SKUSA & WKA

MarkAlan Stevens · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2001 11:28 am Post subject: SKUSA & WKA

I'd like to get into Karting next year. I'm in the Houston area, but I'm confused by some things..What is the difference between SKUSA and WKA, and which would be best for the Houston area that would give me good growth potential if I do well,,ie, a good ladder system.
thanks

Rob Schumske · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2001 11:35 am Post subject: SKUSA & WKA

Mark,
It depends on where you want to go? I just stated racing this past year and I only went to go watch the SKUSA races. I raced at the local level, which in Houston, is great. I'm planning on starting regional races this year. I just wanted to get comfortable racing my kart and racing wheel to wheel with other people. Of course I didnt have any wheel to wheel exp before this. I dont know much about you , but when you races in SKUSA you are racing with the big boys, this might be kind of a harsh statement but if you run SKUSA events , plan on running in the back of the pack. The local guys around Houston only run mid, sometimes in the front of the pack. anyway i will quit blabbling. e-mail me if you have questions

Bill Fenwick · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2001 12:47 pm Post subject: SKUSA & WKA

I think that Ron is correct, you want to start at the local level get some experience and go from there. I've run IKF, WKA, SKUSA and KART and they have all had good competition. In regards to the comment that SKUSA has the big boys...that needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Regional races from all of the series bring out more experienced drivers.
While karting has way too many sanctioning bodies, it does provide you with a lot of venues to race at. If I were you, I'd go and participate in SKUSA and WKA events and go from there. You also have a great road racing series with SWRA in Texas. Check swra.org

[ October 15, 2001: Message edited by: Bill Fenwick ]

Rhonda Mims-Brown · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 538

Mark, what division of karting are you getting in to? I assume Shifter because of your questions relation go the difference between SKUSA and WKA.

Bill Fenwick is correct, SWRA is probably one of the strongest road racing organizations in the country and has shown stability for many years now. This is a road race organization sanctioning under IKF. They offer all types of classes well suited for Shifter, endruo, full-body sprinters and sprint cross over type classes. Many of the shifter drivers in SWRA also compete in SKUSA.

In addition, there will be a sprint series under IKF in Region 4B (TX, OK, LA & AR) starting up for 2002.

My best advise is to align yourself with as many opportunities for cross over type participation without dramatic changes in structure. This will make it easiest for you. It is also important to take a serious look at your budget and decide what you can afford to do.

Best of luck...I am from Texas and have raced here for some time, if you have any more specific questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Al Michka · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 40 Location: Houston,Texas

Mark,
check out some of the races here in the local area, like the space city kart challange or some of the swra races. pick out a class you want to try and talk to some of the racers in those classes. most will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
my suggestion is you might want to run stock or lightly modified when you first start out. your going to have enough on your hands learning the basics of how the kart handles and what it will do in certain situations. unless you are the wonderkid chances are you are going to be towards the back.learn the basics. check out skusa. usually they are the
more experienced drivers but not always. find
out what you like and go for it. if i can answer any of your questions feel free to email or give us a call. we also live in the houston area.

MarkAlan Stevens · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2001 4:41 pm Post subject: SKUSA & WKA

Thanks for the replies..From an investment standpoint...From what I've read,,getting an 80CC Shifter Kart is the way to go the first year. I'm getting the personal gear now (just got a BIEFFE Helmet) and we'll be looking at researching which Kart to get soon. I've been reading how there is some major shifts going on in the industry to try and reduce the confusion between the divisions so we shall see.

mark

Al Michka · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 40 Location: Houston,Texas

mark,
we may have an 80 shifter for sale after the season, trying to move to a 125 next year. come up to motorsport ranch and check out the racing.