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Curt,
If you will review the origianal post entitled “NO WINNERS” the intent and purpose for requesting a statewide karting summit was very clear and only addressed the CSC’s involvement as an entity involved in Colorado kart racing along with the “club/regional” tracks, kart shops and the kart racers.I appreciate the effort to generate a survey for CSC members but it had absolutely NO purpose for the MANY not involved in the CSC and probably explains the very poor lack of response from the kart racers in general. I would suggest the results of the CSC survey be reserved for future discussion at a future CSC meeting that would allow for more time to meet general concerns previously mentioned at this coming Sundays meeting.
I would hope that we could establish a cohesive Colorado Karting Counsel this coming Sunday that would represent ALL concerned and that would proceed with addressing issues one by one to bring unification, harmony and growth to Colorado karting in 2007 and beyond.
The purpoise of Sundays meeting, as originally intended has very great significance to the track owners, shop owners, manufacturers and to our constituents and customer the kart racer. I would hope that all concerned will attend in the effort.
Doug,
Bill Wright or for that matter Tom Kutscher of the Pro Kart Challenge/SKUSA do not have the right to go directly to CIK/FIA for CIK Calendar approval because WKA is the only authorized sanctioning body and conduit in the United States for that approval and explains the reason why European racers were warned for participating in a non sanctioned and non CIK calendar event. WKA is the only United Staes affiliate to CIK/FIA through its affilation with ACCUS. It is my understanding that the issue was still being dealt with by WKA and the FWT as late as this afternoon.
European racers can lose their international license for participating in non approved events.Curt,
I am not trying to step on your toes or efforts in establishing this coming Sunday’s meeting but as you can see by the topic posted it was NEVER meant to be a CSC love feast. It was to address the failing club/ regional racing programs and the diminishing participation and interest not only in regional/ club racing programs but the CSC and kart racing in general in Colorado. The CSC was only addressed in those post as part of the overall Colorado karting scene and specifically asked for the participation of ALL involved in Colorado kart racing as businesses and participants in an effort to unify and grow Colorado kart racing. I did ask for assistance in establishing a central location and time because I am not in a place to make those arrangements, at which time you generously stepped up to offer assistance. The purpose of the meeting was VERY specific and I thought you understood that…..my apologizes if there was a misunderstanding. Never the less the issues raised then are STILL the same and the importance to Colorado karting remains the same.I truely appreciate your efforts to put a meeting and co-ordinator together and Rusty Newberrys efforts to find a location and time at his expense. I will personally reimburse Rusty for the expense and efforts.
At this time, we have apparently ten participants expected to participate on the panel……..I want to go ahead with the agenda BUT turn the focus back to where it was originally intended and that is the best interest of the Colorado kart racer and the sport in our state. I don’t need to sit at a table to address what I think are the concerns of the silent majority of Colorado kart racers. That means that we have space, as advertised, for 90 or more of our constituents and would hardily advise and request that the kart racers with concerns attend to support their concerns and interests.
I would just ask that the powers that be come with an open mind and offer a clean slate at how we can unify Colorado karting that best benefits the kart racer ( customer) and Colorado karting businesses. Once again we need to address a new way of doing businees that benefits all.
Doug,
The WKA is the only CIK/FIA affiliate to the ACCUS in the United States so the FWT would have to be WKA sanctioned for the series to be put on the CIK International Calendar. WKA also sanctions the Snap On Stars of Karting Tour, the Stars Race of America’s, the Rock Island Grand Prix and the Kartsport Grand Prix.Blink,
I understand the commercial quality of Honda engines, I was using them in a commercial karting operation ten years before IMI was opened. I also have used the boxstock Comer K 80, sealed in our Junior program over the past four years and have noticed that the only difference in competiton has been the parents ability to tune the carburetor and the drivers experience and level of talent. The Comer K80 retails for $795.00, with the clutch included and if reasonably maintained will last a full season without rebuilding or even doing a top end. Blueprinting them adds an additional $700.00 to 1,000.00 to bring them to WKA/IKF national standards. Neither the WKA or IKF tech manuals requires that the engines be blueprinted to compete at any level. Blueprinting doesn’t make an 8 to 11 year old racer a better driver.The move to Honda’s in the Junior program would just serve to further isolate Colorado karters from national competiton unless you plan to go to Canada. When in Rome do as the Romans……..fortunately or unfortunately Honda engines are not in competition in the United States. The Comer K 80 is the overwhelming choice in national competition.
Mike, we are trying to have a civil discussion about karting issues. Nothing in my nearly 30 years of karting experience has anything to do with crack use. You can be a benevolent dictator when you are the only one in power and have the only widget……once again we NOW have five kart tracks, an in state racing series and a Grand Prix committee and lots of confusion. The dictator doesn’t own or have power over all of the states karting industry…..the Hulman, George, France families or Bernie E. have nothing to do with Colorado karting.
Once again it appears that the vast majority of the Junior I families and others are asking for a one engine class, with written rules, simplicity and clarity. There are going to be a few caught in the minority but bite the bullet now and the class will grow and thrive statewide. As you said ” You can please some……..but you can’t please all” The racers will benefit and so will the businesses that support them.
Blink,
I’m not trying to be combative but you did ask the question, quote” Why don’t you list all of the other possible engine packages that are available for JR’s….the pro’s and con’s for each” without any regard for what appears to be a throughly thought out concern from your customers. The choice of engine is that simple; they have asked for one particular engine, considered all of the alternatives and have been very specific about their desires. Scott Hannum not only sighted the potential numbers that could be involved in the class but gave you family names, so apparently this recommendation is coming from more than just five kart racers. Even those that have used other engines in the Junior I program have expressed there desire for clarity and simplicity on this forum.As to your concerns for a reliable, inexpensive to purchase and operate engine package that has consistent performance and a successful history to meet written rules without cheating, the Comer K 80 very easily meets those standards and given it’s record in national competition that is not just my opinion. I used Honda engines for nearly 20 years in my concession track operations and I have also used boxstock, sealed Comer K-80’s over the past four seasons in our Junior program and have found them to be just as reliable in their use as I did the Hondas in our commercial use. The only difference in the performance of the Comer K 80 has been the ability of the parent to tune the carburetor and the experience and potential talent of the Junior racer.
Times and circumstances have changed from five or six years ago and a new direction and way of doing business needs to be considered. The annual meeting at IMI will only address your club racing program and I would assume the concerns of the CSC and will not address the concerns of the entire karting community. I would therefore ask for your involvement in this weekends summit meeting in an effort to work together with all of the karting community for the good of all concerned.
Blink,
Your customers are trying to tell you that multiple engine choices ARE the problem and that they don’t want them. They are asking for ONE engine specifically and they want written, clear and definable technical specifications. It is pretty loud and clear.
Fulfilling their request would sure make your life easier and more profitable as a businessman.Brad, Stacy, Jim , JB, Curt & Angie
The Junior I class issue is just a microcosm of the many conflicting issues in Colorado karting that need to be addressed by those of us that are suppose to be in a position of leadership. This issue is all the more reason that those of us involved in Colorado karting as a business and participants need to come together to unify the sport under uniform rules and standards for the benefit of our businesses and the states kart racers.We currently have four club tracks and a traveling tour that all have different class structures, rules and technical specifications not to mention schedules that trample all over each other. We are literally shooting ourselves in our collective foot by sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring what our prospective customers and those currently involved are trying to tell us. Karting in Colorado is too fragmented in just about every conceivable way for our sport to grow and prosper. We are not only chasing away potential business we are also chasing away those that dare show any interest and have the courage to step up and address their concern about our mutual sport…..and not just the track owners.
Once again I would ask that ALL of the track owners and promoters attend this coming Sundays meeting in a spirit of co-operation in an effort to unify karting for the good of ALL….the track owners, kart shop owners and most of all OUR customers, the kart racer.
The first order of business this coming Sunday must be the effort of the track owners, promoters, shop owners and representatives of the kart racers to form a Colorado Karting Counsel to address the interest of ALL involved. The counsel collectively can then address the many concerns of ALL involved .
There are now five kart tracks, a traveling tour and a Gran Prix committee vying for the attention of a very limited number of potential kart racers. The day of the so called benevolent dictator is DEAD. The public is trying to get our attention……I would suggest that all of us that have a business interest in karting in Colorado attend Sundays summit in a spirit of mutual co-operation that would benefit us all and our sport.
rsotak,
Mother got us last Thursday…….16 inches of snow and 45mph winds makes for some nasty drifts. the track is in good condition but the paddock area has some severe drifts that should be gone for the most part by this coming weekend ( Nov. 3rd – 5th).
The track will be open thru out the winter, seven days a week from 9am to sunset. The kart shop will be open on the weekends and on the weekdays by appointment only. We will also be taking reservations for small, adult only, Arrive & Drive group parties obvioiusly weather permitting.
Please call 719-749-9840 for updated weather and track conditions.Brad,
Bummer………we are going to miss you. You had a big impact in a very short period of time! I appreciate your efforts in getting the men’s World Formula class going, we will continue to build on your eforts in 2007.
I also appreciate you leaving the karts in Southern Colorado to help us continue to build the class in 07.
I wish you all the best in your move back to California.James,
Thanks for your support and encouragement…..it is not the number of people that make a program a success, it is the quality of those that are involved and supportive.
Let’s continue to work together during the off season to build a larger and stronger World Formula program in 2007.Eddy,
Thanks to you for your support…….and our staff, they are really great folks to work with.
I expect the “Night of Champions” to be held the second weekend in January, 07 to celebrate the 06 Season and to kick off the new year.
Bigger and better things are coming in 2007 with your continued encouragement and support.
Happy Holidays to All……….Curt,
Thanks for your help establishing the meeting…..and to Rusty for his contribution.
I second Ian’s motion……….let’s keep this a business meeting.Curt,
I appreciate your efforts and understand your frustration.If November 12th is the earliest that we can get most to attend then please set the reservation and let’s begin the planning.
Over the last three years the silent majority has gotten smaller and in some cases has left the sport……….this alone is one of the major reasons to have the summit in an attempt to bring the track owners, karting businesses and the racer representatives to together to reform and reenergize our sport in 2007.
Once again I appreciate your efforts and applaud you for stepping up for the sake of our sport and the kart racer.
Curt,
Has there been any progress made on establishing a place, date and time for the proposed karting summit?
Now that the season is over my phone is ringing off of the hook from inquiring minds that want to know.
It’s hard to believe but the 2007 season will start in just five and half short months………..times a wasting.
