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| November 16, 2009 News |
| Jim Murley Announced as SuperNationals Grand Marshal |
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There is no arguing the fact that this year’s Superkarts! USA SuperNationals is fast becoming the biggest karting event in the sport’s history here in North America. The venue is unmatched, full fields of the best drivers in the country are a given and the inclusion of many of the top international karters has only been punctuated by the official announcements of F1 drivers Michael Schumacher, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Sebastien Buemi. SKUSA’s Tom Kutscher and his staff are currently on-site completing final preparations, and with the track now in position and the teams filtering in with their trailers, the race is upon on.
Kutscher has added yet another little jewel to the event as the karting community gets set to make the trek to Las Vegas. With a Pro Tour on the horizon and the organization’s fourth event at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino set to begin official on Wednesday, Kutscher has brought things full circle as EKN has learned that former SKUSA CEO Jim Murley will be in town during the event week to act as the race’s Grand Marshal. Murley was at SKUSA’s helm in the late 90’s and early 00’s and it was under his guidance that the SuperNationals made its debut at the Rio. It was also a Murley-run SKUSA that enjoyed the participation of Kutscher, who was one of the organization’s top running G1 drivers before stepping out from behind the wheel.
“Jim was the guy who we had have to thank for building the SKUSA ‘attitude’ and it just seems perfect to have him join us here at the Rio this year to again celebrate our return to the venue,” Kutscher told EKN’s Rob Howden. “Back when I raced, Jim was the guy we all followed, because we shared his passion and vision for the what the sport could really be. This year’s race has already blown away all of my expectations, and bringing Jim in to act as our Grand Marshal is the perfect capper.”
“When we were looking to fine-tune the track design, it just seemed right to go back to the guy who already had a couple years of experience here at the Rio for a little input,” Kutscher added. “Jim’s experience helped us come up with the track that we’ll be offering up for SuperNationals XIII. I like how that worked out!”
 | | As the former CEO of Superkarts! USA, Jim Murley (left) will return to the Rio this weekend as the Grand Marshal of the 13th annual SuperNationals. Back in the day, he played a big role in the life of young drivers like Gustavo Menezes (right) |
Murley was the force behind the launch of the popular SKUSA ProMoto Tour back in 1999, which really was the precursor to all the national level racing that we see today. It was the success of the early SuperNationals that fueled the development of the ProMoto Tour, which very much similar to our the continuing growth of the event has led into the debut of next year’s SKUSA Pro Tour.
“I don't often get caught speechless, but when I got a call from Tom a couple months ago about applying a little more track design expertise for the SuperNats I was initially without words! With SKUSA and events such as the ‘SuperNationals’ and ‘King of The Streets’ being such a huge part of my life, I agreed,” Murley told EKN, when contacted earlier today. “Much like so many of those infomercials these day, there was also that "But wait, there's more!" Tom told me that he’d ‘really like you to be here and represent that spirit and SKUSA Attitude!, and, if you'll consider it, I'd really like you to serve as the Grand Marshall for SuperNats 13".
“Well, I know the event has continued grow and amaze over the years, but a role as Grand Marshall seemed, well, I'm much more of a 'plow horse' than a 'show pony' but for the sake of serving Tom’s vision and any perceived idea of raising this event any further, I agreed” Murley continued. “No, I won't sing the National Anthem! (laughs). I'm really looking forward to seeing many old friends.”
In addition to re-connecting with many of his past supporters while mingling throughout the paddock acting as a SKUSA Ambassador, Murley will also give the call to fire up the SuperPro drivers for the headline event on SuperSunday.
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