The upcoming IAME USA Grand National Championship Presented by Hunt Brothers Pizza is a special event to be contested on October 13-16 at the GoPro Motorplex. Racers from all over North America will compete in a unique one-off race weekend for big cash prizes and bragging rights in seven different IAME categories around the popular Mooresville, North Carolina karting circuit. Among the activities that will take place during the event is the announcement of the inaugural ‘Trackhouse Karting Career Advancement Award’ winner.

A collaboration with KHI Management, International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), and Trackhouse Racing has formed the basis of the new ‘Trackhouse Karting Career Advancement Award’ program. This award allows the driver selected to a test in a Mazda MX-5 Cup car used in the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires, with a full test day support from McCumbee McAleer Racing. A winner will be announced during the Thursday, October 13 portion of the IAME USA Grand National Championship event.

“Growing up racing karts, I have a real passion for the sport,” said 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick. “This event is a great way to showcase the talent we have in North American kart racing. With the group that is involved, it is a real way to give back to karting and use all of our platforms to help promote kart racers.”

McCumbee McAleer Racing (MMR) is owned and operated by Chad McCumbee and Steven McAleer and competes in the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires – a series sanctioned by the IMSA. McCumbee is a veteran of the NASCAR ranks and is currently a driver in the IMSA-sanctioned Michelin Pilot Challenge Series. McAleer is a past MX-5 Cup Series and Michelin Pilot Challenge champion, currently a competitor in both the Pilot and Weathertech SportsCar Championship programs. MMR has earned multiple race wins and podiums, earning team of the year honors for three straight seasons (2015-2017), including the overall series championship (2017) and two-time Rookie of the Year Champions (2017 & 2021).

“There is no doubt that the next generation of motorsports talent is in, and will come from, karting,” added IMSA President John Doonan. “It is extremely important for the top levels of our sport to support the karting industry and make sure it is stable and flourishing, and that all of the participants realize they are the foundation of our future. IMSA believes that the karting community deserves opportunities to showcase their skills for years and years to come.”

In addition to the Trackhouse Karting Career Advancement Award, IMSA will be adding $1,000 to the top performing race team on the weekend of the IAME USA Grand National Championship, and an additional $800 to the winners of IAME Micro Swift, Mini Swift, KA100 Junior, KA100 Senior and X30 Masters.

“Karting continues to be the most fertile proving ground for young, talented drivers,” stated Justin Marks of Trackhouse Racing. “The commitment to karting is something that has been, and continues to be, paramount for those of us invested in the top levels of motorsports. Trackhouse is thrilled to partner with IMSA and KHI on this exciting initiative.”

The driver selected for the Karting Career Advancement Award will be offered a one-day test session with McCumbee McAleer Racing in one of their Mazda MX-5 Cup racecar at a date and location to be determined before the end of 2022. MMR will provide professional driver coaching throughout the test event, including data and video review after each session.  The value of this award is in excess of $7,500.

The presentation of the Karting Career Advancement Award will be made on Thursday, October 13 at the IAME USA Grand National Championship event at the GoPro Motorplex. Following the practice rounds and prior to the IAME Tuner Challenge special event, the recipient of the inaugural award will be announced.

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