e-KMI.com FYI

CLICK HERE

International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

FYI
02-08-04

STARS OF KARTING ANNOUNCES TIRE VOUCHER SYSTEM FOR ALL NATIONAL EVENTS

Hilliard, Ohio — Snap-On Stars of Karting and their Bridgestone Tire partner, Grand Products announce today the infrastructure set in place for purchasing the mandatory Bridgestone Tires for all Stars national events for all classes. All classes must run the mandatory Bridgestone Tires regulated by the 2004 Stars of Karting Rule Book, and said tires must be purchased from the official tire supplier, Grand Products at the track. In an effort to make things more convenient for the racer, and to streamline the process, Stars and Grand Products have implemented a tire voucher system to be in effect at all 2004 national races. A tire voucher will consist of one set of Bridgestone tires 2(2) fronts and two (2) rears, for competition in the ICC, ICA, 80cc Junior Shifter, and JICA classes at the price of $180.00 per voucher.

The Cadet Comer class also must adhere to the same purchase policies, but a Cadet Comer voucher will be for four (4) 450-5 YHC compound tires at a cost of $165.00 per voucher. "The Stars of Karting Cadets are among the highest level in North America," said Paul Zalud, "and with this program, they are being conditioned now in some of the parc ferme procedures that they will be using once they transition to the more senior classes."

Tire vouchers can be purchased in advanced directly from Grand Products (215.244.1940) with a credit card up to seven (7) business days before the event. All racers are strongly encouraged to purchase the vouchers in advance, but participants may buy tires at the track with cash or money order only, no personal checks or credit cards will be accepted at the track. All pre-ordered tires will be made available at parc ferme before the official start of the event. Participants must bring their own practice tires; Grand Products will not take any orders for, or sell any practice tires at the events. Competitors are also responsible for bringing their own approved Bridgestone rain tires, as per the 2004 rules.

Additional information will be included in the updated Technical and Competition regulations at www.starsofkarting.com.

2004 NORTH AMERICAN PROMOTO TOUR OVERVIEW
Dublin, Ohio — 2004 launches the sixth year of the North American ProMoto Tour and the spectacular history of the series shows that this coming year the ProMoto Tour will again represent the pinnacle of shifter kart motorsports in the world. The series will contest at seven of the finest karting facilities in the United States. From the famed “bowl” at Jacksonville, to the “inner loop” at the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex under the lights, these tracks will challenge the drivers, chassis, engines, and tuners as they compete for the coveted #1 plate.

The following text is to notify those interested as to the policies and procedures of the 2004 ProMoto Tour. It is designed to work hand in hand with the 2004 rulebook, but does supersede in the event of a conflict. Like all living documents, changes are inevitable. However, (See 10.1.3) notice of such change will be made to competitors a minimum of thirty- (30) before a scheduled event on the SKUSA website (www.skusaonline.com)
For simplicity’s sake, this document will direct you to a specific place within the 2004 rulebook when referring to exact text as needed.

CLASS STRUCTURE:
The Pro level of competition for 2004 shall be represented by one premier class, (SuperPro) and representing one specific engine formula, the purpose built (ICC) engine. A “Super A” license is required for competitors in this division.

Formula S1 will take on a new dimension for 2004 by allowing the traditional moto based power plant to compete directly with the purpose built (ICC) engine. Competitors in this division will now be allowed the choice of which motor package best suit their needs.
Formula S-1 competitors shall require an “A” license to compete in this division.

Due to the overwhelming support the Super G class enjoyed in 2003, SKUSA will again offer the class as part of the tour in 2004. SKUSA shall also allow the option of moto based or purpose built (ICC) power plants to be the decision of the competitor, as both are compliant within this division. This class is offered to competitors holding a “Super A”, “A” or “B” license with a specific “G” endorsement.

The forth class on the Tour will be the Junior class. This “D” licensed, 12 to 15 year old level of competition has been one of the most consistently exciting at all SKUSA National events over the years.

New to the 2004 Tour is the inclusion of two exciting new classes, TAG Sr. and TAG Master.
TAG Sr. shall be open to all SKUSA members holding a “Super A”, “A”, “B”.
TAG Master shall be open to specifically endorsed “G” license only.
TAG classes shall run under TAG SKUSA rules as defined in the 2004 SKUSA rulebook.

2004 PROMOTO TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
1. Eastern Zone and Western Zone.
2. “Pro” classes are zoned as well.
3. 6 classes of competition. Two Pro and four Amateur:
A) “SuperPro” SKUSA “Super A” license.
B) Formula S1 SKUSA Class “A” license.
C) “Super G” SKUSA “Super A”, “A” or “B” license. (Specifically endorsed “G” license.)
D) 80cc Junior SKUSA Class “D” license
E) TAG Sr. SKUSA Class “Super A”, “A”, “B” & specifically endorsed “G” license
F) TAG Master SKUSA “Super A”, “A”& “B” License with “G” endorsement only.
4. All competitors must declare zone in which they intend to accrue points upon first entry.
5. Double race weekends developing six (6) races leading to Zone titles. One drop allowed.
6. Zone points will be weighted to reflect number of participants by event.
7. World Finals finish position earns double points to be tallied along with declared zone points to determine the Champion.

CHAMPIONSHIPS:
With the exception of Regional class championships and the three special SKUSA National level events (SuperNationals, King of The Streets and the SKUSA Regions Cup. The balance of SKUSA championships will come from within the ProMoto Tour and are structured as follows:

1. “North American SuperPro Championship”, the premiere gear box driver in North America.
2. “Formula S1 National Champion”, the top Formula S1 Expert 125cc driver in North America.
3. “80cc Junior National Champion”, the top 12-15 year old 80cc driver in North America.
4. “Super G National Champion”, the top 35 year and older 125cc driver in North America.
5. “TAG Sr. National Champion”, the top “purpose built Touch and Go” driver in North America.
6. “TAG Master National Champion”, the top 35 year and older “purpose built Touch and Go” driver in North America.

Zone championships will be decided prior to heading to the World Finals in Norman, Oklahoma. These awards will be presented at the 2004 ProMoto Tour Awards Dinner.

CHAMPIONSHIP VALUES:
All competition within SKUSA for points and championships shall be the exclusive quest of SKUSA members in good standing. SKUSA retains the proprietary rights to all championships and reserves the right to deny a championship and further reserves the right to strip a competitor of his/her championship for conduct or other reason that, in the judgment of SKUSA, are considered to be detrimental to the principles and image of the organization and it’s members.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES:
SKUSA reserves, and all champions grant, the right to promotional use of individuals names and any photographs and video footage for the duration of such championship. Champions additionally grant SKUSA reasonable requests for personal appearances without hindrance of third party management and or fees. All champions shall, for the duration of such championships, cooperate with SKUSA in the promotion of its goals and objectives associated with the growth and development of shifter kart racing in, but not necessarily limited to, North America.

PROMOTO TOUR CLASSES:
80cc JUNIOR
1. A class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “D” license. This license restricts drivers to an age bracket of between 12 and 15 years of age. (See 10.7.3.5)
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook and will be the same as all SKUSA regional class with regard to kart and driver specifications.
All competitors in this class must compete in a minimum of three (3) regional events in the 2004 season prior to September 12, 2004 or forfeit ProMoto points coming to

3. the World Finals.
4. Junior driver may compete in one ProMoto Tour race weekend and still retain “SKUSA Regions Cup” eligibility.
5. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour.
6. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

SUPER “G”
1. A semi-pro class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “Super A”, “A” or “B” license with a specific “G” endorsement. This class restricts drivers to 35 and older.
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook and will be the same as all SKUSA regional class with regard to kart and driver specifications.
3. All competitors in this class must compete in a minimum of three (3) regional events in the 2004 season prior to September 12, 2004 or forfeit ProMoto points coming to the World Finals.(“Super A’” with a “G” endorsement license is excluded from regional event requirement)
4. No “Super G” driver holding a “Super A” with a “G” endorsement may compete in the “SKUSA Regions Cup”.
5. Super G driver may compete in one ProMoto Tour race weekend and still retain “SKUSA Regions Cup” eligibility.
6. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour.
7. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

Formula S1
1. A semi-pro level class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “A” license. This license restricts drivers to a minimum age of 15.
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook and will be the same as all SKUSA regional class with regard to kart and driver specifications.
3. All competitors in this class must compete in a minimum of three (3) regional events in the 2004 season prior to September 12, 2004 or forfeit ProMoto points coming to the World Finals.
4. Formula S1 driver may compete in one ProMoto Tour race weekend and still retain “SKUSA Regions Cup” eligibility.
5. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour.
6. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

SuperPro:
1. A “Pro” level class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “SA” license. This license restricts drivers to a minimum age of 16.
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook.
3. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

TAG Sr:
1. A semi-pro level class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “Super A”, “A”, “B” & “G” endorsement licenses. These licenses restrict drivers to a minimum age of 15.
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook and will be the same as all SKUSA regional class with regard to kart and driver specifications.
3. All competitors in this class must compete in a minimum of three (3) regional events in the 2004 season prior to September 12, 2004 or forfeit ProMoto points coming to the World Finals.(“Super A’” license is excluded from regional event requirement)
4. TAG Sr. driver may compete in one ProMoto Tour race weekend and still retain “SKUSA Regions Cup” eligibility.
5. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour.
6. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

TAG Master:
1. A semi-pro level class for members holding a current SKUSA Class “Super A”, “A”, “B” with “G” endorsement only. These licenses restrict drivers to a minimum age of 35.
2. Karts will adhere to current SKUSA rulebook and will be the same as all SKUSA regional class with regard to kart and driver specifications.
3. All competitors in this class must compete in a minimum of three (3) regional events in the 2004 season prior to September 12, 2004 or forfeit ProMoto points coming to the World Finals.(“Super A’” license is excluded from regional event requirement)
4. TAG Master driver may compete in one ProMoto Tour race weekend and still retain “SKUSA Regions Cup” eligibility.
5. In order to qualify for participation in the World Finals each competitor must finish in the top 32 in his declared Zone on the ProMoto Tour.
6. There will be one (1) drop in Zone competition.

Amateur Championship Status
As in 2003, Amateur level competitors will be allowed to test the waters at the pro level for one weekend without losing his/her amateur status. In that any competitor that wishes to be eligible to compete in the SKUSA Regions Cup may NOT be a regular ProMoto competitor, a specific rule is being instituted. Should any competitor enter more than one (1) ProMoto event he or she will no longer be eligible for entry in the Regions Cup. This does NOT preclude his ability to compete at the regional level and/or his ability to earn points at the regional level. SKUSA will staunchly maintain the integrity of the amateur competitor’s pursuit of his or her amateur title.

Entry Deadlines
As in the past, ProMoto entry forms are designed to serve each of the series events. That means that you can retain a good copy, either via fax, download from the website or receive in the mail and make a fresh copy each time you prepare to enter a specific ProMoto event. Each form will specify the point at which an entry is no longer accepted as a pre-entry and will be assessed a late fee penalty. This date will be strictly enforced so it is important that you plan ahead. Any entry received after the pre-entry will be accepted but will be assessed a one hundred ($100) penalty payable prior to the first official practice of the event in question.

Pit Spots:
Pit spots are reserved on a first paid first served basis. Pit spot reservations can be arranged by completing the Pit Spot Reservation Form. Specific preferences are dependent on sponsorship level.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Compliance:
SKUSA shall inspect the competitor’s helmets, neck braces, suits and gloves prior to every national event.
This inspection will be conducted Friday, prior to official practice. Specific ratings and descriptions of compliance can be found in the 2004 SKUSA rulebook. (See Section 10.4.2.)

Technical Specifics:
Class                    Tires             Weight        Fuel and Lube
SuperPro,     Bridgestone YHB,   385 lbs,   VP MS-98 w/VP Castor
Formula S1, Bridgestone YHB,   385 lbs,   VP C12(moto) VP MS-98 (ICC) w/VP Castor
Super G,      Bridgestone YHB,   395 lbs,   VP C12 (moto) VP MS-98 (ICC) w/VP Castor
Junior,         Bridgestone YHC,   320 lbs*,   VP C12 w/VP Castor
TAG Sr.        Bridgestone YHC    TBA         VP MS-98 w/VP Castor
TAG Master   Bridgestone YHC   TBA          VP MS-98 w/VP Castor
*Junior weight is 330 lbs if they are running front brakes

Fuel Desk
Fuel vouchers purchased or received at registration are redeemable at the fuel desk. Your voucher must be redeemed at the event where it was acquired. Additional fuel may be purchased (2-gal minimum) at the fuel desk.

Fuel voucher value is 4 gallons of VP gasoline and two pints of castor lubricant. Fuel desk shall be open 7 to 5 on Friday and Saturday. NO fuel sales or voucher redemption on Sunday. Allotted range of mixture is 4 to 6 ounces of castor per gallon.

Fuel Testing Procedure:
As the competition in our sport continues to rise to ever greater heights so must the procedures applied to assuring compliance by this organization. To that end, SKUSA has engaged petro-chemists in assisting in developing simple, comprehensive, “track-side” test procedures. The goal is to optimize the use of existing equipment and establish tight procedures that will render final conclusion by the end of the event. ( See section 20.4.3)
Additional “High Tech” devices are under study at this moment and may well be a part of the 2004 “user friendly” tests and spot checks. The procedures will be posted in an effort to provide each competitor with sufficient knowledge of what will be required of them.

Tire Purchasing:
Grand Products is the exclusive source for your competition slicks. Competitors will purchase tires directly from Grand Products. Tires are no longer inclusive with the entry. Tires can be guaranteed and purchased in advance with a credit card up to Seven– (7) business days before an event. Call (215) 244-1940 to reserve your tires. The price of the tire voucher for two sets of tires will be $360. Tires will be available at the event however terms of payment will be money order or cash only. Neither Grand Products nor SKUSA shall guarantee the availability of tires at the event for those who fail to reserve them. Under no circumstances will tires acquired or presented, (which did not originate from the above named process) be deemed compliant.
Rain Tires may also be reserved ($180 per set) and delivered to the track. Rain tires will NOT be sold at the track.
Grand Products is NOT the exclusive source for rain tires.

Tire Desk
The tire desk will open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday of the event. Purchased tires will be marked and logged by the Bridgestone representative and a SKUSA Official. Your eight competition tires. (Four fronts and four rears) will be returned to you for the duration of the event. At this time, inspect your tires. Factory defects, though they are rare, do occur. Acceptance of tires completes and validates this transaction and places the burden of compliance on the competitor.

Any rain tires that you wish to declare must also be submitted at this time. You are allowed up to 2 sets of rains, Bridgestone in type, new with whiskers. Rain tires may be mounted. (See sections 30.8 through 30.8.2.5)

Engine Compliance, verification and Homologation:
Specific procedures and limitations have been implemented for 2004. (See section
20.3.4.15 & 20.3.4.15.15)

Event & Pre-Qualifying Technical Compliance:
Sections 30.6 through 30.7 in the SKUSA 2004 rule book explains this process.

ProMoto Format
As was the case in 2003, the event weekend encompasses two separate race days. Both Saturday and Sunday will provide separate qualifying through finals rendering two opportunities to earn valuable ProMoto points. Fridays will continue to be the official structured practice day. In most cases, at least one additional practice day will also be available. When available, SKUSA will post notification of availability of practice as soon as it is known.

Official Practice Day
Practice shall begin at 8:00. Practice shall consist of 5 rounds.
The first round shall be 20 minutes in length. The first five minutes shall be under caution, no speed for break-in.
Rounds 2 through 5 shall be 15 minutes in length. A schedule advertising times and structure will be posted on the SKUSA web-site no later than two weeks prior to the specific event. (Race Director reserves the right to modify the practice format in the interest of safety)

Driver’s Meeting
A minimum of one Driver’s meeting will be held during an event weekend Attendance is mandatory. Meeting will begin with a random role call. Drivers not in attendance will be assessed a two second penalty against their qualifying time.(See 30.9.1)

Qualifying:
All classes will qualify using the lapping procedure. Each class will receive a twenty- (20) minute lapping session. Competitors will be allowed the use of one chassis, one motor package, all eight competition tires, up to two licensed assistants (See10.2.4), kart stand, tools and associated parts needed to tune the entered vehicle, while operating in the hot pit area during qualifying. Classes may be combined or divided when entry numbers or hot pit size dictates.

Pre-Final / Last Chance Qualifiers:
Pre-Finals and last chance qualifiers shall be Ten- (10) laps in length.

Feature / Final
Feature / Final event shall be Twenty – (20) laps for the Super Pro and S-1 divisions, all other divisions shall be Fifteen – (15) laps. (See 30.10)
Note: Race Director reserves the right to alter any or all segments in the interest of safety and fair competition.

Housekeeping:
Please join in with your fellow competitors in assuring that we return the facility the way it was presented. Upon leaving, please make an extra effort by policing your area and taking you used tires with you. (See 20.6.6.4)

AMUSEMENT SHOWCASE INTERNATIONAL 2004 INTRODUCES PRE-SHOW PRODUCT FEATURES
Orland Park, Illinois — Amusement Showcase International 2004 is all geared up, ready to go, and confident that 2004 will be one of the best shows in recent years in regards to the amount of new and innovative products and product advancements that will be on display at this year’s show. With pre-registration up and on the rise, exhibitors are overly eager to showcase their newly featured products to the thousands of attendees expected to walk the show floor.

With ASI just a few short weeks away on March 9, 10, & 11 at the Las Vegas Convention
Center, exhibitors are beginning to show their excitement and will prove the notion that ASI is still the one show used as a “launching pad for new and reintroduced product lines by every major manufacturer and supplier of parts, products and services.” ASI will continue to promote all 2004 exhibitor product features before the opening of the show to spark buyer interests and share the excitement that ASI 2004 is guaranteed to offer. Some of the featured products that attendees will be able to see at ASI 2004 include but are not limited to:

GroundFX™ by Vivid Group/Jestertek, Inc.
Vivid Group/Jestertek introduces GroundFX™, a revolution in public
space advertising and entertainment. This system projects dynamic visual
content onto virtually any floor or wall space and creates a full body interactive
experience, literally allowing users to "control" an ad or game with their body
motions.

GroundFX™ delivers a new and captivating advertising tool that users of all
ages will find enticing, perfect for the retail and entertainment markets.
For more information about GroundFX™, please contact Kelley Howard,
Executive/Sales Assistant of Vivid Group/Jestertek, Inc. at 416-340-9290 or
kelley@vividgroup.com or visit the website at http://www.vividgroup.com/.

MC900-DA Series High-Capacity Modular Change Machine by Standard Change-Makers, Inc.
Standard Change-Makers, Inc., a leading manufacturer of currency change machines, is
pleased to introduce the MC900-DA Series Change Machines, featuring our newest product
innovation: Modular Smart Hopper technology. This new product, part of the Modular Series
line, is part of our new low-cost changer solutions, designed without sacrificing the quality
construction and security features that customers have come to expect from Standard
Change-Makers.

The MC900-DA machines are Front Load Console models with Dual Acceptors and your choice of Modular Smart Hopper configurations. The MC920-DA has two (2) Mega-Capacity
Hoppers that will hold up to 20,000 quarters (or tokens). Both hoppers tilt forward for dumping without disconnecting the power supply and include our Dual Redundancy feature. Both Hoppers feed a common steel coin cup. The Bill Acceptors are Pyramid Technologies
® (APEX 5000 Series) with 1,000 capacity stackers as a standard feature. The MC900-DA Series units are compatible with most of the popular MDB Bill Acceptors on the market, such as Coinco ® , CashCode ® and Mars ® - all still available as options from Standard.

The MC900-DA machines have Steel Console Cabinets with solid-welded seams, and heavy-duty steel “hidden hinge” swing doors with your choice of T-handle or Crank locks, as well as a Lift-and-Lock Lid on the top. The Lift-and-Lock Lid allows easy access to the hoppers for replenishing operations. The freestanding console has a locking storage cabinet at the base of the machine. The MC900-DA Series has an optional 6” backlit signbox for additional marketing presentation.

With various capacity options (ranging from 12,800 up to 20,000 quarters/tokens) and a variety of optional features, the MC900-DA Series Changers offer reliable performance and security at a reasonable price. For more information, please visit the website at
http://www.standardchange.com or contact Standard Change-Makers, Inc. at 1-800-968-6955, Fax 317-899-6977, or e-mail sales@standardchange.com.

Embed Card System Redemption Management by Embed Integration
Embed Integration’s world leading Debit Card System now includes a fully featured redemption management package. The Embed Card System (ECS) has evolved to become a total business management and marketing tool offering cashless operation, a customer driven loyalty program, transaction automation, customer tracking and now a full redemption manager.

Adam Steinberg, CEO of Embed Integration said “that the system had been a proven formula for success, now operating in over 75 Amusement Arcades and Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) in seven countries including the USA. We have developed, refined, tested and operated the system for more than seven years to come up with a truly world class product.”

The new redemption management module integrates with the unique Embed electronic tickets feature to give full control over all stock transactions. This includes tracking of stock in from suppliers through to stock out by customer redemption. All transactions are
tracked by staff member and individual customer.

Embed have developed a special Redemption Console which is purpose built for the Redemption counter. It is a low profile unit with small foot print allowing it to be positioned on the counter without blocking customers view of prize merchandise on display. An unlimited number of customers can be served simultaneously from each redemption console and multiple consoles can be linked together for large redemption counters.

The new system also has a facility for large arcade chains to manage their stock control
centrally at the head office. Embed will be exhibiting the full Embed Card System at ASI 2004 Las Vegas in March, Booth # 528. For further information visit the website www.embed.com.au or contact Adam Steinberg, CEO EMBED Integration, at +61-8-9427 0900, Fax +61-8-9427 0999, or e-mail mailto:info@embed.com.au.

The Amusement Showcase International is owned and sponsored by the American
Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and managed by William T. Glasgow, Inc. For
additional information, contact show management at 708.226.1300 or fax 708.226.1310 or via email info@asi-show.com.

END

View Past "FYI" Articles

Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

Back to Home Page

Neatconcept, Inc