Recent updates have been made to the 2014 Rulebook. Affected regulations include driver information, engine and chassis declaration, tire usage and changing and chassis dimensions. Please download the updates from the Rulebook section in the sidebar of the homepage.
The United States Pro Kart Series reached the halfway point of the 2014 season, following the second event of the year at the Michiana Raceway Park in North Liberty, Indiana. The June 20-22 weekend provided another near-record turnout as the eight TaG and Yamaha categories battled for Round Three and Four victories, inching closer to the final stages of the eight-round championship chase. The next step for those looking to claim USPKS hardware and a piece of the enormous prize package at the end of the year is Round Five and Six at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania on July 25-27, presented by Checkered Motorsports and Zero Error Racing.
The MRP weekend witnessed two different winners in the Franklin Motorsports Leopard Pro division as Michael Geringer and AJ Myers each took home $1,000 for their win. With no double winner on the weekend, the $500 bonus is carried over to the PIRC weekend, offering up a $1,000 check - presented by DRT Racing - to any driver that can win both feature races. It could be a nice cool $3k payday for one lucky driver, as the opening event of the 2014 season saw Roger Ralston Jr. win both races, earning a nice $2,500 pay day for the weekend.
The Pre-Entry deadline for the upcoming Pittsburgh round of the United States Pro Kart Series is set for July 18 at 11:59pm (CDT) on MotorsportReg.com. Drivers looking for an opportunity to get some extra practice before the USPKS weekend can take part in the Allegheny Karting Series on July 19-20. The Pittsburgh International Race Complex club series is hosting a two-round event on the weekend prior to the USPKS event, offering categories for Yamaha and Leopard competitors on the standard MG Tire compound. Head to AlleghenyKartingSeries.com to find out more information. USPKS would like to remind competitors of the no testing policy during the week of the event (Monday through Thursday) until official practice begins Friday, July 25. Back my popular demand will be the helmet trophies that were presented at the opening rounds in Mooresville, with the top-five finishers in each category on both days receiving an award.
The weekend at Michiana Raceway Park - presented by Verde Speed Resource and freem USA - featured more drivers taking home money for their efforts on the weekend. Comet Racing Engines Yamaha Pro saw Brandon Jarsocrak earn the most points on the weekend for a second straight event, taking home another $1,000 check. Derek Dignan was second and won $500 with Sunday feature winner Tony Jump taking $250 for his third place effort on the total weekend points. Zach Holden was shut out in the win column, but moved to the top of the Woltjer Racing Engines Yamaha Junior championship chase and earned the most points over the weekend, bagging $500 while Sunday winner Brandon Lemke was second, taking home $250. Double GT7 Motorsports Leopard Junior winner Mike McAndrews locked up the $500 payday, with David Malukas second overall. Alex Bertagnoli and Alex Verhagen bested the Orlando Kart Center Mini Rok Cadet field to take the money, with Austin Schaff and Sam Mayer doing the same in the QPS Employment Group Yamaha Cadet division.
Mark Coats, series promoter for the United States Pro Kart Series, announced at the end of June that the series will continue to utilize the Parilla Leopard, Yamaha KT100, and Vortex Mini Rok engines for 2015. “It’s hard to argue with success, and that is why we are leaving the engines alone for the 2015 season. We all know that single engine classes are the way to go, and that is what our racers want.”
The Leopard Pro and Leopard Junior categories will remain unchanged, as will the Mini Rok Cadet division. The Yamaha Pro and Yamaha Junior are set for return in 2015 with Yamaha Cadet and Yamaha Rookie racers back next year. Changes for the 2015 season will be the removal of the Parilla Challenge division, with some possible adjustments coming in the near future with the goal of making it a seven classes championship next season. The Yamaha Junior divisions will also see the rear tires move to a 7.10 size, up from 6.0 in 2014, to match the same size for the Leopard Junior.
“A stable rule and class structure has lacked in karting for many years,” continued Coats. “We at the USPKS are trying to lock in a rules package for several years in advance. This way the manufacturer, the shops and the racers know our intensions. The MG Tire is a great product and has brought a level playing field to the series, and we are currently working to extend our contract for the USPKS and the Route 66 Sprint Series programs.” Coats is also working on the 2015 schedule, and hopes to have it released within the next 60 days.
THIS IS TO CLARIFY THE MG TIRE RULE & COMPOUND. SOME SHOPS OUT OF THE AREA ARE UNLOADING LAST YEARS TIRES. THESE TIRES ARE NOT LEGAL IN THE USPKS. The ONLY LEGAL TIRES in the USPKS are the following:
MG REDS need to be CIKF/Z Option
MG YELLOWS 4.60/7.10 need to be CIKF/Z Prime
MG YELLOWS 6.00 need to be FZ
Thank you for your understanding.
It is hard to argue with success. That is why we are leaving the Leopard 125 Pro & Junior Classes on the Leopard Engine for the 2015 racing season.
We all know that single engine classes are the way to go. That is the reason for the resurgence of the KT100 Yamaha Classes in the USPKS.
That is why we are leaving the Yamaha 100 Can Classes Alone for the 2015 Season. The Yamaha 100 Rookie, Cadet, Junior and Senior Pro Classes will not be changed for the 2015 season.
We don't need another "Tire Gate"!
The success of the Mini-Rok 60 Cadet Class has surprised us all. What a great motor package. This class will be unchanged for the 2015 Season as well.
Rear Tire Change For the Yamaha 100 Junior Class. Since the Leopard 125 Junior Class is already on 7.10 rear tires, starting with our first event for the 2015 season, the Yamaha Junior Classe will be required to run 7.10 MG Yellow Rear Tires. The fronts will remain the same.
The Parilla Challenge Class will be eliminated at the end of this season.
We want to let the racers know in advance the changes for the following season.
A stable rules and class structure has lacked in karting for many years. We at the USPKS are trying to lock in a rules package for several years in advance. This way the manufacturer, the shops and you the racer knows our intensions.
I am currently talking with Wagner Rossi about extending the MG Tire contract with the USPKS & The Route 66 Sprint Series. The MG Tire is a great product and has brought a level playing field to both series.
The guys at WR International, Wagner & Luis are great to deal with.
The 2015 schedule will be released in the next 60 days. Please let us know your thoughts or suggestions on tracks and locations.
If there is any other class structure changes, we will let you know well in advance.
As always thank you to our sponsors and to our racing family for supporting the USPKS, without you it would not be possible.
Thank you,
Mark Coats & The Entire USPKS Staff
Thank you to everyone for attending the VERDE SPEED RESOURCES, MG TIRES, L&T CLUTCHES, VORTEX, MAZDA, COMET KART SALES & FRANKLIN KART.com USPKS MRP EVENT. The weather and the racing were "HOT" to say the least. The positive energy was spread throughout the paddock area as the Teams got their temporary homes setup for the event. Garry, Jim, Alli & the MRP Staff had the property looking great and was a true professional as always.
I would like to thank all of our series sponsors and supporting shops for helping the USPKS become a PREMIER karting Series.
A special thanks goes out to the entire USPKS STAFF & OFFICIALS, without you this would not be possible. Thank you again for all of your support and time that you have put into the USPKS. Remember its about the people. The racers, their families, our sponsors, supporting shops & yes the officials.
The Events Cookout was sponsored by FREEM PRODUCTS, USPKS & MRP.
All of the weekends coverage that was on ekarting news would not be possible with out Mr. David Cole, thank you David. All of the ekarting news articles will be on the coverage page soon.
Listed below is the weekend "Money Winners":
LEOPARD PRO - Saturday
1st $1000 Michael Geringer
2nd $500 Mick Gabriel
3rd MG Tires Brandon Jarsocrak
LEOPARD PRO - Sunday
1st $1000 AJ Meyers
2nd $500 Armin Cavkusic
3rd MG Tires Elliot Finlayson
LEOPARD JUNIOR - (Weekend Points)
1st $500 Mike McAndrews
2nd $250 David Malukis
YAMAHA 100 PRO - (Weekend Points)
1st $1000 Brandon Jarsocrak
2nd $500 Derek Dignan
3rd $250 Tony Jump
YAMAHA JUNIOR - (Weekend Points)
1st $500 Zach Holden
2nd $250 Brandon Lemke
YAMAHA CADET - (Weekend Points)
1st $500 Austin Schaff
2nd $250 Sam Mayer
MINI ROK CADET - (Weekend Points)
1st $500 Alex Bertagnoli
2nd $250 Alex Verhagen
The "PRIVATEIR" AWARD WINNERS $250.00 to each family
David Cass Family
Tommy Burke Family
Congratulations to all of the above "MONEY WINNERS"!
The 2014 USPKS/Route 66 Rulebook has been updated and published for customers to review. Highlights of the new revision include diagrams and photographs specific to engine sealing procedures, as well as an update requiring the use of chain guards for all classes. Please download and review the update from the home or classes page of this site.
With the start of the 2014 United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS) just around the corner, excitement mounts for their sophomore season. With multiple sponsors coming on board to provide cash and awards for the upcoming season, USPKS continues to grow and stake their claim on the national karting scene.
“We are pleased to welcome several new, and a lot of existing sponsors to the 2014 program,” expressed Series Owner Mark Coats. “We’d like to extend an extra warm welcome to the family to Mazda USA. Having their support in USPKS is second to none, and their involvement really has us excited to get the season started in Mooresville.”
Coats added, “We are also very pleased to have MG Tires, Vortex Engines, L&T Clutches, Franklin Motorsports and Comet Kart Sales as presenting sponsors for the series.”
Comet Kart Sales has also stepped up and will put their name on the Yamaha 100 Pro and Yamaha 100 Junior divisions. DRT Racing and AIM Sportsystems will provide awards for the Leopard 125 Pro Bonus and the Pole Position awards respectively.
MG Tires will be providing drawings for tires each and every race day throughout the 2014 season while Race Tech Development will give away fifteen $50.00 gift certificates towards media services offered by the company. L&T Clutches will also be giving away a clutch at every event.
Along with prizes and giveaways, the United States Pro Kart Series will be giving away the following cash awards as well as daily awards and podium giveaways to the top-five drivers:
LEOPARD 125 PRO
1ST - $1000
2ND - $500
3RD - A set of MG Tires
**$500 bonus to any driver who can win both Saturday and Sunday main events
LEOPARD 125 JUNIOR
1ST - $500
2ND - $250
** The top-two competitors with the best overall weekend points will receive cash awards
YAMAHA 100 PRO
1ST - $1000
2ND - $500
3RD - $250
**The Yamaha 100 Pro class is based on the overall weekend point total
YAMAHA 100 JUNIOR
1ST - $500
2ND - $250
** The top-two competitors with the best overall weekend points will receive cash awards
YAMAHA 100 CADET
1ST - $500
2ND - $250
** The top two competitors with the best overall weekend points will receive cash awards
MINI-ROK 60 CADET
1ST - $500
2ND - $250
** The top two competitors with the best overall weekend points will receive cash awards
MG Tires will also be awarding race day winners with unique #1 MG Tire race-winning hats.
The 2014-year end awards banquet is already beginning to take shape. All series champions will receive USPKS championship racing suits as well as championship rings. MG Tires will be awarding their all expense paid trip to the Granja 500 while all competitors in the top-five in the championship will take home a set of MG Tires. The United States Pro Kart Series will also be giving away thousands of dollars of gift certificates that can be used at your favorite USPKS sponsored kart shop.
KartLift and the KartLift Pit Matt will be giving away free Pit Matts to the first twenty drivers that register for the opening round of the 2014 USPKS season.
Online event registration for round one of the 2014 USPKS season sponsored by GoPro continues HERE. Please be sure to register before the closing date of April 7, 2014 to avoid any late fees.
The United States Pro Kart Series will continue to build on their already established prize package. As they continue to look for sponsors and supporters of the series, the second edition of the USPKS program is sure to impress.
With less than twenty days to the start of the United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS), program officials are pleased to announce that the series, class and event sponsors have been finalized as well as the 2014 rulebook is now complete and ready for download. With the first event taking place at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina April 11 - 13 the start of the USPKS sophomore season is fast approaching.
“We have had several companies within the sport step up and support our second year of existence,” expressed Series President and Owner, Mark Coats. “The response has been overwhelming and we are looking forward to a great 2014 season.”
USPKS-2014-SponsorsTitle sponsors and supporters of the series include Vortex Engines, L&T Clutches, Comet Kart Sales, MG Tires and Franklin Kart while GoPro will be the event sponsor for event weekend one at the GoPro Motorplex April 11 - 13. With the second event at Michiana Raceway Park in Northern Indiana June 20 - 22, Verde Speed will be the primary event sponsor while Checkered Motorsports and Zero Error Racing will do the same at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex over the July 25 - 27 weekend. Heading to New Castle Motorsports Park for weekend four August 15 - 17, KartSale.com will be the event sponsor while Kartlift, Race Tech Development and FreeM will be the main supporters of the annual Champions Banquet on August 17.
Coats added, “I can’t thank the main event sponsors enough for their support in the USPKS program. Without them and our class and awards sponsors, we would not be able to put together such an attractive series for teams and competitors.”
In 2014, the Yamaha Rookie division will be brought to you by Switch Racing Engines while Yamaha 100 Cadet will have a headline sponsor of QPS Employment Group. Woltjer Racing Engines will have their name on the Yamaha 100 Junior class with Comet Kart Sales promoting the Yamaha 100 Pro division. Orlando Kart Center, a new sponsor to the series will be associated with the Mini Rok 60 Cadet class while Tony Kart dealer GT7 Motorsports has stepped up to present the Leopard 125 Junior ranks. Leopard 125 Pro will be brought to you by Franklin Kart with J3 Competition the primary class sponsor of the Parilla 125 Challenge. AIM Sports will be our ‘Fast Time’ award sponsor with Quickswim, Patriot Clutches and McAndrews Racing also supporting the 2014 season.
Last but not least, DRT Racing is sponsor the Leopard 125 Pro bonus for any driver that can complete the main event sweep on any event weekend. If a competitor is to claim the checkered in both Saturday and Sunday finals, they will walk home with an extra $500 cash in their pocket thanks to the support from DRT.
The 2014 USPKS rulebook is now online and available for download via the USPKS website. The United States Pro Kart Series urges all series teams and competitors to read and understand the rules for the 2014 season. Any questions on the rulebook can be directed to Rick Jump, Kris Finke or Mark Coats whose contact information can be found on the USPKS website.
The 2014 USPKS Rule book can be found HERE.
The United States Pro Kart Series is also having a contest cover for the hard copy of the 2014 rulebook. Keeping all USPKS competitors in mind, the front cover will be designed by a senior level driver ages 16 and older while the back cover is reserved for the designing driver 15 years of age or younger. Contestants will need to be competitors in the USPKS Series and contest winners will receive a free set of MG Tires for their efforts.
Online event registration for round one of the 2014 USPKS season continues HERE. Please be sure to register before the closing date of April 7, 2014 to avoid any late fees.
eKartingNews.com will also be providing its ‘Trackside Live’ coverage throughout the 2014 season. Working with USPKS announcer Randy Kugler, each of the eight rounds will have the play-by-play broadcasted through the EKN Live page, which also includes the live timing feed courtesy of Race Monitor.
Mini-Rok is considered a Cadet class. If a driver chooses to run any Cadet class, they lose their eligibility to run in the Rookie class. (move up rule) This only applies to the USPKS series and does not affect the drivers status in any other series.
As the United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS) enters its sophomore season, the series continues to evolve and provide a solid structure for national level racing. Poised and ready to take 2014 by storm, the USPKS program has put in place a defined ladder of classes from Yamaha Rookie to Leopard Pro.
“I am very pleased with the class structure that we have in place for 2014,” expressed series owner Mark Coats. “We have put in place a defined ladder from the rookie division to the pro classes. For followers outside of karting, they can see this defined ladder and it will be easier for them to follow and get into the sport of karting.”
Beginning at the bottom and working the way up the ladder, the Yamaha divisions will be apparent, as the USPKS will run Yamaha 100 Rookie, Yamaha 100 Cadet, Yamaha 100 Junior and Yamaha 100 Pro. All classes will qualify on new tires and must use the same tires for the entire event weekend. While the Yamaha Rookie and Yamaha Cadet classes will utilize the MG HZ (Red) tire, the Yamaha Junior and Yamaha Pro ranks will run the much softer and quicker MG FZ (Yellow) tire.
Moving to the TaG divisions, there will be four different classes beginning with the Mini-Rok 60 Cadet class for 8-12 year old competitors.
“We are happy to have a premier series in the Midwest add the Mini Rok class to their program,” expressed OTK USA’s Andre Martins. “There is great participation at other series across the United States and I am confident that Mark and the USPKS program can build the class throughout this part of the country. Mark has a great program and brilliant ideas for the future and Vortex is happy to be part of it.”
From there, drivers can make the transition to the Leopard powerplants to compete in Leopard 125 Junior, Leopard 125 Pro and the Parilla 125 Challenge for drivers over the age of 30. While the Leopard 125 Junior and Leopard 125 Pro will utilize only IAME Leopard engine packages, the Parilla 125 Challenge division allows the use of both the Leopard and X30 engines.
Coats added, “We are not allowing the X30 engine in the Junior or Pro ranks in 2014 but are reviewing it for the 2015 season. The disparity and speed differential between the engines will raise the cost of karting and we want to provide an equal and level playing field for a national campaign, and not make it about who has the most money for the right engine package.”
The Leopard 125 Pro class will utilize the MG FZ (Yellow) tire compound and will be required to have a new set of tires for both event days. The Leopard 125 Junior class will qualify on new tires on Saturday and be required to use the same tires throughout the event weekend while Parilla 125 Challenge competitors will be required to qualify on new tires, and will have a total of six to use throughout the event.
“To help grow the Parilla 125 Challenge divisions, we are allowing drivers from 16 years of age and up. 16 - 29 year old non-pro competitors may compete in the class as determined by USPKS. Also, to decrease costs, any driver in the Parilla 125 Challenge division will have to declare their engine of choice and utilize that for the 2014 USPKS season,” continued Coats.
YAMAHA 100 ROOKIE
Drivers Age: 7-10 Years Old
Engine: Yamaha KT100
Carburetor: Walbro WA55
Exhaust: Spec RLV 7500 YBX
Weight: 225 Lbs
Tires: MG “HZ” Reds 4.60/4.60
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
YAMAHA 100 CADET
Drivers Age: 8-12 Years Old
Engine: Yamaha KT100
Carburetor: Walbro WA55
Exhaust: Spec RLV 7548 SSX
Weight 250 Lbs
Tires: MG “HZ” Reds 4.60/4.60
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
YAMAHA 100 JUNIOR
Driver Age: 12-15 Years Old
Engine: Yamaha KT100
Carburetor: Walbro WB3A
Exhaust: Spec RLV 7548 SSX
Weight: 310 Lbs
Tires: MG “FZ” Yellows 4.60/6.00
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
YAMAHA 100 PRO
Drivers Age: 15+ Years Old
Engine: KT100
Carburetor: Walbro WB3A
Exhaust: Spec RLV 7548 SSX
Weight: 350 Lbs
Tires: MG “FZ” Yellows 4.50/7.10
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
MINI-ROK 60 Cadet
Driver Age: 8-12 Years Old
Engine: Vortex 60cc TAG Engine
Carburetor: As supplied by Manufacturer
Exhaust: As supplied by Manufacturer
Weight: 242 Pounds
Tires: MG “HZ” Reds 4.60/4.60
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
LEOPARD 125 JUNIOR
Driver Age: 13-15 Years Old
Engine: IAME Leopard w/Factory 25mm Header
Carburetors: Tillotson HL334a, HL334ab & HL334aa
Weight: 330 Lbs
Tires: MG “FZ” Yellows 4.60/7.10
You must have 1 year experience in the YAMAHA JUNIOR CLASS to race this class
Must qualify on new tires and race the same set Saturday & Sunday
PARILLA 125 CHALLENGE
Driver Age: 30+ Years Old or 16 - 29 non-pro drivers (as determined by USPKS)
* If under 30 years of age, competitor may not run both Parilla 125 Challenge and Leopard 125 Pro. Also, if under 30 years of age and competitor move up to ”Pro”, competitor may not move back to “Challenge” without special permission from USPKS.
Engines: IAME Leopard 390 Lbs
Carburetors: Tillotson HL334a, HL334ab & HL334aa
Engine: IAME X-30 405 Lbs
Carburetor: Tryton Hobby 27-C / 2009
**Engine of choice must be declared before first official qualifying session of 2014 season. Competitor must utilize this choice of engine for entire USPKS season. If competitor decides to change engine model, all points attained up to that point of the season will be forfeited.
Tires: MG “FZ” Yellows 4.60/7.10
New Tires required on Saturday, total of 6 tires for the weekend
LEOPARD 125 PRO
Driver Age: 16+ Years Old
Engine: IAME Leopard
Carburetor: Tillotson HL334a, HL334ab & HL334aa
Exhaust: As supplied by Manufacturer
Weight: 365 Lbs
Tires: MG “FZ” Yellows 4.60/7.10
New Tires are required both days
Looking to provide an equal and level playing field for all of their teams and competitors, the United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS) and Route 66 Sprint Series program will make the switch to the MG Tire brand for all series classes. Proven to be successful and consistent in some of North America’s top karting series, USPKS and Route 66 drivers will enjoy the added benefits with an association with the Brazilian tire manufacturer.
“We are very pleased to put a deal together with MG Tires for both the programs,” expressed series Owner Mark Coats. “With our new relationship, all USPKS and Route 66 classes will utilize the MG tire brand. Not only will MG be on all drivers karts, but they will also award one driver from each series an amazing prize package.”
With the final prize packages for both series still being put together, MG Tires has stepped up to the plate and will award one competitor from both the United States Pro Kart Series and and Route 66 Series an all expense paid trip to the 2014 Granja Viana 500. Taking place at the Kartódromo Beto in the south of Brazil, two lucky and deserving drivers will make the trek to South America during late November to compete against the likes of Tony Kannan, Nelson Piquet Jr., Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Giaffone who all competed in this year’s event. Beto Carrero is the ‘Disneyland’ of Brazil with a wonderful park with an incredible race track and facility.
Coats added, “The Granja Viana 500 is like no other karting event in the world. It is a spectacle of drivers in full-bodied karts battling wheel-to-wheel for 500 miles. I have only seen photos and videos online but I hope to be able to attend next years race.”
With the announcement of MG being the official tire for USPKS and Route 66, two different compounds will be used. The Sportsman divisions will run the harder MG HZ tire, more commonly noted as the MG Red while all other classes will run the MG FZ or yellow branded MG tire. All classes will utilize the MG WT tires for wet weather conditions.
“The opportunity to work with the USPKS program in 2014 is very exciting for us,” explained Wagner Rossi of MG Tires. “Mark has put together an excellent program that promotes fairness and an equal playing field for all of their drivers. The promotion of a fun, family oriented series is something that was needed throughout the Midwest.”
Rossi continued, “We are proud to be part of the series and like Mark, we will work with and listen to the praises and concerns of the series participants to keep our product as good and reliable as possible. We look forward to building a long and healthy relationship with the series, drivers and teams.”
With several more announcements forth coming from the United States Pro Kart Series and Route 66 Sprint Series, please stay tuned for information regarding online registration, class, event and series sponsors, exciting prize package and information regarding the 2014 class structure and complete schedule.
For more information on the United States Pro Kart Series, please visit them online at www.USPKS.com or contact Mark Coats via e-mail mcoats.uspks@gmail.com For information on the Route 66 Sprint Series, please visit them online at www.Route66KartRacing.com or contact via e-mail to Info@Rout66KartRacing.com. For information on MG Tires and their wide variety of karting tires and compounds, please visit them online at www.MGTires.com.
For information on press releases or other media services offered by Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.
With the 2014 racing season right around the corner, the United States Pro Kart Series is happy to announce its 2014 racing season event schedule:
The series banquet will follow the Sunday rounds at the New Castle event.
