The last two top shifter events of the year are coming, and promise to be spectacular events to attend as racer or spectator. Both have intent to be televised. With the WKA showdown held at CMS on the same weekend as the Stars event, it is likely to draw a few of the eastern entries away, although the WKA event is designed to be a different ambiance.
Over the last year both SKUSA and Stars was pretty visible on the radar screen as they first were head-to-head competitors to attract racers, then turning to the potentials of a merger. At the last minute the merger was broken off, and a third new entry X-Karts suddenly became a merger deal for SKUSA. This could have been the best deal for SKUSA as X-Karts is more of a TV production charter then racing charter, while SKUSA has typically become renowned for the quality of their events. Nothing certain on the future of Stars as the CART series recently went through a buy-out, and the association between Stars and CART has quietly been dropped. Moreover, Glenn Holland has recently been deleted from the Stars payroll, and the question of whether he was discharged or resigned seems to depend on who you ask.
Schedules & Locations
Stars Karting Championships will be held October 31 - November 2 at the Fontana Speedway in Fontana CA.
The official Daily Schedule can be found here.
SKUSA SuperNationals will be held November 12-16 at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas.
The official Daily Schedule can be found here.
Classes to compete
,
| Stars | SKUSA |
| Cadet | TAG USA |
| Superbox | TAG Masters |
| Rotax | 60Novice |
| 80Jr | Formula 80 Jr |
| ICA | Formula K1 |
| ICC | Formula MX |
| Formula G1 | |
| Formula S1 | |
| SuperPro |
Track Layouts
Stars has a 3700 foot long by 40 feet wide layout with 15 turns, and a 750 foot front straight. The layout emphasizes a few tight turns and chicanes with heavy braking points. The stacking effect at turns 1 and 5 will be very exciting to watch on the first few tours of every race. Hopefully a secure barrier will be installed at the end of the straight leading into turn 9 that surrounds the turn. The racing action is certain to be more exciting then the first 450 miles of the Sunday's Champ Car race. No confirmation on what type of barriers to be used, rumors persist that Tecpro will be used. Lets hope so.
| Stars Fontana Layout |
 |
Link to layout on Stars website
SKUSA has a 3682 foot long by 36 foot wide layout featuring 14 turns. Essentially this is the same "Memo Gidley" signature layout used last year that provided spectacular racing action. Lined with Tecpro barriers with the colorful Rio hotel in the background is sure to be eye candy for the spectators.
| SKUSA Las Vegas Layout |
 |
Link to SKUSA Supernats News
Entry Summaries
Both events should attract a large entry count, Stars projected to be in the 120 range, with SKUSA being in the 250 range. Many of the top shifter racers will be at both events. With both races expected to be televised if you can't make it even to watch, be sure to watch for the broadcast schedules. Karting has never gotten this level of publicity in the past, lets hope it attract on a whole new flock of racers for 2004.