WKA: Schaffier scores CKI ride for 2003

Pearisburg, VA-Veteran kart road racer Frankie Schaffier will be piloting a Competition Karting, Inc. team Laser AV2E chassis in the WKA/Dunlop Tire Road Racing Series 2003 season attempting to earn titles in Piston Port Can 360 and 380 concentrating mainly on the latter class. Schaffer, a Brighton, MI native who now resides in Pearisburg, VA, began racing karts in 1972 and has since racked up numerous regional and local track championships in District 6 and at East Lansing and Flat Rock tracks.

In the national WKA/Dunlop Tire Road Racing Series he posted one national win in 1997 and two regional wins, along with two the following season. During those seasons Schaffier did research and development for TS Max Racing Chassis.

Shaffier, who has owned and operated Frankie's Speed Shop for the past 10 years, will also be working closely with CKI on the motors he will use in national competition in the coming season. "I think it's important to focus on driving. John (Klutz) and I exchange ideas and compare notes, his engine are very fast and consistent. I won't be out horse powered, John's engine research and development work in the sportsman classes is very extensive, I'm very impressed with what I see."

"I'm totally pumped to have the opportunity to drive the CKI Laser package. The Laser AV2E and CKI engine are second to none in the sit-up sprint class; it's the best out there right now. They have already racked up multiple national wins and a national championship, so I know the equipment is spot on, now I have to get myself back up to speed. I've been working real hard to get myself back in good shape, it's more important that a lot of racers think. I feel great and can't wait to his the national circuit again," Shaffer said.

"The support I have received from John Klutz and the crew at the CKI shop is unbelievable, it doesn't matter if you a new racer or seasoned veteran, the support is the same. They do what ever it takes to put you up front; they have taken away all excuses. I'm setting the goals very high, there is no reason why we can't be in the top three in 2003 WKA National Road Racing Series points championship along with some race wins. I've proved I can win races, I'm very confidant we will be a contender."

Dan Klutz, one of CKI's co-founders along with Louis Dowell, began racing karts in 1959. He was a McCulloch chain saw dealer at the time, which made the transition to racing kart motors easy. His son John who arranged the deal with Schaffer has been part of CKI for many years.

"I'm looking forward to see what the cards hold. He will be a big addition to the team this year. Frankie's going to have the best equipment and now we'll see if he had any talent," John predicted.

Stony Creek Motorsports, MY-Chron Data Systems, Frankie's Speed Shop and Action Race Photos will also sponsor Schaffer in his 2003 campaign.

Schaffier's karting experience also includes for LCR Racing during the 1980's, which was one of that era's top karting shops in the nation, where he was teammate with current IRL driver Anthony Lazarro. He also has been building 125 and 250 motors for a number of top road racing competitors who have notched national and regional championships

In addition to karting Schaffier has built motorcycle endurance engines in his shop that won national and regional championships in 1990 and '91. He also builds moto-cross engines for racers who have earned state and regional races.

To see what CKI can do for your kart-racing program call 336-731-6111 or visit their web site at www.ckikarts.com.

-Bruce Walls-