From the Seat!

The off season is dwindling fast and I am seeing new things. A spirit of cooperation among many groups, SKUSA and TAG USA for example and even the upstart Stars organization seems to have changed it's stance somewhat and no longer considers itself to be just a stepping stone to other motorsports. Co-operation? This is kart racing we don't need no stinking cooperation! But! (There is always a but) on the other hand the consolidation of Midwestern road racing seems to be stalling if not actually retreating. The schedule ranges from frantic to lethargic and then back to frantic again caused at least in part by the agendas of some of the groups promoting the races. (Read Kart clubs). It is patently obvious at least to this writer that some do not want to come together and are willing to shoot themselves in the foot to prove it. Even more perplexing is how two of these groups literally destroyed the once successful Mid-States Enduro Series (Only distantly related to the current Mid-States Super Series) and have remained adamant about not working together again, But! (Again) they are working together on a WKA regional series. That bothers me, does it bother you? (Didn't think so!)

Well, how about this one? The World Nitpicking Association has approved the 2004 approved ICC shifter engines in their Manufacturers Cup division but outlawed them outright in their National Road Racing Series. (Huh?)

The aforementioned World Nitpicking Association also has their version of TaG called Spec 125 in their National Road Racing Series (Hurray!) but don't include it in Manufacturers Cup. (Huh?)

Here's another one, the Mid Ohio WKA National in May is double booked along with a running and bicycling group. (Huh?) And the track plus pit lane is off limits to the kart racers until sometime after One in the afternoon! (Big Huh?) I won't point any fingers on this one but either the kart group fumbled the ball or track management just slapped us in the face. (Oh great! Now I'm getting PO'd!)

Oh well like I said, "Cooperation? We don't need no stinking cooperation!"

But, (There's that but again) there are some very bright spots on the horizon. The CES Pro Shifter Series should regain some of its luster in 2004 with Moto and ICC running heads up on open tires. This should bring up the size of the fields, which in turn increases the payback, which in turn pumps up the fields. Hmmmmmm, this sounds good.

TAG USA now headed up by the inimitable Dave Larson is humming along nicely and the work being put in by SKUSA's Martin Casey will no doubt help pump up this exciting division. Imagine a user-friendly class of racecar with a common set of rules and procedures and pretty darned quick to boot. Check it out at www.tagracing.net!

TAG, you're it!

Karts on TV! A new top class kart track in the Midwest with the New Castle Motorsports Complex! Spring is coming! I can't wait.

Till Next Time, Race Hard, Race Safe and God Bless America!