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| May 14, 2009 News |
| EKN INSIDER: Five Minutes with Alan Rudolph |
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 | Alan Rudolph has resigned as the Stars of Karting President
(Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca) |
If you’re a club karter anywhere in North America, you’re likely sitting back reading EKN and wondering what the heck is going on with the sport on the national level. Statements of the failed purchase of the Stars of Karting program, the launch of a new series, race dates being acquired by other entities…it’s all pretty crazy. While it may not directly affect you right now, the trickle down effect will not be positive if things remain status quo. However, if you’re part of the karting community’s small minority of national competitors, your entire season is in question and you likely want answers. The EKN staff has been working non-stop to stay in contact with the players in this evolving situation, both the new Championship Karting International (CKI) and the Stars of Karting, the next step seemed very apparent, it was time to talk to Stars President Alan Rudolph. ‘Former President’ would be the correct terms, as Rudolph did indeed resign from his post over the past weekend.
EKN has learned that on Saturday May 9, 2009, Rudolph contacted Snap-on Stars of Karting Series owner Paul Zalud and tendered his resignation as Series President, citing that the conflict of interest was something that could not be worked through in the present environment and the capacity in which Alan was involved.
“It was hard for me to talk to Paul and resign as President,” offered Rudolph during our Tuesday afternoon interview. “When I was approached by Paul to take the helm, I was very intrigued by the thought of being able to give back to the sport, stepping into aid in helping a program that was certainly struggling. My initial focus was to bring fun back to the track, getting the teams back on-board to help move things forward. The initiation of the purchase negotiations altered everyone’s focus at the start of the year, mine included. I wasn’t just there to build Stars, but I was also drawn into consulting the potential new owners of the series for which I worked, due to my past relationship with Phil (DeLaO).”
“As of now, I have very little involvement in Championship Karting International (CKI),” admitted Rudolph. “I have a working relationship with Phil DeLaO and have begun one with RJ Valentine as well. Those two guys have tremendous plans for karting and the future direction for our sport. Like them, I would like to see it grow as much as possible and will be available to help, if needed.”
“When I got involved, I was looking to stabilize the national karting campaign. I continued to work on building the Stars series by communicating and building relationships with the teams and drivers. However, it also became apparent that once the purchase agreement was eventually finalized I would also work with new series owners as they progressed forward with their plans.”
Rudolph’s initial goals and motivations have not changed from the day he accepted the role of Stars of Karting President. The situation certainly has altered his expectations, personally, for the 2009 season.
“My number one goal is and always will be to help grow the sport of karting in whatever capacity I can.”
Alan will continue his role as Vice President at the Bondurant Superkart School. Anyone looking to contact Alan Rudolph can do so at alanrudolph@bondurant.com |
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