removed for a weight bolt technicality and gave the win to McKinnon. Andrew Peeler was second and Emmick Cobra’s Paul Hohlbein third.

Formula 80 shifter was racing and Mat Kattanek grabbed pole with a 37.678. Kattanek went perfect on the day with a PreFinal win and the Final. John Espinor had a solid run to second with MMI’s Chuck Hastings third.

The new Jr 2 class in 2010 was the Jr Superpipe. What use to be known as Superbox, the engines are now equipped with a Pipe. Times are about a half second faster and Jr Raczko got fast time with a 38.426. Raczko looked to have this one wrapped up in the PreFinal with a dominating win, however that would prove to be untrue in the Final. On the start Luis Tyrrell made the pass of the day. After the front row getting moved Back, Tyrrell would start outside second row. Tyrrell got the jump on the driver next to him, moved to the inside line and put a slide job pass on Raczko to get the lead out of the first turn. Tyrrell would cruise to a big victory for the first Jr Superpipe race. Raczko was second and Leading Edge’s Jarred Campbell third.

The pipe change in Jr was followed by the same change in Sr. Sr Superpipe. Sr Superpipe took the track with Emmick Cobra’s Clayton Snow making the recent jump to Emmick Cobra and a fast time of 38.821. Snow made a mistake in the opening lap dropping him to the tail end of the field. This allowed Leading Edge’s Brett Felkins to get a big lead early and an easy win. Snow climbed back up to second late to start on the front row for the Main. Once again however, Snow found himself dropping to the tail end of the field after a spin into the turn one barriers on the start. Felkins once again checked out and cruised to victory. Clayton Snow once again clawed his way back up into second. Mike Botelho Jr came home third.

HPV-1 Jr was up next and Tyler Burk grabbed fast time with a 40.158. Burk was tough all day holding off his competition and staying at the point. In the Final Blaine Rocha put up a fight for the win. The two swapped the lead several times going back and forth without contact. As the laps wound down Burk got the lead for the final time. However, he was challenged by Rocha right to the flag as the two drag raced to the checkered for the win. Rocha settled for second with Davey Manthei third.

125 Stock Moto has been trying to become an IKF Region 11 class for the last three years. In the latest NCTA meeting the new leaders voted in the class for regional competition. The seven kart field was on track and 80 shifter hot shoe Adam Booker grabbed fast time with a 34.970. Emmick Cobra’s Cory Gwin got the hole shot on the start of the PreFinal . Booker pressured Gwin for most of the race until a transmission problem sidelined him. Cambrian Go-kart’s Jamie Wilson and Jereme abshire caught Gwin late setting up an epic Norcal Shifter battle for the Final. On the start of the main Gwin again launched to the lead off the line. Gwin had a good sized lead as Wilson and Abshire did battle for second. Abshire got passed Wilson and began to run down Gwin. The race for the win came down to attrition and Abshire made his way past the leader to roll to victory. Post Race tech saw Abshire get removed giving the Win to Gwin. Jamie Wilson was second and Rick Gutzke was third.

Last on the day was HPV-2 and MMI’s Blake Murdock got pole with a 37.809. Murdock had trouble on the start and Austin Elliott went for the lead in a hurry. Leading Edge’s Jarred Campbell made the Heat interesting late and caught Elliottt as the two would start on the front row together. On the start of the Final, Elliott opened up a big lead on the field leaving the rest of the racers to battle for second. As the race progressed Austin Elliott appeared to tire and the driver on the move was Emmick Cobra’s Sonny Cervelli. Driving from nearly three seconds of the leader, Cervelli ran down Elliott and the two began to battle with 5 laps to go. Cervelli looked for a way by but the defensive driving by Austin Elliott kept him at the point and eventually got him the win. Cervelli was second with Blake Murdock third.

Next race is at Kinsmen Kart club as the Region 11 Super Series will compete in its second race. Many racers are looking to expand their racing the next race with some drivers running two and maybe three classes. Race Photo’s are now available online at scribnerracingpromotions.zenfolio.com For more info on the Region 11 Super Series visit the Region 11 site at Norcalkarters.com

2-11-10 Superkarts USA Pro Tour Venues Finalized for 2010

USA International Raceway confirmed as host of first annual SummerNationals

TEMECULA, CA (February 11, 2009) The calendar is now set for the inaugural Superkarts! USA Pro Tour, the new three-weekend national series that will take the organization and its dedicated competitors to a new level in 2010. Growth has been the key word for SKUSA over the past three years thanks to the addition of new regional programs and the continuing development of the popular SuperNationals and the Pro Tour is just the next step in their planned development. SKUSA is now happy to be able to confirm the completion of the 2010 schedule with the announcement that the first annual SummerNationals will be held on July 16-18 at the USA International Raceway (USAIR) in Shawano, WI. The organization is also excited to release the first installment of the Pro Tour prize package, which will include guaranteed SuperSunday starting positions on the grid in Las Vegas at the SuperNats in November.

While the Pro Tour opener at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., on April 16-18 was confirmed in the last two releases of the schedule, the second race on the calendar had been originally tagged as a TBA for the venue. During the planning stages of the program, SKUSA president Tom Kutscher was extremely focused on putting a temporary circuit event together for the second race of the series to eliminate the potential for pre-race testing, but when the preferred venue was deemed logistically inadequate, the availability of the incredible facility in Shawano was a perfect fit. USAIR has not held a major national event since 2008, so their track management is thrilled to be able to once again cater to the top drivers in the nation. Boasting a challenging and undulating track layout and some of the best facilities in the nation, USAIR is expected to attract a large contingent of SKUSA regulars and an exciting influx of local talent. A special Pro Tour layout will be determined before the track opens for the new season and that unique configuration will be not be available for racers at anytime before the event in order to maintain the desired level playing field.

I would love for the Pro Tour to feature nothing but temporary venues that could mirror the success of our SuperNationals, but as we are kicking off this new program during a time of economic uncertainty, a more conservative approach to venue selection has become required, Kutscher admitted. We had our eye on a great venue for a temp circuit, but we just couldnt make it work logistically. Heading to an amazing track like Shawano is the perfect move at this point, as the facility is considered by most to be one of the finest in the country. I think SKUSA is going to rock the place. I know that well be planning a number of special programs and events so that we make sure that the SummerNationals will be the biggest race that the track has ever seen. And the track layout will be new to everyone for this year, promising more even competition across the board.

The SKUSA Central States Challenge will also be making its first trip to Shawano in 2010, running an entirely separate configuration, bringing the track firmly into the Superkarts! USA community. With both a Superkarts! USA regional event and a national spectacular as part of their 2K10 calendar, USAIR has definitely returned to the scene. The SpringNationals at Infineon will also feature a track layout that will not be run in 2010 prior to this event, again attempting to level the playing field for local vs. out-of-area racers.

The following is the final schedule for this years Superkarts! USA Pro Tour:

2010 SKUSA Pro Tour Schedule
April 16-18: SpringNationals - Infineon Raceway - Sonoma, CA
July 16-18: SummerNationals - USA International Raceway - Shawano, WI
Nov. 17-21: SuperNationals - Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, NV

With the schedule now set, SKUSA is working diligently to assemble an exciting prize package for the Pro Tour, which will include a cash purse for the Pro classes (S1 and TaG Senior) each weekend, as well as a championship points fund. While SKUSA is not yet ready to release the purse and points fund numbers, the initial unveiling of the prize package is huge. To start the ball rolling with a major reward for strong performances and participation, SKUSA will guarantee starting positions on the SuperSunday grid at the SuperNationals for the top-five drivers in each class coming into the Las Vegas classic. For example, the top-five TaG Senior drivers in the Pro Tour point standings will be on the grid for the main event in Las Vegas regardless of their performances through the heat races. Grid positions 41 through 45 will be held for these drivers who supported the complete SKUSA Pro Tour.

You cant put a value on a guaranteed starting position at the SuperNationals, but we want to give back to the drivers who step up to play with SKUSA on the national level, continued Kutscher. There will be big money on the line at each event, as well as for the top drivers in the final points, but we want to offer up a huge carrot for our competitors. Were expecting record numbers at this years SuperNationals, and I know how big it would be to have the guaranteed starting position in your back pocket. I cant wait for the SpringNationals at Infineon in April to get going with this new program!

The SKUSA Pro Tour begins on the April 16-18 weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. The SpringNationals and SummerNationals events will feature a three-day format with full practice on Friday and complete race days on Saturday and Sunday with qualifying, heat races and a main. Any companies interested in event or class sponsorship opportunities are asked to contact the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

2-10-10 IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminars in Region 6 to add a 4th date UPDATE

Due to popular demand of the IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminars to be held 2010 one additional date and location has been added to the IKF 4 Cycle Tech Seminar Schedule.

The Seminars will focus on the regionally popular Briggs World Formula and Animal Engines.

Instructors will cover the latest IKF 4 cycle engine rule updates and procedures in pre and post race tech.

There is no cost to attend the Seminars but the hosts are requesting that you call in to reserve a spot to plan for the events.

The First of the 3 Seminars will be Saturday February 20, 2010 10:00AM hosted by:
Kart-O-Rama
13701 24th St. E. Suite A-4
Sumner, WA 98390
253-891-3490
Please contact Roger at Kart-O-Rama if you plan to attend the Seminar.

In conjunction with the Annual Portland Karting Association’s Swap meet, the Second Seminar will be held Saturday March 6, 2010 1:00PM and will be hosted by:
Competition Motors Corporation and the Portland Karting Association
9399 SW Tigard St.
Portland, Oregon 97223
503-624-0621
The later start time of the Seminar will allow karters plenty of time for trading at the Annual PKA Spring Swap Meet and then finish off the day with the Seminar and refreshments.

The 3rd Seminar will be held at 10:00AM Saturday March 13th hosted by:
BAM Racing located at
5127 215th St. SE Woodinville, WA 98072.
Space is limited at this location so please call to reserve a seat.
425-921-1130

The added 4th date will be hosted by:
The Snake River Karters held 9:00AM Saturday April 3rd at the Dennis Technical Education Center
8201 W. Victory Rd
Boise, ID 83709

The Dennis Tech Education Center will provide an excellent opportunity for new and experienced racers alike to learn about the popular Briggs small engine packages used for Karting.
To reserve a seat at the please call Roger Cathey at 208-378-0610

For more information on any of the Seminars please call Mike Schorn 503-324-9072 or any of the above numbers.

2-4-10 New Board and New Leadership, IKF Region 11 Kicks off 2010 at Blue Max This Weekend

This weekend at Blue Max Kart Club in Davis Ca is hosting the IKF Region 11 Season Opener. The highly anticipated 2010 opening round has become the talk of the off-season as a new format and new leadership has been highly active in helping rebuild the Regional Racing from both Club racing and Regional Racing. President Rick Luther has been open about his goal of putting together a strong Regional Racing Program as well as a fresh outlook for adopting the series to what has been proven successful in the recent 2009 season.

The changes of the 2010 series includes the mandated pipe for all Yamaha classes, a One Day format, and a new Race Director, David Brant. This is added with a Tech Director that holds many years years of Kart Racing and Engine Building Experience in Donald Durbin Sr. The six race series has put together a Star Studded Lineup of Leadership and Officiating, and has included perhaps the leading Scorekeeper on the West Coast is Cindy Duhn, who ran scoring for the 450 entry IKF 2-cycle Nationals in 2009 as well as other big events.

The Track of Blue Max has also opened up the 2010 season with a high note. Recently running its club opener last weekend without hiccups, it has received a recent facelift for 2010. The club brought in several truckloads of road base for its pit area and more Scribner Link Barriers for the track safety. Also included was a widening project of turn three at the top of the hill, providing 4 more feet of runoff. Although a small addition, this now provides 8 more mph in the TAG karts and a lot more side G-Force through the long downhill turn four leading into the corkscrew.

The Opening Round is scheduled on top of the NFL Superbowl. Most racers don't even know what a Superbowl is, let alone the NFL, however those that do, will be watching the Game in the Race Media Group Hospitality tent, where a big screen TV will be setup showing the Game.

What all this equates to, is the new look of Region 11 IKF opens up this weekend at the New look Blue Max Kart Club. Fast Racing with the best of Region 11 get set to do battle. New Leadership, New Faces, New Media, and all new Excitement kick off 2010 with a BANG!

Practice Saturday, Racing Sunday at Blue Max in Davis CA. Any questions regarding the event please visit the NCTA Contacts page Click Here or the Blue Max Kart Club page Click Here

***NORCAL IKF REGION 11 SUPER SERIES***

We are finalizing all of the details now for our 2010 Season and are very excited about it.

1. New Race Director – Dave Brant

2. New Tech Director – Donald Durbin, Sr.

3. 6 Race Series – No Throwaway!

4. All day practice at each club on Saturday - $30.00

5. Race all day Sunday – entry fee will remain $75.00 for 1^st class & $60.00 for each additional class.

6. Fuel truck will be at each race – spec fuel will be ERC 110 premixed @ 16:1 with Maxima 927 Castor oil. Each entry will be required to purchase (2) gallons of the premixed fuel @ $14.00/gallon. Kid Karts will have to buy (1) gallon per entry

Classes Weight IKF 2010 Rulebook Section

1, Kid Karts 150 lb. 208.3/622.50

2. Jr. 1-2 Cycle 225 lb 207/623.4

3. HPV 1 – Jr. 240 lb 208.2/620

4. IKF Jr. TaG 320 lb 275.5.2/675
IKF Jr. TaG - Parilla Leopard MY09 (2009 motors) weight is 335 lb

5. IKF TaG Senior 370-385 lb 275.5.3/675

IKF TaG - Parilla Leopard MYO9 (2009 motors) weight is 385 lb

6. HPV 2 – Jr. 310 lb 207/620.50

7. Jr. Super Sportsman (Pipe) 300 lb 207/623.6

8. Super Sportsman (Pipe) 340 lb 207/623.6

9. Formula 80 Senior 360 lb 252.3/653

10.Formula 80 Masters 375 lb 252.3/653

11.CR 125 Stock Moto 385 lb 657 (Super Stock CR 125)

12.IKF TaG Masters 385 lb 275.5.4/675

13.World Formula Heavy(Gas) 390 lb ** 209

14.Animal Super Sportsman 360 lb ** 209(Alcohol)

** 4 Cycle classes still pending – more info to follow **

7. Spec tire for 2010 Super Series will be Bridgestone YKC for all classes except Stock Moto (Super Stock CR 125) will run YKB/YJB

8. All classes will run according to 2010 IKF rulebook – please note that the 2010 IKF rulebook is a tech item and every driver must have one in their pit

9. No practice at host track the week before IKF race (Monday-Friday)

10. Sportsman classes will run RLV pipe’s according to the IKF rulebook. RLV extended a discount to the NCTA on these pipes. To purchase these pipes at the reduced rate you must make check payable to NCTA and contact either Rick Luther @ R&M Racing (925) 798-4360 or Les Hand @ Kartel (916) 383-5278.

11. Please note in Jr. TaG the age is 13-15 with proof of date of birth to be shown at registration. You must be the attained age of 13 during 2010 to be eligible.

12. Super Stock CR 125 will be running the RLV R2 part#6800 pipe, Air box rule #603, 1999 CR 125 OEM rubber intake manifold only.

13. JR Tag-The 25mm restricted header pipe is for the 2009 and older Parilla Leopard motors only. The Jr. Rotax under Jr. TaG will run according to Rotax rules.
PRD Jr.,Rok Jr., and Motor Seven Jr. specs will be clarified soon.

We look forward to seeing you all at the first race – February 7^th at Blue Max Kart Club – Davis, CA.

Any questions please feel free to contact us:

Rick Luther @ rmracing95@aol.com

Les Hand @ les@kartelmotorsports.com

Cindy Duhn @ tctracing02@yahoo.com

2010 NCTA Board of Directors
Rick Luther - President
rmracing95@aol.com
(925) 798-4360

Les Hand - Vice President
les@kartelmotorsports.com
(916) 383-5278

Cindy Duhn - Secretary/Treasurer
tctracing02@yahoo.com
(775) 267-1191

2010 Region 11 Race Schedule- Revised 12-16-09
February 7 Davis
February 14- rain date for Davis
March 7 Dixon
April 11 Stockton
May 2 Prairie City
June 6 Atwater
July 11 Reno

2010 Class Structure
Kid Kart
Jr 1-2
HPV-1
HPV-2/Jr Super Sportsman
IKF Jr TAG
IKF TAG Sr
IKF Super Sportsman Medium- weight 350 3 pipe
80 Sr
125 Stock Moto on YKB
80 Masters
IKF TAG Masters
4 Cycles: World Formula Gas 380 & Animal Alcohol 350

2-4-10 Prokart Challenge North Readies for 3rd Season

Northern California Superkarts! USA region to open 2010 season February 13

Entering its third season, the ProKart Challenge North is preparing for the opening round, set for February 12-13 at the Jim Russell International Karting Center. The Sonoma, California facility has become the home for the growing Superkarts! USA regional program and will once again play host to the series in its third year. The PKC North program will also be unveiling the new SKUSA class structure and licensing system to the area on the opening weekend.

The Infineon Raceway and the Jim Russell USA people have been great to us during the first two years of the PKC North, commented SKUSA CEO Tom Kutscher. Each year we have continued to grow, and entering the third season we expect the same thanks in part to our alignment with our new class and licensing program we have put together for 2010. There is a solid following of talented drivers in the area and we are pleased to have them support us again this year.

The new class structure developed during the off-season has a focus on the SKUSA Stock Moto program, which now includes five categories. The headline S3 class has been renamed to S1 - Pro Stock Moto, with a number of contenders from last year expected to return. The S4 category (Masters Stock Moto) will remain intact, with new divisions to the class lineup for 2010 including S5 (Junior Stock Moto), S2 (Semi-Pro Stock Moto) and S3 (Novice Stock Moto). Committed to developing the S5 program, PKC North will provide free entry into the opening round of the series. Furthermore, and to match the same offer made to the PKC South drivers, the North program has put together an attractive prize package to bring more Junior Stock drivers out for the season. Provided they run at least five of the six events, the top-three drivers in the final S5 standings will receive a free entry into the SKUSA SuperNationals XIV scheduled for November 17-22.

The new class structure, along with our new licensing program, is a positive step forward for the SKUSA organization, continued Kutscher. Drivers will need to earn, on the track, the right to compete against the best in their region and across the country in our SKUSA Pro Tour. For the PKC North program, we will be able to provide a training ground for many young drivers and newcomers to the sport. With our Stock Moto program, a family can invest in a motor for their junior-aged driver and keep that motor as he or she graduates through to S1.

Completing the gearbox categories, the popular G1 division will return again for those over 30 with modified 125cc gearbox engines. The three TaG categories from last year will return to the class line-up as well TaG Senior, TaG Master and TaG Junior with some fine-tuned engine weights recently adjusted by the SKUSA organization. With a heavy contingent of Junior drivers in the area, a local-option HPV2 Junior class will remain on the class roster for 2010.

I feel our TaG categories in the PKC North program are among the strongest in the country, commented Kutscher. From Junior to Masters, we have some of the top talent racing at the regional level. Since adding the HPV2 Junior category, we have been able to expose what we do to a number of young drivers and families who have found that our program suits their racing needs; thus we are continuing with the class. The 2010 program for the ProKart Challenge North is solid, and should continue to grow as the season progresses.

The opening round of the six-race championship will begin on February 12 with practice day on the national circuit of the Sonoma facility from 9:00 am 5:00 pm. PKC North will be cooking up a complimentary Friday night tri-tip BBQ dinner sponsored by the Thomas family following the practice day. Race pre-registrations are currently being accepted, with racers able to save $35 on their entry fee by submitting an entry prior to midnight on February 10. SKUSA memberships will be mandatory for the event, and forms are available on the SKUSA or ProKart Challenge websites. Camping and overnight parking of trailers on site will be permitted Friday night at no charge. A host hotel has not yet been confirmed; however, once confirmed an update will be posted on the ProKart Challenge series website.

A live scoring feed as well as blogging will be available Saturday during the racing action. For more information on the opening round including the tentative race day schedule or anything related to SKUSA and the ProKart Challenge, visit www.prokartchallenge.com and www.superkartsusa.com or call the SKUSA head office at 951-491-0808.

2-2-10 Felkins and Menezes Score Wins at Kal Gard Grand Prix

Perfect weather and a deep paddock highlight start of ProKart Challenge South 2010 season

The 2010 edition of the Superkarts! USA program was kicked off in fine style at CalSpeed Karting this past weekend when the ProKart Challenge South officials played host to 95 drivers at the Kal-Gard Grand Prix in Fontana, Calif. SKUSAs new class structure and licensing program was finally debuted to the country, and the resulting grids proved to be extremely successful. The series also enjoyed a solid turnout in the TaG Senior category, which bodes well for the season. The two winners of the headline classes were Brett Felkins in S1 and Gustavo Menezes in TaG Senior, while Fernando Diaz and Jason Campbell were impressive in dominant outings at the front of the G1 and S4 classes, respectively.

The debut of the new S1-S2-S3 ladder of progression in the Stock Moto class was a definite success, with 22 drivers taking to the track separated through the three levels of racing. As these numbers grow through the season, the competition will only grow stronger and stronger. In the headline S1 Pro Stock Moto class, a few expected entrants were not able to make the trek to CalSpeed, leaving six talented drivers to begin the year with some heated competition. Clinton Schoombee (CRG) came out of the gate strongly in taking the pole during qualifying, edging Brett Felkins (Intrepid) and Tommy Thompson (Energy) for the inside of the front row for the opening moto. Schoombee and Felkins would split the two heat races, running nose-to-tail in each one, swapping the lead on several occasions. In the 20-lap main event, Felkins would step up his game to score the big victory to start off the new year. Schoombee would end up going for a wild up-and-over ride late in the race after making contact with one of the curbing tires, which vaulted Brad Dunford (CRG) to a strong second place finish ahead of Peter Abba (GP). Thompson would finish fifth after falling well back following a turn one altercation with Jimmy McNeil (CRG), putting Schoombee in fifth in the final tally. It was a solid start to the S1 program, which will feature the finest shifterkart pilots in the SKUSA community.

The S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto class was particularly exciting, as the future stars of SKUSA put on a great show all day. A pair of young guns fought it out in qualifying as Billy Musgrave (CRG) edged Race Liberante (Maddox) by a scant 0.036 seconds during the timed run. Former Indy Lights race winner Arie Luyendyk Jr. (Birel) was third in the initial order ahead of Bryce Miller (Sodikart) and Ryon Beachner (Tony Kart). Just as in S1, two drivers took heat race wins as both Musgrave and Liberante would take turns at the front, setting up for a big battle in the main. The duo was embroiled in a thrilling scrap until Liberante slowed with a mechanical issue midway through the race, allowing Musgrave to stretch away to a 6.703-second advantage over Miller and Luyendyk. Erik Jackson (Arrow) and Cody Diede (Intrepid) rounded out the top-five.

An encouraging group of six Novice Stock Moto drivers hit the pavement in the S3 class with Vinny Maestas (CRG) and Jason Attwood (Arrow) both performing well in qualifying, timing inside the overall top 10 in the race group, which also included the G1 competitors. Tristan Orear (Italkart) was third in qualifying, timing in ahead of Steve Berg (Arrow) and Todd Wilson (GP). Maestas would prove to be the driver to beat all day, although he and Attwood went at it in the main for several laps before slipping past a G1 driver to build some cushion between himself and his challenger. Attwood would hold on to second, while Berg took third ahead of Orear and Jessica Sollberger (Arrow).

Running with S3 in the final race group of the day, the G1 class enjoyed a good turnout. Fernando Diaz was unbeatable at CalSpeed in sweeping all four official G1 sessions to take the early lead in the points, beginning the outing by out-qualifying Troy Butts (CRG) by 0.142 seconds. Robert Marks (CRG) was third quick, just ahead of Nick Firestone (Tony Kart) and PP Mastro (CRG) on the charts. After Diaz walked the field by over three seconds in both heat races, he found himself behind Mastro at the start of the final when the veteran got a great launch at the green light. Diaz would only be held back for a couple of laps, immediately stretching out another advantage once he slipped by Mastro, who would hold on to second. Firestone would finish up in third, while Roy Montgomery (CRG) bounced back from a heat race flip to take fourth ahead of Butts.

In the S4 Stock Moto Masters category, a daylong battle ensued between Jason Campbell (Tony Kart) and three-time SuperNationals winner Jeff Littrell (Tony Kart). Littrell drew first blood by qualifying on the pole by 0.257 seconds over Campbell, with Wayne Mello (Tony Kart), Doug Hayashi (Tony Kart) and Willy Musgrave (Arrow) completing the fast five. Campbell turned it up for the first heat race to edge Littrell, but Musgrave would do the same in the second moto to secure the pole for the main. Littrell suffered through a pair of spins in the second heat and needed to claw his way back to tenth, making life tough for himself with a row five starting spot in the final. Despite the fact that Musgrave would turn the fastest lap in the main event, Campbell was untouchable, walking away to a 9.534-second win over Littrell, who put in an impressive recovery. Mello completed the podium in third, while Paul Russell (Tony Kart) advanced to fourth ahead of Musgrave. In S4 Magnum, Todd Scholta (CRG) took the win over Marc Lewis (Kosmic) and Robert Morales (GP).

The TaG Senior class drew 16 competitors, highlighted by some of the sports brightest stars, quickest veterans and fastest up-and-comers. Tony Kart Wests Gustavo Menezes qualified on the pole ahead of Bobby Kelley (Maddox) and veteran Billy Cleavelin (CRG), while Phil Giebler (FA Kart) and Kyle Shriver (Avanti) capped the top-five. Giebler put his considerable talent on display as the former Indy 500 Rookie of the Year won both heat races handily, but he dropped out of the main event at the halfway point with a broken exhaust, leaving the spotlight to Menezes and Shriver. After swapping the top spot more than once, Menezes made his move for the win in the late going and was able to hold off a determined Shriver for the victory. A thrilling battle for third ended with Travis Lowe (Kosmic) taking the final step on the podium, winning out over Devin Lindsay (Maddox) and Billy Cleavelin (CRG). In TaG Masters, Paul Bonilla (Birel) went four-for-four, taking the pole, two heat race wins and the main event by 0.404 seconds over Ron Rossetti (Arrow) and Jeff Bobbitt (Tony Kart).

In the Junior classes, the debut of the S5 Junior Stock Moto class in the ProKart Challenge South was big for the series, with four drivers making up the first grid. Scott Phillips (PTK) would find his way to the front at the end of the main, outrunning Augie Lerch (Intrepid) for the inaugural win. Matias Podboj (CRG) finished third ahead on Micah Hendricks (Tony Kart). In TaG Junior, Louie Pagano (Birel) qualified second to Emmanuel Mestre (Kosmic) and then proceeded to dominate the proceedings. Paganos team made big changes heading into the 20-lap final and the result was a kart no one could catch, propelling him to a 5.106-second advantage at the checkered flag.

As always, PKC Souths Tom Kutscher dolled out some nice prizes following the podium presentations, awarding two sets of MG race tires and free entries to the next ProKart Challenge event to their valued customers. The next PKC South race is set for Willow Springs Kart Track on February 26-27, while the SKUSA crew heads to Infineon Raceway first on February 12-13 to kick off the ProKart Challenge North. All of these events lead to the opening round of the SKUSA Pro Tour on April 16-18 in Sonoma, CA.