“This site has been a work-in-progress and we did not want to spare any resources in making this site the best available,” commented David Musial. “The entire Intense staff will be working hard to make sure we can provide the best support in karting and although it will take time to satisfy all the needs any given karter has, this new site will be a step in the right direction.”

The site will be updated throughout the winter to include such customer support subjects as “How to”, “Technical Feedback”, “Product Updates”, and “FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions”, all using photo illustrations and step-by-step instructions, making it easier for newcomers to learn the little things that most seasoned veterans already know.

Intense Imports’ on-site racing facility, Norway Speedway, will also be showcased and a link will be up soon citing information on the race track, event dates and schedule, corporate programs and driving school information. Intense will also add a dealer list as well as a private page for dealers only to place orders, find new product updates and obtain ordering information online.

For more info call 815-496-2820 or by logging onto the aforementioned web site.
 
 

It was the first sanctioned event for the new kart track, which was completed earlier this summer. The .72-mile track includes a 1/8-mile junior drag strip, and a 1/5-mile oval. In addition to racing karts, the new race track will host the “Supermotards”, a hybrid racing motorcycle, driver’s school and autocross events.

The Briggs & Stratton Motorplex was one of several Road America capital improvements undertaken this year. For more info, see www.roadamerica.com. 
 
 

The event includes the following:
You keep the CRG/Rotax Max racing kart after the event
10 drivers per team sharing the driving and the cost
Custom graphics to suit your team and the sponsors
Matching custom team driving suits for all 10 members
The event will be taped and aired on national television
Team race crews to handle all vehicle event maintenance
All spares, race tires, spec fuel and parts are included
Drivers passes, VIP guest passes and insurance included
All team members housing, meals and banquet included
Signage space and general admission passes to sponsors
Coverage, info and marketing on www.Rotax24.com
Professional race officials and AMB computer scoring
All this and more included in the single team entry fee!

Per person cost is $1495.00 and the total 10-person all inclusive race package fee is $14,950.00.  For more info call 870-226-3565 or 716-284-5792.
 
 

The lineup of drivers for the event included a number of international drivers including 5 new drivers from Brunei, who had never before seen the track but drove with unbridled determination. As before, a strong 4-driver contingent from Macau entered the event who are known for their aggressive driving style.

The event is jointly sponsored by Kementerian Belia & Sukan (Ministry of Sport and Youth) and Ford Malaysia, and has been since 1999. For more info check out www.citykarting.com for race results.
 
 

The eighteen-year old has undergone two major surgeries to reinforce his neck, the latest being completed on August 10. Both were long and difficult operations lasting approximately seven hours. As a result of those surgeries, McMullen’s neck is now being supported by a collar replacing the halo that has held his head ridged for the past few weeks. Removal of the cumbersome and uncomfortable halo has served as a great comfort to Robbie.

While McMullen’s spinal injury has been stabilized, he has twice battled pneumonia and remains on a respirator to assist in his breathing. There is concern that when the respirator tube is removed, Robbie may need a tracheotomy to help his breath during recovery.

On August 14, Robbie sat in a wheelchair for a short period of time and there was great excitement surrounding the encouraging news that Robbie had shown motion in his arms and shoulders. The spirited youngster is alert and aware of his condition, and despite the severity of his injury, he has remained strong and positive, communicating the fighting spirit so admired by those who know him.

The family has a received a myriad of cards and well wishes from friends, speedways and racers across the country and from his home community. The McMullen family wishes to thank all for the tremendous support and they will continue to acknowledge all in the future.

A website has been set up at www.rocket-robbie.com to provide current information on Robbie’s condition and messages of support may be sent via the site. Contributions toward Robbie’s rehabilitation and future care may be made to The Robbie McMullen Trust Fund, TD Canada Trust Bank, Account number 0235-522207. 
 
 

Chris was shortlisted at the end of 2000 for a place in the Team Kiwi Karting Academy, but narrowly missed out due to his young age. “I was determined to show that I should have been on the Team Kiwi team and could perform at the highest level,” said Vander Drift. “This year has been very successful, winning all four major junior titles in New Zealand,” he added. In addition, Chris has competed successfully in the Australian Junior Intercontinental A Championship for the first time, consistently running near the top of the field.

Like many aspiring young Kiwi drivers before him, Chris was being forced to look offshore to advance his career aspirations until Team Kiwi Racing made this opportunity available to all young New Zealand motorsport talent. This will provide Chris and other talented drivers the opportunity to progress their motorsport careers to the highest level without having to leave New Zealand and/or base themselves overseas.

Team Kiwi has structured an intensive development program for Vander Drift, introducing him to the Team Kiwi 2-Ltr Touring Cars during 2001 in a testing role. This will give him valuable experience before he is given a competitive drive in one of the championship winning Team Kiwi 2-Ltr Tourers. “Chris will work with the crew and the team, learning the ropes from all angles both on and off the track,” said Martin Collins, team manager. “We are taking a long-term view with Chris and want to develop him into an international level driver,” he added.

Chris’ ultimate dream of driving a 600-BHP V8 Supercar is definitely in the long term plans of Team Kiwi, with a structured program mapping out the necessary skills and experience that he needs to develop to achieve this.

For the remainder of 2001, Chris will continue to compete in the New Zealand Pro Series and Australian Junior Intercontinental A Championship. During 2002, Chris will contest a number of Senior karting classes within New Zealand and Australia, supplemented with his support and promotional commitments to Team Kiwi and of course, his schoolwork.

For more info see www.teamkiwiracing.co.nz.
 

END
 

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