The following is a statement released by the United States Pro Kart Series

To Our USPKS Community,

We are fresh off of a great weekend at Road America. Thank you to all those that have joined us at one of the first three rounds this year. We have been to three incredible tracks and there have been some great on-track battles. As most of you may know, the series implemented video marshaling beginning at Trackhouse. This is still in its infancy, but is already having a profound effect on the way we officiate and the outcomes for our competitors.

Below, you will find a round-by-round breakdown of on-track penalties and how many were overturned via protest. Please note, pushback bumper data is not included:

Daytona GP
Total On-Track Penalties Issued: 96
Overturned via Protest: 12 (12.5%)

North Carolina GP
Total On-Track Penalties Issued: 82
Overturned via Protest: 2 (2.4%)

Wisconsin GP
Total On-Track Penalties Issued: 66
Overturned via Protest: 8 (12.1%)

Video marshaling has proven to be a vast improvement but still is not perfect. This is why two race officials continue to be dedicated to fielding and reviewing protests all weekend every weekend. Our job is not to issue penalties, but to keep the racing fair and our drivers honest. The video system has proven to be a great tool in this mission thus far and will continue to improve with each race.

As part of our continued efforts to uphold the PRO in United States Pro Kart Series, we are moving to enforce Rule 101.18 of the USPKS Rulebook. This rule relates to probations issued by the USPKS. Shortly after the Wisconsin Grand Prix, two drivers were notified of their probationary status, which will apply for five (5) USPKS regular season events in both cases. Both cases involve Pro X30 Senior drivers, one of which intentionally caused a collision with a competitor on track in a dangerous manner and another of which issued a verbal threat to his fellow competitor in the pit area.

The USPKS will continue to use all tools at our discretion to police behavior both on and off-track. This includes the use of probationary periods as well as competition bans if necessary. While the primary role of the officiating team pertains to on-track activity, our scope does not stop there. Drivers, mechanics, parents, family members, and team owners are responsible for their conduct in the paddock as well as on social media. If any of our competitors encounter threatening behavior during a race weekend, please see to it that you inform me as soon as possible. Names, witnesses, and other evidence are crucial items to have when dealing with off-track disputes. Time is of the essence when dealing with these matters, and the sooner they are brought to my attention, the more recourse remains available.

As an update on outstanding probations that were in effect prior to the 2025 Wisconsin Grand Prix, the two probations that were issued following the 2024 Ohio Grand Prix are still in effect until August 11th. This means they will expire just prior to the final round of the 2025 USPKS Championship at New Castle Motorsports Park.

We welcome any and all feedback, and are ever mindful that our drivers are our customers and all that we do must be to their benefit. Thank you for supporting the USPKS over the past decade, we plan on continuously improving in the decade to come.

Yours truly,

Blake Hunt
Head Race Director

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