WATCHING YOU – The karting world is keeping a close eye on the upcoming Challenge Of The Americas series which will see the addition of the new Junior Shifter ROK and OK-N categories. The series’ Andy Seesemann said initially their OK-N was going to be restricted to just the Vortex engine, but with the support of the North American importers the class has been opened up to all manufacturers recognised by the FIA. The addition of Junior Shifter aligns with the goal “to develop a true ladder system for the shifterkart ranks”. Further, the series will allow the Mini ROK engine to be fitted with Tillotson’s new pumper carburettor and manifold. The three round series kicks off in Tucson, Arizona on February 3 to 5 and concludes in California on April 14-16.
SUPERKARTS – The Queensland Superkart Club has confirmed a six-round series for 2023. Two-day events will be run at Queensland Raceway and Lakeside Park, as per below:
INDUSTRY – Martin and Jeff Emr’s Karting Solutions has taken over the manufacturing of the Maverick Kart. After two years of limited production due to Covid, the highly successful twin-engined enduro chassis will be available again in 2023. “This has not been a simple task with plenty of discussion and information changing hands to ensure we can produce a product up to the Maverick Kart standard” Martin Emr informed KartSportNews.
“The Maverick Kart brand is still owned by Drew Russell and all aspects of the manufacturing are under Drew’s control and Drew will remain involved into the future. Maverick Kart has been looking for a manufacturing solution for some time and after some failed negotiations has decided this is the best direction with manufacturing staying in Australia and handled by a dedicated kart shop who can handle manufacturing, assembly, repairs, after sale service and trackside support.
OIL AMBASSADOR – Penrite advise its Ambassador Program for 2023 is still open for applications. Submissions need to be made by January 1st via the organisation’s website.
AGE GROUPS – Karting Australia has created an updated graphic explaining the licence age groups and age overlap for drivers competing in 2023. “These ages HAVE NOT changed from 2022” KA advised. “We have put together this graphic to make it easier to understand the movement and age groups as drivers move through the age groups.”
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AGING KARTS – Matt Wall has been adding classic karting videos to his Wallie15 YouTube channel. The video below shows an evolution of karts over the last 40 years, as displayed by Pulse Tuning. To view more vids or subscribe, visit the channel HERE.
From left to right in this video:
- #24 Tecno Maraggio chassis 1980 / Tecno Saturno rotary valve engine 1989 & Ibea 30mm slide carby
- #4 Birel M2 chassis 1988 / Parilla TT75 reed valve engine 1989 & Tillotson 25.4mm butterfly carby
- #44 CRG Epoch chassis 1994 / Rotax DSC rotary valve engine 1992 & Baroni 30mm slide carby & 6 inch wheels (Lotta Hellberg Formula Super A Replica)
- #64 Tony Kart Mitox chassis 2000 / Parilla Reedjet engine 1998 & Baroni 24mm butterfly carby
- #24 Kart Republic KR2 chassis 2022 / X30 engine 2022
STRAIGHT TO THE POOL ROOM – A Queensland cadet karter presented Jess Golding with a unique handmade present recently. “Just received this beautiful gift from one of my students, Luke, a Cadet 9P driver who is skilled both on and off the track” Golding posted on social media. “Thankyou for painting this for me. It’s wonderful and I feel very special. I will cherish it for ever.”
DRIVER MOVE – Top-line UK driver Joe Turney has moved from the official Tony Kart Racing Team to become a Kart Republic factory driver in 2023. “We’re excited to announce the addition of the talented British driver to our 2023 lineup” Kart Republicn posted. “Joe will compete in OK Senior and more.”
LAST ORDERS – DPE will be closing for the Christmas break on Friday the 23rd, but last orders to be shipped prior to Christmas must be placed before 12-midday on Thursday. DPE Kart Superstore will close from Friday December 23 and reopen on Monday January 9. All online orders placed during this time will be processed and dispatched from 9th January. Get it done > dpekartsuperstore.com
NOT HAPPY – Vroom doesn’t seem too happy about the increase in minimum weight for the OK class next year. “We don’t think it is necessary to add anything else, when in the OK class there are already drivers with more than 15 kg of lead attached to the seat” the media outlet posted on Facebook. Vroom also commented that rule changes seem to be “in the opposite direction of the simplification of this sport, and it is difficult (to say the least) to give a logical sense to the reasons associated”. More HERE.
INDUSTRY – Spanish driver and kart dealer Jorge Pescador will switch to the Kali Kart brand in 2023. He will be an official Kali Kart driver in international races, but under the direct management of the CRG Racing Department. However, at home on Spanish soil, Pescador will devote himself 100% to the role of team manager and commercial manager for his team, which is now called Kalì Kart Racing by Jorge Pescador.
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