e-KMI.com FYI

CLICK HERE

International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

FYI
06-19-04

KART RACING AROUND TOWN SQUARE HIGHLIGHT OF DURAND 4TH FESTIVAL

Durand, Illinois — Championship go kart racing roars into Durand, IL as one of the highlights of the town's three-day Fourth of July festival. Among the races is the Champions Memorial Race, the richest kart race in Illinois.

The fun kicks off Friday night, July 2 with a carnival and Karaoke. Saturday features include kart racing around the town square, followed by a night of street dancing with live music provided by The Crunchy Frogs, and carnival.

Sunday the whole family will enjoy the American Legion chicken barbecue, antique tractor pulls, carnival, an old fashion Fourth of July parade, unique outhouse races, high speed kart racing, and state-of-the-art fireworks display.

Most of the events, including the kart races are free. Durand is at the north end of Illinois route 70 near route 75. For more information call 815-248-4445.

SCHEDULE
Friday, July 2
5 pm - Carnival opens
7 pm - Karaoke

Saturday, July 3
11 am - Carnival
11:30 am. - Kart practice
12:45 pm - National Anthem & Invocation
1 pm - Heat Kart races
3:30 pm - Pro Kart race qualifications
4 pm - Feature race
6 pm - Pro Kart race
8 pm - Street dance

Sunday, July 4
10:30 am - Kart practice
11 am - American Legion chicken barbeque, Antique tractor pulls, Carnival
Noon - Kart qualifying
1:30 pm - Parade
2:30 pm - Heat Kart race
4 pm - Outhouse races
4:30 – Feature Kart races
6 pm - Champions Memorial race
9:30 - Fireworks

TVRACER.COM ENTERS ITS 2ND YEAR!
Arnold, California — The popular motorsports television schedule website, TVRacer.com is proud to announce they have entered their second year of supplying the racing enthusiast accurate and up-to-date motorsports TV schedules. Over the course of the first twelve months, the number of active race fans who bookmark the site continues to grow monthly.

TVRacer.com now covers approximately 30 racing series that are in the motorsports forefront, including cars, motorcycles, drag racing and most recently, kart racing. The site lists nothing but races at this time with the network it will be aired and the programming schedule.

"I can't tell you how frustrating it is to get set to watch a race, only to find out it isn't on," said Tom Stephens, owner and developer of TVRacer.com. "Through a number of verification steps we are able to offer very accurate TV times so that this frustration is greatly minimized. We also check for daily TV schedule changes, cancellations and rain-outs so we can make corrections."

TVRacer.com is updated every 24-hours, making it one of the most accurate television guides for racing in the United States. The same evening after each race is over, it is updated to show the next dates those particular series are televised, so racing enthusiasts will always know when "The Next Race" will be shown.

As well as listing qualifying and practice shows, last month TVRacer.com also added replays for the most recent NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch Series, NHRA and Formula 1 races.

“TVRacer.com is not the typical TV schedule, in that we include a Series Index,” added Stephens. “This allows the user to click on any of the series they are interested in and be taken directly to the next televised race.”

In addition, TVRacer.com continues to work with a number of motorsports photographers, showcasing a different racing photo each week. For more information, log onto www.tvracer.com or contact Tom Stephens by phone at 1-209-795-5880.

SNAP-ON STARS OF KARTING AND FORMULA BMW USA TO AWARD
Hilliard, Ohio — While the 2004 racing season is still in its relative infancy, top drivers throughout the racing ladder are already looking towards 2005 and their next career step upward. To ensure that move is as smooth as possible, the Snap-On Stars of Karting and Formula BMW USA announced today the formation of an exclusive prize structure that will see both the ICC and ICA overall class champions awarded all-expense paid trips (valued at $4,000) to the 2005 Formula BMW USA Scholarship Run-off in Valencia, Spain. While there, they will compete for one of the $40,000 scholarships to be used towards the 2005 Formula BMW USA Championship.

In addition, once the two champions return to the United States from the run-off, they will be able to take advantage of another two days of testing behind the wheel of the Formula BMW racecar. This test (valued at $15,000 each) will be under the full guidance of Formula BMW USA test drivers and engineers, as well as a top-level team. As a final part to their award package, the series champions will undergo a complete physical examination and recommendation process from the Formula BMW USA fitness staff (valued at $1,000 each).

Joining the two Stars' series champions in Valencia for the Scholarship Run-off will be the ICC and ICA second place overall finishers, who will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Spain and the opportunity to compete for one of the $40,000 scholarships. While they will not receive the additional two testing days back in the States, the runner ups will also undergo a physical examination and recommendation from the Formula BMW USA fitness staff.

"Similar to Formula BMW, the ICA and ICC classes compete internationally," said Chip Pankow, Formula BMW Series Organizer. "We at Formula BMW recognize them as a proper training path to a career in open-wheeled racing. These are the most talented crop of karters competing in America today and we would like to help supply them with the tools to further their careers. Plus, it guarantees we will see the best of the best."

"As part of our extended efforts to provide our top karters a chance to build their career, we believe this agreement with Formula BMW USA marks an important step forward," commented Paul Zalud, Executive Director of the Snap-On Stars of Karting. "We want to thank BMW for their belief in our series and providing this stepping stone. The ability to send four of our top karters, all-expense paid, is an unbelievable opportunity for karters
who want to the next step in their career. When you couple this with other awards we have announced already or will soon do so, there is no doubt about the strength of this series and its desire to develop championship-caliber drivers of the future."

SPEAR WINS ROAD AMERICA SKI F125 DICE
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin — The second round of the Shifter Kart Illustrated Formula 125 Enduro Challenge was lucky to steer clear of the rain that cancelled Friday practice at the Badger Kart Club Super Nationals – one of the most prestigious events on the American karting calendar - although the racing was hot enough to burn off any residual moisture. Run each June at the famed Road America facility, the annual event features a diverse class structure with eight race groups each day. Just as it did last summer, the Super Nationals also played host to the second stop on the SKI F125 program, bringing the best laydown 125cc shifter drivers from all over the country to the legendary 4.1 mile circuit. A solid total of 23 drivers took the green flag for this round of the growing series, which was formed prior to the 2003 season to bring together the class’ supporters at a handful of major events.

In the race, held on Saturday, a battle between championship contenders Mike Spear Jr. and Brian Wilhelm ensued that showed the true competitiveness of the formula. Spear led a majority of the race with Wilhelm in hot pursuit, Spear steering his Pavesi-powered Emmick to the eventual triumph. Wilhelm kept Spear honest, overtaking his fellow Arkansas competitor for the lead on several occasions. California legend ‘Dominator’ Don Bootes made the most of his trek east to finish third while defending series champion Scott Fiesler (Emmick) took fourth overall. Freshman Formula 125 competitor Steve Matotan ran to another impressive finish, taking fifth in his third series start, once again garnering the Rev-Clean Rookie of the Race award to take a firm hold on the point chase for the prestigious honor. Frank Moscone took sixth ahead of Rory Pederson, Todd Behrens, Dan Meray and Dennis Bernier.

The Shifter Kart Illustrated Formula 125 Enduro Challenge is a five-race series that encompasses selected results from the major kart road racing organizations to crown an overall champion. Designed to increase participation and exposure for the Formula 125 class, the 2004 season is the second year of the series and the new year is looking extremely promising. The next round is set for Mount Meridian, IN’s Putnam Park on August 17-19.

GEM’S EARL LARSON – IN HIS DAUGHTER’S WORDS
Wheaton, Illinois — Earl Larson, one of the karting industry’s true pioneers passed away Saturday, June 12 at his home. The following was written by his daughter Kathryn, about her father.

Earl Larson Jr. was born 5-22-27 in Oak Park, Illinois to Earl and Martha Larson. Earl Sr. and his brother Warren Sr. owned and operated Franklin Grocery and Market on the corner of Augusta and Mayfield in Chicago, IL. Earl Jr. and Warren Jr. worked as grocers and were taught all aspects of the business. They were also journeymen butchers.

In 1944 Earl enlisted the Navy. For 4 years was stationed in Memphis, Tennessee and Norman, Oklahoma. After the Navy, Earl returned home to finish his high school education. He also graduated from the Institute of Lettering and Design.

One of Earl’s most pleasant memories was his trip to Alaska in 1951. Earl and his friend Bob Marrow delivered a brand new 1951 Ford to Anchorage from Chicago. They drove the Al-Can highway which was then all gravel. They had to tape all the chrome on the car to avoid dents and dings from the journey.

On Aug. 23, 1952, Earl wed Virginia Francis Clark of Oak Park. David Earl was born on Oct. 12, 1955. Kathryn Ruth was born Oct. 16, 1958.

March 1, 1959, Earl and Warren Jr. opened the doors to GLEN ELLYN MOWER AND MARINE (G.E.M.), on Roosevelt Rd. in Glen Ellyn. They specialized in chain saws, lawn mowers and outboard motors, and were soon to be known as “THE” local Go-Kart distributor. Earl and Warren amicably dissolved their partnership in 1960 and Earl shorted the name to Glen Ellyn Marine. Earl later incorporated under the name to G.E.M. Products.

G.E.M. Products became an innovator and leader in designing and manufacturing newer and better high-performance parts for Go-Karts. With the success and growth of G.E.M., Earl purchased property in the new suburban area of Carol Stream. The new G.E.M. building was home to Go-Karts, parts and Chain Saw sales and service. Snowmobiles, Dune Buggies, 3-wheel all terrain vehicles and mini-dragsters have also occupied time and space in G.E.M. G.E.M. Products, the home of “The Hot Set Up” was dedicated to fun!

Earl was an active member in many VFW and American Legion Posts in Illinois, Michigan and California. On his annual winter visits to California he became a life member of the VFW post #11546 in Chino, California. He was also very active with the Chino American Legion Post #299 and a Life Member of Wheaton, Illinois American Legion Post #76. He is an honorary member of the VFW post # 2377 in Glendale Heights, Ill and has many affiliations with the VFW post # 2164 in Wheaton. He purchased the family cottage near Newberry, Michigan in 1979 and also became active with the VFW and American Legions in Newberry. Earl was a life member of the Navy Alumni in Norman, Oklahoma

Earl was honored by the Karting Hall of Fame as an original inductee and was a founding member of the Karting Industry Council.

On one of Earl’s annual trips to California he organized a reunion with all the “old timers” in the Karting industry, affectionately called the “Geritol Gang”. This year he and his friend John Julis hosted 55 people!

Earl was also on the original committee which initiated occasional reunions with old classmates from Byford School in the Austin area of Chicago.

Throughout his recent battle with cancer, Earl has been supported by many friends and family members. His greatest confidant was with cousin and Nurse Fran Larson, (wife of Warren). Fran’s sudden passing on Monday June 7 was very difficult for Earl’s fragile condition though he was ever grateful to her for her knowledge, goodness and unconditional love.

Earl recently received over 150 cards, phone calls and e-mails from his friends. Many have revealed stories of Earl spontaneous acts of kindness with thanks and love. Earl’s family wishes to send heart filled gratitude to each and every one of his friends that have shared their favorite memories and their relationship with Earl.

Earl went home to be with the Lord Saturday June 12, 2004. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.

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