SKUSA + KART + Rotax

Three major Karting Organizations come together for 2005

PRESS RELEASE for immediate distribution


Raymore, MO.
November 18, 2004

On November 16, 2004 a meeting was held at the K.A.R.T. (Karters of America Racing Triad) Executive Office in Raymore, MO. with K.A.R.T. Sprint Directors Steve Martz of TX. and Bernie Baldus of KS., and Mike and Linda  Baldus, representing K.A.R.T., and Joe Janowski and Don Janowski  representing SKUSA.

Discussions that took place were regarding the simultaneous running of some events of two existing series to form one great series with the ultimate goal of having larger events with the karters, promoters and overall costs in mind. Some dates for the 2005 season were set, with more information to be forthcoming.

For further information, please contact K.A.R.T. @ 405-373-4009.

Both organizations have expressed a strong enthusiasm in building strength into 2005.  Through 2004 the  SKUSA organization felt the pain of re-organizing after the departure of CEO Jim Murley.  Previous executive directions that focused on the elite ProMoto series allowed the core of regional racing to take a back seat over the last few years.  SKUSA CEO Joe Janowski has plans to focus on these core strengths for 2005.

The SKUSA SuperNationals stands out as one of the best national events of the year.  This year the "SuperNats" attracted the best for largest show  in karting for the year.  The ProMoto series saw a decline through the year as expected.   Several different factors have changed the "Pro" landscape of karting ranging from economic pressures, series fragmentation, and younger ages allowed for several new formula car series.  As Janowski took on the new role of CEO for SKUSA early in the year, schedules and expectations were already set for the ProMoto series through 2004.

In preparation for 2005 several new initiatives were laid down through 2004.  The new rules announced mid season 2004 are locked for 2 years with the only changes coming in the TAG classes to remain consistent with TAGUSA.  ICC was given it's own class and the Moto classes given compression limits to reduce cost to the competitors.  A new multi-year location was found for the SuperNats as the Rio hotel was no longer available.  The Region's Cup was put in place as the National Championship event for SKUSA Regional competition.

For 2005, SKUSA is scrapping the ProMoto series to make room for a Spring and Fall SuperNationals.  The new Spring SuperNationals has not yet been formally announced but will take place in Florida in 2005.  The Regions Cup will be held in Texas and the Fall SuperNationals in Vegas.

With the economy moving forward building on the regional strength presents a tremendous opportunity for SKUSA.  Opportunities do not come without challenges.  Recent changes in some regions have added some complication but are not impassable.  Changes include designation of 3 new Regional Directors along with a commitment to build cooperation among other organizations.  The first of which is the joint effort between KART and SKUSA for the Texas Oklahoma area (formerly known as the Red River Region for SKUSA).

For 2005, the KART-SKUSA series also has commitment in being an official Rotax Challenge series.  Tracks proposed for this series include Hitchcock, Oak Hill, Denton, at least one temp track using the TecPro barriers, (possibly a second) and one new track in Oklahoma.

Finally a joint TAGUSA-SKUSA event is in the works to revive the TAG National Festival that the late Tom Argy Jr held in the first year of TAGUSA. 

After several years of new racing organizations springing up it looks like Joe Janowski has taken his National Karting Alliance to a higher level of commitment by jointly working together with KART, TAGUSA, and Rotax USA.  Is de-fragmentation in the works for karting?