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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide
International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide


Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

 

 FYI
3-27-05

    HEADLINES:

    E-KMI.COM — A WEBSITE IN TRANSITION
    Wheaton, Illinois — “e-KMI.com has been live on the Internet now for 4-1/2 years    ,” said Darrell Sitarz, President/CEO of the Kart Marketing Group, Inc. “Throughout that period we have brought hundreds of new karting products to your attention and given you information about and for the sport not found elsewhere. We have also published thousands of news stories from around the world. During this time, the site has grown to the point that it is nearly impossible to navigate and difficult to find archived stories without digging through the site. Additionally, the site has become a bit distracting with logos and ads everywhere.”

    “In the next 30 days, e-KMI.com will be undergoing a complete redesign which will make the site more user-friendly. We will be streamlining it as well as adding new features including a “search” mode, which will make it easier to find articles in our vast archives,” Sitarz continued. “We ask your understanding and patience as we go through this process and hope you will like our “new look”, when it is completed.”

     

    JORDON MUSSER SET FOR A WHOPPER OF A SEASON
    Houston, Texas — Three time USA Rotax-Max champion Jordon Musser is set for a "whopper" of a 2005 kart racing season. The 23 year-old Texas A&M engineering student from College Station, Texas has agreed to drive for Jill Pauly Racing with support from Houston area Burger King restaurants and Speedwerx, the Houston Birel Dealer. Musser will compete in the new Southwest Regional Cup Series (SWRC) in the ultra-competitive ICC 125cc shifter class, plus select Stars of Karting, East Coast Races. He will also be defending his Rotax-Max title at the US Rotax-Max Grand Finals in South Bend, Indiana this September.

    Jordon will be competing in the ICC classes, onboard a Speedwerx prepared Birel chassis with Swedetech Pavesi power. In Rotax competition, he will be heading up the factory Mike Manning Karting (MMK) effort onboard the 2005 model of the Hearn/Sonic chassis that brought him an unprecedented third Rotax national title last year. "Yeah, it's kind of unusual to race on two different chassis brands at the same time, but the Birel and Hearn/Sonic chassis are proven winners in their respective classes." said Musser. "If we don't win a lot of races this year, it certainly won't be because of the chassis!" he added.

    Musser took his new Burger King/Birel/Swedetech/Pavesi out for shakedown run at the recent SWRC race in Norman Oklahoma. A busy school schedule prevented any pre-race practice, but Musser still managed to secure a podium position on Sunday and lay down lap times only a fraction slower than Stars of Karting premier drivers Alex Speed and Ryan Phinny. "Mike Speed was incredibly helpful getting me up to speed in the Birel. I think once I got within a couple tenths of Alex's lap times, he might have regretted helping the new kid so much" joked Musser.

    The following weekend, Jordon was not able to compete in the Stars of Karting Race of the America's in Norman. He had been invited by Stars of Karting to take part in a Formula BMW test in Spain. The test went incredibly well for Musser, who was one of the quickest drivers in attendance. "Thanks to everyone at Stars of Karting and Formula BMW USA for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do behind the wheel of a formula car" said Jordon. Without their generous assistance, there is no way I'd be able to hop a flight to Spain and throw a race car around a GP circuit" he added.

    Aside from the ICC and Rotax races, Musser will also be kept busy visiting Burger King restaurants throughout the southern United States. "Last year, we had Jordon visit restaurants as part of a family night experience at select Burger King's in the Houston area" said Burger King franchisee Dave Pauly. "We received tremendous feedback from those few events. Jordon's a star and the kids love meeting him and seeing the race karts up close. We're looking forward to expanding the program in 2005 and beyond" added Pauly.

     

    START OF THE SEASON IN THE ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE
    Montreal Canada — Sportimage.net- After having achieved a stunning success last year with their Euro Challenge, BRP Rotax and RGMMC are proud to present this year the “2005 ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE”, a karting series made of four rounds and that will kick off this weekend in France. With a total of 116 competitors coming from 23 different countries, the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE is undoubtedly the single international kart race with the strongest international flavor.

    The series that began last year as the Euro Challenge was hugely popular. In 2005, the championship is made of four rounds held in France, Great Britain, Austria and Belgium. An FIA-CIK authorized series, the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE was the victim of its immense popularity and in January the organizers had no choice but to restrict the number of entries, especially in the Max Senior category. As it was the case in 2004, the series will feature three distinct categories: the RM1, the Rotax Senior and the Rotax Junior.

    “For a second year in succession, BRP Rotax and RGMMC have decided to organize the Euro Challenge named this year the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE,” proudly said Roland Geidel, promoter and organizer of the series. “In 2004, our main objective was to allow drivers from all around the world – young aspiring competitors as well as more experienced drivers - to compete in a competitive spec series. The interest shown by the participants in our series greatly exceeded our expectations. BRP Rotax and RGMMC are confident that the series will attract the interest of young competitors who will become the stars of tomorrow as well as the interest of those who will climb the motor sport ladder in the next few years.”

    A DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
    In 2005, the Red Bull energy drink supports to the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE and has launched a driver development program. At the end of the year, the champion and the second-place finisher in the Junior category will be invited – all expenses paid – to participate in a weekend of testing aboard a Formula BMW in Estoril, Portugal as part of the Red Bull Driver Search Program. During this weekend of testing where other drivers will participate, the two most promising drivers will win a full free season in the Formula BMW championship as drivers of the Red Bull Junior Team. Red Bull will cover all expenses during one full season, a prize worth approximately EUR 100,000.

    ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE
    Created in the 1950s, karting has undoubtedly evolved into the best learning school for any young, talented, up and coming race car driver. It is also the finest and least expensive way for amateur racers to fulfill their need for speed on a closed circuit. The ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE is a highly competitive series designed to meet the needs of every competitors. It features the reliable and powerful 125cc, liquid cooled FR125 engine. Whether you want to make it to the top of motor sport or want to race a powerful and reliable machine, the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE will undoubtedly fulfill the desires of all kart racers.

    2005 race schedule - ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE
    March 25-27: Salbris (France) - www.sologne-karting.com
    May 26-29: PF-International, Brandon (U.K.) - www.tvkc-pfi.co.uk
    July 29-31: A1 Speedworld-Pachfurth (Austria) - www.a1speedworld.com
    September 16-18: Genk (Belgium) - www.kartinggenk.be

    2004 Champions
    Category - Name of driver, nationality
    RM1 - Danny Bleek, Holland
    Rotax Senior - Takao Matsuya, Japan
    Rotax Junior - Gaetan Loncle, France

    The second edition of the ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE is sponsored by MOJO tyres, Denso, Sniper and Magura.

     

    FIRST RED BULL DRIVER SEARCH WINNER IS FIRST IN FIRST F1 TEST!
    New York City, New York — Scott Speed, one of the first drivers to be tapped by the Red Bull Driver Search to chase the dream of being the next American to race in Formula 1 in over a decade, moved a step closer to his goal this week as he got his first test in a Formula 1 car at Barcelona.

    Speed not only got the chance to test, but he also did what he has done every step of the way—making the absolute most out of the opportunity and scoring the fastest lap of any of the drivers participating in the test, this on a track that he had never even seen before this week.

    It’s not just good memories that Speed will leave the test with, as he covered enough laps and showed enough speed to earn the highest license a racing driver can receive, a Superlicense, which would allow him to race in Formula 1 should the opportunity present itself.

    Four short years have seen this unparalleled motorsports Program — the Red Bull Driver Search—go from a mere idea to actually realizing its goal of having an American race in Formula 1. While Speed knows that there is a long way to go between testing a Formula 1 car and actually earning the opportunity to race it, he also knows how far he has come already.

    Speed will be racing in the GP2 Series this season, and has also already served notice-outpacing all of his competitors during the pre-season testing.

    Now in its fourth year, the Red Bull Driver Search aims to discover and support talented young racing drivers. The long-term goal is to have a steady group of three to six American drivers, racing on the Red Bull Junior Team in Europe, groomed to break into Formula 1 and compete for the World Championship.

     

    PCH MOTORSPORTS/ MARIN KARTING SPRING BREAK TOUR
    Northern, California — Winter is ending (hopefully soon), the sun is shining (please!), and the buzz of kart racing is here again. Southern California's PCH Motorsports along with Marin Karting are announcing their first annual Spring break tour of Northern California's cool tracks.

    Starting March 28th, the Spring break tour will visit three of Northern California's most popular karting destinations, including Shasta kart club's Redding raceway, Northern Nevada's Reno Raceway, and Sacramento's Prairie City raceway. This 2005 Spring break tour will provide drivers with valuable exposure to tracks not often seen on the karting calendar, and peak their interest as seasoned kart drivers show them the fast way around these interesting circuits. A contingent of the PCH Motorsports junior and senior team drivers will be on hand to share the fun and raise the bar for all drivers attending. Here is a list of the Southern California drivers:

    1. Jacob Neal, junior driver for PCH Motorsports in Junior Rotax, IKF, and Stars of Karting Junior Intercontinental A.
    2. Travis Irving, Tuner and driver for PCH Motorsports in IKF, TAG, and Formula Zetec 2000 formula cars.
    3. Wes Phillips, Driver and lead tuner for PCH Motorsports and driver/coach for Marin Karting in TAG Expert, Rotax International, and development driver for PCH Motorsports/Marin Karting in Stars of Karting Intercontinental A and C.
    4. Mason Marshall, PCH Driver in Intercontinental C for SKUSA Supernationals and IKF.

    PCH Motorsports and Marin Karting proudly invite any interested Marin Karting customers and drivers to attend the 2005 Spring Break Tour. The only cost to drivers is for entry fees to the tracks, fuel and oil, and cover their own costs for room and food.

    2005 Spring Break Tour Details

    Monday, March 28th
    Start driving from Sacramento at 5-AM.
    First track - Shasta Kart Club, Redding California.

    Tuesday, March 29th
    Start driving from Reno at 7-AM.
    Second track - Northern Nevada Kart Club, Sparks Nevada.

    Wednesday, March 30th
    Start driving from Sacramento at 7-AM.
    Third track - Prairie City Kart Club, Rancho Cordova California.

    End of tour — For additional directions and/or information regarding these tacks, please visit www.norcal-karting.com.


    TRILOGY CUSTOM APPAREL INDOOR PRO KART CUP SERIES ’05 RACE SUMMARY
    Peoria, Illinois — The Championship race of the Trilogy Custom Apparel Indoor Pro Kart Cup Series ’05 was held on March 20 at the East Peoria Convention Center. This three race series began on February 20 and was a complete success according to race promoter Jim Maroon, owner of Maroon’s Kart Systems, 309 Carver Lane, East Peoria, IL. The race series built momentum starting with 71 entries in race #1, to 93 in race #2 and finally 118 entries in the Championship race.

    The series turned into an international event when Brett Stratford of Niagara Falls, Canada appeared last Sunday. Jody Herriven of Middleport, NY, joined him. Brett is an indoor racing expert. He entered the “big money” race of the day and took home $2,500 in cash for his 1st place finish in the Briggs Heavy feature championship race. Tom Steiner of Moline, IL who earned $1,500 and 3rd place went to Josh Most of Iowa for a $500 payday followed him. Chad Bussell of High Point, NC was crowned the Briggs Heavy Series champion. Chad was followed in the Series by Josh Walker of Brimfield, IL and Dave Wastak of Milwaukee, WI.

    Josh Most of IA had a great pit crew consisting of Chad and Tom Waller. Josh won $500 for winning Briggs Medium. The overall Series Champion is Matt Atkinson of Morris, IL followed by Eric McCloud of Peoria, IL and Chad Bussell of High Point, NC. Chad races and works for Bondatti Performance Products of NC. Chad and Frank Bondatti came from NC to all three indoor races.

    Josh Most cashed in again when he won the Briggs Lite class. This class offered a Li’L’ John’s Blueprinted National dual bearing engine ($1,250 value) sponsored by Maroon’s Kart Systems. 1st place in the Series went to Kyle Beno of Lansing, IL. 2nd place in the Series went to Brian Dean of Dunlap, IL and 3rd to Matt Atkinson of Morris, IL.

    Other big winners were seven-year-old Brent Edmunds of Monticello, WI who won the 50cc Kid Kart feature and a 2005 Margay Wildcat 50cc Kid Kart which has a $1,995 value along with a Streeter SuperStand rolling kart stand with an additional value of $165. Racing was close as Brayton Carter of Oskaloosa, IA finished with a close 2nd. Third place went to 6-year-old Zaida Clevenger of Stillman Valley, IL. A new racer, 5-year-old Justin Harre of Woodridge, IL became the Series Champion. His first race ever was the first race of this series. There were 15 total 50cc Kid Karts at the races with an impressive group of young racers from Ohio. All new participants were awarded a 4’ tall trophy.

    Michael May of Indianapolis, IN was the Junior 3 winner and won a 2005 Phantom Phenom Championship Edition race kart ($2,800 value) sponsored by Trilogy Custom Apparel. A young and talented driver Jimmy Yurs of Roscoe, IL, followed him. Jimmy mastered the track and became the overall Series Champion in Junior 3. Austin Archdale of Brimfield, IL and Matt Tague of Decatur, IL followed him in the Series.

    Tyler Kleiner on Dickyville, WI was the Junior 1 Briggs winner. He won a Bondatti blueprinted Dual Bearing I/C WKA engine with a $1,400 value. Tyler Droste of Waterloo, IA and Ben Dunlap of Hanna City, IL followed Tyler. Ben was crowned the Junior 1 Series Champion.

    Several junior racers won savings bonds. Junior 1 winner Derrick Gough of Machesney Park, IL won a $100 savings bond. He was also crowned the Junior 1 Series Champion. Derrick’s grandfather, Dave Gough, was his crew chief. 2nd and 3rd in the championship race and the Series went to Hunter Wilson of Moline, IL and Ashley Hieronimous of Pecatonica, IL. A $50 savings bond went to Alex Clubb of Morris, IL for winning Briggs Jr. Champ unrestricted. Austin Archdale of Brimfield, IL was the Series Champion. Eleven-year-old Colton Clevenger of Stillman Valley, IL won a $50 savings bond for his victory in Briggs Jr. Champ restricted. Colton was also the Series Champion.

    Shane Beiler of Decatur, IL won the feature on Sunday and is the Briggs Super Heavy Series Champion.

    Justin Parrish of Indianola, IA won both the feature race on Sunday and the Series in the Run What You Brung class. Justin turned lap times in the low 6’s translating to over 60 mph on a 1/10-mile track. His 100cc Comer engine produced lots of horsepower. When combined with his driving skills, Justin put on an impressive show. Dave Weaver of Creve Coeur, IL and Jason Skinner of East Peoria, IL followed him in the Series.

    The Aaron Anderson Award for Best Attitude in the Series was awarded to Justin Parrish by event flagman, Lance Anderson. Justin exhibited professionalism throughout the event. He and his pit crew were first class in their on and off track behavior. This award was voted on by all of the race officials. Justin and his father Greg deserve high praise.

    The Best Rookie Racer award went to Jake Godwin. Jake started out racing just two weeks ago. While he did all of the right things including having his arm raised and then moved his race kart to the outside lane to show that he was finished racing, another racer plowed into him. Jake went to the hospital for observation and is fine (Mom is still shaken up).

    All Series Champions were given an embroidered jacket “on the spot” with the 1st place finishers name and Pro Kart Class that they won on it. The major event race sponsor, Trilogy Custom Apparel, which has a new store located at 311 Carver Lane, East Peoria, IL embroidered the jackets when the finals were raced, post race tech completed and the champions declared.

    This race series included provisions for fund raising to a local Christian Missions Program, and for Bryan Brown, seven-year-old son of East Peoria firefighter, who has Leukemia and recently had a stroke. A portion of his stoke medical bills are not covered by St. Jude. A major fundraiser for Bryan was held during intermission. Dave Godwin and Brandon Emlen of Trilogy Custom Apparel made arrangements for a trailer load of NASCAR items to be auctioned off. At the end of the auction over $5,000 was raised for Bryan’s benefit. Bryan was at the event in his wheelchair with his family. The family will be flown to Kyle Petty’s Victory Junction with all expenses paid by Trilogy Custom Apparel in July if Bryan’s health permits. We applaud all of those that participated on behalf of Bryan. We also thank Frank Bondatti for bringing the trailer load from North Carolina for making this fundraiser possible.

    Trilogy Custom Apparel also hosted a “hospitality room” for sponsors and race event workers. The efforts of all that made the event possible was shown through this appreciation meal.

    It takes a lot of racing enthusiasts to conduct an event of this nature. I would like to thank all of the event sponsors, and race direction staff for their dedication to the sport of kart racing and in particular for the help in conducting the finest indoor race program Central Illinois has ever seen. Over $20,000 was awarded throughout this race series largely due to the generous sponsorships by Trilogy Custom Apparel, many Kart Racing Shops, distributors and race enthusiasts. My hats off to all!!! We will do this again this winter and continue with indoor professional kart racing in Central Illinois. Event photos can be found at www.illinoismotorsorts.com and the karting-ATV link.

     

    ENDURANCE KARTING ANNOUNCES 2005 SCHEDULE
    Charlotte, North Carolina — Endurance Karting has announced its 2005 schedule for race schools, family camps and endurance races. For more information, call 866-722-3669

    April 1-3
    Jacksonville, Florida

    April 15-17
    Charlotte, North Carolina

    April 22-24
    Englishtown, New Jersey

    May 6-7
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    May 13-14
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    May 28
    Boston, Massachusetts

    June 10-11
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    July 6-9
    Portugal

    July 8-9
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    July 22-23
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    July 29-30
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    August 5-6
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    August 12-14
    Beaver Run, Pennsylvania

    August 21
    Charlotte, North Carolina

    September 16-17
    Lime Rock, Connecticut

    October 8
    Oakland Valley, New York

    October 21-24
    Las Vegas, Nevada

    November 11-13
    Charlotte, North Carolina

     

    MANDATORY PIT STOPS ELIMINATED AT BAKER’S CREEK TAG SPECTACULAR
    Decatur, Alabama — Grand Vitesse Racing, promoter of the Richest weekend in North American Karting History, the PJ1/Grand Prix Distributing TaG Spectacular to be held April 9-10 at The Bakers Creek Raceway in Decatur Alabama has Eliminated the mandatory 30 minute pit stop rule!

    Based upon numerous meetings with drivers, crew chiefs, and race officials, Grand Vitesse Racing has determined, the 30 minute, mandatory pit stop rule, instituted at the PJ1/Grand Prix Distributing TaG Spectacular in Gainesville Florida February 5-6 2005 to be contradictory to the true spirit of endurance racing, and will not be reinstated for the Bakers Creek Event!

    The road course configuration utilized at Gainesville was an open, high speed design, which placed great strain on engines and driveline components such as chains...The pit stop rule was instituted largely as a safety measure.

    It ensured crew members kept chains lubricated, tires were checked, and the driver was not suffering mental fatigue from the sustained high speeds.

    The crews did a great job keeping the Karts in safe condition (the main cause of attrition both days was engine failure, largely due to the sustained high engine speeds) and both days were free of accidents requiring any medical attention.

    The Vega Tires were fantastic, and most teams reported they could have run several more hours with the allotted 2 sets.

    The race also saw the best drivers from the entire karting world in attendance, and consequently there were no "driver issues". Bakers Creek is about as different from the flat, open expanses of Northern Florida as it gets. Situated in the gently rolling hills of Northern Alabama, Bakers Creek Raceway is a tight, technical, Karts only, sprint track...with substantial elevation changes. The twelve turn track, just under one half mile in length, combined with the tremendous grip generated by the Vega "white" tires is going to place incredible physical demands on drivers!

    "It is unlikely many drivers can last more than Thirty Minutes at Bakers Creek" stated Grand Vitesse Racing's General Manager Glen Mazzone.."To put it bluntly, this track will kick your ass"! Continued Mazzone "If they want to stay out longer, they are welcome to do so, but in a three hour event, how much will they have left for their second, or third stint?...Then they get to do it all again on Sunday"!

    Teams are free to develop their own pit procedures and strategy, including driver changes...a minimum of two drivers are required per team, but based upon early entries, several teams are opting for a 3 driver format.

    Pits will remain open for the entire 3 hour event (with the exception of a red flag periods, should they occur) and teams may pit as they deem in their best interest.

    The PJ1/Grand Prix Distributing event at Bakers Creek is slated to televised on the "Mav TV" network, and drivers and crews will be given the opportunity to expose the thrill and intensity of karting to an entire new audience!

    To be a part of what is shaping up to be the most exciting weekend of the 2005 karting season, visit www.grandvitesseracing.com For full information and entry forms.

    Pre entry is required to race in the event, and the deadline is fast approaching.

    Those with questions should direct them to Grand Vitesse Racing and may telephone 800-663-5278 or 419-467-6941.

     

    FREE DEALER SEMINARS OFFERED AT EXPO 2005
    Louisville, Kentucky — Outdoor power equipment dealers will be treated to four free seminars at this year’s International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo (EXPO 2005), set for October 14-16 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. All the sessions, which will be sponsored by dealer-oriented trade magazines, will focus on various aspects of service. They will be held on Friday, October 14.

    Bill Harley, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which sponsors EXPO annually, said that dealer education is a key feature of the show each year. “EXPO was created for dealers. We always try to plan features and events that will benefit dealerships and help make them more profitable.”

    Dealer Seminars, Friday, October 14
    “Growing Your Service Business: Greater Profits, a More Solid Business”
    8:00-9:15 a.m.
    Lynn Pesson Jr., Southland Engine Company
    Sponsored by Yard & Garden magazine
    In light of the various efforts of national service networks that have surfaced over the past five years, how can the independent dealer protect his/her franchise? Does it make sense to join one of these mass-market efforts? How are the margins? What is expected? This session will include a talk by Lynn Pesson and a panel discussion between two dealers and an industry expert to explore various tactics for running a profitable service department. A Q & A session will follow. Robert Warde, editor of Yard & Garden magazine, will moderate the panel discussion.
    Lynn Pesson Jr. is the president of Southland Engine Co. Inc. in Lafayette, LA. Southland Engine was founded in 1960.

    “Increasing Profits Through Your Service Department –
    Looking at Billing, Productivity and Expanding Your Customer Base”
    9:30-10:45 a.m.
    Rick Cuddihe, Rick Cuddihe & Associates, Lafayette Consulting
    Sponsored by Commercial Dealer magazine
    In this seminar, Rick will explain how to increase billing efficiency, improve your service department’s productivity through commissioned technicians and increase your customer base, in part by serving “big-box” customers.

    Rick Cuddihe is president of Rick Cuddihe & Associates, Lafayette Consulting Co. and has served the professional outdoor power equipment industry for more than 20 years in commercial equipment retail, distribution, manufacturing and customer service. He is also a columnist for Commercial Dealer magazine and a member of the Professional Landcare Network.

    “How to Deliver Excellent Service at Your Dealership”
    1:00-2:15 p.m.
    Larry Hollon, Jerkins Creative Consulting
    Sponsored by Outdoor Power Equipment magazine
    When your customers feel that they have been well served by a courteous and professional staff, not only do they keep coming back, but they also tell their friends and colleagues about your service. How well the customer is sold on the services you provide, how well the parts and service employees sell your services and how well the customer is treated determine whether or not you are developing customers for life. This workshop will provide ideas and strategies to help you wow your customer and keep them coming back again and again.

    A specialist with Jerkins Creative Consulting, Larry Hollon is a highly sought-after trainer and consultant in organizational development, customer service and professional development. His education in world-class methods was acquired through 21 years of intensive study of the methods of the world’s most successful companies, leaders, influential people, business managers and developers of people.

    “Selling Service: A Strategy for Dealership Success”
    2:30-3:45 p.m.
    Dan Shell, Power Equipment Trade
    Sponsored by Power Equipment Trade
    Dan Shell will detail the latest service trends from Power Equipment Trade’s 2005 Dealer Survey and provide service strategy insights from dealers around the country. A panel of service-savvy dealers will give those in attendance even more information about which service strategies work and don’t work in the day-to-day operation of a power equipment dealership.

    Dan Shell, managing editor of Power Equipment Trade magazine (PET), has worked with PET since 1991. He joined the dealer magazine’s parent company, Hatton-Brown Publishers, in 1988 following a stint as a newspaper reporter and copywriter. He has visited dealerships across the nation and stays in constant contact with dealers and their suppliers.

    Registration for the seminars is not required, but pre-registration for the tradeshow is recommended. While dealer registration prior to the show is free, the admission for those who wait to register onsite will be $25. For registration information go to www.expo.mow.org or call Sellers Expositions, 800-558-8767 or 812-949-9200.

    FIRSTKART.COM ADDS FOUR MORE VICTORIES TO ’05 RESUME
    Guelph, Ontario, Canada — With sunny skies in Jacksonville, FL, the FirstKart.com race team secured four victories and nine podiums in the final stop of the ’05 Florida Winter Tour. Taking the wins were Canadian Daniel Morad in Pro IC, Colombian Gustavo Yacaman in Rotax Junior, Australian Derek Cunningham in Rotax Senior Heavy and First Kart privateer pilot from Florida Mark Jensen in Rotax Senior.

    Leading the FirstKart.com race team in the Pro IC category was Daniel Morad. The talented young Canadian had a perfect day on Saturday scoring the pole, pre-final and feature win on his way to claiming the series championship. With the title already secured, Morad and team used the second day of competition to test for the Stars of Karting event that will take place in Jacksonville in July. In the final, Morad would come home in the 4th position after starting from the tail of the field with a blown motor in the pre-final. FirstKart.com Pro IC teammate Jimmy Moriarty had his best run of his career running inside the top five on several occasion. The Texan scored a strong seventh place finish on Saturday and flat tire on Sunday put him out of contention for a top five finish.

    Australian pilot Derek Cunningham had another outstanding weekend scoring both feature victories. A perfect weekend was in store for Cunningham, but a bobble in Sunday morning’s qualifying would force Derek to start from the outside of row one. Cunningham secured five victories in six events in his North American karting debut and took home the Rotax Senior Heavy championship.

    Rotax Senior proved to be the most challenging class of the series and First Kart pilots Marco Di Leo and Eric Gerrits were at the front. The duo ran strong all weekend long with the best results coming on Saturday where Di Leo secured the second place result while Gerrits came home in fourth. Sunday proved to be costly for the two Canadians as a carburetor problem put Gerrits out of competition early and Di Leo was involved in a last corner incident while running in the second position.

    Young David Ostella along with long time tuner Mike Roth scored two third place results in the 80cc Junior category. Though Ostella did not compete at the first round in Homestead, the junior driver has had some strong results and finished in the top five in the series championship. With improvement made through the entire series, Ostella has proven that he will fight for several series championships throughout the year.

    FirstKart.com entered two pilots in the Rotax Junior class as five-time Colombian national champion Gustavo Yacaman and Canadian Mike Vincec were ready for competition. Yacaman scored Saturday’s victory while finishing 4th on Sunday. Those two results were enough for the First Kart North America squad to lock up their third series championship. Vincec had a tough weekend battling motor related problems throughout the event. A major crash in Saturday’s final forced the team to bring out a spare chassis for Sunday’s competition and Vincec was able to score a 12th place result. Look for Vincec to try and turn things around in the first round of the Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship.

    First Kart privateer drivers Mark Jensen and Robert Francis had strong runs in Jacksonville as both scored two top five results. In the Rotax Senior class, Jensen was able to take Saturday’s victory and on Sunday came home fourth. Francis was almost able to match Jensen’s results but a second and fourth in the Expert Shifter division was a perfect end to the series.

    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.

     

    MARONEY RETURNS WEST WITH STARS DIVISIONAL POINT LEAD
    Topanga Canyon, California — Cadet driver Miles Maroney of Topanga Canyon, Calif., gets a positive head start as he takes home the Western Division point lead from the kick-off of the Snap-on Stars of Karting national series. Maroney had a calculating and spirited run at Oklahoma Motorsports Complex in Norman March 10-12 among a star-studded Race of the America’s field. The 38-entry Cadet class produced some of the best racing action of the weekend packed with top competitors consisting of various nationalities.

    Maroney, who is the defending series Western Division champion, started off the weekend well placing his Josh Robertson-tuned Nevoso Kart atop the time sheets for Friday’s cold and windy practice. He looked to Saturday for continued success but drastic changes in weather conditions introduced tuning issues that placed Maroney eighth on the grid for the pre-final. The sixth grade student drove a respectable fourth in the pre-final that would see him starting on the fourth row outside for Sunday’s feature race.

    Mother Nature complicated set-ups again as conditions turned back to cold with extreme wind adding to the already challenging venue. Focused on the start, Maroney knew it would be a feat to clear turn one without incident. Only moments earlier, he witnessed three-time World Karting Champion Davidé Fore and other top ICA contenders in a chaotic start that knocked out about 10 drivers from row four back. While ICA got a second chance at re-start, Maroney knew he needed to stay alert, focused and out of trouble when the green dropped for their 17-lap final.

    Turn one was not without incident and chaos ignited when two karts collided forcing Maroney outside, paralyzed and freight-trained back to 20th position. While the race for the win seemed out of reach at that point, Maroney stayed positive and produced one of the best drives of the weekend. With a fast, calculating and steady pace, he charged through the field and found himself in contention at race end.

    With one lap to go, Maroney was bunched within the lead pack of eight talented kids. At points they were three abreast down the front straight of the seven-tenths mile circuit. Back on the straight as the white flag dropped, the lead two drivers cunningly took the inside line as another two stuck high at their side. Behind those four, Maroney found himself both in chase and fending off three of his peers, each with few options for real-estate change. It was still anyone’s race for the final lap that saw only slight separations through the infield. Maroney knew a clean exit out of the final turn leading onto the straight was a must to keep him in contention. With that mission accomplished, Maroney gave it all he had attempting an inside move for a spectacular fourth place finish and only two-tenths off the race winner.

    Sage Karam managed the stunning win over Oscar Sanchez and Spencer Pigot as Maroney, Cody Robinson and Gustavo Menezes rounded out the top six. “After the first lap, I said to myself, I’ve got a lot of work to do, but my dad has taught me to drive hard green to checker and never give up. Everyone drove a great race although there was quite a bit of blocking up front on the last couple of laps. Staying positive and having the best support really helped me get to the front and I want to thank Josh Robertson, John Nevoso and my Dad for their help. It’s great to set the tone for the Stars season with a strong finish against the top competition,” Maroney said.

    Maroney is now pumped for his next race for the divisional season opener at Moran Raceway April 22-24. Focus for 2005 will see Maroney pilot his Alpinestars/ Josh Robertson powered/NevosoKart package in the Stars national series and selected WKA and IKF events.

    With aspirations of a career in motorsports, Maroney is in his fifth year of karting competition and is the 2003 and 2004 California State Cadet Champion. Other credits include the 2004 Stars Western Division Cadet Champion and the 2004 WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Grand National HPV 1 champion. Maroney also has regional wins contesting in the IKF region 7 championship series.

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