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| Features |
| Beginning Coverage of Kart Expo International |
| Article by: Rhonda Mims-Brown |
 | | Ron White with Danilo Rossi |
Before we dive into the arduous work of stories about this year’s Kart Expo International to come throughout the week, we wanted to provide you with some visual quick fixes from last weekend’s event and brief highlights.
Just posted in the EKN photo section, there are three new galleries - SKI Excellence Awards, Kart Expo Tour and Kart Expo People. In these galleries you’ll be able to glimpse at the exhibitors, the SKI Excellence Awards ceremony, and the some of people on hand who made up this year’s successful event. To view the galleries, click on the “Photos” link at the top of the EKN navigation bar, once inside the gallery, select one or all for your visual feast.
There was excitement throughout the weekend with seminars, celebrations and selling going on all around. What stood out was an increase of European involvement with some major players there in support of their US importers as well as a mix of celebrities and old timers mixing it up with the newcomers to the sport. Among the Europeans on hand were Ronni Sala and World Karting Champion, Gianluca Beggio with Birel S.p.A for MRP Motorsport, Christian Sparacino and World Champion Danilo Rossi with CRG in support of SSC Racing; F1 star, Christian Fittipaldi with Fittipaldi-Supreme and many more top names in the sport.
 | | Compcor Distribution's display of Tony Kart and Vortex RoK with technical specialist, Cliff Kujala of Phoenix |
Not only were more foreign accents very noticeable, but an increase in chassis and engine packages coming in from across the globe were abundant. Among the chassis’ and engines showcased were the new KG Corsa chassis with the Sonik TaG, the LGK chassis, the Merlin, the BRM chassis and engine group as well as the Motori Seven line-up that included their new TaG and shifter offerings. Other new engines included the Vortex RoK from Compcor, the Sonic, as well as the new TM K9B seen at Italian Motors and the new Briggs F200 beginner package.
From the looks of it, one might wonder if a saturation point is nearby, but things appear to be going strong for the sport. The hottest teams and groups today were also on hand including First Kart North America, Team Hurricane/PTK, SSC Racing, MRP for Birel, J&J/Biesse, Easy Kart, Franklin, Fittipaldi Supreme and many more.
It was another who’s who showing of people with numerous old timers in the sport there such as Douglas Wheels owner, Doug Henline, US Karting King, Lynn Haddock, Mark Dismore, Mike Burris, Keith Freber, Roger Hargens of ProSpeed and Randy Fulks, only to name a few.
As always, the lounge area en route to the show was continuously filled with people having a great time and visiting with worry-free attachments associated with having to get up and make the track at 6 a.m. It was fun to see others enjoying themselves, especially Bobby Wilson who was named SKI’s Driver of the Year laughing it up with competitors, girlfriend, Cassie Hogdal and father, Bob. The MRP Motorsport team was also in celebration with their awarding of Team of the Year. Business obligations on Saturday night separated the bunch with owner, Garry Lobaugh unable to make the ceremony but excitedly accepted on behalf of son Tim and celebrated as a group on Sunday at the show. A standout group of kart racers were the "Hoosier" gang shown at right who were there just checking out the show and having a blast.
Another highlight to be further addressed in a story was the raffle draws that took place for the benefit of Tom Argy’s family. Tom’s wife, Sarah, and kids Allysa and Tommy, traveled almost 600 miles from their Niagara Falls, N.Y., home to graciously accept the $5,167 gathered thus far. Raffle winner, Ted Steffke of South Lyon, Mich., stepped up to the plate and generously gave the raffled NASCAR driver-signed helmet back to the family for a memento keepsake. Continental Tires also gave away (via raffle) a driving suit to help with their needs.
 | | Tom Argy's family - Allysa, Sarah and Tommy |
The benefit’s goal of $10,000 is just past the halfway mark and it’s not too late to help them meet this goal. If you haven’t given yet or missed the raffle draw, winning something isn’t the point. Please give back to help a family whose father and husband devoted his life to the sport of karting. Driver Mack McCormack of Athens, Ala., is a classic example of one of the many hearts who gave. On his way out the door, Mack threw a hundred dollar bill on the raffle table and said, “This is for Tom’s family, put whoever’s name you want to on the tickets,” It is people such as this whose lives are enriched through giving. To contribute, please make check payable to Kart Marketing Group and specify Argy Benefit. Mail to Kart Marketing Group, Attn: Argy Benefit at P.O. Box 101, Wheaton, Illinois, USA 60189
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