RLOKC First Simraceway Race Draws Large Turnout

Fri, 3 May 2013 09:16:11 -0400

RLOKC First Simraceway Race Draws Large Turnout
On Sunday April 14 the Red Line Oil Karting Championships returned to the Simraceway Karting Center for Race 1 of the Molecule Karting Championship and Race 2 of the Sanzaru NorCal Rotax Challenge. Saturday's activities included open practice and the first series race of the EVO electric kart class as well as a return of the Simraceway Arrive and Drive classes after an absence of 2 years. 108 total racers took to the track over the two-day race weekend! The race weekend was run on the fast National track configuration. Due to a lengthy red flag stoppage in the Pro Stock Honda Pre-Main, the race day was shortened to a one Pre-Main plus Main event format.

RGE EVO Electric karts
The first spec electric karts took to the track and showed what a winters worth of work could produce. RGE is the class sponsor and the developer of the spec motor/controller/battery components. RLOKC promoter Steve Cameron working with RGE's Richard Hilleman have come from concept to reality to create the first series of its kind anywhere in the world! The product is a fine package of technology and speed that truly demonstrates what can be done with electric racing vehicles. Marcos Ramierz was the top driver of the 4 karts that took the track, but unlike last November when the electric karts put on a demonstration race, Marcos had some competition this time around. In all the heats and Main, Marcos was never more than a second ahead of Zac Rubenson. Gabe DeVault was the third place finisher in both Pre-Mains but Richard Hilleman overcame some technical issues and took 3rd overall spot in the Main. Marcos took home a GoPro Silver edition camera for his victory.

JMJ Motorsports Junior Rotax - GoPro feature race
With new class sponsor JMJ Motorsports, Junior Rotax again produced the largest field, 14 karts, as well as some of the best action of the weekend. Enzo Prevost, Jaden Conwright and Annie Breidinger took the top 3 spots in Qualifying. In the Pre-Main, Enzo repeated his top performance by taking a slim victory over Jaden with Michael Avansino in 3rd ahead of Annie. In the Main, Enzo and Conwright did most of the battling up front with some early pressure from Avansino. By mid-race, Avansino faded a bit, Toni Breidinger moved up from 5th to take over 3rd and sat in a position to go into the lead if Enzo and Jaden were to tangle. Jaden went into the lead with a couple of laps to go, but Enzo made a repass exiting tic-tac-toe on the last lap to go back into the lead for good. The finishing order was Prevost, Conwright 2nd, Toni B in 3rd, Avansino 4th and Annie B in 5th. For the win, Enzo took home the GoPro Hero Black edition camera.

IAME TaG
The spec gear IAME TaG race had seven drivers take to the track. Maxx Marian in his first senior class race took the pole ahead of Bryson Guzman and newcomer Robert Maggiora. In the Pre-Main, Marian dominated the race and came home eleven seconds ahead of Stephan Gaudreau with Nick Bagley 3rd. In the Main, Maxx choose to start from the rear of the field to gain valuable racing experience, but unlike the Pre-Main, the other competitors greatly improved their speed during the Main. Early on in the race, Guzman asserted himself and took the early lead and then stretched his lead with each lap. So the race quickly came down to a battle for second with Marian working his way through with Maggiora and Bagley fighting for 3rd once Marian got by. In the end, Guzman came home a convincing seven seconds in front of Marian, Maggiora 3rd and Bagley 4th. Guzman took home $50 cash for his efforts.

Rotax Micro Max
Eight karts took the track with Aiden O'Neil taking the pole ahead of Dustin Salaverria and Gino Sandoval. In the Pre-Main, O'Neil dominated with a ten second win over Sandoval and Salaverria 3rd. The Main was a repeat of the Pre-Main, O'Neil a ten second win ahead of Sandoval, Salaverria 3rd and Ethan Tavares coming home in 4th. Due to a non-performance technical violation the results were pending. After an appeal was reviewed the race results will stand but Aiden was docked 45 championship points and his team is placed on probation. The Micro Max prize money will be applied to the entries for the next race with each driver receiving a discount!

80 Masters and DD2 Masters
With eight 80 Masters karts and one DD2 Masters, the veteran drivers put on a great show. Charles Hastings took the pole ahead of Roger Cornwall and Tom Nelson. In the Pre-Main, Tom Nelson got to the front at the start and was hounded by Hastings the entire way but Hastings could not find the opportunity to make the pass. Geoff Provo took 3rd. In the Main, Hastings worked his way by Nelson at the start and pulled away for a three second win, Nelson 2nd, with Cornwall getting by Provo to take the 3rd spot, Provo 4th.

Pro Stock Honda
With fourteen karts, this was one of the largest Pro Stock Honda fields in awhile. Daniel Langon took the pole ahead of 2012 RLOKC Champ Jason Toft with Nic LeDuc 3rd. The Pre-Main started with a clean start, all karts getting through the first turn with Toft leading the field. But as the karts came up the front straight the first time, Kassy Loving's kart broke a rear axle, which pitched her kart into the outside wall. The race was stopped while the ambulance crew tended to Kassy. Her first words to her crew while she was being treated was to get her kart ready for the Main, but the Paramedics had a different idea and transported her to Marin General for full evaluation. Kassy was treated and released, returning to the track later in the day.
On the restart, Toft lead the field down to the flying single file start and the remaining thirteen karts finished the eight-lap race without further incident. Toft took the win from LeDuc 2nd , Michael Raimes 3rd and Langon 4th. In the Main, Toft took control of the start and then controlled the race, Nic taking home $150 for the win. LeDuc stayed close to come home a strong 2nd, Langon moved up to 3rd with Hunter Picket taking the 4th spot, Raimes coming home 5th .
After a ninety minute delay the rest of the day's program was revised to finish the first round of Pre-Mains, then start the Mains.

Senior Rotax
Jarrett Lile took the front spot in the qualifying ahead of seven other drivers. Dylan Albiani took 2nd, with Alex Kwan 3rd. In the Pre-Main, Lile took the lead out of turn one and was chased the entire way by Albiani with new comer Daniel de la Calle 3rd and Josh Feiber 4th. In the Main, Albiani and Lile fought for the lead coming into tic-tac-toe. Daniel then went inside and rubbed side pods with Albiani, who came out of the turn with a mechanical problem and pulled off course. Lile took advantage of the contact between Albiani and de la Calle and drove into the lead, a lead he would never give up. Lile took a four second win over de la Calle with Josh Feiber 3rd and Alex Kwan 4th. Jarrett also walked away with $100 for his win.

Rotax Mini-Max
What a difference a year makes, last year only one Mini Max was a series regular, nine karts took to the track for this Simraceway opener. It is a significant improvement in class growth, much of which can be credited to George Tavares. Horatio Fitz-Simon took the pole ahead of Tomas Mejia and Matteo Sandoval. In the Pre-Main, Fitz-Simon controlled the start and the race to take a six second win ahead of Sandoval and Mejia with Colin Mullan 4th. In the Main, Fitz-Simon and Sandoval came out of the first turn 1-2 and the chase was on. Matteo was close on the heals of Horatio through the first six laps, but a kart problem ended Sandoval's run on lap 7. Horatio came home seven seconds in front of Mejia with Bryson Lew 3rd and Valdemar Eriksen 4th. The $50 winner bonus was awarded to Horatio.

Stock Honda Masters
Ten drivers took to the track in qualifying with Patrick O'Neil taking the pole ahead of Jim Inglebright and Jim Kidd. In the Pre-Main, O'Neil lead the field into turn one with Jim Kidd along side. As O'Neil and Kidd raced down to tic-tac-toe side by side, they touched, Kidd getting some air and O'Neil's kart receiving damage that would result in retirement. Inglebright took over the lead with Kidd recovering to take 2nd ahead of Michael Guasch. In the Main, Inglebright on pole and O'Neil starting 10th. For the first half of the race, Inglebright was being chased by Kidd with Gausch close behind and O'Neil working his way up through the field into 4th. O'Neil first got by Gausch, then Kidd with two laps to go and set his sites on Inglebright. Kidd had a different idea and repassed O'Neil with three turns to go with Gausch also getting under O'Neil as he went wide on the exit. At the checkered, Inglebright took the win and the $125 cash. Kidd finished in second, ahead Gausch, O'Neil with David Arnstein 5th.

Rotax Masters
Eight drivers took to the track with Geoff Wise taking the pole ahead of James Dix and John Breidinger. In the Pre-Main, Wise lead the field through turn one and drove on to a solid five second win ahead of Breidinger and Dix with Jeff Smith moving up from 8th to 4th. In the Main, Wise again lead the field through the first turn and was never headed. But the action right behind was great with four drivers in the mix. At the finish, Wise took a strong win over Jeff Smith, followed by David Carlisle, James Dix and John Breidinger. The 2nd through 5th drivers finishing with just two seconds separating them.
The results for this event can be seen at www.mylaps.com. The next RLOKC event will be Saturday May 11, a first time Saturday race so that the drivers can be at home for Mother's Day. Practice will be available from 10:00 to 5:00 on Friday, May 10. The track configuration will be a new one, the Daytona configuration. This will be a shorter track length, thus expect 20+ laps for the Mains.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR ROTAX CAN-AM PROKART CHALLENGE INAUGURAL EVENT

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:41:43 -0400

Entries streaming in for opening weekend at Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, BC on May 17-19

NEWBERG, OR – The karting community is set to welcome a new and unique regional program to the North American market as the Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge programs debuts May 17-19 at the Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Mirroring the famous Can-Am Challenge Cup professional car series that ran in 1970s and 1980s, the karting Can-Am series will put the best in western Canada and the United States together in a four event championship. The Rotax Max Challenge and Superkarts! USA sanctioned series is putting together the final touches for the inaugural event, including the registration process.
Registration has opened at www.rotaxcanamprokartchallenge.com in the Events section of the website. There, competitors can open up the easy to use registration PDF form. Once you fill out the form, you can send directly to the Can-Am staff via email and print a copy for your records. The third step includes a payment page, to ensure your entry is complete. For more information, visit the following link for step-by-step process (http://www.rotaxcanamprokartchallenge.com/registration.htm). Pre-entry period will last until May 10. After that, racers will have to wait until registration opens at the track to enter the inaugural Can-Am event. Series officials would also like to remind racers membership within WKA (U.S. Rotax Max Challenge members) or ASN Canada (Rotax Max Challenge Canada) for Rotax racers and Superkarts! USA for shifterkart drivers is required. Membership forms will be available at the track or you can find them on the Can-Am web page.
One of the great situations with the Can-Am program is the combination of the Rotax Max Challenge and Superkarts! USA organizations running under one banner. The Rotax Max Challenge portion of the Can-Am will follow the seven categories you can find at Rotax events in the United States or Canadian and even around the world. The Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge is dedicated to provide the western half of North America with a traveling series, welcoming the best drivers from the two countries together, to provide the most competitive championship possible. Those competing in the Senior Max, DD2, DD2 Masters and Junior Max categories will have a chance to secure a ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals, held this year in New Orleans and will be the first time the event will be held within the United States. The Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge has also garnered a total of four tickets for racers to compete in the Micro & Mini Max Invitational that will be contested along side the Grand Finals at the NOLA Motorsports Park in November. The top two drivers in the Mini Max and Micro Max championship standings will be awarded a ticket to compete in the first-ever event.
The Can-Am program has also partnered with the Superkarts! USA to help rebuild what was once a strong presence in the area during the beginning years of the organization. The opening rounds of the Can-Am series will serve as the first SKUSA-sanctioned event in Canada for the first time in over 10 years. All five of the SKUSA Stock Moto categories will be offered throughout the series (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5), with racers able to take advantage of the perks racing a SKUSA ProKart Challenge program. Those racers who follow the entire Can-Am ProKart Challenge will enjoy the priority pre-registration program for the SKUSA SuperNationals XVII in Las Vegas, giving those SKUSA the first right to enter their respective classes. Champions from the Can-Am PKC will also be awarded a guaranteed starting spot in their respective class on SuperSunday in Las Vegas (class must average five racers for the year in order to receive ticket). Please note that Superkarts! USA categories will compete in a Friday-Saturday format, with only one round of racing for the Chilliwack weekend. The double round format will continue at the second stop on the Can-Am schedule.
The staff assembled for the Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge welcomes many familiar faces and respected officials within the industry. Nichole Wimsett is handling the behind the scenes work as Race Administrator; Chris Egger will handle the on-track duties as Race Director, with assistance from Tim Hannen of OVRP. Don Mooremiester has been named as the series Tech Director and MAXSpeed’s Josh Smith will be on hand to assist with during the weekend’s events. The Can-Am program is currently signing up 2013 series partners, with a solid group already on board, including CRG West, Wicked Fabrication, Neliton Race Concepts, Black Flag Racing and Rolison Performance Group.
More details regarding the 2013 Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge can be found at www.rotaxcanamprokartchallenge.com . To learn more about supporting the series in 2013, send an email to info@canamrotax.com or phone 503-260-4514.

2013 Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge
May 17-19: Greg Moore Raceway - Chilliwack, British Columbia
June 14-16: Pat’s Acres Racing Complex - Canby, Oregon
July 5-7: McMinnville Kart Track - McMinnville, Oregon
September 20-22: Medford Kart Track - Medford, Oregon

About: Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge
The Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge is the newest regional racing program, focused around supporting the western coast of North America, welcoming Canadian and American teams and drivers. The four event program will be a best six of eight championship chase, offering categories of the Rotax Max Challenge and Superkarts! USA. This new program will provide a unique atmosphere, formatted like a national summer series program. Rotax racers will receive punches toward the 2013 US Rotax Grand Nationals, also with four tickets up for grabs to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals. SKUSA racers will race for a guaranteed starting spot at the SKUSA SuperNationals XVII in Las Vegas with class championship.

Mini Max "Rev Limiter" Bulletin

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:19:46 -0400

Hello all USRMC Series and Officials,
Please read the following and attached document. The attached document is the official Bulletin concerning the “Rev Limiter”. At this time it will not be mandatory to require this device at your RMC; however, it has been perceived very well by the customers and without any serious complaints the project worked successfully.
It will be the decision of each USRMC series to use this device or not. Most of the series around the country have been given the opportunity to use the device free of charge during their scheduled 2013 events; and it is highly recommended from Maxspeed Group that each series continues to use. At this time, with the support of OGP the product has been made available for purchase as a retail part. The “Rev Limiter” will have a retail price of $180.00 with a discount given to official USRMC series. Therefore, only local or regional USRMC series may purchase these devices from OGP at a discounted price and may either rent or sell the device to the end user. You can place your orders through OGP, just call 352-291-0600. Place your order before the next race!

The Maxspeed Group intends to use this device at the USRMC Grand Nationals.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact: Josh Smith
Mini Max “Rev-Limiter”
Effective according to the supplemental regulations of each individual series

The Mini Max “Rev-Limiter” is not mandatory for use under the USRMC technical regulations for 2013. The device will be organized for use and mandated by each USRMC series individually.
The Maxspeed Group distributed the “Rev Limiter”, during the premier winter series with great success. The news spread quickly and many of the USRMC series have been asking to mandate the device at their series. This devise has successfully terminated the so called “turbo effect” with little to no major modifications.
Unfortunately, the Maxspeed Group was unable to control the use of this device entirely, which has driven the Maxspeed Group not to attain the rights to this product. However, working closely with Maxspeed group Ocala Gran Prix has been able to structuralize a plan to allow all official USRMC series to purchase the product from OGP. Each Official USRMC series will have the right to sell or rent the devices at their own discretion. Please contact your local/regional USRMC or OGP directly to place an order: check out their website for contact information www.ocalagranprix.com.
If a series wishes to mandate the Mini Max “Rev-Limiter” for its races, the series should make sure that all participants in the class have the device available to them to have them all installed.

Installation:
The device is to be installled in between the wire harness and the ignition coil. It is highly recommended to mount the “Rev-Limiter” using Velcro, and attach it to the side of the ignition coil. Also zip ties can be used as a secondary precaution to hold the device in place. These devices will have to be installed prior to declarations and must be inspected by the scrutineers for serial number and proper mounting.

Use:
The device issued to that kart/driver, must be the same device used for that kart/driver.

USRMC NEWS BULLETIN

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:18:04 -0400

Hello all USRMC series,
I have been working on formalizing the MAXSpeed Groups sponsorship of each individual RMC series. Please review the attachments as the full detailed announcement can be found there.
Also, we have been receiving only a few of your race results, but I would like them all. This way we can stay more on top of the National Points System and Punch Requirements. Also, EKN is helping promote the top Rotax drivers and highlighted RMC series. But, this means we need your race results submitted and if you can title your document with your series name.
I have also attached the formal National and International Declaration Document. This pre-tech sheet is used for the FWT, COA, Pan-AM and was for the 2012 Grand Nationals and we will continue to use it. You are more than welcome to use this as your standard Rotax Pre-tech form and to help formalize the Rotax program. If you wish I can replace the USRMC logo with your particular series logo.
2013 United States Rotax Max Challenge Series Ending Awards
This is a promotional program for all 2013 participating United States Rotax Max Challenge Series.
This program is designed to increase the desire for USRMC series to sign up members in your local or regional program. The MAXSpeed Group is going to sponsor series ending award banquets and/or series ending championships by giving back to each series based on their total membership. The Series Ending Awards program will be set as 4 separate stages.
Please read the full document attached.
Other Series Awards:
This year we will continue to award the first series to 50 members a cash prize of 1000 dollars. We feel that this is a friendly way to compete against other regions by attaining members quickly. The Maxspeed Group is proud to have such a successful group of series and karting tracks around the Unites States and we feel that giving back to the karting community is the strongest way to promote growth. We will announce other series awards throughout the season. Stay tuned as I think we will have a winner to the first 50 members very soon.

Memberships
You can find attached the Most current membership list. We are currently up to 398 drivers!

Top Ten Series:
1. Northeast Rotax Max Challenge 43
2. Red Line Oil Karting Championship 38
3. Jet Karting @ Michiana 33
4. PowerAde Rotax Challenge 32
5. Rotax Can-Am Prokart Challenge 29
6. South Florida Rotax Max Challenge 27
7. Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge 25
8. North Florida Rotax Max Challenge 25
9. Rotax of the Rockies 25
10. Momentum Racing Championship Series 20

Get the 2013 United States Rotax Max Challenge Series Ending Awards.pdf
Get the RMC Pre Technical Form for the United States.pdf
Get the Member List April 4th 2013.xlsx

Thrilling Finals of the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge at Genk

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 08:03:38 -0400

With a thrilling and spectacular race Sunday the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge completed its 2013 opening round at Genk (BE) today. Since Friday over 200 drivers from over 35 nations claimed their ticket for the final phase, which today saw the best pilots fighting for the first wins in the categories of MAX Junior, MAX Senior, DD2 and DD2 Masters. Although conditions stayed really wintery for the final day, the track luckily kept dry, which provided a perfect ground for the racing action.
In DD2's prefinal pole setter Xen de Ruwe (FK Racing Team AB Ltd) lost his lead immediately at the start. He had to leave the door open to Sean Babington (Dan Holland Racing) and Finland's Miika Laiho (MPT Racing). Yet de Ruwe kept in touch with the top. After one third of the race distance, leader Babington was visibly losing performance, finally only ending up on rank four. On the top Laiho did not leave any doubt. He defended the lead until the chequered flag ahead of Xen de Ruwe and Sandro Lukovic (Intrepid Driver Program). Actually it was the reigning world champion Ben Cooper (KMS Europe) crossing finishing line in third place, yet a penalty for leaving the corridor threw him back to seventh place again.
Xen de Ruwe, Miika Laiho, Ben Cooper, Sean Babington and Ferenc Kancsar (KMS Europe) formed the leading quintet in the final. After a few laps Hungary's Ferenc Kancsar proved to be quickest, making his way through the pack until his opponents struck back and pushed the Birel driver back into fifth place again. Cooper and de Ruwe were the next ones trying to improve their positions. But both got into a slight collision, which cost the targeted podium. The flying Finn Miika Laiho was not bothered by this incident at all. He kept cool and crossed the line in first position, closely ahead of Kancsar and Babington, who completed the first podium of the year.
In the classification of the DD2 Masters only two drivers qualified for the final phase, namely Florent Lambert (Tatum Racing) and Christophe Adams (Sporting Formula K France). While Adams decided the prefinal in his favour, Lambert took the victory in the decisive final.
With a pile-up, involving almost ten drivers, the juniors started into their prefinal. Most prominent victim of the crash was pole setter Josh Price (Chris Rogers M/Sport), who found himself being pushed back to the very end of the grid. Lando Norris (RL Racing Dept UK), fresh from his KF3 win at Zuera, and Connor Hall (Strawberry Racing) were the lucky ones marking the new leading duo after a few laps. Quickly it became clear, that Hall seemed to be the fastest man on track. So it was no surprise that the Winter Cup winner took rank one soon. Yet the race was not over and a small mistake of Hall was seized by Norris without any mercy. From then on Norris defended his position by all means and took the victory in front of Connor Hall and Guan Yu Zhou (Strawberry Racing).
In the final Lando Norris had a much easier job. While there was a starting collision again, the Tony Kart driver headed away from the grid. By halftime his leading gap was big enough to control it until the falling of the chequered flag. Behind the winner Connor Hall had a bad start. Nevertheless he recovered quickly, making his way up again, which finally was rewarded with second position. A well-deserved third place went to Shanaka Clay racing on an Sri Lankan licence but living in the UK.
Senior prefinal seemed to become a triple fight between James Singleton (Coles Racing), Harry Webb (Strawberry Racing) and Ludvig Morin (Paul Carr Racing). The trio quickly headed away from the grid. But by halftime the top three began to struggle for positions thus gaming away their leading advantage. Suddenly about ten drivers caught up and mixed up the classification dramatically. Positions changed perpetually until the very last lap and only time keeping was able to state the final order. And here it was Edward Brand (Intrepid Driver Program) being first in finish just ahead of Harry Webb, James Singleton, Charlie Eastwood (Strawberry Racing) and Connor Jupp (Dan Holland Racing). Yet the winner's cheer was of short time. Brand was penalized with ten seconds, as he took advantage by cutting off the track in the very last lap. Him slipping back to position 18, it was Webb inheriting the full points for the win.
Who thought, that prefinal already was a terrific show, was not disappointed in the final either. James Singleton, Connor Jupp, Charlie Eastwood and Harry Webb delivered a tough show on the top. When it got to the final spurt manners got rougher, resulting in Jupp and Webb getting off the track and by this losing their chances for podium. Singleton on the other hand got the lead, the win within his grasp. But he did not expect a final attack of Charlie Eastwood. The man from Ireland seized his chance in the last but one corner. With a slight contact Eastwood managed to get through, which made him win the race in last minute. Singleton dropped back some positions and showed some unsportsmanlike behaviour after the race, which he finally was disqualified for. The podium was completed by Aavo Talvar (Talvar Racing) from Estonia, and Oliver Norris (RL Racing Dept UK Ltd) from the UK.
After the first breath taking round the ROTAX Euro Challenge hopes for warmer weather at the second event at Castelletto (IT), which will take place from 20th to 26th of May 2013. But one thing is sure right now: The race action will be hot indeed! So stay tuned on the official website www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com, where you get all information regarding reports, photos, results and live TV stream.

First Race Day of ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge at Genk

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 08:00:32 -0400

Day two of the 2013 ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge opening round in Genk (BE) started with much better weather conditions: A dry track and even slightly warmer temperatures provided best ingredients for the first race action which included not less than 22 qualification heats.
The great question was, if the UK drivers would be able to keep up their dominant pace, they showed in Friday's time practice. With junior Josh Price (Chris Rogers M/Sport), senior Connor Jupp (Dan Holland Racing), DD2 driver Sean Babington (Dan Holland Racing) and DD2 Masters pilot Florent Lambert (Tatum Racing) the "British armada" set the benchmarks in every single category. Now they had to confirm their speed in the races. At last the spectators at Genk and more than 17.000 viewers in the live TV streaming at home got to witness some new faces taking the lead.
In junior category Josh Price (Chris Rogers M/Sport) defended his top position, just as Florent Lambert (Tatum Racing) in DD2 Masters. As for DD2 category Belgium`s Xen de Ruwe now took the charge thus putting himself on pole position on his home track. A very close decision was reserved for the seniors: After the heats Harry Webb (Strawberry Racing) and James Singleton (Coles Racing), both from the UK, were equal in points. Since Singleton was the quicker man in qualifying practice, he was the one gaining pole position for Sunday.
So all told one has to state: The UK drivers are still the ones to be beaten – yet Xen de Ruwe managed to and surely will seize his chances for his home match at Genk.
After a long and thrilling day the grids for the final phase are almost set. On Sunday morning the second chance heats will complete the classification before the first prefinal is scheduled for 11:20 a.m., brought to you live on www.rgmmcmedia.com.
So stay tuned on the official website www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com, where you get all information regarding reports, photos, results and live TV stream.

ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge ready for Anniversary Season

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:00:05 -0400

There are only a few days left until the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge kicks off its racing season 2013 on the 1.360 metres long track of Genk (BEL) from 27th to 31st of March. This year will be a very special one for the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge and its organisers of RGMMC: When the engines will finally roar again, it will be the tenth starting shot for a European ROTAX racing season.
To mark the occasion RGMMC does not leave anything to chance: The anniversary year promises a great season in every way. The tour starts with the opening round in Genk (BEL) from 27th to 31st of March, followed by the second stop on the Italian track "Laghi 7" in Casteletto (IT) from 24th to 26th of May. The awesome track of PFi in Brandon (GBR) will mark the second halftime of the season from 19th to 21st of July, before Salbris (FRA) will host the final round from 6th to 8th od September.
A foretaste was already given by the traditional ROTAX Winter Cup in Campillos (Spain) in February. During this rehearsal RGMMC CEO Roland Geidel and his crew set new benchmarks in many fields. An effective new race control proved its worth just like the signal system 4FLAG, increasing the safety for drivers and marshals. The great debut of live TV coverage surely was the highlight of this remarkable weekend, which introduced a long list of innovations, now applying to the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge as well.
"The TV coverage was a great success at Campillos, though its debut still was on an early stage. For Genk we are going to take the next step. Besides the live coverage of the practice sessions and races, we want to go into depth. This means we will have interviews with everyone involved – drivers, team heads, parents and so on. Our aim is to bring other aspects of karting to the viewers at home. Therefore we even created a special TV launch where our reporter will welcome a variety of guests from the paddock", says James Geidel, RGMMC vice president.
Having a look at the subscriptions, RGMMC will welcome over 200 drivers for the first of four rounds at Genk. 35 nations, representing every continent of the world, will compete in the three categories of MAX Junior, MAX Senior, MAX DD2 and the special classification of DD2 Masters.
65 junior drivers will compete at Genk, fighting for the first points of the season. Connor Hall (Strawberry Racing) could play a leading role in this category. After winning the Winter Cup the British youngster belongs to the top favourites. Same applies to his teammate Guan Yu Zhou from the UK, who finished second at Campillos and was placed eighth in the last years' overall classification of the Euro Challenge. Preventing a British dominance is the aim of Thomas Preining (Protrain Racing) from Austria and Japan's Sena Sakaguchi (Intrepid Driver Program). Preining proved his speed by finishing third at the Winter Cup and Sakaguchi underlined his qualities with the best time in qualifying practice at Campillos. Yet these candidates only mark a fraction of the large grid, which surely will come up with some surprising twists in the end.
A great show is expected in the senior category. 85 drivers are heading for the European crown this year, which makes it the largest class within the Euro Challenge framework, lifting the competition to the most thrilling level ever. But the grid not only impresses with its quantity. Drivers' quality is extremely high too and represents the best, which international ROTAX racing has to offer. First to mention is Harry Webb (Strawberry Racing): The reigning junior World and European champion debuts in senior category this year and proved his ambition already by winning the Winter Cup in Spain. Surely this latest triumph was not a flash in the pan for the man from the UK. Yet Webb will not face a walkthrough 2013: The reigning European vice champion Edward Brand (Intrepid Driver Program) from the UK belongs to the top favourites just as world champion Charlie Eastwood (Strawberry Racing) from Ireland or James Singleton (Coles Racing), who belonged to the quickest of the Winter Cup. The listing of favourites could go on endlessly but finally we have to wait and see what the season start really comes up with.
Last but not least DD2 category promises a lot of action, too. With 54 drivers the grid is well-stocked and consists of the top drivers of ROTAX gearbox karting. The man to be beaten certainly is titleholder Mathias Detige (Bouvin Power). At Genk the reigning champion from Belgium will have his home match, which applies to Xen de Ruwe (FK Racing Team AB Ltd) as well. Ranked third in the Euro Challenge 2012 and recently winning the Winter Cup, de Ruwe surely will seize his home field advantage at Genk. Nevertheless the Belgian favourites will be given a hard time: Especially Finland's Mika Laiho (MPT Racing), designated vice champion of the Euro Challenge 2013, is aiming for the total triumph this year. And then there is Sean Babington (Dan Holland Racing) from the UK: After taking the title in senior category last year, the FA driver takes the next step in DD2. During the Winter Cup he underlined his skills in gearbox driving, finally finishing second on the podium.
As for the Masters classification Frenchman Christophe Adams (Sportkarting Formula K) wants to defend his title this year – a plan which Russia's Igor Mukhin (Intrepid Driver Program) surely intends to balk after recently winning the Winter Cup event.
All told one expects an awesome anniversary season. The tenth year of the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge promises a highly balanced level of competition and most thrilling race action in each category. At last Genk will unveil the first pacemakers and everyone is invited to join the event live. So stay tuned on the official website www.www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com and follow us live.

2013 USRMC / International Regulations

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:54:32 -0400

Please find attached the 2013 USRMC / international regulations. These regulations have changes and need to be read carefully.
The 2013 USRMC technical regulations are also available for download on the Go Rotax website or click here. These regulations also incorporate the USRMC supplemental regulations so please read carefully.
You can find the most recent technical bulletins on the website also. These will be updated as changes occur to the regulations throughout the year.
The 2013 Age Structure and Class Structures can be found in the supplemental regulation drop down box on the Go Rotax website, or click the link here.
Local/Regional Series: Please work with your customers to provide the new regulations at a date when all participants have adequate time to be prepared. I would suggest educating all drivers at the first race during the drivers meeting and during technical inspection.
The new regulations should be mandated for all series after April 20th, 2013 and can be mandated before with enough notice. Any separate series supplemental regulations should be submitted to the MAXspeed Group for us to provide proper support.

Eastern Canadian Karting Championship Briggs & Stratton Classes

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:07:18 -0400

Championship sends NorCal driver to Rotax Grand Finals for first time

As its 2013 season continues to take shape, the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship has news today that four-stroke racing will be back on its tracks this summer and organizers are once again firmly behind the Briggs & Stratton LO206 platform. Already well known in North America for producing the most competitive Rotax Max Challenge summer series, organizers are now looking to continue developing their four-stroke classes as well.
The Eastern Canadian Karting Championship will offer both Junior and Senior/Masters classes in its fourth edition, once again pairing its program with the ASN Canadian National Karting Championship offerings. It has also created a team incentive for large scale racing outfits hoping to encourage additional participation, and has decided on race entry fees of $95 for each of its Briggs & Stratton classes.
Four-stroke racing has a rich history in Canada, and traditionally developed the fundamentals of drivers while they found their way in karting. Now many young racers develop moving through the Rotax family of engines, but those entering the sport at Junior or Senior age are presented with a much bigger challenge, both in terms of required knowledge and cost. Briggs & Stratton Junior and Senior/Masters bridges the gap from beginner to Rotax, and by developing its four-stroke classes the ECKC is also working toward its goal of helping drivers reach a new level of skill and competitiveness.
“Karters new to the sport or coming out of an Arrive-and-Drive Series and into regional racing are best to hone their skills utilizing a four-stroke package initially,” said Ken Flute, whose Mosport International Karting circuit will host the ECKC opener at the end of May and is also home to a well developed Arrive-and-Drive program. “The sport is quite complex, and costs can become an issue for newer drivers coming in as well, a fact that can prevent them from progressing from Junior into Senior. Now with Briggs & Stratton classes, drivers have affordability and the LO206 has been accepted throughout the sport in both the East and West regions, and the national level as well. Numbers in attendance at the 2012 Canadian Nationals were some of the largest four-stroke numbers in years, and the racing was fantastic!”
The ECKC is looking to match that level of excitement and competitiveness over the course of a championship schedule, and the Briggs classes may just bring more drivers to the championship and keep them involved in the sport for a longer period of time.
“The engines are purpose-built for racing, and drivers are no longer forced to purchase a new engine when moving from Junior to Senior,” Flute continued, further adding to the advantage of the LO206. “They simply change the slide and continue to operate the same engine. This year at Mosport International Karting we will be adding a Junior Briggs class and are anticipating continued growth in the Senior Class as well. And with the first ECKC round at Mosport followed by another at Goodwood - and Ontario hosting the Nationals - we really hope to see the numbers grow again in Ontario this season.”
Goodwood Kartways President Daniel Di Leo, who manages an 850-strong Arrive-and-Drive program of his own and deals with similar issues, concurred with the sentiments. “We've seen during the combined ECKC/Coupe rounds that drivers from Quebec and the Atlantic provinces were quickly behind the Briggs program. Now two of the biggest clubs in Ontario are starting to see re-growth in four-cycle karting as well and both are fully supportive of the new formula. If we can just entice the Coupe drivers to the opening two rounds and have our Ontario club racers join them, then we'll truly be on our way to re-establishing the kind of four-stroke racing many of us recall from days gone by.”
Briggs & Stratton Junior, and Senior/Masters will join Rotax Micro-Max, Mini-Max, Junior, Senior, DD2 and DD2 Masters to complete the 2013 ECKC lineup. Many more details will come as the season draws near, and for all the latest information please visit www.eckc.ca regularly.

2013 EASTERN CANADIAN KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1 - Mosport International Karting, Bowmanville, Ontario
Friday, May 31, Practice
Saturday, June 1, Race One
Sunday, June 2, Race Two
www.mosportinternationalkarting.com

Round 2 - Goodwood Kartways, Stouffville, Ontario
Friday, June 28, Practice
Saturday, June 29, Race Three
Sunday, June 30, Race Four
www.goodwoodkartways.com

Round 3 - Le Monaco de Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
Friday, August 2, Practice
Saturday, August 3, Coupe du Quebec*
Sunday, August 4, Race Five
www.monacokarting.ca

Round 4 - Jim Russell Academie de Karting, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Friday, September 13, Practice
Saturday, September 14, Coupe du Quebec*
Sunday, September 15, Race Six
www.kartingjimrussell.com

BLAINE ROCHA EARNS ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS JUNIOR MAX TITLE

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 08:37:58 -0400

Championship sends NorCal driver to Rotax Grand Finals for first time

OAKDALE, CA – NorCal driver Blaine Rocha earned a ticket to compete at the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals thanks to a dominating weekend in Fontana, clinching the Rotax Challenge of the Americas championship. The 14-year old swept the entire weekend of action at the CalSpeed Karting facility, located just outside the Auto Club Speedway, claiming two main event wins to secure the series championship. The prize for the effort put in by the Rolison Performance Group driver is a qualifying spot at the Rotax world championship event, set to be held at the NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans on November 13-16.
“Winning the Challenge championship and the ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals was my main goal for this year, and being able to accomplish that feels great,” stated Blaine Rocha. “The switch to RPG team was a great move for me, as I have learned a lot in the last couple months. I want to thank Mike Rolison and the whole Rolison Performance Group, my mechanic Erik Bartolero, RLV, David's Racing Products, MasRoc Farms, Valley Enterprise, Forbidden Motorsports and my Mom and Dad for all the support. I am really excited what this year has in store for me.”
Rocha was at the front of the field all weekend long. Beginning with the Saturday warm-up session, Blaine transferred that speed into qualifying where he posted a fast lap of 51.454 seconds to secure the pole position for the Prefinal race. The 17-lap event saw the RPG driver challenged early but fast laps toward the end of the race propelled him to a near three-second advantage for the win. Relinquishing the lead in the opening circuit of the 25-lap Final, Rocha returned to the lead and never looked back. Posting fast laps of the race, Rocha drove to a nine-second margin of victory for his third of the year.
The following day was very similar to the previous round, as Rocha dominated the events. Blaine gained another five bonus points for posting the quickest lap in qualifying, a 51.072-second lap to secure the pole position by just over two tenths of a second. Rocha led all 17 laps of the Prefinal, driving away to a seven-second lead by the checkered flag. He continued his blistering pace aboard the Kosmic chassis in the Final, going wire-to-wire to secure his fourth victory of the season by an astonishing 11 seconds.
The weekend sweep moved Rocha to the top of the championship standings to earn his first Junior Max title at the Rotax Challenge of the Americas series. With the championship, Blaine was awarded a ticket to compete at the Rotax Grand Finals, set to be contested for the first time on United States soil, in New Orleans this November. This will be Rocha’s first trip to the event, and will battle for the Rotax world championship against competitors from roughly 50 different countries.
Rocha’s busy 2013 season will continue in April as he will begin his campaign of the Superkarts! USA Pro Tour, competing in the TaG Junior category. Blaine will compete in the Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge regionally in Oregon and Canada, with the goal at winning the United States Rotax Grand Nationals in North Carolina come August and the Rotax Pan American Challenge event in New Orleans this October.
About Blaine Rocha:
From Oakdale, California, Blaine Rocha is among the next rising stars in United States motorsports. The soon to be 15-year old began racing karts in 2008 in the Northern California area, starting out at the club level and later expanding to regional and national level of the sport. Rocha is in his third year competing at the Junior level in the sport, competing with the Rolison Performance Group operation - based near Portland, Oregon - and already holds notable championships on his resume. His CV includes the 2010 Rotax Challenge of the Americas Mini Max title and the 2011 Superkarts! USA NorCal ProKart Challenge TaG Junior crown. Last season, Blaine won in his opening weekend aboard a Junior Max machine at the Rotax Challenge of the Americas round in Tucson, Arizona. To find out more about this talented young driver, visit www.blainerocharacing.com

PARKER CHASE SHOWS SPEED AT FLORIDA WINTER TOUR HOMESTEAD ROUND

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:27:07 -0400

New Braunfels, Texas - In only his second year running the prestigious Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour (FWT), and first in the highly competitive Rotax ranks, 12-year-old Parker Chase continues to show improvement in the Rotax Mini Max category. Recently taking on 37 international drivers at the second stop of the Tour, the #199 Tony Kart entry ended his weekend on a positive note and will now look to the FWT finale in Ocala.
Only racing since April 2011, Chase has been able to prove himself in the ultra-competitive Mini Max class during 2013 FWT action. Taking to the Homestead Karting Complex, located on the grounds of the Homestead-Miami Speedway in late February, Chase would compete in the grueling three-day schedule for rounds three and four.
On track Friday for two qualifying sessions, which set grids for Saturday and Sunday's prefinal races, Chase got caught up in traffic during both timed sessions. Unable to get the necessary draft or a clear lap at the 7/10-mile permanent sprint circuit, Chase would be forced to start his wheel-to-wheel action deep in the pack, placing 24th for Saturday and 28th for Sunday.
Able to show his true speed and talent once racing action got underway, Chase encountered troubles due to his bad qualifying position in Saturday's prefinal. Falling back to the tail of the field, Chase powered back in the day's final, going from 32nd all the way to finish a strong 17th. Sunday's prefinal saw the rising talent pass ten karts to finish in 18th before falling back to 21st in the final. Despite the overall results, Chase continues to stay positive and is looking toward the final rounds in Ocala in just a few weeks.
"Overall it ended up being a very good weekend," explained Parker. "We learned a lot and are looking forward to finishing the Florida Winter Tour in Ocala."
Chase will hit the Ocala Gran Prix facility in Ocala, Florida March 22-24 for rounds five and six. Parker would like to thank his engine builders AM Engines and Ogden Racing Engines, his mechanic Noel de Leon, his sponsors Enertech Resources, Chase Racing and CH Motorsports, his teammates Max Hewitt and Dominic Tesoro, as well as his Dad, Mom and sister for all their support.
For more information on Parker Chase, please visit www.chaseracing.com.
For information on press releases or other media services offered by Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.

NORTHERN ONTARIO KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP ADDS TO CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE PURSE

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:43:40 -0400

$5000 per class to be awarded if entrants reach 120 competitors
Innisfil, Ontario - After announcing their prize structure for the 2013 Northern Ontario Karting Championship (NOKC) back in January, series officials have added an additional prize offering to their lucrative prize structure.
In addition to offering race day cash prizes of $1000 split between the first, second and third place finishers for all classes provided the class reaches a ten entry minimum, the NOKC will also award an extra $5000 championship purse per class if the 2013 series entrant list tops 120 competitors. This $5000 will be divided between the first through tenth place finishers in the championship standings, with $2000 awarded to first place, $1000 to second, $750 to third, $500 to fourth, $250 to fifth and $100 to the sixth through tenth place finishers.
The championship podium finishers (places first through third) will also be awarded a championship jacket and trophy. The 125 Shifter class champion will also be awarded the option to choose between a cool $5000 cash or a funded ride with GP Canada under the team tent for the 2013 SuperKarts! USA SuperNationals. This lucrative and unprecedented championship prize structure will make the NOKC the place to race in 2013.
Classes offered in the 2013 NOKC include: Rotax Micro Max, Rotax Mini Max, Junior Rotax, Senior Rotax, Rotax DD2, Junior 125 Shifter, Senior 125 Shifter, Novice, Junior Lite 4-Stroke, Junior Heavy 4-Stroke, Senior 4-Stroke and Masters.
Offering something for every karter, the NOKC is a must for regional competitors. The 2013 NOKC is a Canadian Rotax Max Karting Championship qualifier for those needing to meet the three event eligibility requirement before the Canadian Nationals in August. The schedule will feature an exciting double-header event format at the famed Shannonville Motorsport Park in July, as well as four additional rounds at the Innisfil Indy facility to make up a six race championship. Be sure to put the 2013 NOKC series on your event calendar!
Additionally, the Innisfil Kart Club (IKC) is proud to announce a race day prize purse of $300 per class, provided the class reaches a ten entry minimum. The club will award $150 to first, $100 to second and $50 to third. IKC members will also be up for the 12-race championship prize purse, which will see $10 per entry/per race set aside for a championship jackpot. The championship winner, plus other competitors in placing positions (to be announced) will receive a pay out at the end of the season. To be eligible for the championship and money pay out, competitors must be a member of the Innsifil Kart Club.
IKC officials also have a date set for the upcoming Spring General Meeting. The meeting will take place at Grange Hall in Innisfil on Saturday, March 23 from 1:00-3:00 pm. More information can be found at www.innisfilkartclub.ca.
The 2013 schedule is posted and online kart number reservations are now open at www.nokc.ca. Please log on to ensure your 2013 race number is secured. The 2013 NOKC season is generously sponsored by: GP Racing Canada, Innisfil Indy Karting, PCS Project Management and Airway Automotive.
The NOKC is a regional qualifying series for the Rotax Max Challenge and is operated by the Innisfil Kart Club. For more information on the NOKC, email racing@innisfilindy.com, call 905-775-4686 or visit www.nokc.ca.

CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS IN FONTANA

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:35:29 -0400

Seven champions crowned as first four tickets for 2013 Rotax Grand Finals awarded
ORANGE, CA – The Rotax Challenge of the Americas crowned its seven class champions at the series finale this past weekend (March 8-10) at the CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California. Many of the best drivers from across the United States and Canada converged on the 3/4-mile course, situated outside the Auto Club Speedway. The premier west coast winter series awarded the first four tickets (Senior Max, DD2, DD2 Masters, and Junior Max) to the Rotax Grand Finals in November, in addition to three paid entries for the United States Rotax Grand Nationals to the other class champions.
Phillip Arscott entered the event leading the Buddy Rice Karting Senior Max point standings, and managed to keep the advantage throughout the event to earn his first Challenge title. The opening day of competition was dominated by the defending champion Phil DeLaO. The Phoenix driver was first in all on-track sessions, missing out of a perfect score as Arscott nipped the fast lap honors in the main event, placing second. Parker McKean earned his second podium of the season, placing third and keeping his name in the title chase heading into the final day. Arscott put all the challenges to rest as he managed to put in his own dominant performance. From qualifying to the last Final of the series, the Oregon driver was unbeatable as he clinched the title with a victory and earn his third trip to the Rotax Grand Finals, his first since 2009. DeLaO ran a strong second place with Senior rookie Jake Craig winning the battle for third. Louie Pagano finished second in the standings with McKean third.
Fritz Leesmann and Alan Rudolph were head of the class at all three events on the year in the DD2 categories. Leesmann earned his second straight Dallas Karting Complex DD2 championship, ending the series with a complete weekend sweep. Senior rookie Andrew Evans ran second to Leesmann both days to finish vice-champion while Bill Kann was third in both aspects. Rudolph won five of the six main events in the series, including two in Fontana to earn his first Billet Performance DD2 Masters championship. Canadian Daryle Redlin gave chase both days, but was not able to match the pace of the Arizona veteran. Redlin finished out the year second in the standings with Mike Jones third. Both Leesmann and Rudolph will be making their second straight trip to the Rotax Grand Finals as part of Team USA.
The Rolison Performance Group Junior Max class championship was projected to go down to the wire, but Blaine Rocha had other ideas. The NorCal driver was second in the standings with the Fontana rounds left to contest. The opening round was all Rocha, as he swept the day’s action from qualifying to the main event. The perfect score was Rocha’s third victory and put him in the driver’s seat for the title. Noah Grey finished second in the Final with Brenden Baker a hard-fought third. Rocha came back the following day with the same blistering pace to duplicate his previous performance, leading throughout the entire day. He drove away to an 11-second victory to secure his first Challenge title and first ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals. Championship contender Luke Selliken placed second in the race, and in the final championship standings. Christian Brooks captured his second podium finish of the series, placing third on Sunday, while Grey completed the championship podium in the same position.
The one championship that did go down to the wire was in the CRG-USA Masters Max category. Three drivers entered the finale weekend separated by just five points, with only one escaping with the title. That driver was Donald Durbin Jr. The NorCal pilot earned five podium finishes to clinch the championship over Ken Maxfield and Justin Peck, earning a paid entry to the US Rotax Grand Nationals. On-track, the event belonged to Tyler Brooks as he swept the entire weekend from start to finish. Brooks edged out 2012 series champion Paul Bonilla and 2012 DD2 Masters title winner John Crow on Saturday, and then outran two-time Tucson winner Diego Pelosi and Durbin on Sunday.
The HoleShot Drive Systems Mini Max title was won by Idaho driver Sting Ray Robb. A two-time winner heading into the final weekend, Robb scored victory on Saturday to help his championship chase, edging out Roy Fulmer IV and David Rafailov. Championship contender Horatio Fitz-Simon bounced back from a rough round five to score the victory on Sunday, outrunning Robb and Jacob Blue Hudson. For Robb, the runner-up finish was more than enough to secure the championship, earning a paid entry to the US Rotax Grand Nationals, and score the most points on the weekend for a ticket to the Micro & Mini Max Invitational, as part of the Rotax Grand Finals. Fitz-Simon finished second in the title chase with Rafailov placing third in the final standings.
Payton Durrant earned the championship in the Overdrive Motorsports Micro Max with two victories in Fontana. The Utah driver put in a solid performance all weekend. He was able to run away with the win Saturday by three seconds over Filip Niemkiewicz and Anthony Willis. Sunday was an even better performance in the main event, driving to a seven-second victory. Willis was second with Ellie Musgrave earning her first Challenge podium. With the title, Durrant won a paid entry to the US Rotax Grand Nationals, and as the top point earner on the weekend, was awarded a ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals Micro & Mini Max Invitational this November. The championship standings saw Liam Letzsch finished second as Willis ended up in third.
The Rotax Challenge of the Americas would like to thank all the competitors who took part in the 2013 season, the many sponsors who helped provide the amazing prizes awarded all season long, and the entire staff for which none of it would have been possible. Plans for the 2014 Rotax Challenge of the Americas are already underway, with another exciting season scheduled to begin in January.

About Rotax Challenge of the Americas:
The Rotax Challenge of the Americas series is a growing international Rotax Max Challenge series that will host over 140 drivers each weekend from all across the United States, Canada, and other surrounding countries. The six-round championship takes place from January to March with three weekend events, taking drivers to Tucson, Phoenix and Fontana, California. Series champions will earn tickets to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals and the United States Rotax Grand Nationals. Click over to www.rotaxchallenge.com for more information about the 2013 program.

3 CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ROLISON PERFORMANCE AT ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS FINALE

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:19:57 -0400

Arscott, Rocha, Robb earn series titles in Fontana with victories
NEWBERG, OR – Rolison Performance Group is quickly becoming the operation to work with if you have the drive and ambition to compete at the Rotax Grand Finals. Helping guide two drivers to the event in 2012, Mike Rolison and his staff helped lead three drivers to the Rotax Challenge of the Americas championships at the CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California this past weekend (March 8-10) and earn tickets to this year’s event in 2013. Phillip Arscott, Blaine Rocha and Sting Ray Robb bested the Senior Max, Junior Max and Mini Max fields to earn the first of many titles in 2013 for Rolison Performance Group, with a total of seven drivers finishing on the podium in the series championship.

“I couldn’t be happier in what we’ve accomplished thus far in 2013. The drivers and staff under the tent this past three months worked super hard to achieve the results we have, and the steps everyone has gone to get there,” commented Mike Rolison of RPG. “Phillip, Blaine and Sting Ray are talented drivers, and I couldn’t be more excited to help them earn their championships and tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals. I want to thank all the drivers and their families for supporting me and RPG through this first quarter of racing in 2013. Also a special thank you to Andy Seesemann and all his staff for putting on another stellar Challenge series. The entire group of drivers here did an amazing job this winter, and the summer months should be great for everyone as I think we will see more drivers from Rolison Performance Group earning tickets to NOLA in November.”
Phillip Arscott, a veteran racer on the national and international scene, kept his composure throughout the entire weekend, driving and wrenching for himself as his father vacationed in Hawaii. The unique and talented driver contested the final two rounds with the assistance of the entire RPG staff when needed. Phillip ran second throughout the first round of action on the weekend, placing runner-up in qualifying, Prefinal and the Final. He was able to secure the fast lap of the race in the main event, and carried it over to the next day.
Arscott found more speed overnight as he dominated the final round to clinch the championship. Qualifying on the pole position with a 49.761-second lap time, Arscott kept the pace through the 17-lap Prefinal and the 25-lap Final, as he was the only driver to post fast laps in the 49-second bracket. The only challenge was lap traffic in the closing circuits of the main event, as two drivers nearly made contact with Arscott as he pushed through to the checkered flag. The victory was his third of the season, winning a round at each stop of the series, and gave him his first series title in addition to his third trip to the Rotax Grand Finals.
Parker McKean was among the challengers in the title chase heading into the series finale weekend. McKean kept himself in the hunt throughout the weekend with solid pace. He ran third to the defending series champion and Arscott on Saturday, running similar lap times throughout the day. Running third again throughout Sunday, McKean was challenged early in the main event when hard contact was made as another driver tried to overtake his position. The result was damage to his steering components and the starter system of the engine, and he eventually retired. Despite his first DNF of the series, McKean finished out the series third in the point standings to put two RPG drivers on the championship podium. Washington driver Hailey Groff completed her first year at the Challenge program with mixed results on the final weekend. She continued to improve as the weekend progressed, but contact hampered her performance in the main events, placing 19th and 21st.
Junior Max RPG driver Blaine Rocha seemed at home all weekend long at the CalSpeed circuit. The NorCal pilot was on cruise-control in his RPG Kosmic Saturday and Sunday out front of the competitive field, roughly two tenths of a second quicker in nearly every on-track session. Saturday was a complete sweep, earning maximum points on the day to move up to the number one position in the championship standings. He and mechanic Erik Bartolero backed it up with a similar performance on Sunday, driving away to an 11-second victory in the main event to clinch his first Challenge championship and first ever ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals.
Luke Selliken came into the final weekend of the Challenge leading the championship, but never came to grasp with the circuit as well as Rocha, but secured the second spot in the title chase to put RPG 1-2 on the podium. Contact hampered Selliken’s results on Saturday as he was forced to drive from the back to the front in the main event. Contact in the Prefinal shut off his engine and dropped him to 18th in the order. As he had shown before, he was more than capable of knifing through the field, finishing fourth in the Final. Selliken capped off the series with a stellar runner-up finish on Sunday to join Rocha on the podium for a third RPG 1-2 finish in six races. Utah driver McKay Snow showed speed in the qualifying sessions, sitting top-10 both days however contact dropped him down the order to finishes of 14th and 11th.
The third Challenge championship came via Sting Ray Robb. The RPG Tony Kart driver secured the Mini Max title with his third victory of the series on Saturday, backing it up with a runner-up finish on Sunday. His results on the weekend also granted him with a ticket to the Micro & Mini Max Invitational event, running in conjunction with the Rotax Grand Finals, putting three RPG drivers among the first confirmed for the New Orleans event.
DD2 rookie Andrew Evans once again showed well in just his third weekend in the category, picking up two runner-up finishes to the defending series champion and earning the vice-champion trophy in the process. Evans continued to improve as the weekend wore on, and was nearly running similar lap times to the leader by the main event on Sunday afternoon. Under the eye of the RPG staff and more time, Evans could be a serious contender at the US Rotax Grand Nationals event in August. Justin Peck earned the third spot in the Masters Max point standings after a rough final weekend. Entering the weekend with the lead in the championship, Peck matched the pace with his two championship rivals during the opening day, but a first lap wreck in the main event on Sunday took him out of contention. Third in championship chase is a personal best for the RPG driver from Utah.
For more information on all the products and services that the Rolison Performance Group has to offer, visit www.rolisonperformancegroup.com . RPG has arrive-and-drive opportunities for the new Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge in the Pacific Northwest, the entire 2013 SKUSA Pro Tour schedule this summer, along with the US Rotax Grand Nationals and Pan American Challenge. Anyone interested in being part of this winning program should contact Mike Rolison via e-mail at roli5000@hotmail.com

About Rolison Performance Group:
Rolison Performance Group is a leading race team and prep shop in American karting, and is also a Rotax Service Center and a Kosmic chassis dealer. Owner Mike Rolison, known as “Roli” at the racetrack, has built a career coaching some of the best kart racers on the West Coast. Over the past decade, he has helped 100′s of drivers and mechanics improve their craft. Mike brings world class driving and coaching experience to every racer he works with. Whether you are competing on the local, regional, national or world stage Roli’s driving and tuning instruction will improve your abilities and results. Luke Selliken gained the 2012 SKUSA Pro Tour TaG Junior championship with the support of Rolison Performance Group. RPG provides trackside support and arrive-and-drive programs for many series as the team is a Kosmic chassis and product line dealer and is proud to campaign karts on the regional and national stage.

ROLISON SHOOTS FOR FIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS FINALE

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 13:41:16 -0500

Arscott, Selliken, Rocha, Peck and Robb score wins in Phoenix
NEWBERG, OR – It has been a phenomenal start for the Rolison Performance Group in 2013 with a solid group of drivers under the tent, guided by one of the most talented staffs assembled in North American karting. The journey continues this weekend (March 8-10) as the operation will contest the series finale for the Rotax Challenge of the Americas. On the line for a handful of the drivers will be direct tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals event later this season, with a chance to contend for the world championship title.
RPG owner Mike Rolison has been pleased with how the first two months have faired for the operation, “This has been a great start to our 2013 season. We have focused on beginning the season strong, as we ended 2012 with great results. Thankfully, that momentum has continued into this season and our drivers are making great strides on and off the track. I can’t thank all the mechanics and driver coaches for their hard work and dedication to each and every driver under the tent.”
Two Rolison Performance Group drivers have the advantage in the Junior Max division, heading into the series finale. Luke Selliken and Blaine Rocha currently sit first and second in the series championship, both earning two victories on the season. Selliken is first with a 17 point margin over Rocha, with Luke holding a four-race podium streak. Utah driver McKay Snow enters the CalSpeed weekend ninth in the championship with a chance at moving into the top-five with a solid performance to close out the series.
In Senior Max, Phillip Arscott and Parker McKean are in the hunt for the series championship. Arscott triumphed for one victory at each series stop, and leads the point standings by 24 points. McKean, a winner in round one of the series this year and a victor at the CalSpeed facility a year ago, sits third in the standings about 60 points out of first. Washington driver Hailey Groff continues to make improvements under the RPG tent in her first year at the Rotax Challenge of the Americas. The accomplished regional racer recorded her best finish at the Phoenix event, and looks to continue advancing forward in the field.
RGP driver Justin Peck holds the number one position in the Masters Max championship chase heading to the series finale. The Utah driver earned his first series victory in Phoenix, and has stood on the podium in all four main events on the year. While his advantage is a slim two points, Peck has been the most consistent driver in the class to date.
Mini Max driver Sting Ray Robb is in the hunt for the series championship. Two victories with a total of three podium finishes thus far have the Idaho driver 15 points out of the top spot. Each and every lap will be important, and the RPG staff will have Robb ready for the challenge. DD2 rookie Andrew Evans remains mathematically in the championship chase for the class title. Recording a podium finish in the first three events of the season, Evans will look for his first victory as a Senior driver.
Live audio broadcasts of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas event this weekend in Fontana, California can be found at www.ekartingnews.com/live . For more information on all the products and services that the Rolison Performance Group has to offer, visit www.rolisonperformancegroup.com . RPG has arrive-and-drive opportunities for the new Rotax Can-Am ProKart Challenge in the Pacific Northwest, the entire 2013 SKUSA Pro Tour schedule this summer, along with the US Rotax Grand Nationals and Pan American Challenge. Anyone interested in being part of this winning program should contact Mike Rolison via e-mail at roli5000@hotmail.com.

About Rolison Performance Group:
Rolison Performance Group is a leading race team and prep shop in American karting, and is also a Rotax Service Center and a Kosmic chassis dealer. Owner Mike Rolison, known as “Roli” at the racetrack, has built a career coaching some of the best kart racers on the West Coast. Over the past decade, he has helped 100′s of drivers and mechanics improve their craft. Mike brings world class driving and coaching experience to every racer he works with. Whether you are competing on the local, regional, national or world stage Roli’s driving and tuning instruction will improve your abilities and results. Luke Selliken gained the 2012 SKUSA Pro Tour TaG Junior championship with the support of Rolison Performance Group. RPG provides trackside support and arrive-and-drive programs for many series as the team is a Kosmic chassis and product line dealer and is proud to campaign karts on the regional and national stage.

ROTAX Winter Cup sets new benchmarks for 2013

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:02:58 -0500

Opening weekend of the Florida Winter Tour sees Tesoro on the podium in Rotax Junior

The ROTAX Winter Cup opened the RGMMC International calendar for the 4th time in Campillos, Spain. The event welcomed full grids in 3 categories literally from around the world
“We are delighted with the response to this event which grows in status every season. This year we limited each grid to 34 drivers so every driver could qualify, some teams had driven over 4000 km to be with us, the least we could do is make sure all drivers got plenty of track action,” said Roland Geidel, CEO of RGMMC
A total of 26 nations took part with Morocco making its debut into this Rotax International arena. The event also saw many new drivers attending to get a taste of the competition they can expect in the ROTAX Euro Challenge
“This event not only gives the drivers the opportunity to test in perfect weather conditions inside Europe, it also gives us, as organiser, the opportunity to test new equipment we’ve been working on over the winter.
For the first time RGMMC covered some of Saturday’s heats and Sunday’s finals from their very own television production company which broadcasted live in to the homes of just under 8000 viewers worldwide. An all new race control system, replacing the onboard cameras was also tried and tested. This completely new development not only guaranteed fair sportsmanship for all participants throughout the event, it also allowed the Judges of Fact to handle issues quicker and more efficiently while the race was still running giving the Clerk’s of the Course a faster response time.
Last but not least, the organisers invested in further safety measures with a brand new lighting system named 4FLAG which was installed around the 1.588 metre track to increase safety for drivers and marshals alike.
As for the competition, the event proved to be a real trial of strength between the world’s most successful ROTAX drivers from the ROTAX Grand Finals or title holders from the ROTAX Euro Challenge. Ambition was at an all time high as the drivers were not only driving in order to prepare for the racing season, but for the 35.000€ on offer in fully or partially funded places in the 10th anniversary year of the ROTAX Euro Challenge.
In the junior category it was Japan’s Sena Sakaguchi from the newly formed Intrepid Driver Program setting the pace by taking best time in the official qualifying session on Friday. “It’s the third time I have raced in Europe. I am really happy with this result although we did expect a top position after our good results in free practice,” said Sakaguchi
Unfortunately, not all went according to plan for the Japanese driver who had trouble defending his pole position throughout the qualifying races. It was actually Josh Price from the UK racing with Chris Rogers Motorsport who performed best by taking two wins and a second from his three heats. This put the youngster on pole for Sunday’s pre final. He shared the front row with Sakaguchi who won his last heat of the qualifying day.
On Sunday, pole sitter Josh Price from the UK had a pretty easy job defending his position in the pre final. Sena Sakaguchi experienced a bad start allowing Price to take the win ahead of Connor Hall (UK) racing for Strawberry Racing and Lars Lamborelle (NL) from DFK. At the end of day Sakaguchi had to settle for position 6 in the final.
In the final Josh Price saw all his hopes of a podium place disappear, the young driver from the UK collided in the very first lap relegating him to the back of the grid. Guan Yu Zhou with Connor Hall both racing with Strawberry and Thomas Preining from Austria racing with Formula K UK were the ones fighting for the win. At the chequered flag it was Hall who crossed the finish line first in front of his team mate Zhou with Preining taking third.
“I’m really happy. Last year we ranked second at the Winter Cup so the aim was to improve the result and win. We are now going to the Euro Challenge and I intend to finish in the same position,” Hall said during the prize giving ceremony.
The most open competition was reserved for the senior category. Qualifying practice was a walkover for UK’s James Singleton racing for Coles Racing posting the quickest time on Friday. “We hoped for a top five result, so this is even better. I would like to repeat this result tomorrow,” said the Tonykart driver being totally aware of the challenging races to come.
Singleton faced tough competition in defending his top position in the qualifying heats. Harry Webb making his debut in the senior class was in great form winning one heat. Luck certainly wasn’t with him in the second heat when he retired due to mechanical problems leaving the win for Singleton. Clearly Webb had sorted out his problems and came back in the final heat of the day taking a second win. In the final overall classification Webb started the pre final from position 6. Man on pole was Singleton with one win and two third places.
No less than 10 drivers were in the running for a victory in the pre final, showing the high level of competition in this class and giving spectators a thrilling show. The lead changed almost on every lap between Singleton, Webb and 2012 Winter Cup winner Harrison Scott also from Strawberry Racing. On the final leg the 2012 European vice champion Ed Brand racing for the Intrepid Driver Program closed the gap with the top four and mixed up some positions. At the chequered flag Scott took the win ahead of Brand, Webb and Singleton an all British line up.
While the pre final was full of tension, the final focused on a nail biting duel. The Strawberry pilots, Scott and Webb completely dominated the final, both were able to leave behind the rest of the grid and provide the crowd with a spectacular show. With some breath taking manoeuvres which we can only imagine had their team boss looking through his fingers it was Webb who took top position at the chequered flag from his team mate Scott behind and Hughes racing for AMT taking third. Harrison Scott now leaves karting to concentrate on the next step of his motorsport career in Formula Ford.
After the podium elated Harry Webb gave some positive words. “It was my very first senior race and it’s good to know that we have made the step up to seniors without any problems. We did a lot of testing before which really paid off. For the Euro Challenge I have only one target, The Win!”
In this first test of strength between the DD2 drivers, the reigning Senior Euro Challenge Champion, Sean Babington racing with Dan Holland Racing was quickest on track, demonstrating that he is ready to take the challenge in DD2 as well. “This weekend is my very first start in DD2. It is really working well so far and I hope to keep it up,” Babington said on Friday evening after qualifying
The FA driver was the domineering man on Saturday too. He was unbeatable in the heats, winning all three of his races giving him pole for Sunday’s pre final.
In the pre final the favourite found an equal opponent. This was none other than the titleholder of the Winter Cup, Xen de Ruwe from Belgium racing for the FK Racing Team. The driver from Belgium was unable to set a time in qualifying practice due to an issue with his radiator which meant him starting all his heats from the back of the grid. He fought his way back through the heats to gain position 6 on the grid for the pre final. After this de Ruwe didn’t make any mistakes and closed up to Babington who was in the lead. It only took a few more laps for de Ruwe to take the lead and the win. Meanwhile Babington lost his second place to Switzerland’s Kevin Ludi from Spirit Racing who had started his pre final from seventh place.
In the final de Ruwe made a bad start which took him back to fourth place, however, this didn’t deter him one bit and he quickly recovered passing one opponent after another, half way through the race he had regained first position. From then on he managed to bring home a victory just ahead of Babington and Shaun Slavin from the Intrepid Driver Program.
“Of course, the weekend could not have started more badly, we were in last position after the qualifying. There was a lot of work to do in the heats, but I enjoy races like this a lot. For the finals we knew that our speed was good enough to succeed. I drove with my head and finally our efforts were rewarded,” said de Ruwe summing up his weekend.
In the special classification for DD2 Masters it was Igor Mukhin from Russia driving for the Intrepid Driver Program who set the pace. Only in the qualifying session he had to defer to the Frenchman Marc Berteaux from MGT. But after the heats and finals it was Mukhin who took the victory.“What a great start to the season, the competition becomes harder and harder which makes me look forward to the Euro Challenge a lot.”
Summing up one can congratulate the RGMMC Team for a most professional event again which really does set new benchmarks in many fields. The effective new race control proved its worth just like the 4FLAG system, increasing the safety for drivers and marshals. The debut of live TV coverage surely was the highlight of the weekend.
RGMMC is looking forward to a great season which sees the ROTAX Euro Challenge celebrate its 10th anniversary. The first race of the Euro will take place in Genk, Belgium 27 – 31 March.

DOMINIC TESORO STARTS OFF 2013 KARTING SEASON WITH A PODIUM

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:40:02 -0500

Opening weekend of the Florida Winter Tour sees Tesoro on the podium in Rotax Junior

Plant City, Florida - Up-and-coming Florida karting driver Dominic Tesoro made his first podium appearance in 2013 at the recent opening round of the Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour (FWT). The mid-January event saw Tesoro overcome electrical gremlins in qualifying and fight for the final podium position during the Sunday events at Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR) in Jupiter, Florida. With the Tour set to resume in just one week's time, the Plant City, Florida resident will look to carry his momentum to the popular permanent parking lot facility of the Homestead Karting Complex for round two.
Battling a huge international field of 56 in the Rotax Junior ranks at PBIR, Tesoro would suffer electrical gremlins during the two qualifying sessions held on Friday. With qualifying setting grids for the wheel-to-wheel action to come, Tesoro found himself behind the eight ball with his times relegating him to the Last Chance Qualifiers for both Saturday and Sunday.
Tesoro put in a strong run in Saturday's Last Chance Qualifier in his attempts to make it to the A main final, however an unavoidable incident caused his bumper to break. The corresponding black flag ended his LCQ run early, with the 15-year-old making up some ground in the B final to finish 17th.
A new race day on Sunday would see the rising talent put forth the determination to make the day's main event. Taking the win in the LCQ would secure Tesoro with a transfer spot and 33rd place starting position for the prefinal race. A strong race craft and lightening-quick speed in his Tony Kart/CMW Engine Rotax entry saw Tesoro rocket into the top-ten by the end of the 16-lap prefinal. With a strong comeback and potential podium now in sight, Tesoro muscled his way towards the front of the pack in the final. A race for the ages then ensued, as Tesoro made his bid for the final podium position on the last lap.
His third place finish during the second FWT race earned him some redemption from Saturday's event, and Tesoro will now look to continue his momentum at the next round. Set for February 22-24 at Homestead Karting Complex, located on the grounds of the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Tesoro will look to make his way back to the podium in sunny Homestead. In a tune up event, Tesoro will also take part in the Formula Kart weekend in the TaG Senior category with a Rotax powered AM Chassis.
Dominic would like to thank his mom and dad, Tony and Kristie Tesoro, Chase Hewitt Motorsports, AM Engines, Jose from CMW Engines and Lady Luck. For more information on Dominic Tesoro and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities available, contact Tony Tesoro at 813.707.4512 or visit his website www.DominicTesoro.com.

EXCITING TWO ROUNDS OF RACING FOR ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS IN PHOENIX

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:13:11 -0500

Competition level rises once again as championship chases heat up for International Rotax Max Challenge

ORANGE, CA – The Rotax Challenge of the Americas program hosted rounds three and four this past weekend (February 8-10) at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association facility in Glendale, Arizona. The 3/4-mile course has been a regular stop on the six-year old international Rotax Max Challenge series, testing both man and machine with a challenging layout. The weather was a non-factor this weekend, unlike the opening rounds in Tucson with severe cold temperatures. Racing continued to be fierce as the 116 drivers in attendance provided excitement each and every session, shaping up the championship chases heading into the series finale next month.
The Buddy Rice Karting Senior Max division saw 37 drivers contest the weekend’s events with two different winners over the two rounds of racing. Phillip Arscott backed up his win in Tucson with another in Round 3 while Phoenix driver and 2012 Challenge champion Phil DeLaO marked his series return with victory in Round 4. Arscott had a near perfect day on Saturday, leading the class from qualifying to the main event. The Oregon driver led all 17 laps of the Prefinal, but had to fight his way back to the front in the Final. Relegated back to fourth at the start of the 25-lap event, Arscott returned to the point by lap eight and was able to escape with the victory. The battle for second went to the wire with Louie Pagano scoring the runner-up position with Andrew Palmer credited with third. DeLaO had similar results as he swept the action on Sunday. DeLaO led every competition lap in the Prefinal and Final at his home track. All eyes, however, were on Pagano in the main event. Recording a DNF in the Prefinal with a flat tire, the Californian put in a phenomenal drive from 33rd to third in just 25 laps. Arscott completed the podium in second, securing the championship lead heading to the season finale.
The winning streak for 2012 Challenge champion Fritz Leesmann came to an end this weekend in the Dallas Karting Complex DD2 division. The NorCal driver was en route to the victory in Round 3 when the gear selector broke on his DD2 engine. Stuck in second gear, he was forced to retire from the event. This allowed Sean Owens to slide by and take over the lead. The Texan went on to score his first Challenge victory with Bill Kann and Andrew Evans trailing. Leesmann returned to his winning ways the following day, recording a perfect score on the day’s action for his third win of the season. Owens settled for second with Kann in third. Phoenix driver Alan Rudolph used the home track advantage in the Billet Performance DD2 Masters class to sweep the entire weekend. Rudolph was top qualifier both days, and won each Prefinal and Final, but it was not without a challenge. Texan Mike Jones, Canadian Daryle Redlin and 2012 Challenge Masters Max champion Paul Bonilla kept Rudolph honest all weekend. Jones was the lead challenger on Saturday with Redlin placing third. On Sunday, Redlin was the quickest driver on-track, but unable to secure a pass for the lead. Jones rounded out the podium for Round 4.
The same two drivers in the Rolison Performance Group Junior Max class that were victorious in Tucson stood atop the podium in Phoenix. Blaine Rocha and Luke Selliken each earned their second win of the season. Rocha backed up his Round 2 victory with a perfect round Saturday. Securing the pole position, the Californian dominated the Prefinal and Final events by leading all 43 circuits of competition. Utah pilot Austin Versteeg was able to hold off a late charge by Selliken for the runner-up position. Sunday began with 2012 Challenge Mini Max champion Christian Brooks securing the pole position and Prefinal win. The Final was an epic battle with a number of drivers in the hunt. Selliken, who started fifth, was quick on getting to the point and was able to distance himself from the rest of the field. In the end, Oregon driver earned his second victory of the season by just over a second. Noah Grey was able to escape the fight behind Selliken with the runner-up position while Brooks earned his first trip to the Junior podium in third. Brenden Baker added some excitement, driving from the tail of the field to be in the hunt at the end of the race, classified fifth after the 25 laps.
The championship chase in the CRG-USA Masters Max category will go down to the wire in Fontana following the results in Phoenix with Justin Peck and Ken Maxfield each recording their first Challenge victory. Saturday was a dual between Peck and Maxfield, with Justin scoring the victory as Durbin finished third. Sunday was a two driver battle, this time with Durbin and Maxfield fighting it out all day long. It went down to the wire, with Maxfield able to hold off Donald to the line first while Peck scored the third place finish. All three will enter the finale weekend within five points of each other.
Chase Farley and Sting Ray Robb were the victors in the HoleShot Drive Systems Mini Max division in Phoenix. Farley escaped contact between Roy Fulmer VI and Robb in the closing stages of the Final with the lead and scored his first Challenge victory. Horatio Fitz-Simon and Canadian Griffin Dowler benefitted from the contact to move onto the podium. Robb struck back the following day with sweep in the action. The Idaho pilot drove to a near three second victory with Fitz-Simon in the runner-up position once again while Fulmer won the battle for third. The Overdrive Motorsports Micro Max saw another exciting weekend of racing with the youngest group of drivers. Arizona driver Diego LaRoque held off Payton Durrant and Liam Letzsch for the victory in Round 3. Durrant came back the next day to record his second main event win of the season, outrunning Letzsch and Niemkiewicz
The Challenge will complete the 2013 winter season on March 8-10 as rounds five and six will determine the championship chases, visiting the CalSpeed Karting facility - outside the Auto Club Speedway - in Fontana, California.

First Race Action at the ROTAX Winter Cup

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:55:00 -0500

Here's some great photos and Race report from the Rotax Max Winter Cup.

Saturday was race day at Campillos: The qualifying heats for the ROTAX Winter Cup on the Spanish karting track determined the final starting grid for tomorrow's final races of MAX Junior, MAX Senior and MAX DD2 category. Facing best weather conditions, about 100 drivers had to go for nine heats all told.
Although Saturday being the busiest day of the weekend, the races went off without a hitch, which is not only a proof of drivers' quality and discipline, but was credit of an all new video race control system and the 4Flag safety signal lights around the 1.588 metres long track.
Japan's Sena Sakaguchi (Intrepid Driver Program), fastest man on Friday, had some trouble in defending his top position throughout the heats. Actually it was Josh Price (Chris Rogers M/Sport) performing best by taking two wins and one second place. This puts the youngster from the UK on pole position for the finals on Sunday. He will share the front row with Sakaguchi, who proved his skills by winning the last heat of the day.
The quickest of qualifying practice, James Singleton (Cole Racing), had a tough job in defending his top position. Especially reigning junior world champion Harry Webb (Strawberry Racing) was in best shape, winning heat one. But the man from the UK was not lucky in the second run, when he had to retire with mechanical problems, leaving the second win to Singleton. But in the last heat Webb struck back and took his second triumph of the day. Yet this did not lead into the aimed top result in the overall classification. For Sunday he will start the prefinal from rank six. Man on pole position will be Singleton who not only won one heat but gained two third places more.
Sean Babington (Dan Holland Racing) was the dominating man on Saturday. After taking best time in qualifying session on Friday, the man from Britain was unbeatable in the heats. He won all three of the races and thus is going to be on pole position for the final phase on Sunday.

And last but not least there was one more great thing worth to be mentioned: For the very first time RGMMC covered the race action live into the world wide web. The live stream of moving pictures, complemented by the vivid commentary of speaker Ken Walker, was an impressing innovation for European ROTAX Racing, which was followed by over 4.000 viewers. But the live coverage on Saturday was just the beginning and a small foretaste. For Sunday the complete final phase will be broadcasted on www.rgmmcmedia.com.

Rotax Max Winter Cup 2013 Sunday race report

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:49:07 -0500

Here's some great photos and Race report from the Rotax Max Winter Cup.

Today the fourth edition of the traditional ROTAX Winter Cup ended with a spectacular day for the final races. About 100 participants were heading for the decisive wins in the categories of MAX Junior, MAX Senior and MAX DD2 category. Ambition was high, since the best of each category was rewarded with a free season in the upcoming ROTAX Euro Challenge 10th anniversary year.
Junior pole setter Josh Price (Chris Rogers M/Sport) had a quite easy job in prefinal. After Sena Sakaguchi (Intrepid Driver Program) did not start well, Price seized his chance and took the win ahead of Connor Hall (Strawberry Racing) and Lars Lamborelle (DFK). Sakaguchi had to be satisfied with rank six in the end.
Final was not the race for Josh Price. After taking lead he collided in the very first lap, which made him drop back to the end of the grid. So Guan Yu Zhou (Strawberry Racing), Connor Hall and Thomas Preining (Protrain Racing) were the ones fighting for the win, clearing the matter among themselves. When the chequered flag fell it was Hall who crossed the finish line first in front of his British teammate Zhou and the Austrian Preining.
In DD2 the favourite Sean Babington (Dan Holland Racing) found an equal opponent. That was Xen de Ruwe (FK Racing Team AB Ltd). The man from Belgium was very unlucky on Friday, not managing to set a time in qualifying practice due to an issue with his radiator. Yet he fought his way back to rank six throughout the heats. From here on the FK driver did not make any mistakes and closed up to Babington in lead. It only took a few laps until de Ruwe took the first position and finally the win. Meanwhile Babington even lost his second place to Switzerland's Kevin Ludi (Spirit Racing).
In the final race Xen de Ruwe made a bad start, which threw him back to fourth position. Yet the Belgian did not give up and recovered quickly. He passed one opponent after the other and gained first position by halftime of the remaining 9 laps. From then on he managed to keep the pressure from behind and brought his victory home, just ahead of Sean Babington and Shaun Slavin (Intrepid Driver Program).
In the special classification for DD2-Masters it was Igor Mukhin (Intrepid Driver Program) from Russia setting the pace by winning the prefinal and final at Campillos.
The most open competition was reserved for senior category. About ten drivers were in the run for the victory in prefinal, performing a really thrilling show. Lead almost changed each lap between the protagonists James Singleton (Cole Racing), Harry Webb (Strawberry Racing) and Harrison Scott Webb (Strawberry Racing). When it got to the final spurt Edward Brand (Intrepid Driver Program) closed the gap with the top four and stirred up the ranks. Finally Scott took the win ahead of Brand, Webb and Singleton.
The Strawberry pilots Harrison Scott and Harry Webb really had a walk-over in the final race. Both were able to leave behind the rest of the grid and started the decisive phase in the last two laps. But Webb kept hard and defended his top position up to the chequered flag thus taking the win ahead of his teammate. Podium was completed by Luke Hughes (AMT Racing) from the UK who crossed the line in third position.
Summing up one can congratulate the RGMMC team for a most professional event again, which really set new benchmarks in many fields. The effective new race control proved its worth just like 4FLAG, increasing the safety for drivers and marshals. The great debut of live TV coverage with almost 8.000 viewers and live timing followers surely was the highlight of the weekend. RGMMC is ready to take the next step and is looking forward to a great season of the ROTAX Euro Challenge. From 27th to 31st of March the Belgian track at Genk will be venue of the opening round (open for entries Monday 11 February) – the start into the tenth anniversary season of the ROTAX Euro Challenge.

ROTAX Winter Cup to kick off an awesome Season

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 14:30:51 -0500

The countdown for the traditional ROTAX Winter Cup, starting on 6th to 10th of February, has just begun. For the fourth time this prestigious karting event will welcome the international ROTAX scene on the Spanish karting track at Campillos near Malaga.

Organised by RGMMC Establishment – the host of the popular ROTAX Euro Challenge – the Winter Cup is the perfect preparation for the upcoming ROTAX racing season. No wonder that feedback from drivers and teams is extremely high. Almost 100 drivers subscribed for the three categories of Max Junior, Max Senior and MAX DD2 plus a special classification for the DD2 Masters. "This means that we are expecting full grids and a sold out event since we limited the grids to 34 drivers. We even had to provide a waiting list", quotes Roland Geidel RGMMC CEO.
Among the subscriptions one does not only find plenty of new drivers, but over 25 nations coming from all over the world, too: South Africa, Australia and Japan are only a few countries of a long list which is completed by Morocco which is giving its debut in European ROTAX racing.
Having a look at the upcoming competition one can say that drivers` quality will be on highest level. As every year the Junior category sees a lot of talents climbing up to MAX Senior but it welcomes a lot of newcomers too. The most experienced talents, especially those who remain in Junior category, will surely have an advantage this year.
In DD2 Belgium's Xen de Ruwe (Formula K), ranked third in the Euro Challenge 2012 and titleholder of the Winter Cup, wants to defend his crown. His hardest opponent could be Finland's Mika Laiho (Tonykart), designated vice champion of the Euro Challenge 2013.
The greatest show will be reserved for Senior category. Reigning world and European champion Harry Webb (Tonykart) will debut in the highly competitive class. Here the man from the UK has to prove that he is ready to take the next step successfully. This will not be an easy task for the youngster whose rivals will give him a hard time. The 2012 European vice champion Edward Brand (Intrepid) from the UK belongs to the top favourites just as the recently crowned world champion Charlie Eastwood from Ireland.
There are some more attracting features which makes Campillos worth a journey. The 1.588 metres long circuit is a popular and challenging track with most professional infrastructure. "Campillos is the perfect venue for the ROTAX Winter Cup and we hope for best weather which normally is guaranteed in south Spain with about 16°C at this time of the year", says James Geidel vice president of RGMMC who has some more news for the ROTAX Winter Cup in his sleeve.
RGMMC will cover the Sunday finals with its own Television Production company and bring the action right home to everyone in the world wide web. "The Winter Cup will be our test run for the live stream. We are really looking forward to this enrichment which is supposed to feature the season of the ROTAX Euro Challenge as well. We do everything in order to make the tenth anniversary of the ROTAX Euro Challenge as great as possible", stated James Geidel.
Not only live TV is going to be introduced at Campillos. An all new race control system, replacing the onboard camera mode, will launch in Spain. It is a completely new development topping the common standards. Latest software techniques, best picture quality, a sum of 24 cameras all told and two experts in charge of controlling, will guarantee fair sportsmanship for all participants throughout the Winter Cup and the Euro Challenge season.
As for safety a new lightning signal will be launched at Campillos as well. Named 4FLAG the LED-System increases safety for drivers and marshals likewise. One element consists of 1.250 high quality LEDs in order to provide best visibility, regardless the outer conditions are like. It is controlled by remote control and has a runtime of two days (stand by up to four days). The system was developed by RGMMC and the Spanish technology company Pixelcom.
Summing up the fourth edition of the ROTAX Winter Cup promises to become a spectacular event and a thrilling season opener which will be the foretaste for the anniversary season of the ROTAX Euro Challenge 2013.
So stay tuned on www.rotaxmaxchallenge.com or follow the event live on Sunday at www.rgmmcmedia.com.

ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS READIES FOR RETURN TO PHOENIX

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:19:37 -0500

Series reaches halfway point with trip to Phoenix Kart Racing Association circuit February 8-10

ORANGE, CA – The Rotax Challenge of the Americas will continue its 2013 season as competitors travel to the Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA) circuit in Glendale, Arizona on February 8-10. Round three and four of the six-race international Rotax Max Challenge championship series returns to the 3/4-mile course that will host the program for a fifth straight year.
Drivers from across the United States and Canada will continue battling for the series titles, with tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals and the United States Rotax Grand Nationals up for grabs. The Buddy Rice Karting Senior Max standings is tight after just two rounds as four drivers sit within 10 points of each other. Round 1 winner Parker McKean has the outright lead, by a slim one point margin over Round 2 winner Phillip Arscott and Louie Pagano. Will Owen caps off the top four, with a high finish of second place on Sunday in Tucson. Pagano was the only driver to podium both days, and has the slight advantage with the best five of six-round championship thus far.
Defending Challenge champion Fritz Leesmann holds a perfect score thus far in the Dallas Karting Complex DD2 division thanks to his sweep in Tucson. Series rookies Andrew Evans and Sean Owens each need stronger results in Phoenix if they hope to dethrone Leesmann off the top spot. 2012 Team USA member Alan Rudolph has a 20 point advantage heading into the upcoming two rounds of competition in the Billet Performance DD2 Masters category. Fellow Portugal teammate and Round 1 winner Mike Jones trails by 20 points as defending series champ John Crow is 23 behind him, in what should be a close battle to the final weekend.
Last year’s runner-up in the standings, Luke Selliken, enters the Phoenix rounds as the leader in the Rolison Performance Group Junior Max class. Selliken won both feature races last year, and if he would repeat, could extend his championship lead by a large margin. The competition however is looking to stop that, with Round 2 winner Blaine Rocha just 17 points back, double podium finisher Noah Grey sitting third only 10 points behind him. Austin Versteeg finished third in Round 1, and remains in the hunt.
Tucson double winner Diego Pelosi controls the standings in the CRG-USA Masters Max category. His two victories have him 36 points ahead of Donald Durbin Jr. with fellow podium finisher Justin Peck just two points behind. Horatio Fitz-Simon and Sting Ray Robb, the two winners in the HoleShot Drive Systems Mini Max division in Tucson, enter Phoenix separated by just seven points in the standings. Robb has the advantage with a second and first, while Fitz-Simon was first and third in the opening two rounds. Every point will count moving forward, with David Rafailov lurking behind in the third position. The Overdrive Motorsports Micro Max class sees Liam Letzsch at the top of the order in the standings thanks to his first and second in Tucson, holding a 33 point advantage over Round 2 winner Payton Durrant. Filip Niemkiewicz, Anthony Willis and Canadian Marco Kacic are all within 56 points, setting up for an exciting two rounds in Phoenix.
eKartingNews.com will provide their ‘Trackside Live’ coverage throughout the February 8-10 weekend at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Live audio broadcast begins Friday with the final round of practice, and brings you the entire action Saturday and Sunday from qualifying to the final lap of the main events at www.ekartingnews.com/live .
Pre-entry for the Phoenix rounds of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas closes Thursday, January 31. To send in that last-minute entry or to find out more about second event of The Challenge 2013, visit www.rotaxchallenge.com

About Rotax Challenge of the Americas:
The Rotax Challenge of the Americas series is a growing international Rotax Max Challenge series that will host over 140 drivers each weekend from all across the United States, Canada, and other surrounding countries. The six-round championship takes place from January to March with three weekend events, taking drivers to Tucson, Phoenix and Fontana, California. Series champions will earn tickets to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals and the United States Rotax Grand Nationals. Click over to www.rotaxchallenge.com for more information about the 2013 program.

NEW CAN-AM ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE CREATED FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:12:14 -0500

Series to welcome United States and Canada competitors, competing for tickets to Rotax Grand Finals

NEWBERG, OR – The ‘Can-Am’ name is a popular one in the world of motorsports, putting together some of the most talented drivers at tracks in Canada and the United States. Now, that same philosophy is being put in place for Rotax Max Challenge drivers in the Pacific Northwest area. New for 2013 is the Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge. Dedicated to Canadian and American ‘Rotaxians’, the new race series will fill a void for those racers looking for major events to compete in during the summer months of the 2013 season.
The concept was formulated by veteran Rotax driver/supporter Mike Rolison, a former United States Grand Nationals champion and Team USA member, who will act as the series administrator. “The idea of the series is to create a strong program that Rotax Max Challenge competitors can relate to. We have a large number of Rotax racers in the regional area, however, the options to race have been limited year after year. The season begins with racers going to the winter international programs and returning back home until the Grand Nationals or the Pan American event. Our mission is to provide a similar race series package in our area for both American and Canadian drivers, following the full Rotax Max Challenge rule structure, while providing the most competitive race series possible.
Format for the 2013 Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge is based around five weekends at five different venues, with a weekend schedule based around the typical format of Friday practice, a Saturday race day and a Sunday race day. The series is set to begin sometime in April with venues and dates currently being secured, with the goal of one event a month, while working around other major karting events in the area and across the country. Thus far, three facilities - Pat’s Acres Racing Complex and Medford Kart Track in Oregon along with the Greg Moore Raceway in Chilliwack, British Columbia - have agreed to host a Can-Am event this season with dates to be secured very soon. Rolison is currently talking with two other locations to round out the series schedule.
The Rotax Grand Finals, labeled as the ‘Olympics of Karting’ - will be held for the first time on United States soil as the best from around the world will travel to NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans in November. One perk for racers competing in the new Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge will be four drivers earning a ticket to this year’s Grand Finals. The series has secured four spots to the Rotax Grand Finals, with the tickets to be awarded based around three of the events in 2013. Tickets will go to one driver in the Senior Max, DD2, DD2 Masters and Junior Max categories.
“Our hope with adding the Rotax Grand Finals tickets is to bring in racers and teams from outside the Pacific Northwest area,” continued Rolison. “As our racers have proven at the United States and Canada national events, we produce some talented drivers and continue to do so. We’ve talked to a number of kart shops and race teams from both countries, and feel we have a lot of support moving forward. With support from both Canadian and United States Rotax Max Challenge administrations, we hope to make this one of the most competitive and enjoyable series in North America.”
The Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge will see some similarities to that of previous series structures in the area, including the use of the same pump fuel that has been used in the area as before. The only difference will be the race tires are required to be purchased from the series, with one set of race tires utilized per race weekend. National Race Director for the United States Rotax Max Challenge Chris Egger has signed on to handle the same duties for the Can-Am program. Veteran tech director Don Mooremiester has been named as the series tech director, bringing another familiar component to the Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge.
More details regarding the 2013 Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge series are in development, in addition to a series website that will be hosted at (canamrotaxchallenge.com). To learn more about the new program, contact series administrator Mike Rolison at info@canamrotax.com or phone 530-260-4514.

LIVELY FIRST QUALIFYING SESSION IN THE ROTAX GRAND FINALS

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:36:14 -0500

After yesterday’s two free practice sessions, we could verify that the gap between all drivers is very… very tight! The fact, that they use very similar material grants that all of them have the same chances, and this morning they tried new set-ups or the revised ones, to achieve the best possible lap times in the first qualifying session of the afternoon. Things are getting “warmer and lively” on track, but the weather is still very cold… Junior class started the sessions with a wet track, because of the rain that fell during the
night; therefore many drivers were surprised by the slippery conditions. Zachary Claman- Demelo was the best in the last free practice but in the afternoon the Portuguese driver Bruno Borlido was the fastest in the first qualification. The young driver beat the second fastest by 0,159s, a good gap if we think that not less than 53 drivers are in the same second … “I am happy, because I like that Portugal is on top in these Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals. The set-up of the chassis was perfect, so we were faster than the others. Starting from “pole position” in the qualifying sessions is important, but this is a very fast track and the one coming behind can overtake us, using the draft. I have a good advantage, but we’ll see tomorrow”, stated the Portuguese driver. Between MAX (Senior) class, Pierce Lehane was the first driver to make less than 1.01, as he reached to “fly” in 1.00,999, but only in the morning in free practice. He was also fastest in the afternoon qualifying, in a session dominated by odd numbers. “It was not an easy qualifying, because we made it all together and very close. I had to take care with some of my colleagues to avoid an accident in the first lap. My best lap time was worse than the one of this morning, but enough to grant the pole. It’s good to start first, but the races will be very close, with not less than 57 drivers in the same second“, he said.
In DD2 Masters class the lap times were very similar during all day, but after the best morning lap of Gonçalo Gaivão in the last free practice, it was the Argentinean that established the best time overall, beating Florent Lambert by 0,014s!
“It’s very good to start in front of the grid, to avoid accidents, but for me it’s also a dream coming throughout after 32 years. In 1980 I raced against Ayrton Senna in the South American Championship, and I was second, but I couldn't get money to fight in the World Cup. Now, 32 years older, and 27 years after leaving karting, I am back again and very happy to take part in this fantastic event, the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals“, said the Argentinean.
Drivers from DD2 class were the only ones who reached to run under one minute in the KIA track. Xen de Ruwe made 59,101s, and was naturally very pleased with his performance. “I was hoping to be in the top five, but it’s much better starting in the front. Now in the qualifying heats, it’s important to do well and keep always a place in the top 5. Starting in the pole allows me to avoid any start incidents, so I think...”, explained the young Belgium driver.

REPORT MAG – LET’S TALK ABOUT HELMETS
Fernando Gomes and Roberto Perri are the right guys to talk about the FR Helmets, a manufacturer that stays for now in the world of karting only, but want to conquest space in formulas, rallies or motorbikes. “First of all I had a Rotax kart engine and after that I met the Spanish distributor. Arnaldo Frias saw our helmets and we’ve established an agreement with him. It was our first international contract”, explained Fernando Gomes, the responsible person for international export business.
Roberto Perri is the marketing director and is looking towards future actions: “For the moment we are connected to the karting business, as well as recreation, but we want to reach formulas and rallies in 2013. We have already homologated a new model with the Hans system, mandatory in those markets. In 2014, we want to get the bikes, starting in motorsport and then for ‘public’ users. We bet that our product has a good quality to price ratio, and this RMCGF is important to connect with worldwide Rotax dealers”, he finished.

TOMORROW
Tomorrow the weather forecast indicates that it will be a sunny day... but still cold !!!. The action starts at 8h00 with the warm-up for all categories, followed by the first row of qualifying heats from 10.15 to 12.55. Lunch break at 12.55, and the second rows of qualifying heats start at 13.25. This will be the first day for the Micro MAX drivers with scrutineering, marking and mounting preview from 13.30 to 15.30. The action for the Micro MAX youngsters will begin with a free practice session from 16.00 to 17.00.

FIRST LAP TIMES IN THE ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GRAND FINALS

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:32:47 -0500

Portimao/Algarve, Portugal - Yesterday, all teams and drivers took a first contact with the Algarve track, with no transponders, so without pressure or other kind of restrictions. Today things got warmer after ten o’clock, when free practice 2 started and the Kart-Data guys began to show the world, who is gone to be faster on the Algarve track - during lovely sunny sessions.
Again, today it was the Junior category who started the free practice sessions, and Ross Gunn – remember him from our little interview done yesterday – was the fastest in the morning session, in front of Portuguese Bruno Borlido. In the afternoon the lap times were a little better, so the Spanish driver Alvaro Otero was the fastest of the day - running in 1m02.461s.
The young Spanish driver was very pleased about his first day. “This is a very difficult track for a driver. I hope I can be even better tomorrow, so I can get into the finals and then I will try to do my best”, he said.
MAX category promises to be amazing: 58 drivers finished these two practice sessions within the same second! French driver Alexandre Finkelstein was the fastest one, beating the Australian Pierce Lehane by 0,110s…“This is only the first day! But for now, I did it well. We will try to do some little corrections in the set-up of the kart. This is a fantastic track, but also little long. During the week I hope I can amuse myself and keep this rhythm, to get to the finals”, the Frenchman explained!
The best lap times of the DD2 category were made in the morning – close to the lunch hour.
Guy Pansart was the fastest and was not surprised about his times: “I am in Portugal to win, so I think I have to give my best at any time. The track is great, and after playing fast in the morning, I decided to validate the set-up of the kart in the afternoon. There are some track points to observe in order to overtake the others in a race situation, and now I know them all”, stated the Frenchman at the end of the day.
European drivers were the best in this first timed practice day, so in the last rows, it was the Belgium Xen de Ruwe, naturally the fastest of all, and of course in the DD2 category, with 59.419s. In DD2, no less than 51 drivers are within the same second, so Ruwe is realistic:
“Last year I was 5th in the final grid but I started 34th because of an engine problem… Many things can happen in the races, but it’s a good start for the moment. Chassis is good so we’ve got to work in the set up details,” said the KIA’s fastest man of the day.
“REPORT MAG”: MOJO is the tyre for RMCGF MOJO tyres have a decisive role in the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, and the tyre manufacturer brought to KIA not less than 600 sets of slicks and 552 sets of rain tyres.
But most impressive than the numbers is the professional way as MOJO prepares the making of all rubber in order that all can have equal chances with equal tyres. “Those tyres were all produced two months before. In the first month all rubber loses their efficacy, but after that they all stay in a stable level. We wanted that all tyres have the same competitive level during the RMCGF”, explained Manfred Weissgaerber, responsible for MOJO and present at KIA.
“The Junior class uses the harder compound, MAX runs with medium compound and the two DD2 categories use the soft tyre compounds. This grants the equality of all the set: engine, tyre and chassis. Each driver has a set of tyres for free practice and manother for the qualifying heats. The faster ones that achieve the pre-final and finals will get another set of tyres. In case it rains, all drivers will have two sets of rain tyres for the entire event”, he concluded.

TOMORROW…
Tomorrow the weather forecast indicates that we will have a sunny day again. The action starts at 8h30 with the free practice 4, until 11.25. Lunch break will be at 11.30, and the first qualifying practice (15 min each heat) from 12.45 to 16.40. From 15.00 to 17.00, 125 Micro MAX drivers will do their registration.

ROTAX CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND URL

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 10:45:55 -0500

RotaxChallenge.com the new online home for the premier winter karting series on the left coast
ORANGE, CA – The newly rebranded Rotax Challenge of the Americas series is proud to announce its new home and look on the world wide web, with the launch of the new website - www.rotaxchallenge.com . Created by southern California-based Rational Design Studio with an updated URL address, the Rotax Challenge of the Americas site is moving into the 2013 with a new look and the series is expecting record numbers for the upcoming season.
“This coming season is building strong momentum as we are just two month away from the opening event in January,” stated series promoter and longtime Rotax supporter Andy Seesemann. “With our partnership with Gatorz ending, we felt it was the perfect time to update our presence on the internet. The new-look site provides the same features, such as results, rules and up-to-date news regarding the series. We will also be using the site to further promote our series supporters and provide some unique videos from the 2013 season on the website. I hope everyone visits RotaxChallenge.com today so they can see what we have to offer for the 2013 season.”
The Rotax Challenge of the Americas will once again offer all seven Rotax Max Challenge categories for the 2013 season. The schedule will host six rounds of racing on three weekends between January and March, based in the southwest section of the United States. The year is scheduled to kick off at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona on the January 11-13 weekend. The following month is a return to the Copper State and the PKRA Formula K Raceway north of Phoenix on February 8-10. The series will then complete the final two rounds of competition and crown the 2013 champions at the CalSpeed Karting circuit outside the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California - March 8-10.
Highlighting the Rotax Challenge of the Americas prize package for the 2013 season are the four tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals. Drivers who earn the series championships in the DD2, Senior Max, Junior Max and the DD2 Masters categories will be awarded a spot at the ‘Olympics of Karting’ for 2013. Champions in the Masters Max, Mini Max and Micro Max will earn a qualifying spot to their home country Rotax Grand Nationals. Each champion must be properly qualified by the Rotax Max Challenge rules of their home country to accept these prizes.
A number of companies within the karting community have placed their support for the 2013 Rotax Challenge of the Americas program by signing on as class sponsors: Buddy Rice Karting, Billet Performance Karting, CRG-USA, Rolison Performance Group, Holeshot Drive Systems, and Overdrive Motorsports. One position still remains for 2013 sponsorship, and any team or company interested are encouraged to contact Andy Seesemann today to learn more about the unique opportunities the Rotax Challenge of the Americas can offer.
Pre-entry for the entire 2013 Rotax Challenge of the Americas season will open in the coming days. For more information and to follow updates as the season draws closer, bookmark www.rotaxchallenge.com

About Rotax Challenge of the Americas:
The Rotax Challenge of the Americas series is a growing international Rotax Max Challenge series that will host over 100 drivers each weekend from all across the United States, Canada, and other surrounding countries. The six-round championship takes place from January to March with three weekend events, taking drivers to Tucson, Phoenix and Fontana, California. Series champions will earn tickets to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals and the United States Rotax Grand Nationals. Click over to www.rotaxchallenge.com for more information about the 2013 program.

The New D1 Tire is available for Rotax

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:08:58 -0400

The New D1 tire will be used at all National Level Events (FWT, COA, Grand Nationals and the Pan-AM) for the Micro Max, Mini Max and Junior Max Classes. Starting in 2013 the D1 tire will be mandatory for the classes listed and until then it will be the decision of each club whether to use this tire or not. It might be a wise decision for the series that are still racing in the winter months to offer the opportunity to race with these tires prior to the Florida Winter Tour and the Challenge of the Americas. All drivers per class will need to be on board and to use the same tire compound. Anyone with questions please contact GoRotax.com.

The race for the championship goes down to a finals battle at the ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 13:57:23 -0400

Junior Max driver places third at international Rotax event competing with professional race team
The fourth and final round of the ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE turned out to be a real game of strategy over the weekend at the Sologne Karting circuit in France. It’s the 7th time the ‘Euro’ has been hosted by the Salbris venue, where all the 2012 champions were only decided by Sunday’s finals. With every point gained being so crucial to the outcome, tactics played an obvious role in every one of the four classes.
SENIOR MAX – Sean Babington made it a double victory to take the win in both finals, giving the British driver success at a total of three rounds this season and be crowned the 2012 Euro Challenge champion. Locked into a three-way battle with his closest rivals, points leaders Edward Brand and Harrison Scott, the 19-year old from Dan Holland Racing who finished 5th in 2011, ranked 3rd in the qualifying before winning all four of his heat races Saturday to start on pole for the pre-final.
Keeping up his good form from the previous round in Sweden, James Singleton clocked the best lap to take pole position ahead of the recently crowned Australian national champion Pierce Lehane. With the field of 49 drivers split into three groups for the official timed sessions, Singleton set a best lap of 1:01.977 that was 0.054 seconds quicker than Lehane. The initial group on track was considerably slower, so the leading time set by Edward Brand in session one ranked him 14th.
Saturday’s qualifying heats were dominated by Babington, with Singleton taking 3 wins and losing just one race to the DHR driver to then join him for a front row start in the pre-final to come. Lehane took the win in another two of the races, while Scott a solitary victory plus running repair to his chain guard during the final heat that cost him a row 2 starting place.
The pole-sitter held his lead and posted the best lap of the pre-final, while a fantastic race unfolded in his wake between Lehane and Brand for 2nd, Singleton, Scott and NZ driver Josh Hart. The Eastern European contingent of Petr Bezel, looking to pass Singleton, and Jiri Forman got involved, staying inside the top 10 for a good start to the afternoon final. In the closing stages, the Aussie champ fought back to keep 2nd as Brand lost 3rd to Scott with half a lap remaining and Hart 5th.
It was a nervous gird at the start of the Max final, with everything in the hands of the final result for the 2012 title. With everything to gain or lose, the race was a close one. Babington had the benefit of the pack shuffling, giving him a chance to strengthen his lead to the flag. Starting on grid 6, Singleton was fastest on track using his new set of MOJO D2s in the final, taking a well-earned 2nd place in front of Harrison Scott who was then 3rd overall in the series. Ed Brand was dicing for a top 5 position and sealed his third vice champion’s trophy at the Rotax Euro Challenge by finishing 6th in the final. 4th in the series was secured by Singleton ahead of Barrie Pullinger, with just 4 points finally separating 5th to 10th positions. 2011 Junior Euro and World #1 Ukyo Sasahara lost his chance for a top 5, falling to 9th in the series after going off on turn 1.
Sean Babington – “It’s not been easy with the competition so close, but today I needed to finish well to have enough points to win. We had a good qualifying to be third quickest and in a position to get a good result in the heats. After winning the pre-final, I knew that Harrison Scott was behind me and Ed Brand beside him for the start of the final, so I would have to get away. I managed to get a break and just focused on driving my best to take the win. It’s been a great weekend and I’m really happy! I’ve had all the DHR team supporting me, so I have to thank them for all their work to give me a great race package with Ogden engines and Race Data, my father as my mechanic and all my sponsors for their support, Freem and The Helmet Company.”
JUNIOR MAX – In his rookie season in Junior Max, Harry Webb from Great Britain left no chance of losing his shot at the 2012 European title when he crossed the line with a gap of more than 3 seconds to take the chequered flag in Sunday’s pre-final. It was another ‘Euro’ dual that looked certain to be won by either Webb or Janneau Esmeijer, who dominated round 2 in Germany last May. Unfortunately for the young Dutch driver, he suffered a poor qualifying that gave the championship leader some breathing space, thereafter going on to take the honours in all three heats. Following his win in the first final, Webb gave Strawberry Racing another junior title to add to their Euro collection.
Starting the weekend off on a high, Webb took pole position Friday in the opening session for Junior Max with a time of 1:03.527, a gap of 0.319 seconds to the tiny Japanese driver Sena Sakaguchi, making his debut in the series in Salbris. Third best lap was set by Danish junior Jan Jonck who looked confident of a podium chance during Saturday’s qualifying heats, where he secured two race wins to Webb’s three, the remaining victory being taken by another contender Ryan Anderton.
With Webb leading the pre-final from the start to the finish to become the new European Junior Champion, the tough race for places went on regardless. Max Aitken and Ryan Anderton had a great start from several rows back to move up to P2 and 3 ahead Guan Yu Zhou and Jan Jonck. Going off early in the race, Josh White was in contention for the series win coming into the last round, but had a disappointing Saturday to rank 27th after qualifying 8th , then only 19th in the pre-final.
However, it was Webb’s team-mate Guan Yu Zhou who eventually won the French round at the Sologne Karting circuit. The British-based driver just 13 years of age originally from Shanghai, passed Webb in the late stages of the Junior final to become the first Chinese competitor to win a round of the championship in the 9-year history of this international event. Austria’s Thomas Preining climbed to P3 amidst a fight for the podium with Jonck, but the two collided that left the Dane out of the race and Preining down the order. In 3rd after 13 laps was Esmeijer who ranked 16th following the heat races, posting best lap of the final and grabbing the 2012 runner-up trophy in a concentrated effort after a struggle at the start of the weekend. In 4th place, Ryan Anderton fought for 3rd overall in the points, going wheel-to-wheel with Max Aitken after the start, seeing Aitken retiring on the opening lap, leaving the door open for Josh White to take 4th in the championship.
Harry Webb seemed relieved, but couldn’t hide the big grin on his face, “I’m not really sure what to say… only that it’s good to have won and I’m kind of glad it’s over now. It was a perfect qualifying and Janneau Esmeijer didn’t have such a good one, so this made it a little easier. The first final was hard, but we got away at the start; even though most drivers around me on the grid had used their new tyres. It’s my first year in juniors so it’s an excellent achievement for us to have such a good result. Thanks go to all the team at Strawberry Racing, Cream Engines, and my mum and dad.”
With his sights firmly set on becoming a Formula 1 race driver in the future, Guan Yu Zhou was ecstatic! “Today, it’s a very good day for me. In the pre-final, we stayed on our used tyres from yesterday’s heat racing and it was still a top 5 result. Then, in the final I just followed Harry [Webb] and didn’t make any mistakes then I was able to pass him for a good race to the finish. Thank you to Warwick and the Strawberry Racing team, my mechanic Mark, all the sponsors and my parents for their support. Next year, I want to win the Rotax Euro Challenge in Junior Max!”
ROTAX DD2 – In the 2-speed category, Belgian Mathias Detige came away from the French meeting with his mission accomplished well and truly in 2012. The 22-year old led the points table and went into the last round head-to-head with Miika Laiho of Finland for the Rotax DD2 title. Each had taken the honours at one round of the series during the season, as did Xen De Ruwe sitting 3rd after the Kristianstad round in July; yet only Detige and Laiho could claim the winner’s trophy.
Laiho was quickest in Friday’s qualifying to be 0.070 seconds ahead of Detige and in his first European race in the class, the current Euro and World Max title-holder, Ben Cooper. The racing was close in the heats Saturday, but it was De Ruwe by just a point’s advantage and one race win, who secured pole for the pre-final while Cooper took race honours in two heats. Laiho was victim to a starting accident the day before that saw Cooper penalized 10 seconds, so he was off grid 6, while Detige shared the front row with his fellow-countryman for the first of the finals Sunday.
In a fantastic race right to the end of the pre-final which was won by a very determined Cooper, Detige finished 3rd behind Laiho to give him sufficient points to take the 2012 Euro Challenge victory and his personal ticket to the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal this November. Patrick Pearce managed to take 4th amidst a battle with Tom Dielissen, who was definitely one of the drivers to watch at the French round. His CRG Holland team-mate Chris Sterken took 6th in front of De Ruwe, who dropped back in the order in the heated fight for positions after half-race distance.
In the 16-lap final, it was Cooper who was quickest and virtually unstoppable that crossed the line in first, 3.6 seconds ahead of the series runner-up Laiho and De Ruwe making up the round 4 podium under the hot afternoon sun in Salbris. Following a red flag stoppage on lap 8, Detige and his team Bouvin Power made the decision to retire from the race, while a technical problem ruined Lucas Orrock’s chances soon after, as he closed in on Laiho in P2. De Ruwe and front-runner Patrick Pearce diced for a top three, until Pearce dropped to the back of the field, leaving only 5 points between him and his Belgian rival for 3rd overall in the championship. Thomas Smith was 4th in the final and 5th in the series behind Pearce.
Mathias Detige – “I can’t find the words right now… but I’m happy! It’s been a pretty stressful week for me and my mechanic because we knew with the points so close that things can still go wrong and we didn’t have the speed we wanted early in the week. It’s really the best result in my career and today, this means everything to me. We’ve been working all year for this so I want to say thanks to my mechanic of more than four years, Kobe, who has done a very good job for me. Also, thanks to the team at Bouvin Power for the engines and support, to MS Kart for this great chassis that suits me really well and for what they have done in the last weeks to achieve this, and of course, to my father for making it possible for me to race at this level.”
Having recently won the Canadian Nationals and Eastern Regional championships, Ben Cooper’s shift to the Rotax DD2 class continues to gain momentum with his fourth round win at the Euro. “I’ve enjoyed the racing as I always do in Europe; it’s hard and it’s competitive. Since I started racing in the DD2 after winning the Florida Winter Tour in Max, I honestly think it’s the best thing I’ve done. The driving is more physical so I’ve had to work quite a lot on my fitness, it’s exciting with the 2-speed gearbox and there’s more grip. It’s been a great weekend and I want to say a huge thank you to Peter Kalman and Kalman MotorSport, Nigel at HRS Engines, Birel for the chassis and help with the development this year, SRA Karting and Jim Russell Académie de Karting. It’s been good preparation for the Grand Finals, where I hope to win my third world title this year.”
ROTAX DD2 Masters – Running within the DD2 class, the Rotax DD2 Masters was an even closer battle for the title between a small group of drivers who could all claim the victory at the deciding event. At the flag, it was the defending champ Christophe Adams who worked his strategy well to win the last round of the series and engrave yet another title with his name. Lady driver Tamsin German had won two rounds this year and was leading the points’ race prior to last weekend. Germain was one of two sisters from Great Britain competing in the DD2 category, where she finished runner-up to Adams after taking 3rd place in the final.
Not having the luck at all, championship hopes disappeared for round 3 winner Florent Lambert when he was forced to retire following an incident in the final that stopped the race. Although he was then on equal points with title-hopeful Dennis Kroes, he had the better result to be awarded 3rd overall. Taking 2nd place on the Masters podium at Salbris was a rather elated Chris Groen, who came from last to P14 in the final, failing to complete any laps in the pre-final beforehand.
It was a victory for France and the local chassis manufacturer Sodikart by the accomplished Master Christophe Adams who actually comes from Belgium, giving the Sodikart NL team something to celebrate. “I’m very happy to win again in 2012. The qualifying set-up was ideal for a warm day so it helped us in the finals. Unfortunately, I went out in the first corner in heat 1, but had a good result in the two heats after. Seeing I wasn’t in Wackersdorf, I had no chance to drop the points from this round so I took no risk in the pre-final and stayed behind Tamsin [Germain]. In the final, I drove to get the best points and saved my new tyres for the last race. I want to say thanks to my mechanic and team, and will dedicate this to my sick father who always followed my racing.”
Together with their titles and trophies, the first three place-getters in all three classes including the Rotax DD2 Masters champion received an invitation from ROTAX engine manufacturer BRP Powertrain to compete at the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal this coming November. The Euro qualifiers are renowned for being amongst some of the likely favourites!
All results from the ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE can be found at www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com
All RGMMC events in 2012 are being broadcast on Sky Sports with video highlights on RGMMC Media page and Facebook.
Entries are now open for the 2012 ROTAX INTERNATIONAL OPEN to be held at Zuera, Spain from October 24th – 28th with 7 last chance places at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals to race for - in addition to great prizes worth up to €30.000.

RESULTS 2012 ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE –
Round 4 (Salbris, France)

ROTAX SENIOR MAX
1. Sean Babington (GBR) - Alonso/Dan Holland Racing
2. James Singleton (GBR) - Tonykart/Coles Racing
3. Harrison Scott (GBR) - Tonykart/Strawberry Racing

ROTAX JUNIOR MAX
1. Guan Yu Zhou (GBR) - Tonykart/Strawberry Racing
2. Harry Webb (GBR) - Tonykart/Strawberry Racing
3. Janneau Esmeijer (NED) - Intrepid/Team TKP

ROTAX DD2
1. Ben Cooper (CAN) - Birel/Kalman MotorSport
2. Miika Laiho (FIN) - Tonykart/MPT Racing
3. Xen De Ruwe (BEL) - Formula K/Formula K Europe

ROTAX DD2 MASTERS
1. Christophe Adams (FRA) - Sodikart /Sodikart NL
2. Chris Groen (NED) - Kosmic/Team Kroes
3. Tamsin Germain (GBR) - Gillard/DG Racing

RESULTS 2012 ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE – Champions

ROTAX SENIOR MAX
1. Sean Babington (GBR) - Alonso/Dan Holland Racing
2. Edward Brand (GBR) - Formula K/Formula K Europe
3. Harrison Scott (GBR) - Tonykart/Strawberry Racing

ROTAX JUNIOR MAX
1. Harry Webb (GBR) - Tonykart/Strawberry Racing
2. Janneau Esmeijer (NED) - Intrepid/Team TKP
3. Ryan Anderton (GBR) - Tonykart/Coles Racing

ROTAX DD2
1. Mathias Detige (BEL) - MS Kart/Bouvin Power
2. Miika Laiho (FIN) - Tonykart/MPT Racing
3. Xen De Ruwe (BEL) - Formula K/Formula K Europe

ROTAX DD2 MASTERS
1. Christophe Adams (FRA) - Sodikart /Sodikart NL
2. Tamsin Germain (GBR) - Gillard/DG Racing
3. Florent Lambert (GBR) - Tonykart/Tatum Racing

About Rolison Performance Group:
Rolison Performance Group is a leading race team and prep shop in American karting, and is also a Rotax Service Center and a Kosmic chassis dealer. Owner Mike Rolison, known as “Roli” at the racetrack, has built a career coaching some of the best kart racers on the West Coast. Over the past decade, he has helped 100′s of drivers and mechanics improve their craft. Mike brings world class driving and coaching experience to every racer he works with. Whether you are competing on the local, regional, national or world stage Roli’s driving and tuning instruction will improve your abilities and results. RPG provides trackside support and arrive-and-drive programs for many series, including the Challenge of the Americas, US Rotax Grand Nationals, Pan-American Challenge, SKUSA Pro Tour, Northwest ProKart Challenge and the SKUSA SuperNationals. The team is a Kosmic chassis and product line dealer and is proud to campaign karts on the regional and national stage. Bookmark www.rolisonperformancegroup.com today.

SELLIKEN EARNS PODIUM AT PAN AMERICAN CHALLENGE WITH ROLISON PERFORMANCE GROUP

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:02:46 -0400

Junior Max driver places third at international Rotax event competing with professional race team

Professional race team Rolison Performance Group journeyed to the Rotax Pan American Challenge Championship event, held at The Track at Centennial in Englewood, Colorado on September 20-23. After success this past winter at the Challenge of the Americas international Rotax series, two championships at the United States Rotax Grand Nationals, and titles at the regional level in the Pacific Northwest, RPG reached the podium once again at the Pan American event with Junior Max driver Luke Selliken scoring a third place finish against a stout field of international drivers.
Selliken was among the quick drivers during the official practice rounds Friday and converted that to a pole position in qualifying later that afternoon. His 54.360-second lap put his RPG Kosmic entry on the P1 grid spot for all three qualifying heat races on Saturday. Selliken began heat one with the lead but was shuffled back to fourth on the following lap. Come lap five, Selliken was pushed off track and was unable to continue, giving him a DNF. After making repairs and setting up for heat two, Luke came back with vengeance. He led wire-to-wire in the 12-lap event to score the win by one-second. He matched the same feat in heat three, driving to another one-second advantage for his second win of the day. With the DNF, he was classified sixth in the heat race point total, lining him up outside row three for the Prefinal. Gaining one spot on the opening circuit, Selliken ran fifth for much of the 16-lap race until the final circuit, working up to the fourth position before the checkered flag. Luke began the main event from outside row two, not the best spot for a start. He was shuffled back to the sixth position after the opening circuit with work ahead. By lap four, Selliken was back up to fifth and looked for his way to move forward. The final two laps saw heavy shuffling for position with Selliken benefitting, jumping up to the third position and earned a podium finish.
McKay Snow joined Selliken under the Rolison Performance Group tent, also competing in the Junior Max division. The weekend was a challenge for Snow, learning the circuit as the event unfolded as he made his first visit to The Track. McKay qualified 26th and improved his position in each heat race, recording a best finish of 20th in heat one and heat three. His results place him 22nd on the Prefinal grid. More improvement in speed put him 20th at the checkered flag of the Prefinal race and continued in the main event, scoring an 18th position.
“Luke did a great job once again, we just came up just short of our ultimate goal of winning this weekend,” commented Mike Rolison of Rolison Performance Group. “Selliken has become one of the top Junior drivers in the country, and his performance in Colorado proved it. Now we can turn our attention to clinching the SKUSA Pro Tour title in November. McKay improved each and every session on-track. The Track is very challenging with a wide variety of elevation and technical sections. Not having made any laps here before, Snow never quit and got faster as the weekend progressed. That’s all we can ask for each of our drivers.”
Rolison Performance Group is now preparing to close out the 2012 season. The final event will be the SKUSA SuperNationals XVI at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on November 14-18, 2012. Rolison Performance Group currently has spots open for Arrive-and-Drive packages, driver coaching opportunities or kart transportation and tent space. Those looking to get a jump start on the 2013 season are suggested to contact Rolison now for driver development and coaching programs today. To learn more about the Rolison Performance Group, visit www.rolisonperformancegroup.com for more about their services and products available or find them at www.facebook.com/RolisonPerformanceGroup.
About Rolison Performance Group:
Rolison Performance Group is a leading race team and prep shop in American karting, and is also a Rotax Service Center and a Kosmic chassis dealer. Owner Mike Rolison, known as “Roli” at the racetrack, has built a career coaching some of the best kart racers on the West Coast. Over the past decade, he has helped 100′s of drivers and mechanics improve their craft. Mike brings world class driving and coaching experience to every racer he works with. Whether you are competing on the local, regional, national or world stage Roli’s driving and tuning instruction will improve your abilities and results. RPG provides trackside support and arrive-and-drive programs for many series, including the Challenge of the Americas, US Rotax Grand Nationals, Pan-American Challenge, SKUSA Pro Tour, Northwest ProKart Challenge and the SKUSA SuperNationals. The team is a Kosmic chassis and product line dealer and is proud to campaign karts on the regional and national stage. Bookmark www.rolisonperformancegroup.com today.

ALEX AND MIKEY COMPLETE OGP NIGHT RACE

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 08:04:12 -0400

Mikey has best result as Rotax Junior driver

After opening the fall edition of the Ocala Gran Prix (OGP) local series two weeks ago, the Hornborg duo of Alex and Mikey were back on track for race two and the first of two night events in the five race program. Competing in Rotax Senior and Junior respectively, both drivers would look to continue with the speed and experienced gained from the first event to improve on results and make their marks in their new racing divisions.
With practice taking place Friday afternoon and into the evening under the OGP lights, both drivers would show speed as the session came to a close at 10pm. With Saturday's action not getting underway until 3pm, Alex and Mikey enjoyed the morning off before suiting up for the first of six on track sessions on the evening.
Progressing through their three practice sessions and onwards to the first official timed run of the evening, Alex would show his speed to turn the fifth quickest time in Rotax Senior qualifying while Mikey would claim the 15th position in Rotax Junior.
With the dinner break now complete and the lights on around the circuit, drivers would begin their first wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend, as sparks would fly in the nighttime conditions. Holding station for the majority of the Rotax Senior prefinal, Alex would fall back one position by the time the checkered flag would fly to come home sixth and secure an outside row three starting spot for the main event. Younger brother Mikey would avoid the melee at the first corner of the Rotax Junior prefinal and turn some of his quickest laps of the evening. Battling hard, Mikey secured a 14th place effort and would look to improve even more in the main event.
"It is really cool racing under the lights," expressed Mikey. "The track is well lit but there is added difficulty with the shadows from the trees. I learned a lot out there."
Older brother Alex went on to add, "The karts seem so much faster at night and a lot of sparks fly when drivers hit the curbs or drop wheels off the track. I think the entire event was run pretty well and racing under the lights on the same weekend that the Formula 1 drivers are doing it in Singapore is pretty neat."
Though the main event did not go as planned for Alex, the eldest of the Hornborgs would continue to show his speed in only his second event as a Senior. Crossing the line in a disappointing twelfth position, Alex will now shift his focus to the next local event, two weekends from now.
Mikey would have his best result to date as a Junior as he managed to gain five more positions in the main event to come home with a top-ten finish. Working hard to get past a group of drivers mid-race, Mikey would score a ninth place effort.
With one weekend off from official competition, both Alex and Mikey will return back to their seats for the next Ocala Gran Prix local race on October 6, 2012.
For more information on Team Hornborg Racing, please contact Mike Hornborg at 813.220.5993 or via e-mail to MikeHornborg@Verizon.net. Please 'Like' the Alex Hornborg Racing and Mikey Hornborg Racing Facebook fan pages to stay up-to-date with news, information and media releases on these upcoming drivers.
For information on press releases or other media services offered by Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.

CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS RELEASES 2013 SCHEDULE

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 07:48:22 -0400

Winter international Rotax Max Challenge program once again to award three Rotax Grand Finals tickets

ORANGE, CA – With the end of the 2012 racing season coming to a close in the upcoming months, the officials with the Challenge of the Americas program are happy to announce the plans for the 2013 season. The international Rotax Max Challenge based in the western half of the United States is preparing for its sixth season, and projecting another record breaking year, welcoming drivers from all across the North American continent and other countries from around the world. The upcoming season - schedule between the months of January through March in 2013 - will feature the same three facilities that were utilized this year, with tickets to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals on the line for Senior Max, Junior Max and DD2.

2013 Challenge of the Americas Schedule
January 11-13, 2013 - Musselman Honda Circuit - Tucson, Arizona
February 8-10, 2013 - Phoenix Kart Racing Association - Glendale, Arizona
March 8-10, 2013 - CalSpeed Karting - Fontana, California

The opening round in January will return to the demanding Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona. The 0.8-mile course hosted the series for the first time in 2012 and provided great racing in all categories. The following month takes the series back to the 3/4-mile Formula K Raceway, operated by the PKRA organization. The location has been a schedule five of the last six seasons. The Challenge of the Americas will close out once again at the challenging CalSpeed Karting circuit. Situated in the parking lot of the Auto Club Speedway, the track gives a feel of a temporary course with the addition of curbing and multiple configuration options.
“We have found three very good partner tracks for our series. All three have the proper facilities and space for an event of the magnitude of the Challenge of the Americas,” stated Andy Seesemann, promoter of the Challenge of the Americas series. “The 2012 season was the first year that we avoided rain at all three events. We hope to continue that streak throughout the 2013 season.”
While the locations and facilities remain the same, the dates for the 2013 Challenge of the Americas program moved to early weekends in each of the three months. Rather than the traditional end of the month slot, the second weekend of each month will host the COTA events to avoid scheduling conflicts with other programs.
“We always try to be proactive with our schedule and coordinate with other popular series that take place in the same months,” continued Seesemann. “Thankfully, we were lucky enough to be able to move our events earlier to avoid any conflicts for our teams, tuners, drivers and staff.”
Once again, the Challenge of the Americas will award three tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals, the Olympics of karting. Since the series inception, it has sent at least one driver to the world championship for the Rotax Max Challenge. For the past three years, the championship drivers in Senior Max, Junior Max and DD2 have earned the ticket to represent their respective country at the event, and the tradition will continue.
Seesemann concluded, “We have welcomed many US and Canadian national champions over the years as well as former world champions, including Australian David Sera and Canadian Scott Campbell. Racing at the Challenge of the Americas is world-class with the many drivers, teams and the staff we assemble each and every year.”
For more information on the 2013 Challenge of the Americas events and to follow updates as the season draws closer, bookmark www.gatorzkarting.com

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About Gatorz Challenge of the Americas:
The Gatorz Challenge of the Americas series is a growing international Rotax Max Challenge series that will host over 100 drivers each weekend from all across the United States, Canada, and other surrounding countries. The six-round championship takes place from January to March with three weekend events, taking drivers to Tucson, Phoenix and Fontana, California. Series champions will earn tickets to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals and the United States Rotax Grand Nationals. Click over to www.gatorzkarting.com for more information about the 2013 program.

RED LINE OIL SERIES RACE #8

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 08:43:33 -0400

The Red Line Oil Series finished the summer racing season with a strong turnout and some great racing on the tight and technical Sprint track configuration at the Simraceway kart track at Sonoma Raceway. Three classes had some extra incentives with a pair of "Total Access" passes to the GoPro Indy-Sonoma race going to the class winners. The GoPro featured class was the 125 Stock Honda Masters class with the winner taking home the GoPro Hero HD camera.

GoPro Feature: 125 Stock Honda Masters and 125 Pro Stock Honda

Nine Masters drivers along with a pair of Pro Stock Honda drivers took to the track to race for chance to win some great prizes. In the Qualifing, Daniel Langon took the pole in the Pro Stock class ahead of Jamie Wilson with Jim Inglebright taking the Masters Pole ahead of Brad Shaffer and Jim Kid. In the first heat, Langon took the early lead and went on to a two second win over Wilson with Inglebright 3rd and Kidd 4th. In the second heat, Wilson took the initial lead at the green but Langon took control on the second lap and went on to the win with the finishing order at the top of the field the same as the previous heat. In the Main, Wilson again won the drag race to the first corner and Langon had to make a move on lap two to take over the top spot. Langon then pulled away to win the race ten seconds ahead of Wilson. The 125 Masters race proved to be the best race with Inglebright taking the lead off the green but he was hounded the entire race by Kidd who was looking for any mistake so as to take over the class lead. True to recent form Inglebright did not make any mistakes and came home the winner with Kidd less than a second behind and David Arnstein in 3rd. Inglebright took home the GoPro HD Hero camera for his in and for the 125 Pro Stock win, Langon took home a pair of "Total Access" passes to the upcoming GoPr Indy Sonoma race.

Junior Rotax
With a pair of " Toatl Access" Indy-Sonoma tickets going to the Junior Rotax winner, the fourteen drivers were all pumped to have a strong race. But no one could have predicted the final outcome in the Main. Alex Keyes took the pole ahead of Toni Breidinger and Michael Avansino. In the first heat, Keyes took the early lead ahead Toni with Avansino, Will Preston and Annie Briedinger close behind. Toni then spun going into turn two a couple laps into the race turning the runner up battle over to Avansino and Annie with Preston and Enzo Prevost battling for 4th. In the end Keyes took the win ahead of Avansino and Annie Breidinger. In the second heat, Keyes again took the early lead with Avansino getting ahead of Toni going into turn one. Keyes pulled away to a five second win with Avansino holding 2nd, Toni 3rd just in front of Preston. In the Main, Keyes again took the early lead and pulled out to a comfortable lead with Avansino, Preston and Annie Breidinger battling for 2nd.   Unfortunately only one of these four drivers would survive the torturous curbs of the Sprint track layout. First, Annie threw a chain coming out of tic-tac-toe on lap four. Then Preston had a curb help throw his chain at the same spot as Annie on lap eleven. But the biggest surprise for Alex Keyes dropping out on lap thirteen with a broken axle. Surviving he carnage was Michael Avansino who went onto a nine second win and becoming the fifth different winner in this class this year. Enzo Prevost came home in 2nd with Jaden Conwright taking the final spot on the podium. For the win, Michael took home two "Total Access" passes to the upcoming GoPro Indy Sonoma race.

Rotax Micro Max
The Micro Max class for seven to nine years olds continues to grow with seven drivers entered, the largest field so far this year. New comer Aidian O Neil took the pole ahead of Dakota White and Ethan Tavares. In the first heat, Aidian took the early lead with Dakota very close behind. Ethan and Max Ellgen hooked up for a good close battle for third with Ethan just edging out Max at the finish line. In the second heat, Aidian was again the front runner but Dakota stayed close in case Aidian made a mistake. Max took control of the 3rd place position with Ethan 4th. In the Main, Aidian again took the early lead and went onto a ten second win with Dakota 2nd, Max 3rd, Ethan 4th and Valdemar Eriksen taking the 5th spot. Aidian became the 6th different winner in Micro Max this year.

Senior Rotax
The third package of the GoPro Indy Sonoma "Total Access" passes went to the Senior Rotax winner, making sure the competition for the win was going to be high. Carlos Calderon took the pole ahead of Nic LeDuc and Jarrett Lile. In the first heat, LeDuc took the lead early in the race and pulled out a one second win over Calderon with Lile edging out Brody Zink for the third spot. In the second heat, LeDuc again took an early lead and held it for the win with Sean McDonald getting by Carlos Calderon to take the second spot. The Main proved to be a very interesting race for the 2nd spot, but Leduc was the constant, taking the lead at the start and held a two second lead to take the win. The battle behind LeDuc was the real race in more ways than just good racing as it turned out. Calderon, McDonald, Lile and Zink all held the 2nd spot during the race but by the end , McDonald came home 2nd, ahead of Calderon and Lile with Zink fading back to 7th in the end. But the Tech gods did not shine on LeDuc on this day thus McDonald was elevated to the win, Calderon 2nd, Lile 3rd and Tazio Ottis 4th. McDonald took home the two "Total Access" passes to the upcoming Indy race.

IAME TaG and Junior TaG
With a total of eleven karts, this race was full of action. On the pole in Qualifying was Maxx Marian (Jr TaG) followed byfour Senior IAME TaG karts lead by Josh Buttafoco, Darrin Geahry and Austin Keller. In the first heat, Marian took the early lead and held off the initial challenges of the top IAME karts but in the end, Jr TaG Alex Keyes worked his way through the field from his 8th starting spot to take the 2nd overall spot with Keller 3rd and Jr TaG Joe Morton 4th. In the second heat Buttafoco and Keller battled for the top spot with Marian falling back. Keyes and Morton battled for the 3rd spot and for the top spot in the Jr Tag class. In the end it was Buttufoco, Keller, Keyes and Morton in the final order. In the Main, Buttafoco and Keller continued their battle for the overall lead in the race with Marian and Keyes battling for 3rd overall and the Jr TaG class lead. Keller took control of the lead and took the overall win and the win in the IAME class with Buttafoco coming home 2nd less than a half second back with Marian 3rd overall and the Jr TaG win less than a second back of Keller with Keyes right on his heals taking the 2nd in Jr Tag. Geahry took 5th overall and 3rd in IAME with Joe Morton 6th and 3rd in the Jr TaG class.

Rotax Masters
Again another large turnout of fourteen drivers for the Rotax Masters class. Rob Soares took the pole over class points leader Scott Ripslinger and David Bell. In the first heat Soares and Ripslinger went at it right from the drop of the green with the two swapping the lead a couple of times until Ripslinger spun and would finish 11th. Soares went onto the win ahead of Bell with Andrea Delfanti 3rd. In the second heat, Ripslinger took the win when Soares fell back early on with Bell right on his heels and Delfanti taking another 3rd. In the Main, the front row was now Bell and Delfanti with Delfanti taking the lead at the drop of the green and the battle was on. Soares and Ripslinger worked their way up to 2nd and 3rd early on. Delfanti's kart then lost power and he eventually dropped back to 6th. Geoff Wise then got by
Rotax SBell to take over the 3rd spot late in the race. After a tough race it was Soares taking the win two seconds ahead of Ripslinger and by doing so becoming the only repeat winner in this class this season. Wise came home 3rd, Bell 4th and Mary Beth Wilson in 5th.

80 Masters and DD2 Masters
A lone DD2 Masters driver joined in with seven 80 Honda Masters drivers for the day. In Qualifying, Geoff Provo took the pole ahead of Bob Lesnett and Roger Cornwall. In the first heat, Lesnett got by Provo to take a one second win with Tom Nelson coming home 3rd. In the second heat, again Lesnett took the early lead but Nelson got by Provo to take 2nd less than a second back of the winner, Provo finishing 3rd. In the Main, it was Lesnett leading Provo for the initial laps with Nelson and Cornwall in a good battle for 3rd. Provo then got right on the bumper of the leader and inadvertently nudged Lesnett going into a turn and the two spun and stalled their karts. This allowed Nelson to go into the lead with Cornwall close behind. The leading duo ran close the whole race with Cornwall getting right on the tail of Nelson going into the last lap but he did not see an opening to make a clean pass and settled for 2nd. Nelson took the win, Cornwall 2nd, Rob Mullaney 3rd , Lesnett and Provo coming home 4th and 5th and the lone DD2 Masters of David Palic coming home 6th.
You can see all the results on mylaps.com. The next race in the RLOKC will be on September 16 when the track configuration will be the Reverse Sprint Track layout. The GoPro featured class will be the Rotax Senior Class.

JUSTIN SIRGANY CLAIMS PODIUM RESULT AT US GRAND NATIONALS

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 08:45:22 -0400

Justin Sirgany would battle a field full of Rotax Micro Max drivers and come home second
Descending on the Jet Karting of Michiana Raceway Park facility near South Bend, Indiana, Rotax Micro Max driver Justin Sirgany would look to achieve United States Rotax Grand National glory and be crowned national champion. When the rain had finally subsided and the final checkered flag had flown, Sirgany would miss the top position by one spot as he came home second in his first visit to the Indiana facility.
Competing with an AM Engine powered Tony Kart, Justin got his weekend started off on the right foot with an impressive second place qualifying effort. After completing the three test days leading up to the event in dry conditions, Sirgany and his crew went to work in qualifying as the heavens opened and rain began to fall. Missing the pole position, the Tony Kart pilot would start each of his three heat races from the outside front row.
With rain continuing to fall Thursday afternoon, Micro Max competitors would be forced to use wet weather tires yet again in the first official wheel-to-wheel competition of the weekend. Getting a great start, disaster would strike for Sirgany as the pole sitter spun in front of him and the pair then made contact. High sided on the berm adjacent to the track, the entire field went by and Sirgany rejoined the race in the last position. Working hard to salvage as many positions as possible, an incredible drive would see the youngster move forward to the 11th position.
Friday would bring a different day of racing to Justin as heat two saw him lead his first laps on the weekend. Maintaining his second place starting position during the opening laps, Sirgany moved to the point on lap four only to be re-passed on lap nine as he fell back to second. A great rebound from the previous day's heat, Justin finished second. Heat three would see a quartet of drivers battle hard for the majority of the ten-lap event. Falling from second to fourth and losing touch with the lead duo, Sirgany hooked up with the third place driver as they utilized the draft to catch the leaders. The race ended in a four-kart train with Justin in fourth.
With heat race points calculated, Sirgany would start Saturday morning's prefinal from inside row three in the fifth position, under wet conditions. Looking to move up as many positions as possible, Sirgany went to work on his competitors as he advanced into the third position by the close of lap two and then up to second shortly thereafter. Chasing the leader down, Sirgany took over the top position and never looked back. Scoring the fastest lap of the race and the elusive pole position for the main event, Sirgany was now the driver to beat entering the final
Feeling as if they were at a slight disadvantage in the dry, Sirgany hoped that the rain would continue, allowing him a good shot at the national title. With opening ceremonies complete and the sun now shining, all the Rotax Micro Max competitors would change their chassis setup for the slick Mojo tires. After starting on the pole position and maintaining the lead for the opening laps, Justin would lose it, but managed to slot himself into the second position. Drafting with the leader to pull away from the rest of the field, the duo would make it a two-kart affair to fight for the win.
After swapping the top spot on multiple occasions, Justin would try his hardest to maintain the point for the final few laps but could not hold off the advances of his rival. Crossing the stripe in the second position, Sirgany would claim the second step on the podium, narrowly missing the national championship.
Justin Sirgany would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support throughout the 2012 racing season. A special thanks to JFP and Black Velvet Topsoil, AM Engines and mechanics that put forth the effort to ensure he was at the front of the field. Justin would also like to thank his competitors for a great week of racing and special congratulations to Nicholas Brueckner and his team on their victory.
For more information on Justin Sirgany, please contact Stephen Sirgany via e-mail at steve@3GsRacing.com or visit them online at www.3GsRacing.com.

For information on press releases or other media services offered by Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.

DOMINIC TESORO SHOWS STRONG AT UNITED STATES ROTAX GRAND NATIONALS

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:31:45 -0400

Florida driver among quickest in Junior Max field, yielding to mechanical issues in the end
SOUTH BEND, IN – Florida karting star Dominic Tesoro contested the United States Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals at the Michiana Raceway Park in South Bend, Indiana. The four-day event (August 8-11) put Tesoro against the best Rotax racers in the country, competing for the Junior Max championship along with three tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal as a member of Team USA. Following a solid outing at the Rotax Summer Shootout at the 6/10-mile course in late June, which resulted in two top-five finishes over the weekend, Dominic had realistic chances at both the title and a spot on the American team. A mechanical issue kept him from obtaining either, though the overall performance further emphasized the talent Tesoro possess.
The 15-year old began the event practicing within the top-15 of the 50 driver field, all vying for the Junior Max title. Most of the practice sessions were contested in dry weather, and when qualifying came up in the schedule, rain had covered the area for some time. Tesoro battled through the session but found himself well off the pace, coming in 43rd on the time sheets. With work to be done, Dominic set forth a battle plan to move forward in the heat races from his row 11 starting position. The opening heat race, on Thursday afternoon after the qualifying session, saw Tesoro advance in wet conditions. At the end of 14 laps, Dominic was 12th in the order. Friday brought on a new challenge as the day began with a DNF in his second heat race. Involved in an opening lap wreck, Tesoro was unable to continue and was classified 25th. The third heat was Dominic’s best, as dry weather returned and his pace was similar to that of the leaders. Starting 21st, he was up to ninth after 14 laps. While the result was solid, it was not enough to directly qualify Tesoro for Saturday’s Prefinal race, coming up eight spots sort as he was classified 36th.
The day ended with his final effort to move on, the Last Chance Qualifier. Gridded P8 for the event that transfer the top-six, Tesoro inched his way into the top-five and stayed out of trouble for the remainder of the 10-lap race. Starting the Prefinal from 33rd, Dominic did exactly what he had done previously in the heat races, advance his position. With some quick work around a number of opening lap incidents, Tesoro was 16th when crossing the stripe for the first time. Dominic showed patience in the 20-lap event, taking chances when needed and gaining four more positions en route to a 12th place finish. The result placed him outside row six for the main event. Another great opening lap put him inside the top-10 for the first time all week. That was until lap three when a brake issue hampered his pace. Even at a reduced speed due to the loss of his brakes, Tesoro muscled on to finish 14th.
“Dominic did a great job this week. Qualifying sets the tone for the week, and unfortunately we went the wrong direction when the rain came. Behind the wheel, Dominic continues to improve and coming from the back of the pack all week proved it. We’ve had him on three different brands of karts this season, and he’s adapted to them all very well. The Kosmic chassis certainly fits his driving style, and it showed as he made his way forward through the field all week. It’s not the exact improvement we wanted to make on his 18th place finish last year, but considering the obstacles we had to hurdle, we’ll take it for now,” stated team manager Tony Tesoro.
Dominic would like to thank his family and friends for their support, team manager Tony Tesoro, mechanic Andre Pedrosa and his current sponsors: Kosmic Racing Karts, Jose Castro at CMW Engines, and Enterprise Products Company. To find out more about Dominic Tesoro and sponsorship opportunities available, contact Tony Tesoro at 813.707.4512.
About Dominic Tesoro:
Plant City, Florida driver Dominic Tesoro is climbing the karting ladder with success. After 10 years karting, the 15-year old has found success at each level and is building a strong CV. Beginning at the young age of 5, Tesoro has won at the Kid Kart level, the Cadet level, and now at the Junior category. In 2012, Dominic finished seventh in the Florida Winter Tour TaG Junior championship, while finishing a respectable 10th in the Junior Max standings. In June, he placed inside the top-five in both main events during the Rotax Summer Shootout in South Bend. Tesoro plans to finish out the season competing in the Junior category with scheduled trips to the Pan American Challenge Championship event, for a chance to win a spot at the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal, and also at the SKUSA SuperNationals XVI in Las Vegas.

Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge Excited to Announce Series Growth and 2012 Prize Packages

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 08:31:27 -0400

Launching their Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge program in the state of Arizona, series officials are elated with the success and growth of the series. Now heading into their fall/winter schedule, the growing support amongst series teams and competitors has allowed the Bondurant supported Rotax program to increase prize packages and offered classes. Including the youngest division in the Rotax Max ladder platform, Rotax Micro Max competitors will have the opportunity to compete in the series and vie for their share in series awards.

"We are really excited to have such tremendous support in the program," expressed Alan Rudolph, Vice President and General Manager of the Bondurant SuperKart School. "Having the future of our sport take part in our series was a goal from day one and I am now happy that we have the necessary support to make this happen."

Rudolph continued, "Getting drivers into the Rotax program at an early age will help them gain the necessary skills and abilities to be champions as they enter the junior and senior ranks. Hopefully we can breed an American world champion from our program."

Not only is the Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge announcing the addition of the Micro Max class, Bondurant is also pleased to announce the 2012 prize package. Valued over $8000.00, series competitors will have the opportunity to garner a host of exciting prizes and awards.

The grand prize raffle will be for junior and senior competitors and their chance to take part in a Bob Bondurant 2-Day High Performance Driving Course. Coaching some of today's fastest motorsports stars, the high performance program will get recipients on course with the necessary skills and experience to begin a racing career. Past graduates of Bondurant include some of the biggest names in motorsports today, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart just to name a few.

Champions from the Spring and Fall program will also receive a $500.00 certificate that can be put towards any course that the Bondurant School of High Performance Driving or Bondurant SuperKarts offers.

"Also there will be four raffles done at random for all Rotax competitors to complete hot laps with me in a 2013 Chevrolet Corvette," announced Rudolph. "With up to four people including the driver taking part in the hot laps, this is a chance to really see what the Bondurant school can offer in regards to car control. This is a great way to give thanks to their crew, parents, or sponsors."

MaxSpeed Group, importer of the Rotax product line and Mojo tires, will also offer series support by donating a set of tires and some product swag. Innovative Karting of Glendale, Arizona will donate a certificate for labor on one complete Rotax Max engine rebuild. AZ Kart Werx of Phoenix, Arizona will donate three, five-gallon drums of MS93 fuel and XPS oil, while Team AZ Karting will offer another set of Mojo tires.

Rudolph continued, "I would like to thank all the series supporters, teams and drivers for their help in making the Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge program such a success. A special thanks to PKRA, Innovative Karting, AZ Kart Werx and Team AZ Karting for their willingness to help out and make this possible. I would also like to congratulate the Spring season champions Jake Boyle in Rotax Junior, Bryan Lymon in Rotax Senior and Roger Culver in Rotax Masters as well as wish lots of luck to all the fall series competitors."

A proven leader in high performance driving schools, Alan Rudolph and the Bondurant SuperKart School look at what is best for the sport of karting. For more information on the Bondurant Rotax Max Challenge at PKRA, please visit http://www.Bondurant.com/RMC.