This 7/10's mile temporary circuit should provide some exciting action for shifters with the tight turns preceding the straights.   Gearing will be a huge factor in the fixed-gear classes are likely to run taller ratios to set the best qualifying times with shorter ratios to best do battle in traffic.  Also coming into the gearing equation are the  winds of fall prevalent in the region this time of the year.

ICC

Eastern Champ Bobby Wilson has dominated everywhere this year except at the SKUSA World Finals, where a water hose came off while he had a healthy lead.  Dominating the Eastern Championship this Hi-Tech Pavesi powered First Kart factory pilot is known for attention to detail and clearly knows the details.

Odds to win the race - 3:1

Coming out of the Western Division are several names with the skill and ambition to win.  Never count out Alex Speed for a win.   Alex is currently the 2003 SKUSA Pro-ICC World Champion, and is hungry for a win at Fontana.  The team ICC "Shoe"  for KLS Racing pilots an MBA Chassis with Swedetech power  Alex was running the TM, but it is not clear if he has converted to the Pavesi.

Odds to win the race - 4:1

Lorenzo Mandarino from the Western Division has a bit of a reputation as a talented driver, but carries a little baggage over some less then desirable press.  He is a strong contender.  Piloting the GP chassis powered by TM Lorenzo will put on a good show.

Odds to win the Race - 5:1

Alan Sciuto has been a strong contender all year in the Western Division that really wants to win this race.  Dominant in 2002 with the SKUSA 80Jr class, Alan stepped up to 125's a year early and has proven his capabilities with results.  On board a CRG, it's not certain which power will be used.  Swedetech TM has been a past choice, however with the Swede moving to Pavesi, and rumors of a Maxtor Seven Factory motor floating around, it's anyone's call at the moment.

Odds to win the Race - 7:1

Kyle Martin rounds out the top 5.  Also from the Western Division, Kyle has been inconsistent in results this year.  He either seems to win with dominant style, or takes a DNF.  With mechanical problems eliminating his chances for the win at the SKUSA World finals earlier this year, Kyle wants to show that new the Trackmagic chassis powered by TM.

Odds to win the Race - 8:1

80cc Junior

Talk about tough calls, unlike the ICC class, the talent and capability is well distributed among many in the field.  With this event only weeks before the SKUSA SuperNationals, and that every 80cc Junior driver will be missing a few days of school for one or both, some may not be among the 50 contenders so far this year.   We had to get the dartboard out for this one.

Kyle Rahal has among the best chances if he can stand the pressure.  As father Bobby Rahal has been instrumental in packaging the Stars Karting Championships as a sideshow to the final Champ Car race, there may be some high expectations for the current Eastern Division champ to win.  Even a 3rd place would give Kyle the overall series points championship.

Patrick Winninger has been a consistent top finisher among the Eastern Division and remains within striking distance for the points championship. 

Billy Scyphers sits on top of the Western Division pile of points and needs the win to capture the points title.

Cole Whitt has one of the best coaches in the business and when he qualifies up front he is nearly unbeatable.

At least a dozen others could be mentioned, so we will stop there.

ICA

Stars can be credited with bringing ICA to America as part of their desire to bring CIK style racing to our shores. 

Kevin Glover has been hard to beat in the Western Division and has the overall points lead with a score of 171.  Driving a Maxtor powered CRG Kevin has the smallest statistical advantage over the Eastern Division  champion.

Robbie Pecorari is that Eastern Division champion, with 170 points.  Driving a Biesse powered by Atomik, Robbie has shown the authority and skill to take home the championship.

The dual between the two above will be down to the wire.  As a direct drive class, ICA has zero tolerance for mistakes.  In Europe ICA winners often have a take-no-prisoners driving style, what would be considered as "brutal" and even dangerous by American standards.  If contact is part of the style at Fontana, then you can expect the front runners to be less then gentleman with strong chances of taking each other out.  Teaming is important, which could extend an advantage to Kevin as his brother and teammate Chris could apply the Euro-flavor of racing at its best (or worst).

Michael Giessen form the Eastern Division has been fast in ICA and in 80Jr and has the talent to come out on top driving a Maxtor powered Birel.

Two dark horses that cannot be counted out are the Johnson brothers from Marshalltown Iowa.   Adam and Johnny have both been running numerous classes this year, and probably hold the record for most trips to the top of the podium for any collection of National Sprint Championships.  Father Gordy has been so busy with sorting out the variety of CR80's, Yamaha Pipe, Yamaha Can, and cabinet full of Briggs motors these young lions have used to win with, that the early competition with the screaming ICA motors has not been allowed much time.