October 2022 – Vintage Karting Association

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October 28. 2022

14th Annual New Castle Super Nationals

By Jeff & Sherri Brown
Photos by Rolf Hill

The 14th Annual Super Nationals were held June 16 -18 at New Castle Motorsports complex. A record crowd of 181 entries packed the pits with VKA members from Oregon and California to New York, Canada and Florida. Thursday was open practice from 10-5 with plenty of sunshine, warm temps with a strong breeze. The evening welcome party included a special spaghetti dinner provided by Bill Jackson in the air-conditioned restaurant.

The VKA Junior program is thriving. A record 10 entries put on a great show. The smiles say it all!

Friday arrived with more sunshine and warm temperatures. America’s Karting World Champion Lake Speed kicked off the drivers meeting with a strong message of safety and a prayer that set the mood for a great day of karting. The 1st round of 11 heat races were run and the competition was strong with many new drivers. and the, they were The two largest classes were Yamaha Limited with 27 entries and Yamaha Piston Port had 18 entries. The Juniors had a record number of 10 entries.

Following the heats, Romero Llamas and his team of judges conducted the kart show. There was a wide range of karts on display. Awards were given out followed by the Banquet inside. Mark Dismore’s daughter Estina and her team of pros cooked up some fried chicken and all the “fixens” for 150 people. Several members received special recognition including Tom Kelly, Jim Donavan, Romero Llamas. The hall of fame members Sonny Gerber, Lynn Haddock, Bill McCornack, Mark Dismore , Bill Jackson and I gathered at the podium to induct the 2022 members . The new inductees were Dean Kossaras , Paul Booth, Steve Welte and Louie Figone.

Saturday the second and third heats were run in 70-degree near perfect weather. Awards were passed out and folks were on the road home at 4pm. Thanks to all that attended, I hope to see all of you next year!

God bless you all and God bless the USA! Jeff and Sherri

Results

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Fall Classic Brings Vintage Karters to Whiteland

October 20. 2022

by Adminin Events

Fall Classic Brings Vintage Karters to Whiteland

By John Copeland
Photos by Gerald Conrad & Denny Scott

Whiteland Raceway Park, just south of Indianapolis, proudly proclaims that it is the oldest continuously operating kart track in the United States. Since 1958 it has grown and evolved to meet the changing karting scene. And, in 2023, it is poised for another major expansion – more on that later.

But for three bright, sunny days in late September VKA members enjoyed what has become one of the “must–attend” events on the VKA calendar. Thursday was a busy day of moving in, unloading, and practice. Whiteland owners Sarah Fisher and Andy O’Gara generously furnished pizza for everyone for lunch on Thursday.

Friday’s schedule included more practice, 2 heats of racing, the Kart Show, and a delicious BBQ dinner prepared by Jim Donovan of Max-Torq Clutches. Participation in the Kart Show was lighter than last year, but the quality of the entries was outstanding. John Stults won the People’s Choice with his restored 1961 Hornet powered by a Poulan S-85. Again this year Whiteland hosted the biggest 50/50 payout of the year with TWO separate $500 payouts.

A new feature this year was a silent auction featuring some outstanding items of vintage significance. In addition to two T-Shirts autographed by Lake Speed and Lynn Haddock, there was a McCulloch engine table lamp made by Hall-of-Famer Bobby Lee, and a straw hat worn by the Godfather of karting, Duffy Livingston. The winners of the silent auction were all happy with their treasures and all the proceeds will go to support the VKA Junior Class support initiative.

Friday’s racing saw several large classes with plenty of close racing. The Yamaha Limited class and the Yamaha/Piston Port class each boasted 11 entries with plenty of good battles throughout both fields.

Saturday was another beautiful fall day and, after a short practice session, the 3^rd and final set of heats got underway.

Low-speed fun – Billy Dalton leads Mac 49

After trophies were awarded it was time for everyone to pack up and head for home. It was a perfect way to wrap up the Midwest Vintage season and everyone is excited to start getting ready for next year.

The staff at Whiteland Raceway Park is looking forward to welcoming the VKA back next season and to showing off their new and improved facility. They recently acquired an additional 35 acres immediately north of the existing track and have already begun preparations for a significant expansion of the racing surface. The existing track will be ground and resurfaced, nine new buildings will be constructed, including more garages, restrooms and showers. The pit/parking areas will be dramatically expanded to include several full hook-up motorhome areas. Racers will have expanded options for multiple track configurations. The track expansion will easily accommodate the fastest classes and Vintage C-Opens will find plenty of room to flex their muscles.

Chris Taylor puts an inside move on John Wall in Mac 49

Once the pit layout is finalized, we will reach out to every Vintage participant to offer reserved pit spots. Whiteland is committed to becoming the premier karting facility in the country and the VKA is fortunate to be a welcome part of their schedule. Don’t miss out n the opportunity to join us next fall for the 2023 Fall Classic. Mark your calendars!

Results

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October 15. 2022

by Adminin Events

VKA Delmar at Route 61 Kartway

September 15 -17, 2022

By James Kammueller
Event Photos by Christy Miller
Show Photos by James Kammueller

We had beautiful weather for this event on Thursday and Friday with blue skies and temperatures in the upper 70’s. The weather became somewhat dicey on Saturday with intermittent light rainfall that caused some delay in completing the third heat event. There were 67 entries, and we also had a great turnout for the kart show that featured many beautiful karts, and two beautifully restored mini bikes.In all, 14 demonstration event classes were represented. We had some great food as well for lunch on Friday and Saturday with Jim Donovan grilling food provided by Jack and Sheree of Hi-Jack Racing. The menu included brats, hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips and condiments.

Tom Brabant # 49 leads Steve Welte # 8 and Junior Class driver Chelsea Kraman # 13 in one of the combined Junior and Class 49 (4A) Modified heats.

Thursday was a practice day. Friday included morning practice, lunch, the driver’s meeting and the first two heat events beginning at 2 PM. Saturday featured the 8 AM kart show that ended around 9:30 AM as light rain began. This rain ended about 30 minutes later followed by a practice session featuring the braver drivers helping to dry off the track. The first two feature events were then run before more light rain delayed the remainder of the feature for about an hour. More light rain began within minutes after the feature was completed. Lunch was served and the awards were then presented around 1:30 PM inside the track office as light rain continued.

As always, a big thank you to promoter Scott Klingler, and the Nielson family, for their work in promoting and making this fine facility available to the VKA for what is always a fun event. Scott has been a big promoter of the 49 classes -especially stock Group B. At this event Scott divided Group B into light and heavy groups with the winners each receiving5 gallons of VP M 1 Methanol. Dean Didion won the heavy group and Rick Magnuson won in the light. As has been past practice, Scott also raffled off a Max Torque clutch to the Drivers in Class 12 -Sportsman Sidewinder. This year’s winner was Vico Prelogar.