FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Seattle, WA (January 24, 2006) – The Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the IRL will introduce a Spec Racer class to its lineup in 2006, replacing the Easykart-only class that existed in 2004 and 2005. The class will be a senior class, open to the PRD Fireball, IAME Easykart125, and Parilla Leopard engines. All chassis frames used for the Spec Racer class must conform to the applicable sections of the Stars of Karting Technical Regulations. Neither chassis nor brake homologations are required.

The thinking behind expanding the previous Easykart only format was to embrace the 125 cc, electric start concept that has gained so much popularity across North America and to allow more entries from regional racers as the Snap-on Stars of Karting came into their areas. Series President Paul Zalud commented on the new category, "We have always had an interest in a Spec class. The broad appeal and cost to run these karts is a trend that is hard not to recognize and support. We have also felt that it has the opportunity to help the teams that follow our series by increasing the number of competitors under their team tents, offsetting costs and increasing profits to them. However, our entries have struggled over the years with limiting ourselves to just one brand. By increasing the number of manufacturers participating but still limiting these participants to a performance criteria, we feel it is the best compromise for everyone involved with our series. It is also important to us to limit the manufacturers to a select few in order to maintain the integrity of the class through our technical inspections." The class will be classified as an Amateur class, meaning that drivers competing in the Spec Racer class cannot take part in the ICA or ICC classes on the same weekend.

PRD, Easykart, and Parilla will all become sponsors of the series as part of the new class.

The rules supplement for the new Spec Racer class can be found in the members area of the Stars of Karting website at: www.starsofkarting.com Supporting appendices are being finalized and will be released shortly.

The series will kick off March 17-19 at the East vs. West Race of the Americas in Norman, OK. The event will be listed on the World Calendar and attract the top karters from North America, as well as international competitors. For more information on the series go to www.starsofkarting.com. Promotional inquiries can be directed to jeff@starsofkarting.com.

 

2006 marks the 5 year anniversary since we introduced the TAG concept as a "Club Level" class.  Tom Argy Jr took that concept and developed it into a the biggest thing to come to karting in America.  Currently TAG is the only "universal" class among the major organizations and promoters in a large part due to Dave Larson's efforts in working with IKF, WKA, KART,  and SKUSA.   Stars has joined in recognizing the value that TAG offers the racer and taken the class to a new level by adopting changes designed to better suit a national level team.    While the rules will differ slightly from the internationally recognized TAGUSA Standards and may not be open to all the motors available, restricting the range of motors ensures more equality across various track conditions.  National level teams tend to be on top of the game so equality among motor performance at all tracks is an essential ingredient.

There will be some added flexibility in motor tuning, some may consider that blueprinting, but it's closer to careful assembly allowances.

Restricting the class to an amateur rank significantly raises the interest level to the local hotshoes wanting to test the exceptional program Stars has to offer so it's likely to see very large fields.

It's a brilliant move for the Snap-On Stars Organization.  First TAG in 2006, and next?  We have a hunch 2007 will see Stars take on the Stock Moto class.  Given the current rate of class growth and the lack of sales with ICC's chances are better then not Stock Moto will be added to the list in 2007.