July 2005 - A SNAPSHOT OF KARTING IN THE U.S.A. — STARS OF KARTING

For the next few months, we will bring you a quick overview of each of the six US sanctioning organizations (IKF, IRA, KART, STARS, SKUSA and WKA) as well as some of the larger race series here in the States such as the Rotax and Burris series.  In the future, we plan to  showcase some of the karting organizations from around the world as well. This month, we will begin with the top rung of karting ladder, yet the bottom rung of professional racing – Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League.

Snap-On Stars of Karting Presented by the Indy Racing League represents the pinnacle series in the sport of karting and often times the first step to a career in motorsports. With its association with the IRL and other key motorsport entities, the Stars of Karting gives racers the chance to move onward. Likewise, the racers in the series are among the most talented, promising drivers today and warrant attention in their own right.

The series, founded in 2000 by IRL star Bryan Herta and the late Hollis Brown, was developed to provide a career starting point in the top levels of motorsports, including the IRL. Now owned by 1986 Indy 500 champion Bobby Rahal, Herta and veteran karting promoter Paul Zalud, the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the IRL Presented by the Indy Racing League has established proper structure and competition in North American karting. With key partners like Snap-on and the IRL on board for the long term, the series promises phenomenal growth and potential in allowing new generations of American and international racing stars to flourish.

With incredible power-to-weight ratios, karts have been the starting point for such world-famous drivers as Danica Patrick, Michael Andretti, Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Gil de Ferran, Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher. In fact, many drivers utilize karting during the off-season to keep themselves in racing shape and prepare for the upcoming season.

Every organization needs a reference point, a marker, by which to navigate. In a sport with so much potential yet so little realized, the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the IRL establishes the following statements to its constituents and to its principals in order to make the potential a reality.

To provide our teams and competitors with the best organized and administered karting programs in America and to employ internationally recognized categories, working with other karting bodies, known for the discipline and education needed by those participants committed to succeeding at all levels of international motorsports.

To provide our teams and competitors with the highest levels of organization and administration possible.

Focus the national program on categories recognized internationally as providing the education and disciplines necessary for American drivers to succeed at the highest levels of international motorsport.

Provide our teams and competitors with world-class, CIK specification circuits embracing the most recent safety measures and challenging designs.

Provide our teams and competitors with marketing and promotional opportunities thereby ensuring their long-term economic viability.

Work in conjunction with all partners within the Snap-on Stars of Karting Presented by the IRL environment to further the reputation and awareness of karting as a legitimate motorsport and the first rung on the driver development system.

Coordinate and seek the opinions of the participants at all levels to ensure rules reflect the best interests of the majority.

Provide economic opportunity to all stars teams to ensure their participation and economic viability.

For more information, please see www.starsofkarting.com.

 


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