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FYI
01-30-05

MEMO GIDLEY TESTS YAMAHA YF200-R1 FOR UPCOMING BOOK

Ontario, Canada— For the next book in his continuing series of karting books, “Memo Gidley’s Secrets of Speed”, Gidley used the F200 class’s most popular motor, the Yamaha YF200-R1. Along with co-author Jeff Grist, Gidley has composed a number of informative books on karting.

Gidley spent several days testing the YF200-R1 on his Trackmagic 4-cycle chassis at Moran Raceway in Beaumont, CA. Gidley, who’s an avid shifter driver, had very positive comments about his first ride in the F200:

“I got my start in racing with the KT100 in both sportsman and pipe configurations. Although a great class, I spent most of my time working on the motors and clutches to keep competitive... something that the average recreational driver never had time to do. The Yamaha F200 is an awesome package because it has the speed of the old KT100cc motor with something that is user friendly, low maintenance, and inexpensive to buy. And even more important to me, it is fun to drive and it sounds cool. I hope more manufacturers get involved in this class.”

Mike Burris was excited to have a driver as accomplished as Gidley evaluating the F200 package: “The F200 class has really started to come into it’s own on the oval tracks and Memo’s enthusiasm and interest gives us a real boost in our efforts to establish this format in sprint karting. In 2005 we’ll have F200 sprint programs in place at Mark Dismore’s New Castle Motor Sports Park as we’ll as in the SIRA, one of the premier sprint clubs in the U.S. With that, and some serious interest from the Quarter Midget sector the future looks very bright for the F200’s!”

The F200 class was the concept of, among others, of long time karting legend and pioneer Mike Burris. F200 is based on overhead valve, 200cc 4-cycle engines, and a simple easy-to-follow rulebook. The F200s run on pump gasoline, and require much less maintenance than a flathead 4-cycle class engine. Approved F200 class engines include: the Yamaha YF200 R1, Briggs Animal, Kohler C6 XKE, Tecumseh OHH 5.5 and Honda GX200.

For more information on adding an F200 class to your club, go to www.speedway-karting.com. For information on the Yamaha YF200R1 contact Burris Racing at yf200r1@burrisracing.com.

PRO INDOOR KARTING COMES TO CENTRAL ILLINOIS
East Peoria, Illinois — Indoor professional go-kart racing is coming to Central Illinois for the first time since 1987. Jim Maroon, owner of Maroon’s Kart Systems, 309 Carver Lane in East Peoria, IL is promoting three professional go-kart races at the East Peoria Convention Center.

The Trilogy Apparel Indoor Pro Kart Cup Series ’05 is a three race series beginning February 20 with a Swap Meet/Trade Show in the morning and kart racing in the afternoon. Race #2 will be two weeks later on March 6 and the final Championship race will be on March 20. The overall Series Champion will be given an embroidered jacket “on the spot” with the 1st place finishers name and Pro Kart Class that they won. This will be done by the overall event race sponsor, Trilogy Apparel, which is a new store located at 311 Carver Lane, East Peoria. All race classes are sponsored which allows each class to received guaranteed cash awards. The 5 to 8 year old class is the only class not receiving money. Instead they will receive 4’ tall trophies just for participating in the event.

Racing will be done on concrete floors and on Coke syrup. The racetrack is 180’ long by 60’ wide (on the inside) with racing lanes of 25’. Racers ages will range from 5 years old to 81 years old (karting legend Denny Sheppard of Bartonville). Kart Race entries are coming in from racers all over the Midwest and as far away as North Carolina.

The event also includes provisions for fund raising to a Christian Outreach Program, Victory Acres and Bryan Brown, seven-year-old son of East Peoria firefighter, who has cancer and recently had a stroke. A portion of the profit from each T-shirt sale will go toward Bryan’s stroke medical bills that are not covered by St. Jude. Life long karting enthusiast, Lance Anderson, will be the flagman for the event. A memorial award will be given in memory of his son Aaron Anderson for the person at the event with the “Best Professional Attitude”. Aaron was an up and coming professional racer with a great attitude.

National Kart News and the Inside Track magazines will cover this Indoor Pro Kart Cup Series. These are two of the largest karting magazines in the country.

For additional information, go to www.maroonskartsystems.com, or email mks_25@hotmail.com or phone Jim at 309-699-5278.

WORLD AND NATIONAL RACING CHAMPIONS COME TO IRON ROCK RACEWAY
Austin, Texas— On January 8, 29 and 30, some of the world’s most admired kart-racing champions and other Italian karting professionals descended on Iron Rock Raceway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. World Karting Champions Gianluca Beggio and Sauro Cesetti, US National Karting Champion Wesley Boswell, Alex Speed, 2004 Stars of Karting national champion and the Italian racing team representing Birel karting chassis will lay down some serious rubber on the new track as they tested the new Birel product line and train customers and dealers from around the U.S.

This was the only such visit to the U.S. this year by this sought-after team, which will return to Italy for the first round of the 2005 European Championships following its Iron Rock visit. The visit was arranged by MRP/Austin, which maintains the sales, service, rental and corporate services unit at Iron Rock. MRP is the top Birel dealer in the nation.

Hailed by racing publications as the “undisputed master of shifter-kart racing,” Beggio is the only driver to capture five world titles over a span of six years. In 2002, Beggio hung up his helmet to become Director of Sports for Birel, assisting in production, product R&D and race team management. Sauro Cesetti, two-time world co-champion, competes internationally in both Formula A and the 125cc Super ICC (Shifter karts) World Cup championships.

US National Champion Boswell comes to Iron Rock fresh off of his victory at the 2005 World Karting Association Manufacturer’s Cup in Daytona, Florida. Alex Speed wrapped up a fantastic 2004 season with a huge victory in Snap-on.com Stars of Karting Finale.

The high-powered team chose Iron Rock Raceway’s track in part because it is a temporary (adjustable) circuit, a type that has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

“ If you want to stay competitive, you need to know how to work on all types of circuits, including temporary tracks such as Iron Rock’s,” said Chris Lobaugh, team manager of the MRP Motorsport Race Program. “ And for many drivers and kart dealers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the world’s best.”

Kart racing is a primary channel for entering professional auto racing. Formula One drivers and other racecar professionals depend on karting to keep their skills honed. Iron Rock Raceway and MRP offer karters of all ages the opportunity to develop their racing talents and to move into auto racing, should they choose.

The public is invited to see these outstanding drivers in action free of charge from the public viewing area at Iron Rock Raceway.

Located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, Iron Rock Raceway is one of the nation’s first country clubs devoted primarily to kart racing. The 0.73-mile sprint track is open Monday-Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. and evenings by appointment for members and non-member rentals. For more information or to request a member application, visit www.ironrockraceway.com or call 512.530-RACE (7223).

MRP Motorsport is the largest importer of Birel chassis and Freeline accessories in North America with over 40 dealers throughout the United States. For more information on MRP Motorsport race program, contact Chris Lobaugh at MRP Motorsport (269-756-9133) or chris@mrpmotorsport.com.

CONI SYSTEMS LTD FORMS PARTNERSHIP AND LAUNCHES NEW SPORTS TIMING SYSTEM
Wilmslow, United Kingdom— UK based Motorsport Systems Manufacturer Coni Systems, have developed a new functionally rich sports timing system and entered a partnership with Irish Software Company Inis Motorsport Ltd who have developed a multi suite event management package to compliment the hardware. The product which uses the latest technology brings event management, sports timing and new safety features together, is significantly ahead of the competition at this time. The combined product will be marketed under the banner Sigma Sports Management Systems.

The overall system which, has been in design for some time, was launched at Europe’s largest motorsport show, the Autosport International in Birmingham last week, where interest in the new system was impressive. Speaking at the launch, Anthony Herring, MD of Coni Systems Ltd, said, “Having just completed the system during 2004, this project represents a significant lift for our team which we will have to strengthen as a result. He added that “we already have confirmed sales of the product along with requests for demonstrations in 15 different countries including the USA”.

Next on the agenda is the International Kart Show in the USA in February where the Motorsport Industry Association, of which the new venture is a member, is arranging presentations to industry leaders of the new product. This will be followed with outings at the two largest trade shows in the world the PMI in the USA and the Japanese Motor show.

For more information contact Coni Systems P: +44(0) 1625 415 120 or info@conisystems.com

EAS 2005 OPENED JANUARY 28 – THE LATEST PRODUCTS & INSIGHTS FOR EUROPE’S AMUSEMENT AND ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY
Alexandria, Virginia — The future of the $3 billion-a-year European amusement industry will be displayed and discussed in just a few days when the 2005 Euro Amusement Show opens its doors at the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center in Vienna, Austria, January 28-31.

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 fifth annual edition of the region’s largest amusement & attractions trade show.

Thousands of attendees from all over Europe are expected to walk the show’s nearly 10,000 square meters of aisles, viewing the latest amusement industry products and services from 250 diverse exhibitors, including such exciting products as Pandora’s Box and Ridercam.

EAS 2005 is a sneak peek at what’s new for this year and beyond, so amusement and attractions professionals throughout the region are coming to shop for the hottest rides, food, and games for their guests. In fact, the show is one of the leading venues where the business of the region’s amusement industry gets done.

Attendees will also benefit from the educational sessions and facility tours on offer, as well as from unsurpassed networking opportunities at various social events and all through the show.

With keynote addresses by such industry experts as master ride designer Werner Stengel and seminars on cutting-edge topics like standards harmonization, this show’s got it all for anyone who wants to learn what’s next for the European amusement sector.

Attendees won’t want to miss the special events either. An EAS Welcome Reception will take place on Friday night at the city’s historic Glashaus, and a Viennese Gala is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Vienna Rathaus. Annual meetings for several of Europe’s national and regional industry groups will also take place during the exhibition.

BURRIS CIRCLE TOUR CHAMPIONS HONORED
Carol Stream, Illinois — Kart Champions were crowned at the Burris Circle Tours 9th annual award ceremony and banquet. The Burris Circle Tour is the Midwest's premier Speedway Karting series. The ceremony is held annually at the Holiday Inn in Carroll Stream, IL. and in spite of the bitter winter storm there was a huge turnout of drivers, families and friends for the banquet.

The banquet is a great place for the Karting families and friends to catch up on what's happened since the season end so many families make a weekend out of the event. The pool was packed.

The award ceremony started the honoring the top performers in each class. Special recognition went to the Top 5 and the Class Champions. As is the normal most of the Champions turn out to be mutes when asked if the had any thing to say. Breaking the silence was Dave Terrafino winner of the Senior Sportsman Classes. No one was surprised Dave would have something to say. Dave had some very nice comments and thanks to the staff and the sponsors of the Burris Circle Tour. Dave is the leader of the Terrafino Racing Team, which fields drivers in 4 different classes on the tour.

The highlight of the evening came with the awards for the Top 10 Overall racers and the crowning of 2004 Burris Circle Tour Overall Champion. The Tours Overall Champion is the driver who amassed the most points for this combined awarded. Points are awarded based on finish position and class size.

The year's winner was one of the Tour's quietest drivers. Nick Chiapetta from Downers Grove, IL took home the Burris Circle Tour Overall Championship for 2004 with an impressive season record of 5 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third, 1 forth and 1 fifth and 1 rain out.
Nick, who led the Championship board the entire season won in the largest and most competitive classes, Sr. Lite. In his 5 feature wins, Nick demonstrated incredible composure as the total margin of victory was less that a half a second. Other honorees in the Overall Championship race included Jeff Everts-Sr Lite, Cory Talaska-Jr 2 Lite, Ryan Marshall-Champ F200 Jr 3, Alex Stumpf-Jr 2 Lite, Andy Jones-Jr 2 Lite, Damian Jenks-Jr 3 Lite, Zach Axlen-Sr Lite, Dave Terrafino-Sr Sportsman, Tyler Middleton-Sr Lite.

The 2005 schedule for the Burris Circle Tour can be found on the series website at www.karts.net/burriscircle

FIRSTKART.COM STARTS ’05 VICTORIOUS
Guelph, Ontario, Canada — With the IRL Indycars on the oval and the karts running in the parking lot of Homestead Miami Speedway, the First Kart North America squad was looking to start ’05 off strong. With a crop of new drivers under the tent and some veterans returning from last season, First Kart traveled back home with three victories and some other strong results.

Markham, ON’s Daniel Morad provided the high of the weekend for the First Kart squad as he took home the feature win in the Pro Shifter class in Sunday’s competition. Morad was consistently fast all week long and was at the top of the time charts at the end of every session. In his first ICC pro shifter event, Morad overcame some start miscues to show the karting community that he will battle for several championships through out the year.

Five-time Colombian National Champion Gustavo Yacaman, provided the team with their only Junior victory of the weekend as he fought hard with local Florida competitors all weekend long. Yacaman ran a smart feature race on Sunday as he was able to break the draft and pull away to victory.

Australian’s Derrick Cunningham traveled home with a smile on his face after taking Saturdays Rotax Senior Heavy feature win. Cunningham ran in the 2nd position all race long putting pressure on his fellow competitor. When lapped traffic came into play, Cunningham made his move and was able to take the victory. It appeared evident that Cunningham was going to do the same Sunday but a huge mid race accident ended the Australian’s weekend early

Other strong runs for the FirstKart.com race team include Eric Gerrits who qualified pole and had two top ten finishes in the Rotax Senior division. James Moriarty had some trouble in the Master Shifters event but managed to finish in the top five both finals. Jimmy Moriarty had his strongest run ever as he set fast lap and finished 4th in Sunday’s pre-final. Driving hard in the final, Moriarty had some trouble as he destroyed a motor mount on one of the Homestead curbs. Puerto Rico pilot Richard Benetiz carded two top five results in his first race with the talented squad and will be a strong runner this year in Stars of Karting competition. Morad, along with his victory, also added a 5th place result to his resume while Yacaman added two pole positions and a 9th place result.

For more information on First Kart North America, product sales, the FirstKart.com race team and exciting dealership opportunities including information on how to get into kart racing please contact First Kart President Tony Ventresca or Mike Maurini at 519-824-4343, toll free at 1-888-884-4851 or visit them online at www.firstkart.com.

KART ANNOUNCES REGIONAL SCHEDULES
Raymore, Missouri — After a few months of roundtable discussions and gathering, KART Sprint Regional Racing and the new SKUSA Lone Star Regions have a schedule for the Texas Oklahoma and Louisiana area. KART has always maintained a family-oriented race structure while SKUSA has decided to focus on the regional Racers rather then compete with the Stars organization for shifters.

For 2005 SKUSA has taken on a new name and Regional Director. The Lone Star Region will run a joint effort with KART following the requests of racers in the Texas Oklahoma area. Also new for 2005, KART has form two separate Regional Groups;

Gulf Coast Series - consisting of the southern half of Texas and Louisiana
Southern Series - consisting of the northern half of Texas and Oklahoma

Each of the two KART Regions are a part of the Rotax Max Challenge series. The SKUSA Lone Star Pro Tour Series will in conjunction with 4 of the Gulf Coast Series and 2 of the Southern Series races. There are 2 featured triple header events where both KART Regions and the SKUSA Lone Star Pro Tour all run together. This schedule was developed to keep travel costs down with excellent competition on a variety of tracks.

2005 KART SOUTHERN SPRINT SERIES /RMAX CHALLENGE
Mar 12-13 NTK Denton, TX
Apr 9/10 Grandsport Speedway Hitchcock TX (KART Gulf Coast & Super Karts)
May 14/15 HOT Speedway Waco, TX
July 16-17 JRP Raceway Tulsa, OK Double RMAX Challenge +Super Karts
Aug 13/14 MacArthur Park OK City, OK
Sept 10/11 JRP Raceway Tulsa OK
Oct 8/9 NTK Denton TX (KART Gulf Coast & Super Karts)

2005 KART GULF COAST SPRINT SERIES
Feb 19-20 Grandsport Speedway, Hitchcock, TX + SuperKarts
Mar 19-20 LSP Academy, Zachary, LA + SuperKarts
Apr 09-10 Grandsport Speedway, Hitchcock, TX (KART Gulf Coast & Super Karts)
May 14-15 Heart of Texas, Waco, TX
Jul 09-10 Gulf Coast Karters, Inc., Katy, TX
Oct 08-09 North Texas Kartway, Denton, TX (KART Gulf Coast & Super Karts)
Nov TBA

2005 SUPERKARTSUSA LONE STAR PRO TOUR
Feb 19-20 Grandsport Speedway, Hitchcock, TX
Mar 19-20 LSP Academy, Zachary, LA
Apr 09-10 Grandsport Speedway, Hitchcock, TX
Jul 16-17 JPR Raceway, Tulsa, OK
Oct 08-09 North Texas Kartway, Denton, TX
Nov TBA

NATIONALS SCHEDULE
KART 2&4 Cycle Sprint National Championships June 22-25, 2005 Denton, Texas
SuperkartsUSA Nations Cup in September 16-18 2005, Denton, Texas
US Rotax Max Championships September 22-25 2005, South Bend, Indiana

END

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