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FYI
12-12-04

KARTING ‘STARS’ DRIVERS BATTLE THE ‘RAIN IN SPAIN’

Hilliard, Ohio — Amid constant wet conditions, Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League drivers Johnny Johnson, Kevin LaCroix and Kyle Wiegand successfully completed their two-day Formula BMW licensing course in Valencia, Spain. As part of an annual awards package given to top Stars competitors by Formula BMW USA, the three drivers were in Spain on a fully funded trip. All three drivers received their licenses and learned quite a bit about handling a racecar in extremely wet conditions as they negotiated the two-mile short course at Valencia.

Also on hand among the 16 total drivers were fellow Stars competitors Keith Spicer, Daniel Morad, Race Johnson, Jordan Dick, Matthew Lee, Thomas Reed Stevens and Darin Marcus. 2004 Stars ICA National Champion Jordy Vorrath and 2004 EasyKart National Champion Carlos Duenas will participate in the March licensing course, as they were not eligible for the scholarships. ICC National Champion Alex Speed graciously declined his invitation to attend the course as he intends to return to karting next season.

The drivers all flew from New York City to Paris, France and then onto Valencia, Spain on Sunday, December 5th. They spent Monday doing seat fittings, followed by classroom and on-track activities December 7th and 8th.

The drivers split their time between valuable classroom sessions discussing racing line, flagging and starting procedures, vehicle dynamics, shifting and braking and behind the wheel of one of the Racing Center Formula BMW FB2 cars implementing the lessons from the classrooms through exercises. On the second afternoon, the groups got to experience open lapping while being evaluated by the core group of BMW Motorsport instructors. These evaluations will be compared with the September Course and the top drivers will be invited back to the Scholarship Qualifying Course January 12 and 13, 2005 where five $40,000 scholarships will be awarded for the 2005 Formula BMW USA Championship. In the afternoon the drivers executed standing starts that are used by Formula BMW worldwide.

“The BMW driving experience was very fun,” commented Wiegand, a 17-year old from Bargersville, Indiana who finished third in the ICC National Championship points. “The cars were very professional and the instructors were very informative. I am glad I was chosen to be a part of this Formula BMW USA experience and very thankful to everyone involved for making this experience so great.”

“The Formula BMW cars were very responsive and quick to learn for kart drivers,” said Johnny Johnson, an 18-year old from Marshalltown, Iowa who finished fourth in ICA National Championship points. “The whole experience will help me be a better driver in the future as I develop my motorsports career.”

“The coaches were fantastic,” said Kevin LaCroix, a 15-year old from St. Eustache, Quebec. “I learned quite a bit from them, so that was great.”

RUSSELL ANDERSON TO REPRESENT UK ON CIK
London, England — Russell Anderson, the Chairman of the Association of British Kart Clubs (ABkC), has been appointed the UK’s chief representative on the governing body of world karting, the FIA’s Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK). Russell was nominated to the CIK by the Motor Sports Association and news of his appointment is a major boost for karting across the UK.

Russell’s appointment means that not only will British karting continue to have a vital say in decisions being taken at world level, but its views will be presented by one of its most knowledgeable minds.

He will also keep up to date the MSA’s newly-formed Kart Regional Committee – set up to discuss UK karting matters and make proposals to safeguard the sport’s interests nationally.

Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA, says: “I am delighted that Russell has been appointed UK delegate on the CIK. He is a highly respected and influential figure in karting circles and his knowledge and experience make him an excellent asset to the CIK.”

Having started racing karts in 1959, Russell has devoted his life to the sport, going on to become a successful team manager and constructor, predominantly in long circuit gearbox karting.

Russell has been Chairman of the ABkC for four years and attended his first CIK meeting as an official member of the Commission at the FIA in Paris on Thursday 25 November.

“I must thank the MSA for nominating me to the CIK,” comments Russell. “This shows the MSA understands how important it is to have someone who works in the field acting as a link between UK and international karting.

“It is a good step for this country that someone who is on the ground and a link between clubs and competitors to the MSA is now also involved with the CIK. I believe I fulfil that criterion.

Russell adds: “Currently I sense a fresh breeze running through the CIK and look forward to taking up my role and keeping this country in touch with what is happening internationally and vice versa.

“The CIK sets the parameters for world, European and national championships. With the new structure that has recently been put in place, important matters can now be discussed in full and communication is a lot better.”

MARONEY SEES RED AND TAKES 2004 CALIFORNIA STATE KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP IN DEBUT FOR NEVOSO KART
Beaumont, California — Lightning strikes twice for 11 year old Miles Maroney … Last season, a bizarre mechanical on the parade lap for the main event dashed Maroney’s chances of a Stars of Karting National Championship at Moran Raceway in Southern California only to have him return several weeks later to claim the 2003 California State Championship … Last month at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida for the Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League finale, again another mechanical, this time a broken frame on Miles time tested “blue” Top Kart chassis on lap 7 of the main event took Maroney out of contention for the Stars National title, leaving him 3rd in the Nation while winning the Western Division Crown.

Miles Maroney showed up at Moran Raceway over the Thanksgiving weekend along with close to 300 other karters, including a field of the nation’s top Cadet 8-12 year old drivers … Miles was again looking for redemption and a chance to claim a prestigious California State Championship title to end the season on a high note … Debuting a new Nevoso Kart chassis with red bodywork that saw it’s first laps turned in Friday’s practice sessions, Miles Maroney dominated the HPV1 100cc pipe class to claim the 2004 California State Championship title, driving to the lead from his 4th place starting position on the grid and racing away from the lead pack draft to an uncontested win by just under 3 seconds.

2005 will see Miles Maroney pilot his Pitts Performance powered, Alpinestars, UPR.COM, NEVOSO KART package in the Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League National Series and selected WKA and IKF events. For Information contact Michael Maroney (818) 592-0477;mjmaroney@earthlink.net or Miles Maroney (818) 312-6536; milesmaroney@earthlink.net.

TAG ANNOUNCEMENTS
Antioch, Illinois — It’s has been a while since TAG hase made any printed statements about TAG USA and their forward movements in the TAG arena but never fear they have been moving forward. The new Board of Directors and Liaisons will be updated by the end of the month. Also, TAG is working on a TAG World Final for 2005 and updating their new membership program.

“As we speak, the rules for 2005 are being finalized and will be sent to our webmaster and printer by the end of the month, said David Larson of TAG USA. “TAG USA is also supporting Marty Casey’s TAG monthly newsletter as well as including other TAG Racing International and TAG USA news.”

Questions and comments may be directed to Marty Casey at marty@tagracing.net or Dave Larson at gempro001@aol.com.

TAG 2005 WEIGHTS ANNOUNCED
TAG USA and TAG SKUSA are pleased to announce the 2005 weights, and as you will see there has been weight added to the 2005 Biland. We feel this will keep TAG racing on an even keel.

We have also made an age clarification for the Juniors of 15 years of age. With this rule you must be 15 years of age before you compete as a senior.

Cadet class you must be 7 years of age before you may compete.

Notes:

The 2004 Biland 250 SA motor is legal at its present weight, with addition of the new red coils only. This does not include the new exhaust or valve train parts

The Biland 250 SA-05 is the 2005 motor. The weight is +25 lbs for Seniors and masters class.

The Biland 250 SA-05 includes all of the new updates included in the 2005 tech manual

TAG 2005 WEIGHTS

Engine
CADET
7-12
Years of age JR
12-15
Years of age SR
15 Years
& Up MASTERS
35 Years
& Up.

Biland 250 SA 320 lbs. 385 lbs. 415 lbs.
Biland 250 SA-05   410 lbs. 440 lbs.
BM Jaguar 320 lbs. 370 lbs. 400 lbs.
Comer 60cc 235 lbs.
Comer 320 lbs. 385 lbs. 415 lbs.
EasyKart IAME 60cc 235 lbs.
EasyKart IAME 125 320 lbs.   370 lbs. 400 lbs.
Gazelle IAME 60cc 235 lbs.
PRD Wildfire 320 lbs. 385 lbs. 415 lbs.
Italsistem ML47H*   385 lbs. 415 lbs.
Motori Seven    375 lbs.
Parilla Leopard 320 lbs. 370 lbs. 400 lbs.
Rotax Max JR 320 lbs.
Rotax Max FR125   365 lbs. 395 lbs.
Sonik TX125 320 lbs. 385 lbs. 415 lbs
Sonik VX125 320 lbs. 385 lbs. 415 lbs.
Vortex RoK 320 lbs. 370 lbs. 400 lbs.
WTB 60cc TBA

(*Italsistem Sr package to use analog ignition only.)

MORE TAG NEWS- MARTIN CASEY
After the first year of TAG USA & TAG SKUSA, we have made great progress with the TAG concept. Communication lines have been opened up with manufacturers, importers and dealers so that updates and new information that is available can be delivered to you, our customer, in a quick and efficient manner. This brings positive change and development for all the engines in the TAG system. One of my primary goals over the course of the next few years is to work with the engine manufacturers to get the engines produced in a tighter spec. This would mean closer weights, easier parity, and better racing, which is what we’re all about.

On another front, it seems as though WKA is working on following the TAG rules format. This is a giant leap in our goal of providing rules that everyone can follow.

There is a new engine on the market, which will be available soon from Grand Products. The engine is to be called the Fireball, and will be produced by PRD. It is currently going through our testing program so that we can get it placed in our line up, and this information will be available soon.

Moto Kart is the new importer for the BM Jag line of engine. Moto Kart is based in California, and can be reached at 408-543-8686.

Super TAG. “I’ve been receiving e-mails from a number of folks that are interested in keeping TAG a tightly-controlled formula, and creating a level above this that would allow engine modifications”, Marty Casey. “It’s an interesting concept and I’d like to hear what your thoughts are. Send comments to marty@superkartsusa.com or marty@tagracing.net.”

Casey continued, “One item that I would like to include in this monthly TAG update are articles from outside of our company regarding TAG. If you’re interested, the articles should be positive in nature, and contribute something positive to the TAG movement. The topics are wide and varied; so feel free to use your creative license. Send ‘em to marty@superkartsusa.com or marty@tagracing.net.”

PATRICK MOTIVATED TO BREAK GROUND, COMPETE FOR WIN AT INDY 500
Indianaplois, Indiana — Former karter, Danica Patrick knows part of her celebrity as a rising star in open-wheel racing is because she is a female, but she also knows she has arguably the best shot of any woman at a coveted Indianapolis 500-Mile Race victory.

After three successful seasons with Rahal Letterman Racing in developmental series, team co-owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman have moved up Patrick, 22, to the 2005 Indy Racing League, IndyCar Series as teammate to 2004 Indianapolis 500 champ Buddy Rice and Vitor Meira.

"This is a plan that we've had for a couple of years now and a relationship we've had with Bobby and Rahal Letterman Racing even long before that," Patrick said. "Sometimes it feels like it has taken a long time to get here, but I'm 22 years old, and I'm going to be driving in the Indy 500. It's amazing.

"I have been working toward this for 13 years. It's pretty whirlwind right now. I think it's going to be a fun year."

Patrick, who was born in Beloit, Wis., and lives in Phoenix, will drive the No. 16 Panoz G Force/Honda/Firestone entry with sponsorship from Argent Mortgage Company and Pioneer Electronics.

She will attempt to become only the second woman, after Sarah Fisher, to drive the entire IRL IndyCar Series schedule and become the fourth woman to compete in the Indianapolis 500.

Janet Guthrie was the first woman to compete in the race, from 1977-79. Lyn St. James drove in seven races between 1992-2000, winning Bank One Rookie of the Year honors in 1992, and Fisher has competed in every Indianapolis 500 from 2000-04. Guthrie's ninth-place finish in 1978 is the best for a female driver.

While Patrick knows the tricky 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval commands the respect of drivers around the world, her learning curve will be made much easier thanks to the company she keeps at Rahal Letterman Racing.

Rahal won the second-fastest Indianapolis 500 in history, in 1986, and finished seventh or better in seven of his 13 Indy 500 starts. Rice, also a Phoenix resident, was one of the dominant drivers throughout the 2004 IndyCar Series campaign.

Patrick's experience in junior open-wheel racing series also will make a big difference. She competed in Formula Ford in England in 2000-01, then joined the Rahal team and drove in the Barber-Dodge Pro Series in 2002 and Toyota Atlantic in 2003-04, finishing third in 2004.

In Patrick's eyes, that experience gives her a better chance to compete for victory at the Indianapolis 500 then the women who raced before her.

"I have been given the opportunity to really learn," Patrick said. "I learned in England, I learned here with Bobby and the (Toyota) Atlantic team.

"I'm also very confident. I feel like I can do the job, I feel like I'm a good driver, and I know that I'm with a good team that I can do it with. Let's face it, a lot of good drivers don't get on good teams and can't go fast. You can only push your car so hard."

Opening Day for the 2005 Indianapolis 500 is Sunday, May 8, and that is when Patrick's "hands-on" education in competing in the "500" begins. She said the greatest advice she has received thus far is not how to drive on fabled IMS oval, but how to cope with three weeks of preparation and fanfare.

"The actual racing of it isn't different than anywhere else, but there is much that I have been coached on as to the buildup to it," Patrick said. "It's a whole month. All the people, and when you enter Turn 1 you feel like you're going to run into a wall because there are so many people. But the actual racing, and if I can focus on that, is what I've known and what I've been learning my whole life."

END

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