Are the KT100 Classes Dying in Northern California?

Chris Helps · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 328

Hi All

I haven't run for a while, and was planning to start up again this year. However it seems from looking at the race reports for local karting clubs near the SF Bay Area that KT100 adult classes are being run with just a handful of entries - sometimes less than 3!

A few years ago, the economic downturn resulted in a massive KT100 revival - races were routinely drawing 20 to 30 entries. Has this died out? Are any tracks near the Bay Area seeing healthy KT100 fields?

And is it just the KT100, or are all classes struggling for entries?

Thanks,
Chris

joseph hollinger · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 9:58 am Post subject:

You can come road race with NCK.
_________________
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. -- Winston Churchill.

Stu Hayner

Chris,

"Re: Are the KT100 Classes Dying in Northern California?"

We saw this decline of KPV and KT classes in SoCal too, so we decided it was time to give them a place to race.

F100karters was formed less than 1 year ago and is a 100cc only* club that is growing very fast!

It may be too late of a notice or too far of a drive for you, but this Sunday, F100K is holding it's first event of the year. F100 tries to "Piggy-back" with other local clubs every chance they can, and this is one of those.

You may bring your 100cc kart in any configuration it is and you may race with us, but our largest class for the KT is with a HPV or K3 pipe at 350 lbs (I'm pretty sure). If you bring a 3 hole can, a direct drive or a RR pipe, we'll give you a spot to race it. If you are a beginner, we have a good size Novice class, too.

Our club gets an entree discount and we are providing a catered lunch for this event. Our members will help you in every way we can to get you on the track if you have problems.

If interested, (even if you want to just watch), let me know. I'll add one to the catering! We may even have an extra kart for you to race if yours isn't ready. We have at least two coming down from the Bay Area, so you might be able to ride share.

There are 28 pre-registered, and I'm guessing those numbers will go up by the weekend.

My number is: 714.305-6123 or email stuhayner@aol.com

I hope you can make it.

Stu

*we have some 4cycle classes avail, too
_________________
Remember......it's not always the best arrow...but more importantly the best Indian.

Chris Helps · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 328

Hi Stu

Thanks for the info.

I'm not sure how often I'll get a chance to come down to SoCal, and I am hoping to find somewhere local so I can put in a lot of practice at the track I race on. But I'll keep in in mind if it ever seems like I'll have the chance to come down there.

PS: Are you the same Stu Hayner who used to race in ALMS (and Trans-Am too, if I remember right)?

Thanks,
Chris

Doug Ring · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:57 am Post subject:

Chris,

I think the short answer is "yes, the KT100 classes are dying". If you are just getting back into driving, then contact your closest sprint club and run a few races in whatever class they can put you in - no club will turn you away, they will find a group for you to run with.

After a few races, look at the classes that get a larger turnout and consider trying that class. Different clubs have different strengths - some will have a good TAB/Spec PRD turnout, others will have a good shifter turnout, and some may focus more on juniors.

The karting marketplace has really taken the continuing recession hard, and the clubs are hurting just like everyone else.

Thanks,
Doug Ring - San Diego

Jessie Luther · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2013 7:00 pm Post subject:

Chris,
Kinsmen kart club welcomes you to come and race. I am sure the other tracks welcome you also up here in Norcal! Bring your friends!
things change every year and we start off this season Feb 24th with our opening race. Swap meet on Sat. FEB23RD
This year we are welcoming Rotax to our club.
We will offer the micro Max, Jr Rotax, Master rotax to our line up.
Since another track has 2 conflicting dates with the rotax group this will be a 6 race series for them. Conflicting dates will be a throw away for them only.
KT100 IS ALWAYS IN OUR LINE UP!! Cool

hope to see you at the club!!

Mitch Wright · Joined: 04 Sep 2001 Posts: 437

What is interesting is we have seen growth in our KT/Super Sportsman classes in Utah and here in New Orleans.
Like Stu's F100 program we have been reaching out to those that KT's in the garage or storage. We have also have found that since KT's and used KT's are so plentiful and at a club level have proven to be economical place to get in to karting. The bonus is building car count for our program and a fun class that we have drivers from other classes moving to.

Mitch Wright · Joined: 04 Sep 2001 Posts: 437

Stu,

Just read through your post, 28 pre registered for F100, that is impressive.
We see 10-12 per race for our Super Sportsman with 25 karts in the area, it is not uncommon for it to be our biggest class.
I think as you have found with a little legwork and create a welcoming fun place to race racers will come and play. I also believe a class like this with a much lower cost of entry and is less intimidating for the new guy or gal.
It works for us.