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FYI
07-18-04

NEW AMERICAN RACING ENGINE ON DRAWING BOARD

Long Beach, California — Noted author and long time performance racing industry member Jean Genibrel, has announced a completely new racing engine for small bore racing. The all American power plant is developed with the participation of members of the American Performance Racing Industry. This marks the first completely American made racing engine since the Offenhauser.

The new engine is being designed from scratch for dirt and asphalt karting, ATVs, Mini Cup cars and other small bore racing. The engines will include the latest technology in cooling, valve train operation, lubrication and computer aided design and machining. Global yearly sales are planned at around five thousand units.

Kart racing has been predominantly a two-stroke environment, and this has been the biggest hurdle for the American performance industry to jump before getting into karting. But things are changing, and the entire small-bore racing scene is switching to a user-friendlier, cleaner running and more affordable modern four-stroke technology. The flames of progress are further fueled by the CIK, the karting arm of the FIA, which has already mandated that their World Championships be held using four-strokes beginning in 2006.

When asked what the scope of the market is for the new engines, Genibrel was quick to respond: "Huge. There are millions of kart racers globally and the PRI is a global market. I want the industry to work with us to develop and market our product in conjunction with theirs. Not only can we sell our engines to the world, but we can introduce the American PRI to billions."

Genibrel is seeking the expertise of the American Performance Racing Industry to produce each component of the engine, and to be named the official supplier for its product. "It makes no sense in this country to design an engine part and have it custom made. There are hundreds of manufacturers who can meet our requirements with off the shelf blanks we can introduce into our design. We don't want to design a crankshaft with oddball journal sizes for example, and then need to custom-make the bearings". The wholly novel engine project not only offers a new market for the manufacturers but it is also an invaluable marketing tool to open global doors to the industry, and to inculcate mechanical values and brand awareness in youth.

The company can be reached at AMERICKART@AOL.COM and at (562) 498-8172.

OPEI REPRESENTED BY ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTS AT THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Alexandria, Virginia — Two experts from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) spoke on June 28th at the National Research Council meeting at the National Academy of Sciences. James E. McNew, Chairman of OPEI’s Clean Air Act Committee and Manager of Engineering at Husqvarna Forest & Garden, and William Guerry, general counsel to OPEI and member of the Environmental practice at Collier Shannon Scott.

OPEI President and CEO, Bill Harley said “OPEI is committed to working with safety and environmental experts to evaluate and develop needed solutions and improvements. We appreciate the opportunity to represent the interests of manufacturers of outdoor power equipment in this important national policy discussion.”

Mr. Guerry, in his presentation, “State Practices in Setting Mobile Source Emission Standards,” spoke from his years of experience in the regulatory process with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and the EPA. He discussed the need for state emissions standards to be more responsive to national economic and safety interests. He analyzed the differences between the federal and state regulatory development in terms of safety considerations, the impact on the national economy, job loss, cost-effectiveness, consumer costs, and performance-related issues. “Historically, states have been less sensitive to the impact their regulations will have on safety, job loss, and other national issues beyond their state,” said Mr. Guerry. “Clearly, it is in everyone’s interest to ensure there is balance between competing national interests (such as safety) and state air quality goals.”

Mr. McNew provided the council with the perspective of a manufacturer and distributor of outdoor power equipment. He explained that industry spends millions of dollars annually for compliance with the EPA and CARB emissions standards. “Managing engineering resources, distribution networks, retail distribution, data collection and reporting to support an individual state regulation, in addition to the federal program,” states Mr. McNew “is an enormous, costly, and difficult task”. Mr. McNew concluded his presentation to the committee with three basic points for their consideration, “recommend guidelines that clearly address safety, that no barriers to trade or unnecessary complexities in distribution are established, and that the total US economic impacts be considered in any state regulation.”

The presentations are part of a larger National Academy of Science project, which is reviewing practices employed by states in developing emission standards for mobile sources. The study focuses on the discrepancies that exist between state and EPA processes to develop emission standards. The study assesses the impact state emissions standards have on various factors such as safety, compliance costs, energy consumption, and environmental elements.

OPEI is the major international trade association representing the manufacturers and their suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers, garden tractors, utility vehicles, trimmers, edgers, chain saws, snow throwers, tillers, leaf blowers and other related products. Founded in 1952, the Institute is dedicated to encouraging and promoting a healthier and safer environment through the proper use of outdoor power equipment.

ONE KARTER TO DRIVE 24-HOURS FOR CHARITY
Bell Rose, Louisiana — Jeff Ross, a karter from Louisiana, contacted the International Kart Federation (IKF) with the news that he is going to single-handedly drive 24-hours for charity. The following is his letter describing the event, and the reasons for attempting such an amazing feat.

“I am writing to you to tell you about an event I am putting on for a little girl with a Blood disease. We need as much exposure on this as we can get, so if you could do an article on it; that would be great. Below is more information on what we are planning.

I learned about Caitlyn Bibb from a fellow racer on Bob’s 4 Cycle. Caitlyn has Mitochondrial Myopathy, which basically means that her body can’t produce enough energy to function and allow her to do all the fun things that kids do. Things like walking, running, playing, and just being able to see are all things that most of us take for granted that Caitlyn wishes she will be able to do one day. Her treatment costs $200.00 per visit and her insurance will not pay for it.

Caitlyn has a web site through a nonprofit organization called CaringBridge at www.caringbridge.org. CaringBridge has offered free web pages to help families stay connected with each other since 1997 and now has over 15,000 personalized web pages. The family and friends of little Bridge May, who was born premature, started CaringBridge. The web site helped the family easily inform their out of state friends and family on Bridge’s
condition during her struggle to live. Bridge’s struggle came to an end on her ninth day and God called her home. Due to the overwhelming response the family received from the web site, they decided to offer it to other families in honor of their daughter. Now the site has had over 61 million visits. You can view Caitlyn’s web page on CaringBridge at
www.caringbridge.org/ga/caitlyn/index.htm. Then go to the links at the bottom of her page to find out more about her.

Caitlyn’s story along with the tremendous support that CaringBridge gives to so many other families has touched my heart and I have decided to do what I can to help. To raise money for Caitlyn and CaringBridge, I am going to drive a racing kart for 24 hours, only stopping for fuel, oil, and tires. We need your help to get sponsors to make a tax-deductible donation; any amount would be greatly appreciated. Skilled volunteers on the support team will be very important also. If you know others who could help, please tell them about
Caitlyn. With your help we could raise a lot of money to help Caitlyn and CaringBridge.

So far Briggs & Stratton has sent two World Formula Motors and most likely will send an engineer from MotorSports for the event. Larry Goudeau is providing the Kart, some tires, setup and gearing. Lamonte MotorSports is providing fuel and oil.

Half of what we raise will go to Caitlyn to help pay for her treatment and the other half will go to CaringBridge on behalf of Caitlyn to help build web sites for other families. Any equipment sent to help us accomplish our goal of 24 hours will be auctioned at the end of the event and all proceeds will go into the fund. Anyone who provides equipment and/or donations may also send a patch for the racing uniform or a decal to be placed on the car.

What is the reason behind the madness of one driver for 24 hours? The point of this is to get attention by a society that values physical achievement and redirect their thoughts to what is really amazing. The brave kids like Caitlyn and what they go through every day is more difficult and takes so much more courage than the greatest athlete could ever hope to have. Caitlyn is only eight years old; she wakes up every day and courageously fights a disease without ever losing faith in god or hope that one day she will be well. That is a true achievement, and that is our message. Our plan is to take this message to as wide an audience as we can.

The Date: September 23rd beginning at 3:00 pm and lasting until 3:00 pm on September 24th.
The Track: No Problem Raceway Park 6470 Highway 996Belle Rose, Louisiana 70341. See www.noproblemraceway.com or call 985-369-3692.

What I/we plan to do will undoubtedly be very hard both physically and mentally and as far as I know has never been attempted. However hard my pain may be, it will go away when it’s over. What Caitlyn and so many other kids on CaringBridge sites experience are everyday, over and over. The pain and struggle does not go away for them and yet they keep their heads up, their hearts full of hope and they keep fighting. It’s kids like Caitlyn that inspire me and I hope they inspire you to help this cause as well. After all, it’s Caitlyn’s Cause.”

For more information and how to help visit http://www.rossracingfitness.com or call Jeff Ross at 225-405-4059.

NEW PRODUCTS MAKE FOR THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING SPREE AT IAAPA ASIAN EXPO 2004
Singapore – A world of cool, new, and revolutionary products were on display today at IAAPA Asian Expo 2004, in the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Every segment of the amusement and attractions industry rolled out its wares for attendees, who descended en masse on the showroom floor for the second day of the exhibition. The new products included interactive bumper cars, fun and exciting play equipment, and a new line of culinary delights, all of which were on full display for what is shaping up to be a season to remember.

Amid the sounds, smells, and sights, attendees not only viewed, but experienced the latest and greatest new products in the industry. Tapeswitch Corporation’s Bend Edge, a flexible sensing door edge, is designed to protect against impingement.

“Safety is our business, and we provide those products that help parks keep their patrons safer,” said Ed Duhon, the company’s President.

The hottest new card game in Japan was also introduced. NCI Leisure offers consumers the chance to “pit their champion beetle against others” in a computer-generated card game named Mushiking, The King of The Beetle.

Some twenty-two new exhibitors joined the Expo’s lineup for 2004. Amec Robocoaster, a veteran exhibitor of the last few IAAPA Orlando Convention and Trade Shows, introduced its unique passenger-carrying robotic arm to the region. Robocoaster is a revolutionary ride, which moves up and down, backwards and forwards, accelerates and brakes, tilts in all directions, rocks, loop the loops, spirals, and more. Simply translated, it’s the ultimate surprise-packed fun ride.

“We’re here to cut our teeth in Asia. It’s a new and exciting market for us, and we are anxious to introduce the public to Robocoaster,” said John Dick, sales manager for AMEC.

Other new products include KMG’s swinging After Burner and Freak Out rides, designed to thrill and excite visitors – and Zamperla’s rocking family ride Mini Tug, as well as Ronald Bussink’s latest version of its Giant Wheel, whose first destination is Beijing.

To tempt their guests’ taste buds, attendees also tried out new food products, ranging from low-carb tortilla wraps to spicy and mild cheese sauces to fun-flavored breadsticks produced by East-West Development Inc.

NUMBERS INDICATE IAAPA ASIAN EXPO 2004 A SOLID SUCCESS
Singapore – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced preliminary attendance of approximately 2,600 for IAAPA Asian Expo 2004, indicating solid attendance at the three-day event which ended here today at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“In view of the cancellation of last year’s show, due to SARS, we are very pleased with the numbers,” said J. Clark Robinson, IAAPA President. “We have a great opportunity to grow this event in to the premier industry show in Asia. Considering that almost 55% of the world’s population lives in Asia, it is the number one region for growth in the amusement sector.”

With the help of continuing improvement in the global economic outlook, the event witnessed an increase in the level of qualified buyers and business deals. The show’s 151 exhibitors included 22 industry suppliers participating in the Expo for the first time, and the overall sentiment among exhibitors was one of a rousing success.

Joy Heatley of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry stated “This is our first time at this show and we had no idea what to expect. Ultimately, the show exceeded all of our expectations. We found good quality attendees and solid sales leads.”

“Great show. I’m very satisfied with the results,” was the response of long-time exhibitor Jack Mendes of Bob’s Space Racers.

“This has been a wonderful show for Robocoaster. We’ve had qualified buyers and solid leads for future business,” said John Dick, sales manager for AMEC

Commenting on the 2004 Expo being the first one under the full ownership of IAAPA, Robinson noted, “Purchasing the show in 2002 was an important strategic decision and a great future opportunity, both for the association and for the industry.”

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

US ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES GEARBOX RACEWEAR AS SPONSOR
Palm Springs, California — Rhiannon Freiley, Rotax Division Director announced today that Gearbox Racewear has announced the official sponsorship of the Masters Class, who will award the podium winners new Gearbox driving suits and to the 1st place winner an all expense paid trip to the Canary Islands in support of the Americas Team at the World Finals taking place January 2005.

While ROTAX invites winners of the Junior and International class to compete at the World Finals, which is a great reward for drivers to earn, some how it feels rather empty knowing the class that has the most fun and offers the highest growth in participation gets to stay home. “We love when our sponsors can bring an extra incentive to the table,” states Freiley. “I’m very happy to report Gearbox Racewear has offered this incredible opportunity to the Masters class. For the Masters class, Gearbox will award each podium winner a new Gearbox driving suit of choice and a GRAND PRIZE to 1st place; airfare and hotel to support the Americans in the Canary Islands in January,” explains Freiley.

In addition, knowing how beautiful and tropical the Canary Islands appear to be, and with requests from families of drivers ROTAX is working with a travel agency on packages for those who may be interested in taking a little vacation in January to a warmer climate, these packages will vary in cost depending on departure location, anyone interested please send your information to rhi@rmaxchallenge.com

A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER: We are proud to announce that this is our 200th edition of FYI and News Briefs on e-KMI.com. Since the website began in 2001, we have presented approximately 2,800 news stories in both the columns. I hope you have enjoyed our efforts to inform you as to what is happening within the karting industry both here in the USA and abroad. We sincerely appreciate your patronage, comments, criticism and loyalty.
—Darrell Sitarz

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