The 2022 season marked the eighth year of the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series powered by RLV program. This unique result-gathering point system provides Briggs to continue its focus on the ‘Operation Grassroots’ program of supporting local track and clubs, while promoting those drivers and clubs competing at the tracks across North America.

The Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series collected results from events from February 1 through September 26 during the 2022 season. Each track/club were allowed to submit a minimum of seven races to a maximum of 10 dates. The program is broken up into three divisions: Junior (USA/Canada), Senior/Master (Canada) and Senior/Master (USA). The final standings for the Briggs WRS program are based on the driver’s first eight finishes submitted by their club in their respective classes with the best seven results counted.

In total, 53 tracks were involved in the 2022 Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series program within the United States and Canada. A total of 487 races were included, featuring a total of 3,460 drivers with results submitted over the three different categories.

What makes the Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series so unique is the amazing prize vault that is contributed each year. This year’s total value is at $80,000, up from the 2021 total. The top prize includes new chassis for the top-two drivers in all three categories thanks to Franklin Motorsports (Merlin), PSL Karting (Birel ART) and RLV (VLR Emerald).

Below is the prize breakdown for the 2022 Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series

1st Place (Senior USA): Merlin by Franklin Motorsports
1st Place (Senior Canada): Birel ART by PSL Karting
1st Place (Junior): Merlin by Franklin Motorsports
2nd Place (Senior USA): VLR Emerald by RLV
2nd Place (Senior Canada): Birel ART by PSL Karting
2nd Place (Junior): VLR Emerald by RLV
3rd Place: Weber SX-335 Stainless Smart Grill
4th Place: Pryde Custom Kart Suit
5th-6th Place: KartLift Tire Changers
7th-16th Place: Snapper XD 82V Trimmer & Blower
17th-21st Place: Weber Q1200 Portable LP Grill
22nd-25th Place: Craftsman 3000 PSI Pressure Washers
26th-35th Place: Milwaukee Impact Wrench
36th-42nd Place: Beta Tool Set
43rd-52nd Place: 12 quarts of Briggs & Stratton 4T by Amsoil
53rd-62nd Place: Noram Stinger & EK Chain from Target Distributing
63rd-77th Place: Hilliard INFERNO Flame Clutch
78th-79th Place: Amsoil Jacket
80th-85th Place: Briggs Racing Portable Seat
86th-100th Place: Pryde WRS Tee Shirt

Here is a quick profile of the three drivers (Senior/Masters Canada, Senior/Masters USA, and Junior) who finished as the #1 driver in their respective categories. For more on the program and a complete list of the standings, visit www.briggsracing.com. Also, below is a video recap of the 2022 Briggs & Stratton Weekly Racing Series featuring all three champions.

Senior/Master USA #1 – Myles Bland

Myles Bland

Points: 204.75
Club / Track: Kansas City Karting Association / Liberty Sprint Track (Liberty, MO)

Age: 33
Hometown: Liberty, Missouri
Occupation: Production Manager for Woodmaster Tools Inc.
Chassis: 2005 Karit Veloce (SKM Chassis)
Sponsors: Kommen Industrial Supply, Northland Dumpsters, Anita Baumgartner
Years Karting: 23

When and where did you get your start in karting? So the story goes, in 1997-1998 we took a family trip to Branson, Missouri which is about 3 hours south of my hometown. All I wanted to do was to go to the various concession kart places they had. We got to the first one and my father was trying to explain everything to me, of course I already knew the concept as I had spent a lot of time at the race tracks with my uncles who raced. As a kid I lived/breathed racing! He told me to stay behind him for a lap or 2 just to get a feel and to be sure I could handle it. We came out of the pits and I passed him and my brother in turn 1 and eventually lapped them about 6 laps later. So a year passed by and my Uncle Craig had mentioned to my father about a kart track that was about 15 minutes from our house, we went to a race at the end of the 1999 season and it was something I was definitely into doing. Next thing we know we are at the local kart shop buying a used chassis and spending countless hours at the track.

What was your first kart? 1996 Maxam, kart built by Larry and Steven Fairfield of Fairfield Motorsports. Very similar to an Emmick Venom.

When did you begin racing at the club you are currently racing at? 2000

What brought you to racing the Briggs 206 engine package? The affordability and competitiveness the engine platform brings. It really brings out the driver as it’s a momentum-based class. Plus, my son was on the 206 and I wanted to have an engine that I could go out, work with him. Working with a cadet while driving an X30 was pretty tough at times.

What are some of the great aspects you like about karting and racing at the club you are at? Karting is all about family, and for me it’s no different. I’ve made a lot of lifelong friends karting, and have had some great mentors help me throughout. Mainly the bond my father and I created when I was young, and now my son is entering his third year of karting as well, him and I have established that similar bond. The Kansas City Karting Association holds a special place in my heart and has over the last 23 years. David Gharst (track president), the BOD, and all the volunteers that show up every weekend to race are what makes our club so great!

Senior/Master Canada #1 – Symeon Zawalak

Symeon Zawalak

Points: 204.5
Club / Track: Edmonton & District Kart Racing Association / Rotax Mojo Raceway (Warburg, AB)

Age: 39
Howntown: Edmonton, Alberta
Occupation: Self-employed
Chassis: OTK
Sponsors: Tryzub Transport LTD
Years Karting: 3

When and where did you get your start in karting? Me and my childhood friends have always cars and motorsports. We finally got to a place where we could financially afford to be part of the motorsport community. We race at Rotax Mojo Raceway as DSM Racing and belong to the EDKRA.

What was your first kart? K&K Cobra

When did you begin racing at the club you are currently racing at? Three years ago

What brought you to racing the Briggs 206 engine package? Having Briggs and Stratton involved in karting has made it possible for average joes like myself to take part in this awesome sport at an affordable level. The durability and ease of maintenance for their engine makes it an enjoyable experience even when things go wrong and the weekly race series brings the scope of this sport to another level.

What are some of the great aspects you like about karting and racing at the club you are at? karting is the most affordable motorsport at will scratch that itch for speed. EDKRA is an incredible club with awesome members and great volunteers that make this a must visit world class facility.

Junior Can-Am #1 – Ava Hanssen

Ava Hanssen

Points: 204.75
Club / Track: Badger Kart Club / Mill-Rite Raceway (Dousman, WI)

Age: 12
Hometown: Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Occupation: Student 7th Grade
Chassis: Merlin
Sponsors: DNJ Intermodal, GTS Performance & Fitness, Franklin Kart
Years Karting: 8

When and where did you get your start in karting? I started racing at Sugar River Raceway in Broadhead, Wisconsin, in 2014.

What was your first kart? Emmick Kid Kart

When did you begin racing at the club you are currently racing at? Started racing at Badger Kart Club in Dousman, Wisconsin in 2015.

What brought you to racing the Briggs 206 engine package? The racing is very close and the amount of entries seemed to be outgrowing the other classes.

What are some of the great aspects you like about karting and racing at the club you are at? Racing with Badger Kart Club at Mill Rite Raceway, in Dousman, Wisconsin is very fun.  The racing is clean, sportsmanship is great and the club is very well ran.  I am excited to try the freshly repaved track in 2023.

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