WKA: Pit Board 2009-10-27

WKA's PitBoard - 10.27.2009

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Attention all Manufacturer's Cup competitors

10.27.2009 -- In an effort to police the ongoing issues with regard to tire cutting / prep, all competitors at the upcoming SSC East / CRG Grand Nationals WKA Manufacturer's Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway will be required to present unmounted tires in the factory wrapper for inspection and branding.

Competitors will then be required to present their kart with new (never used) WKA branded tires for qualifying on day one.

Competitors wishing to use tires from day one on day two may do so but the used tires must not be treated or cut and must be used as they finished day one.

WKA has acquired access to a testing firm to do random tests for research data as well as to test any tire suspect for treatment. Should a competitor's tire be found to be illegal through the testing process, the competitor will have their WKA membership privileges suspended for a length of time to be determined by the WKA trustees as well as a fee of up to $500.00 for reinstatement to occur.

WKA will continue to listen to the membership and make the required adjustments to the tire program as needed to control the prep / cutting issues faced by its racers.

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KartFest 2010 exhibitor packets in mail this week

10.27.2009 -- Informational packets for KartFest 2010 exhibitors will be out in the mail by midweek. These packets include nearly everything exhibitors need to know regarding next year's version of WKA's annual consumer trade show, slated to go off Jan. 29 and 30 at a brand-new location at the Carolina First Center in Greenville, S.C.

The packets include the exhibitor contract, a map of the conference hall, rules and regulations, an exhibitor badge order form, an electrical service order form, a telecommunications order form and directions to the Carolina First Center.

If you're interested in exhibiting at KartFest and you're not on WKA's mailing list for the event, be sure to contact Marie Borsuk as soon as possible. She can be reached at 704-455-1606 Ext. 11 or e-mail marie@worldkarting.com.

The show's floor plan and other information can be found by visiting www.worldkarting.com/pg/events/kartfest/kartfest.html.

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New Jersey Motorsports Park unveils two NJMP University karting seminars

10.27.2009 (Millville, N.J.) - A competitive edge in motorsports is difficult to achieve, especially at a reasonable price point. With that in mind, New Jersey Motorsports Park is unveiling NJMP University, a series of seminars to help racers get that edge throughout the cold winter months while their competitors have their equipment locked away in a garage.

The "learning season" will begin with F1 New Jersey, the world-class karting facility at the South Jersey-location. The series opens with two distinct half-day seminars packed with information for all levels of karters and their teams. The first covers data acquisition systems - both the operation of the AIM/MyChron system, and how to interpret and use that data. The second course will cover chassis dynamics, focusing on set-up and design.

The "How To Utilize Data Acquisition For Karting" class will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The next morning, November 15, will feature "Chassis Dynamics For Karting," also from 9 a.m. to noon.

The two seminars will be instructed by accomplished karter and racer Marc Miller. Miller brings over 10 years of coaching and instructing experience to New Jersey Motorsports Park for NJMP University. Behind the wheel, the Holland, Mich.-resident is the 2008 Rotax Max Grand National Champion and represented Team USA in Lissone, Italy. He recently finished a successful season in the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup, ending as the series runner-up with a win and eight podium finishes in 10 races.

In addition to his racing duties, Miller currently serves as the Director of Brand Development for MRP Motorsport, importer for Birel Racing Karts and Rotax Kart Engines.

"Karting at New Jersey Motorsports Park has grown quickly over the past year," Miller said. "I feel especially honored to be invited to bring to the track some seminars that will no doubt improve racers' knowledge and comfort level regardless of their karting experience. Whether you are coming to the track on a recreational basis or as a serious club racer, you can come away from these courses with several valuable tools that will help you in your experiences at the track."

A limited number of spaces in each of the seminars are available for $50 per participant, per session. Participants are encouraged to pre-register before available seats are filled. Courses will include a continental breakfast for all participants beginning at 8 a.m.

"The establishment of NJMP University is an exciting development in the multi-purpose set-up of this facility," said Kevin Wittman, General Manager of New Jersey Motorsports Park. "This is just the beginning of what we hope to accomplish in this program, which we will quickly expanding into other facets of motorsports. To be able to provide instruction and direction of this quality, at a reasonable price point, immediately fills a gap that the karting community in this region has been searching for, according to the feedback we've received."

Additional courses will be announced in the near future.

Registration forms and more information are available at www.njmp.com or by calling F1 New Jersey at 856-327-7213.

About the courses:

How To Utilize Data Acquisition For Karting
Saturday, November 14; 9 a.m. - Noon

This course focuses on not only the operation of the AIM/MyChron data acquisition system, but also how to analyze and optimize the data provided to improve driver, engine and chassis performance. Additional focus will be placed on gauging driver performance and consistency. Using the optional GPS feature of the MyChron 4 system, students will learn how to better understand the natural trends of their driver and how to improve their performance and better tune the chassis to their driving style. Marc Miller, professional race driver/drive coach and 2008 Rotax Max Grand National Champion will conduct the seminar.

Chassis Dynamics For Karting
Sunday, November 15; 9 a.m. - Noon

This course is essential for understanding kart chassis set-up and design. Learn about kart preparation, chassis adjustments and their effects, proper front-end alignment and geometry and routine maintenance. The class will utilize a kart in race trim as well as several tools used by kart technicians to properly set-up team karts. Focusing on philosophy and theories for all classes and age groups, this seminar will provide participants valuable information no matter what experience level. Taught by multi-time National karting champion and professional driver/coach, Marc Miller.

For more information on New Jersey Motorsports Park, F1 New Jersey, Breighton Room, or to purchase tickets, visit www.njmp.com or call 856-327-7217.

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Upcoming WKA Nationals

Dunlop Tire Road Racing Series driven by Mazda
Round 9 at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga.
Oct. 30 -- Nov. 1
Contact: WKA 704-455-1606
www.worldkarting.com/pg/series/rr/rr-main.html

George Kugler / Bridgestone Manufacturer's Cup Series driven by Mazda
Round 5 of 5 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.
Nov. 6 -- 8
Contact: WKA 704-455-1606
www.worldkarting.com/pg/series/mc/mc-main.html

-credit: wka