SKUSA Hall of Fame 2023 class - Dominic Labrecque, Gary Carlton and Stephane St. Charles (Photo: On Track Promotions - otp.ca)

As part of their SuperNationals 26 opening ceremonies, Superkarts! USA announced the 2023 induction class to their Hall of Fame, which was formed in 2016. This year, GFC Karting’s Gary Carlton was joined by PSL Karting’s Dominic Labrecque and Stephane St. Charles in the Hall of Fame, as all three have been part of the organization’s ongoing story for over two decades.

The initial induction class in 2016 featured the late Don Janowski and Jim Murley, who were responsible to pushing SKUSA forward to what it is today. Janowski bought SKUSA from its original owner in the early 1990s, bringing it from Florida to the Midwest where he planted a seed that would grow roots. Murley took the reins from Janowski in the late 90s, launching the sport-shifting ProMoto Tour in 1999 and he was a passionate driver of the organization who had a vision of making shifterkart racing a sport in and of itself.  Veteran driver, educator, and SKUSA official Alan Rudolph was also inducted, as was Greg Bell of Leading Edge Motorsports, who was a major player in SKUSA’s heyday and has been part of their paddock ever since.

(Photo: Nate Dean – EKN)

Three-time SKUSA SuperNationals race winner Bonnier Moulton, who competed in the event in each of the first 25 editions, was inducted in 2017 alongside Terry Riggins. The long-time SKUSA Race Director and Regional Director has been in the Superkarts! USA from its earliest days and he’s one of the most respected men in our sport. In 2018, SKUSA honored another long-time staff member in Stan Bryniarski, whose time in company colors dates to working with Janowski and Murley at the very genesis of the program. That year, the late Fausto Vitello of Trackmagic was also inducted, honoring his years of championing the series and the success of domestic manufacturing.

SKUSA paused induction into the Hall of Fame until last year, when they added long-time marketing manager Chris Ortenburger and EKN’s own Rob Howden, the voice of the organization and their SuperNationals since 1999.

This year, SKUSA focused on the continuing efforts and support of three industry members, one who also remains one of their finest drivers.

For any organization, the foundation of competition are the drivers and teams who hit the track on any given weekend. At this year’s SuperNationals, SKUSA honored two men side-by-side, as they have been key builders of karting here in North America, and most definitely within the SKUSA community. Since 1999, the PSL Karting trailer has been a staple in the Superkarts! USA paddock, dating back to the SKUSA Florida Winter Tour and ProMoto Tour. At helm, it’s been Dominic Labrecque and Stephane St. Charles. For over two decades, this dynamic duo has pushed the sport forward, bringing a level of commitment and professionalism second to none. For the last eight years, Dominic and Stephane have been key contributors to the success of Birel ART and have consistently praised as one of the leading distributors in the world.

(Photo: Nate Dean – EKN)

Gary Carlton has been involved in Superkarts! USA competition for 20 years, first as a driver in the 80cc Junior category in the early 2000s. His list of accomplishments is legendary, and it includes emotional headline class victories at the SuperNationals – in 2006 and 2014. In addition to his driving successes here at home, Gary rose to the level of Italian factory driver for such manufacturers as CRG, Zanardi, Intrepid, IPK, TB Kart, and Modena. Add in a win at the 2017 Granja 500 event in Brazil, and he has a record that has no rival over the last two decades. Once he hung up his helmet, Gary’s next project was his own chassis brand – GFC Karting. The chassis brand and race team established at the end of 2018 continues the passion and dedication that Gary displayed as a driver. His 100% commitment is an inspiration for many and there is now doubt that he’ll be a major player in this sport for years to come.

Congratulations to the three new members of the SKUSA Hall of Fame and their continued success as they continue to write their own history within the sport.

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