A karting pioneer and legend in the sport has left us. Mike Burris, the founder of Burris Racing, passed away on May 30 at the age of 84.

Burris began racing karts in 1958 and was part of the sport spanning seven decades, both as driver and as an industry member. During Burris’ time behind the wheel, he utilized his father’s machine shop – Burco Manufacturing – to build various parts for his own racing. This production led to making products for others withing the karting community. At the same time, Mike was working a day job and a night job to pay for his racing habit, forming a business to help support his own racing. Eventually, Burris quit those jobs to work at Burco, where he became a partner in the business.

One of the items that Burco produced was clutch products. The Burco clutch was among their industry leading products that were utilized by multiple champions across many categories and programs throughout the United States.

Mike and his father Bob elected to split the karting business away from the parent company, and that is when Burris Racing was established in 1976, opening up in a 1,500 square foot unit in Santa Ana, California. The initial product line including pistons and rings for McCulloch and Italian-made engines, Mikuni carburetors and motor mounts. The early days of Burris Racing saw Mike completing all the many tasks needed to run a business. From sales to bookkeeping, to packager and janitor, Mike would complete any and all tasks that needed to be done. Eventually, Mike’s sons would come on as early employees, along with others as the business expanded.

In the early years of Burris Racing, Mike recognized an opportunity to bring new technology to kart tires. Working with McCreary Tire, Mike invested everything to begin producing kart tires. The Burris tire was competitive from the start and won many major events across the country. Eventually, Burris Racing moved its focus toward Speedway karting. Burris Racing has the largest number of tracks and series who contract with them each year to use their tires exclusively.

Today, Burris Racing is located in a 13,000 square foot warehouse in Huntington Beach, California as they continue manufacturing products designed for karting that are sent out to the over 200 Burris dealers worldwide.

The following is a statement from Burris Racing and the Burris family:

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our father, grandpa and great grandpa. Mike lived a full life and as they say, did it unapologetically his way. He’d tell us that he wouldn’t change a thing. He was very generous and gave to many charities and helped people out that just needed a hand up. Pops loved his family and friends and he especially lit up when the grandkids or great grandkids were with him.

Mike left a lasting mark on many but especially the karting community that he so loved from the time he was a teenager up until the end.

The world is a better place because of you, Dad.

Though our hearts ache, you’re no longer in pain. Fly high, race hard and keep the hammer down. You’ll be missed by so many pops……..we love you!

At the moment, a Celebration of Life is slated for the month of November, however, no plans have been confirmed.

EKN contacted members of the karting community to share their words about Mike Burris:

This is a photo of the Burris tire shod racing winning Margay chassis with Yamaha KT-100A from the 1980 PKA Bridgestone pro series in Batavia, New York. Driver Rick Gifford is surrounded by Pat Burris, Mike Burris, Don Freber (Margay), Doug Henline (Douglas Wheels), Gary ‘Jose’ Hartman and Steve Kanishiro (Burco)

The Dismore Family of Comet Kart Sales: “Mike Burris was an innovator to the sport of karting. Someone who was a wealth of knowledge in the sport and was always willing to lend a helping hand and, most importantly, a true friend. There was probably not a karter in the 1990’s or 2000’s that didn’t race on Burris Tires at some point on dirt or asphalt. Mike loved karting and was always looking for new products and ideas to help promote and advance the sport. To anyone who allowed Mike into their life, he was a great guy with a big personality and was fun to be around. We will deeply miss Mike and his friendship. He has left his legacy in good hands with Kurt assuming the reins of the business. Our thoughts are with Kurt, Derrick and the rest of the Burris family. We are going to miss you friend.

Keith Freber, Margay Racing: “Mike Burris was one of the true karting innovators in an era when karting thrived on innovation. Whether it was clutches, carburetors or tires, Mike often led the way when it came to finding more speed, more reliability and more wins. With first Burco, then Burris Manufacturing, Mike was also a leader when it came to supporting tracks and racers, often forming long-standing relationships with both. Mike was a wealth of knowledge, which he generously shared. The Burris name is one of the most widely recognized and respected names in karting as a result of Mike’s tireless efforts over the last 50+ years. The Freber family and our extended family at Margay Racing share that respect and we extend our sympathy to Kurt and DJ. Mike was an original, his contributions to the sport were immense and he will be missed.”

Randy Kugler, former WKA President: “The Burris name has been synonymous with karting for quite some time. When WKA grew in the early years, Bob Burris was there to support the WKA karters. It wasn’t about IKF or WKA, it was about how the Burris company could help the karters have a better, more cost-effective experience. As the years moved on and Mike became more involved, that same mentality continued. Mike was a friend and supporter of WKA and its racers. From generation to generation that business model continued. As Mike handed the keys to Kurt Burris, the Burris Racing brand remained prominent in the sport. When a karter needed a hand or a track promoter needed a sponsor, Burris has always been there and continues to be. It’s people like Mike Burris that have secured karting in the United States since its inception in the late 50s. Thanks Mike for all you did for karting. Your legacy will live on through Kurt and the Burris Racing family well into the future.”

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