"HELLO, I MUST BE GOING..." -- Groucho Marx

[Darrell Sitarz]

Dear Karting Industry Friends,

My name is Darrell Sitarz, president of Kart Marketing International, Inc. Over the last 41+ years that I have been involved in the karting industry, I have seen the sport go through many changes; from West Bend and McCulloch to shifter and TAG engines; from only 2-cycle to the addition of 4-cycle racing and much, much more. I have also met some amazing people in this business, as well.

After working in the industry for 20 years with a kart parts manufacturer, I began my own company in 1990, Kart Marketing Group, Inc., the main goal of which was to assist karting industry in marketing itself, and how it was viewed by the public. I think, for the most part, I have accomplished these goals. I first set out by forming a trade association – Kart Marketing Association of America. Within a short period of time, KMAA had a great number of members onboard as our marketing ideas were fresh and doable.

In 1993, I designed and produced a karting trade show, Kart Expo ™, with the aim of changing the industry’s swap-meet mentality to one of merchandising and professionalism. This too was met with great success. That was soon followed by the first and only monthly trade publication for the industry, Kart Marketing International. KMI had over 5,000 subscribers worldwide when it was morphed in 2000 to an online version, e-KMI.com which continued until earlier this year. Again, very successful.

In the meantime, we were also developing other newsstand-quality print publications such as the Official Karting Directory and Guide, the Karting Industry Buyer’s Guide, and Go Karting!. In 2004, I also developed a number of websites: KartFax.com, KartGearIntl.com, and KartSearch.com to compliment our other products -- additional prideful accomplishments.

However, in January, 2010 things changed when I married the most fantastic woman I have ever met, Ernesta. In addition, I also became the step-father to her two young daughters, Armina (15) and Kesta (12), who emigrated here this summer from Lithuania. Needless to say, my life has changed 180 degrees and so have my responsibilities… and I couldn’t be happier.

With this in mind, I am officially announcing my retirement from karting and the karting industry. It’s been one hell of a ride, but it’s time to move on to new adventures, and believe me there will be many of those!

I would like to sincerely thank my many, many friends in the industry both here and abroad, too numerous to mention, and offer a tip of the hat to all those “Pioneers of Karting” who have passed on. Karting is a wonderful sport and a challenging business, to say the least. I sincerely wish everyone the very best, especially in these difficult times.

Very truly yours,
_________________
Darrell Sitarz

[Mike Burrell]

Congratulations on the wedding, and thanks for all the good times, memories, and business opportunities at KMI over the years! That show did a lot to move karting forward over the years, and the sport truly does appreciate it!

Enjoy your retirement Darrell!
_________________
National Karting Alliance

[Roger Hargens]

Thank you Darrell for all that you've done for our sport and industry. You have been a great friend and help to many over the years, including myself. I have fond memories of the good times @ GEM Products and always appreciated you're passion for karting as well as for baseball.

After moving from Illinois in the late 80's, I never expected our paths to cross again. But then you devised the Kart Expo trade show. After a few "lean" attempts (remember Covington, KY), you finally hit a home run when the show returned to Illinois. It was the perfect setting to meet customers and potential dealers for our products. I can honestly say that without the "Expo", it would have taken us much longer to establish those important relationships.

Thank you my friiend, and may you continue to find happiness and satisfaction in all that you do going forward.
_________________
Roger S. Hargens
www.prospeedkartsports.com

[Jim Fry]

Congrats Darrell! Enjoy your new family. Karting and Dave will miss you.

[tony zambos]

Congrats and thanks for that all you've done for karting. Maybe we'll catch you at the SmokeHouse.
_________________
tony zambos
ap kart racing
L.A.D Specialties

[Peter Zambos]

Hooray for Captain Sitarz!
When I saw that you were retiring from RVKC for personal reasons, I did begin to worry that those reasons weren't positive.
I'm much relieved and happy that isn't the case at all.

Darrell, you've done a huge amount to progress and promote karting and I'm glad to count myself among those whose experience in karting you've effected. I wish you the best of luck in your new chapter and, like Dad said, maybe we'll see you 'round town.

Enjoy the kugelis.
Cheers,
Peter

[mike clements]

Darrell, You have done good things for our sport. Congratulations on the new bride and the two daughters. From my personal experience I can promise you that your new situation will bring the most incredible amount of happiness to you for the rest of your life.
Live, Love, Laugh and smile some everyday,
Mike
_________________
Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

[Tom Jensen]

Congratulations and good luck in whatever you do.
_________________
Sex is like pizza. When it's good it's great and when it's bad, it's still pretty good.

[Carl Lankenau]

Darrell, I bet it's hard to believe it has been 41 years. You have done so much for the sport of karting. I hope I can do 1/2 what you did for RVKC. You will be missed by the Board of Directors. Have a great time with your family !!!!
_________________
Coyote Yamaha Laydown
LAD Engines

[Darrell Sitarz]

A special thanks to all who have called, e-mailed and have written here.
It means more than you'll ever know.
_________________
Darrell Sitarz

[Tim Doll]

Darrell

Having spent my share of time on the "inside" of karting, I know you are one of the 'good guys'. We may not have always agreed, but I never had reason to question your motives.

Best of luck in your new life and your new marrage/family.

Just don't be surprised if, at some point down the road, you find yourself drawn back to the karting world - perhaps at a lower, less intimate level (been there, done that) .

Addictions really are hard to break

Best regards

Tim
_________________
Standard disclaimer - I'm FREE - No longer affiliated with any organization, I can say whatever I darn well please!.

Everett, Washington

[Darrell Sitarz]

"Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in." -- Michael Corleone

Leapin' Lizards... that didn't last long... 6 months out of the sport, then back into it!

This summer my youngest step-daughter Kesta decided that she wanted to race,
so with a new suit and helmet in hand we went to MRP's Racing School near South
Bend where she did amazingly well. We also made a couple of trips to Norway for
some practice this last summer.

So it looks like we're going racing next summer in a B/S class as she's only 13.
She's a quick study though and drives like she's been doing it for years.
When I told her she might become the next Danica, she looked
her up on Google and said, "I'm much prettier than her." She certainly doesn't
lack confidence, that's for sure.
_________________
Darrell Sitarz

[Tim Doll]