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Kart Expo International
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FYI
01-23-05

MARTY CASEY MOVES TO IRA AND TAG

Antioch, Illinois — TAG Racing International and TAG USA are pleased to announce effective February 2, 2005 Mr. Martin Casey will begin working full-time for TAG Racing International and TaG USA. Mr. Casey will be devoting his full attention to the TAG program on a worldwide basis as the TAG Racing International Technical Director.

“We as an organization are very pleased to have Mr. Casey’s full focus, knowledge and expertise to help us maintain the integrity of TAG racing within the global market,” said David Larson President of TAG Racing International.

Prior to this point Mr. Casey has been pulling double duty drafting the 2005 technical specifications for his current employer while updating and finalizing the Technical specifications for the 2005 TAG program.

Within his busy schedule he has devoted countless days, nights and weekends to the TAG program Mr. Casey has been instrumental in working with the engine manufactures, importers and the sanctioning bodies to implement the use of TAG USA rules within their organizations to provide parity for the first time in karting history.

Mr. Casey stated, “Right now, I am totally focused on TAG. I believe we have accomplished a lot and the TAG program is where my heart is.”

TAG Racing International And TAG USA are also pleased to announce That we have finalized our site selection and secured our contracts for “The 2005 TAG World Championships”. The race will take place at Newcastle Motorsports Park in Newcastle Indiana just outside metropolitan Indianapolis Indiana on October 6-9, 2005. See www.newcastleraceway.com

This world-class facility is owned and operated by past Champ car and IRL driver Mark Dismore and his family. The facility boasts a challenging one-mile racecourse featuring a 950 foot back straight, multiple layouts, elevation changes, AMB scoring system, 28' wide track width, CIK regulation curbing, paved pit roads and grid area, 40 rental garages, 5000 square foot parts shop and restaurant, corporate karting rentals, motor home parking including restrooms and showers.

Mr. Dismore stated, “We are excited and proud to host the inaugural “TAG World Championships”, and welcome the opportunity to showcase our complex to the racing world.”

For TAG questions and concerns for any and all technical and or rules questions you may address them to any or all of the following web E-mails: info@tagracing.net or gempro001@aol.com or call 1-847-395-2398. TAG USA or TAG International general rules, Qualifying series information, or membership contact Dave Larson at TAG USA or TAG Racing International. For Engine and Technical concerns contact marty@tagracing.net
Attn Marty Casey.

“We will all try our best to answer your questions in a timely manner as to keep
you up to date with any and all changes in TAG criteria,” said Larson. “And the 2005 rulebook will be online by February 2005.”

WANKEL ROTARY KART ENGINES TO BE BUILT IN CANADA
Oshawa Ontario, Canada— A line of small, lightweight WANKEL ROTARY COMBUSTION ENGINES are being introduced to the North American market by Rotary Engine Technologies Inc., located in Oshawa. The company has available an engine that runs 41-HP at 6,800 rpm primarily for the racing kart field. With a long-life expectation, the engines are both reliable and very quick to accelerate. A 2,000 hour operational period between overhauls is considered the norm.

According to company President, Mr. Kurt Wiesbaum, the main markets for these engines are Go-Karts and racing Karts, recreational vehicles, marine (personal watercraft, small boats, powered surf boards), ultra-light and home-built aircraft, Gen-Sets and power generators, plus many industrial, and agricultural products. The engines are currently gasoline powered, but future models will be Diesel and multi-fuel, operated with various fuels like kerosene, jet-fuel, propane, natural gas, bio-fuels, etc.

The engines to be manufactured range from 28-HP to 150-HP in size and have a multitude of applications. Already in use in Europe (and a few in North America) a number of engines were produced by the original WANKEL G.m.b.H. of Germany. The engines will be manufactured in Ontario, Canada, initially from parts obtained from German suppliers then phasing into full local production. Five areas of the continental U.S. will be set up with Sales and Service Centers for engine and parts distribution, as well as warranty service.

The company has signed an agreement with the new owner of the Wankel technology, Wankel AG of Kirchberg, Germany to use the patents and name rights originally owned by Wankel G.m.b.H., which ceased operation several years ago due to management problems. In turn, Wankel AG will provide research and development of the engines in Germany, plus manufacture and market the engines for the European consumer.

Rotary Engine Technologies Inc. will also be selling the engines on a product of their own. The company intends to manufacture a 10-Kw Gen-Set, to provide emergency stand-by power for homes, farms, commercial and industrial buildings. These Gen-Sets, according to Mr. Merv Lang, Marketing Director of RET Gen-Sets Division, “have application in so many different areas it would take far too long to list them all. For the gasoline-powered version I’m directing my attention to the home residential and farm markets. In another year when the Multi-fuel version is available we’ll be concentrating on the marine, trucking, industrial and farm markets. With all of the natural disasters that have been happening lately, such as the ice storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and problems with the power grids causing widespread power failures, a low cost, small but powerful source of standby electrical power is essential. We will be able to provide what is needed in the market.”

Mr. George Payne, Vice-President of Marketing, stated “that although our gasoline powered rotary engines run very clean, being four-stroke engines, the new multi-fuel engines will be a tremendous boon in reducing harmful emissions into the environment. We see the engines being an integral part of a hybrid-engine system, for instance, combining our rotary engines with an electric motor drive package, which will be very efficient for driving all sorts of vehicles. These engines are fuel efficient as well as small and powerful” he said, “making them a very viable alternative to the old 2-stroke, and the more efficient but heavier and more expensive 4-stroke piston engines. With the heavily polluting 2-stroke engines being outlawed in 2006, the Wankel Rotary combustion engine can easily be used as a replacement or retrofit engine in many products”.

The outstanding features of the Rotary Combustion engine are the high horsepower-to-weight ratio (most of the engines are close to a 1-1 ratio), high torque - great acceleration, extremely low pollution emissions, almost vibration-free operation, achievable exceptionally low noise levels, only two moving parts per single-rotor engine means high life cycle, low maintenance and about 40% more compact than competitive engines. In addition they are to be serviced in North America by a network of sales and service agencies, which the company will be setting up as they get into production early in 2005.

Starting in April, 2005, the LCR-407 single rotor engines, which range from 28 to 41 hp depending on application, will be available for delivery. The twin-rotor 75 hp engines will start coming off the production line by late in 2005. The company intends to begin accepting deposits for delivery positions in January of 2005. A deposit of 10% with the original order will confirm the delivery position, with a further 40% due 30 days prior to delivery. The balance of the payment will be due at time of delivery.

The engines may be ordered bare, or with whatever accessories are required for the application. Belt-driven reduction drives are available for aircraft use, and special “racing engines” are available for the racing Kart industry, with a centrifugal clutch for shifter Karts available. Individuals can purchase directly from the company, and they are offering a discount of 10% from the purchase price on the engine for the first 100 units sold. Dealers will need to purchase a minimum of 4 engines to qualify, while OEM’s will be contracted to purchase engines on an annual basis at OEM prices.

“The company will also”, according to Mr. Payne, “be establishing an on-site school for mechanics and technicians to be authorized to work on and maintain these rotary engines. Although simple in operation”, says Mr. Payne, “they can be challenging to set-up properly if the individual doing the work is not familiar with the operation and set-up procedures”.

Rotary Engine Technologies Inc. may be reached at (905) 576-3050, fax (905) 576-2755 or e-mail: info@rotaryengines,ca. The company web-site is www.rotaryengines.ca.

TWO NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS AT ROTAX CHAMPIONSHIPS
Canary Islands, Spain (Sportimage)South Africa Wesleigh Orr and Benjamin Salvatore of France, are the new Rotax Max Challenge champion in the RM1 and junior.

The stands of the Gran Karting Circuit in Lanzarote were full with standing room only, all were present to watch the fifth final of the Rotax Max Challenge. During the prefinal race presented this morning, the Swiss driver Ken Allemann seemed determined to put a stop to the South African domination who had won the first four edition of this annual event. Allemann easily won the prefinal and guaranteed himself pole position for the final race. The start was critical and this is exactly were Allemann lost the race with a bad start. The defending champion, Christiano Morgado and quickly built a small gap. He was able to keep
the gap till the end without pressure from the rear to become the new Rotax Max Challenge Champion. Tristam Oman, from the United Kingdom finished third to complete the podium. The top tree drivers aged 35 years old and over are Sam Ghalleb, from France, Jan Andreasen, From Denmark and Manolis Tyamariadakis from Greece.

In the junior final, one could say that everything was played during the prefinal were the French driver Benjamin Salvatore starting from 2nd position won the race and obtained pole for the final race. The final race was just a formality for Salvatore who lead from the start to finish. "I know that the race looked easy but it wasn’t the case for me. As soon as I took the lead, I had to manage my race so as not push to hard at the beginning to keep my tires fresh. Also, I found the race quite long, notably because of the temperature and my nervousness" said the happy winner.

The two drivers just behind him, Earl Bamber and Adam Christodoulou, were never a serious threat to the champion. The real battle was for second place and it was finally British driver Christodoulou who took the advantage over Bamber from New-Zealand. During the podium ceremony the first two drivers Salvatore and Christodoulou won a test drive in Formula BMW from the Red Bull development program. The test will take place next October in Estoril, Portugal.

Salvatore was extremely happy to receive this prize "this is an incredible opportunity for my and I fully intend to me the most of it".

The fifth edition of the 2005 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals is sponsored by Rotax, Magura, Unior, CRG, Denso, Motorex, Mojo, Bridgestone, Gran Karting club and Korridas.

Final race results.
1. Wesleigh Orr, S-A
2. Cristiano Morgado, S-A
3. Tristan Oman, U-K
4. David Bellchambers, U-K
5. Ken Allemann, Swi
6. David Blake, Ned
7. Johan Renaux, Fr
8. Omar Martin, Spain
9. Satrio Hermanto, Indonesia
10. Satosi Nakagawa, Jap
11. Jarrod Carlyle, N-Z
12. Juan Sanso, C-R
13. Cenel America, Ned
14. Claudio Galeone, It
15. David Vanrzkelen, Bel
16. Scott Campbell, Can
17. Antonio Fernandez, Spain
18. Marc Murraz, S-A
19. Jame Tumuly, Ir
20. Cameron Thorpe, Aus
21. Tiego Ribeiro, Por
22. Cristen Mueller, Ger
23. Michael Bergenswtahl, Swi
24. Jordan Musser, USA
25. Marc Doppelfeld, Zim
26. Sam Ghalleb, France
27. Marco Di Leo, Can
28. Justin Melton, USA
29. Thot Christian Ebbesvik, Nor
30. Arya Setyaki, Indonesia
31. Michael Johnson, USA
32. Jan Andreasen, Den

Final results - Juniors
1. Benjamin Salvatore, France
2. Adam Christodoulou, U-K
3. Earl Bamber, N-Z
4. Ralp Odendaal, S-A
5. Tim Megenbier, USA
6. Nicolas Deyutter, Bel
7. Michiel Beutels, Bel
8. Gaetan Loncle, Fr
9. Jordie Linstrom, Aus
10. Shafiq Ali, Malaisia
11. Tin Sritrai, Thailand
12. Marlon Stockinger, Phi
13. Nico Marvin, Spain
14. Shigehiro Noda, Japan
15. Hugo Ouellette, Can
16. Jose Lizaro, C-R
17. Kevin Poya, Spain
18. Christophe Boisclair, Can
19. Alexandre Mata, Por
20. Julian Murmann, Aus
21. Armaan Ebrahim, India
22. Gabrier Kocher, Cyprus
23. Zulfikar Fahmi, Indonesia
24. Luuk lansdorp, Ner
25. Rocco Aueri, It
26. Mike Herda, USA
27. Danindro Arionindito, Indonesia
28. Mads Langberg, Den
29. Ross Jamison, Singapore
30. Daniel Suarez Garza, Mex
31. Dominik Kraihamer, Austria
32. Dimitri Fratzeskakis, Greece

IKF REGION 7 SOUTHWESTERN SUPER SERIES ANNOUNCES EXCITING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Ontario, California— Don St. Ours, the International Kart Federation Region 7 Southwestern Super Series Coordinator and Glenn Araki of PKS Kart Supplies of Fresno, CA today unveiled an exciting sponsorship program for the 2005 race season. This programs focus is twofold, driver development from the kid kart to the Jr. 1 sprint class and building a strong foundation and starting point in the sport of karting.

St. Ours is calling 2005 “Racer Appreciation Year” and it appears that the series sponsors and competitors are quickly realizing his forward thinking vision for the 2005 Southwestern Super Series.

Araki and PKS are offering a scholarship program to the Champion of the Kid Kart class in the 2005 IKF Regions 7 Southwestern Super Series. The winning driver will receive a Jr. 1 Topkart/Comer owned by PKS to be campaigned in the 2006 IKF Southwestern Super Series. If the winner of the series is not eligible for the Jr. 1 class in 2006, then they will receive their scholarship the year they become eligible.

Eligibility requirements for this scholarship are as follows: The Driver who wins the scholarship must the 2005 IKF Region 7 Southwestern Super Series Kid Kart Champion, they must be a member in good standing in IKF and Region 7 and they must compete in a minimum of 6 2005 IKF Southwestern Super Series races.

“We at PKS believe the backbone and starting point of our sport is our youngest drivers. We want to generate strong participation and sportsmanship in our sport, and believe that bringing back the IKF Region 7 Kid Kart Championship program will do just that. This program keeps the youngest drivers motivated and will keep them in karting, a sport we here at PKS have enjoyed for over 20 years” Araki stated.

“This is just another IKF Region 7 first for what we are calling Racer Appreciation Year” said St. Ours. “To have a premiere kart shop like PKS this involved with the Southwestern Super Series and the IKF is a true testament of our belief in the sport of karting” he continued.

St. Ours is pleased to include PKS Karting Supplies as a sponsor along with Bridgestone, VP Racing, Dodson Engineering, AIM, DPK, Grand Products, Fleming Racing Engines, Nash’s Karts, Full Throttle Racing, Miinch Motorsports, Horstman, Parts 4 Karts, Empire Karts, King Taco, Pitts Performance, TDC Sprockets and Woltjer Racing Engines, all of whom are supporting the 2005 IKF Southwestern Super Series.

The Kid Kart drivers participating in this program will drive on a variety of tracks including: Cal Speed Kart Track in Fontana, CA, Moran Raceway in Beaumont CA, Buttonwillow Raceway Park in Buttonwillow, CA, Las Vegas Kart Track in North Las Vegas, NV, Formula K Raceway in Phoenix, AZ and Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley CA. The variety of tracks will offer these drivers extensive on track experience, preparing them for their future in motorsports.

For more information go to www.ikfkarting.com

EURO AMUSEMENT SHOW SEMINARS TO FOCUS ON INDUSTRY’S SAFETY & DESIGN STANDARDS ON JANUARY 29
Alexandria, Virginia — The amusement industry’s fundamental and worldwide commitment to safe ride operation and design will be the subject of four Euro Amusement Show 2005 seminars on January 29. EAS 2005 will be held at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center in Vienna, Austria, on January 28-31.

During the Safety Standards session on the morning of the 29th, EAS attendees can get an update on the efforts of the International Standards Harmonization Group, which aims to establish global consistency in major areas of ride safety standards. The panel contains ride experts from many countries, and will have just completed a day-long working session earlier in the week.

Complementing the discussion will be a presentation during this same session on the European Standard regarding the safety of “Fairground and Amusement Park Machinery and Structures.” Approved last year, it covers the design, manufacture, and operation of fairground & amusement park equipment, thus all rides located in the 28 European Committee for Standardization nations adopting the standard will be subject to the same specifications in these three areas.

Also featured that morning will be a seminar on Kiddie Ride Safety, Certification, and Design. Registration and patent protection of a ride’s design are crucial to the original manufacturer’s continued commercial success, and form the basis of an effective system of kiddie ride safety and certification. This session will explore how to further put these principles into practice.

The afternoon includes a presentation on International Certification for Amusement Rides, where participants will discuss an initial proposal for a global ride certification program and its relationship to the work of the International Standards Harmonization Group.

Greg Hale, Chief Safety Officer for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, will also conduct a seminar during the afternoon on Inspiring A Safety Culture, with practical examples of how amusement facilities can achieve continuous improvement in every aspect of safety.

A joint partnership between the European Association for the Amusement Supplier Industry (EAASI) and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), EAS 2005 is the region’s largest amusement industry trade show. With 250 exhibiting companies, the show will offer a multitude of products, seminars, and events to industry professionals visiting from around the world.

ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX UPDATE
Rock Island, Illinois— The following from Roger Ruthhart of the RIGP:
For those who haven't heard, the host hotel - the Four Points by Sheraton in Rock Island -- is now full. A full list of area hotels and phone numbers can be found on our website at www.rockislandgrandprix.com although some of the rates have not been updated. The next closest hotel is the Radisson across the bridge in Davenport, Iowa with a block of rooms for the Grand Prix at an $89/night rate. Less expensive rooms can be found at other chains, most of which are located near the airport which is about a 15 minute drive from the track. Please let us know if you have any problems with accommodations.

This is the earliest date yet for the hotel to be filled and may be indicative of the expected turnout this year. With caps on many classes limiting entries, plan to register early. Entry packets will be mailed in late April and online registration will be updated at that time.

Finally, we are proud to be a sponsor of Kart Expo International which is Feb. 26-27 at
Pheasant Run in St. Charles, Illinois, in suburban Chicago. It's the biggest show of its kind and a great way to see all of the things that are new in karting for 2005 under one roof. Mark your calendar today if you are not already planning to attend. Among the attractions (besides the Rock Island Grand Prix booth) will be Helio Castroneves signing autographs, as well as some great seminars.

We will soon be finalizing our race lineup for 2005. We don't anticipate too many changes. As always, feedback is welcome. Under the microscope will be the ICA class which was dropped at the last minute in 2004 due to lack of entries. If you (or someone you know) would like to race this class in 2004, we need to hear from you. Otherwise, we may consider reducing the race schedule or adding a new class to the lineup. Among suggestions made
already are Easykart, 80cc Jr. shifter, Jr. Supercan, JICA, and Stock Moto. Send your feedback to grandprix@qconline.com.

END

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