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


Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

 

FYI
05-23-04
    RED BULL’S SPEED’S DEUTSCHLAND DOUBLE
    Hockenheim, Germany — Winning is a drug that once you taste, you must have again, and Red Bull Junior Team racer Scott Speed is on a binge, winning rounds seven and eight of the Formula Renault Eurocup championship at Germany’s famed Hockenheimring circuit this weekend. Speed is on a hot streak, having arrived at the famed German track this weekend full of confidence on the strength of his win last weekend in Formula Renault German championship competition.

    The Red Bull Junior Team has continued to raise the bar this season, bringing an increasingly competitive presence to each race weekend as all three drivers have stepped up their respective game, and begun to produce results from the massive faith Red Bull has shown in them as they make their quest to become the next American Formula One racer.

    Speed notched an important benchmark last month, scoring the program’s first win at Valencia in Spain, and fellow Formula One aspirants Colin Fleming and Dominique Claessen’s are nipping at his heals as they continue to improve their speed and racecraft each race weekend.

    Round seven of the Eurocup championship produced another significant benchmark, as Speed led an American 1-2 for the first seven laps of the race with Fleming giving chase. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as Fleming went off-course, but came back on to put on a passing clinic, storming back from eleventh position to take sixth place, with Claessen’s coming home a fighting eighth. The race set another new standard, as it was the first
    time all three Americans have finished in the top ten.

    The second race of the weekend provided some déjà vu as Fleming, who had started on pole after a stout qualifying run that saw him best the field by more then three-tenths of a second, took the lead at the start, but was soon again looking at what was becoming a familiar sight-the tail of Speed’s car.

    It was only going to get worse for Fleming, as he continued to lose pace with car problems, and was eventually forced to park it, out of the points, when his car began bellowing flames.  Speed again powered to the checkered flag to take the win in dominating fashion, with Claessen’s scoring his best finish of the season with sixth place. 

    Speed’s double win weekend lifted him from sixth to second in the points championship battle, while Fleming’s double trouble weekend left him eighth in the standings. Speed was elated with his weekend, but had to admit to some sympathy for Fleming.

    “It was a fantastic weekend, better than we could have hoped for even,” said Speed. “It was of course too bad, though, for Colin. It was really exciting to be racing with him, not just because it was great to have an American 1-2 going, but also, we had some great battles going on and it’s a shame he ran into problems, but of course it was a bit of a relief, too!”

    The Red Bull Junior Team will race again in two weeks time, as they visit the Czech Republic to do battle on the 3.36-mile Masaryk Circuit near Brno for rounds nine and ten of the Formula Renault Eurocup Championship. The 2004 Red Bull Driver Search program aims to discover and support the "diamond in the rough," lacking the knowledge and contacts needed to embark on a career in racing, as well as talented young drivers already in racing.
    The long-term goal is to have a steady group of three to six American drivers racing in Europe, groomed to break into Formula 1 and compete for the World Championship.
     
     

    AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY EXPECTS STRONG 2004 SEASON
    Alexandria, Virginia — The amusement industry has launched its first consumer-oriented web site, www.TicketForFun.com , which provides detailed travel information in time for what the tourism industry predicts will be a prosperous 2004 travel season.

    According to a study conducted by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), 51 percent of Americans intend to visit an amusement park in 2004. And of the nearly 40 percent of individuals who visited amusement parks in 2003, 84 percent said they are likely to return this year. 

    For 2004, more than 110 new park rides are available, including many innovative attractions that maximize the appeal of popular, pre-existing brands from television, movies, and popular culture. 

    Visitors in 2004 will also discover new technologies that are making visits to amusement parks and attractions more convenient and fun. Many parks now reduce wait times at the "gate" by selling admission tickets on the Internet. Wait times in lines at rides are also shrinking, as new devices that assign ride times for guests are growing in popularity.

    Finding fun places to go this summer-in addition to new rides, convenient technologies, coupons and discounts--is now easier. Consumers can use TicketForFun.com's innovative FunFinder directory and map to search for amusement parks, water parks, attractions, zoos, aquariums, museums, and family entertainment centers throughout the world. The TicketForFun.com FunFinder directory provides links to attraction web sites, and IAAPA recommends that consumers "click through" to those sites and search for discounts, promotions, and new features at their favorite places.

    TicketForFun.com also offers helpful FunTips that can maximize safety and fun during a visit to an amusement park, attraction, or waterpark. The tips include:
    * Dress comfortably, but avoid open-toed shoes and dangling clothing or jewelry.
    * Protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days.
    * Observe all posted rules, and follow the verbal instructions given by ride operators.
    * Always use the safety equipment provided and do not attempt to wriggle free of restraints.

    More FunTips and information can be found on TicketForFun.com, where guests can also sign up to receive exclusive news and information from the amusement industry.

    Amusement Industry FunFacts 
    In 2003, amusement parks in the US attracted an overall attendance of more than 320 million people, provided 1.5 billion "rides," and yielded an estimated $10.3 billion in revenues. For more FunFacts, go online to www.TicketForFun.com.

    IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 5,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 85 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their safety, efficiency, marketing, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry.
     
     

    WWW.ROCKETSPORTSRACING.COM GOES LIVE 
    Lansing, Michigan — Rocketsports Racing today unveiled its newly-reconstructed official Web site at WWW.ROCKETSPORTSRACING.COM. The site has been redesigned to reveal the unique attributes of the Michigan-based team by Cinemagic Inc., and provides fans and industry enthusiasts with a complete overview of the team’s activity, history and capabilities. 

    The new Rocketsports Racing site reveals the diversity of the 19 year-old company, founded by team owner Paul Gentilozzi in 1985, and in its accomplishments and involvement in Motorsports today.

    Rocketsports Racing is active in two of the most competitive and exciting racing series in North America, each with international influence and appeal.
    The site offers the latest race results and team news, as well as vivid photos of all the racing action as the respective race seasons progress.

    In its second year of competition in the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered By Ford, Rocketsports Racing runs a two-car effort in the premier open-wheel series. The new team web site delivers information and fan-friendly news about the team, and drivers Alex Tagliani in the No. 8 Johnson Controls Lola and Nelson Philippe in the No. 17 LeasePlan Lola.

    Rocketsports Racing made its name in the most historic and lively road-racing series in America, the Motorock Trans-Am Racing Series. The Rocketsports Racing site provides fans with the latest news about the championship team, and drivers No. 3 Paul Gentilozzi, No. 11 Tommy Kendall and No. 5 Tomy Drissi. 

    As the Rocketsports Racing site develops it will grow to include information about the outstanding capabilities of the Rocketsports organization. This section will showcase Rocketsports’ advanced engine and chassis development, including the four-valve AJ-V8 stock-block engine, used in the No. 11 R-Performance Jaguar, and the Jaguar concept cars produced for the Chicago Auto Show and SEMA shows.

    The Rocketsports Racing site was made possible by the support of Cinemagic, the leading interactive development company in motorsports, providing integrated multimedia solutions for series, teams, drivers, venues, and associated motorsports entities. Founded in 1991, Cinemagic delivers motion design and interactive technologies designed to assist organizations in achieving their strategic business objectives. The company's well-established and successful process involves needs analysis, content development, leading-edge technologies, and world-class design. Cinemagic's clients include large multinational corporations, sports and entertainment companies, government agencies, and educational institutions. Learn more about Cinemagic at www.cmagic.com.
     
     

    RLV TITLE SPONSOR OF WEEKLY RACING SERVICES
    Concord, North Carolina — WKA is proud to announce R.L.V. Tuned Exhaust Products has committed to be the WKA Weekly Racing Series long-term Title Sponsor.  The newly titled program "The R.L.V. Weekly Racing Series by WKA" signifies the beginning of what will become a tradition within the sport that benefits the local racer. R.L.V.'s commitment to the Weekly Racing Series is an endorsement of both the vision of WKA and R.L.V.'s fundamental belief that local racing is the purest form of karting in America.

    "First level racers are the heartbeat of the sport of karting.  Partnering with R.L.V. gives WKA a great partner to secure the future of this series.  This gives immediate credibility to the program and karters who support it at race tracks throughout the country." - Randy Kugler, WKA President.

    R.L.V., in conjunction with WKA, has added to the already impressive awards program previously announced.  Visit www.joekarter.com for the complete R.L.V. / WKA Weekly Racing Series awards program.

    "The R.L.V. / WKA Weekly Racing Series is unique.  It allows racers the opportunity to participate in a National Series without having to travel and still be rewarded with national-level awards.  Sounds almost too good to be true!" - Rod Verlengiere, R.L.V. Tuned Exhaust Products, President.

    R.L.V. has a long-standing tradition of supporting WKA and karting at all levels.  R.L.V.'s dedication to the American Karter has always been astounding.  The R.L.V. / WKA Weekly Racing Series proves their dedication lies in the foundation of the sport, the weekly racer.

    R.L.V. is a Southern California based manufacturing company specializing in the design and distribution of performance exhaust systems and other fine racing products.  Qualified distributors distribute these products worldwide.  For more information, please contact R.L.V. at 805-925-5461.

    The World Karting Association provides programs for all levels of karting by promoting events at the Local, Divisional, Regional, and National levels; there is something for everyone - the beginner, hobbyist, and future stars of motorsports.  For more information, please contact WKA Headquarters at 704-455-1606 or visit www.worldkarting.com and www.joekarter.com.
     
     
     

    INTERNATIONAL HISTORIC MOTORSPORT SHOW CONFIRMS 2005 DATE
    Coventry, United Kingdom — The second International Historic Motorsport Show will take
    place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, over the weekend of February, 25-27 2005.

    Next year's Show will be even bigger and better than the first. There will be a total of 20,000 square metres of exhibition space in five halls. The existing Historic Racing Car hall and Rally Car hall (Halls 2 and 1) will be enhanced with an International Hall, including American and French pavilions. The memorabilia, art, books and models hall (Hall 3) is being completely refurbished by the organizers and, last but not least, a significant motorsport autojumble is planned for Hall 4.

    The 2004 event achieved all its aims, bringing together the event organizers, car preparers and supporting engineering companies, historic competitors, enthusiasts and newcomers
    under one roof, to do business with each other in an informal atmosphere prior to the start of the season.

    Historic motorsport continues to grow and the Show has undoubtedly raised the profile of the industry. Internationally, historic cars provided significant supporting events for the
    Macau Grand Prix in China, the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix and the Monaco F1 Grand Prix over the last few months and (at a different level) owners of vintage and classic cars can enter new international race series organized by Motor Racing Legends and others, allowing them to compete on famous circuits like Assen (Netherlands), Dijon (France), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and the Nurburgring (Germany) in affordable vehicles.

    Requests for stand space at the 2005 International Historic Motorsport Show already exceed 200 companies and it is expected that about 500 exhibitors will take part. It will be possible for the smallest company to find a place and a price to exhibit in 2005. There are over 4,000 companies operating in this business in the UK alone.

    H&H Classic Auctions will again be running their major Competition Vehicle Auction at Stoneleigh. Sales this year exceeded £1.1 million - 70% of the vehicles on offer. Preview
    will be on the Friday, with the auction of cars and memorabilia on the Saturday.

    The Historic Motorsport Awards - initiated in 2004 - will be presented at a special charity event on Saturday evening at the Show. The Classic Rally Association will be starting their
    Winter Challenge Rally to Monte Carlo from Stoneleigh on the Sunday afternoon. The Live Rally Stage (organized by the Historic Rally Car Register in 2004) is again under discussion
    for 2005, as is a Special Test for the Winter Challenge cars.

    For further information, please contact: Heritage Motorsport Services Limited, Simmonds, Downington, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3DL. Tel: 01367 250001, Fax: 01367 250008
    Email: info@heritage-motorsport.com, Website: www.heritage-motorsport.com.
     
     

    END
     


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

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