News spread over the karting community last Saturday following the untimely passing of karting promoter Dave Larson. The Chicago native was involved in a motorcycle incident on Friday, June 14 and passed away due to the severity of his injuries. His fiancée Charleen Johnson was involved as well and is currently in ICU with severe injuries.

Larson is a second generation karter, with his father Earl Larson notable for launching GEM Products. The company manufactured many different karting products for decades. As the sport evolved, Larson moved to the promotion side of the industry, launching GEM Promotions. For the last four decades, Larson owned and operated the Championship Enduro Series road racing program in the Midwest region. He later launched the TAG USA organization to help further establish a common ground for ‘Touch and Go’ competition here in North America, which was a part of the Rock Island Grand Prix and many other events throughout the last two decades.

TAG USA’s Marty Casey: “Dave Larson has been a friend, business partner, and like a brother to me. The loss of Dave has been so overwhelming for us all. I’m lost for words. But after talking with the boys, the legacy of Dave Larson and Earl Larson will live on. For me, I will miss my friend, business partner, and brother. Dave, you were the best, my friend. Love ya and Godspeed. I will see you again, my friend.”

WKA President Kevin Williams: “Everyone at WKA is saddened by the passing of Dave Larson. Dave and CES have been long-time partners of WKA, supporting the same goals of providing great events for the karting community. He meant so much to so many with his tireless help getting racers on track, me included. Although Dave will truly be missed, it is refreshing to see his family, especially his sons Davy and Nash continue the CES program for the benefit of our great sport.”

Roger Ruthhart of the Rock Island Grand Prix: “Dave is probably responsible for most of the 2 cycle programs we have today thanks to his continuation of the TAG USA program. He and Marty Casey constructed a rule book that worked well in a not so perfect karting world. Dave listened when he had to listen and was firm when he needed to be firm but he always had the best interests of the sport took of mind. When the subject wasn’t karting, he was a fun guy to be around. TAG continues today… the same concept but with less challenges and Dave Larson and others are the people we can thank for that vision.”

In a statement sent out by his two sons Davy Larson and Nash Larson, the Championship Enduro Series and TAG USA Series will continue with the upcoming June 28-30 event at Grattan Raceway in Grattan, Michigan. The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dave Larson. Davy and Nash will work closely with Marty Casey and Tim Wilkerson.

The press release stated, “They will work closely to uphold and expand the legacy of GEM Products, founded by Earl Larson and carried forward by Dave Larson Sr. Together, we aim to build upon their significant contributions to the karting industry and foster the tight-knit karting family that spans three generations.”

No services have been confirmed, however, a celebration of life is said to take place in the coming weeks.

EKN would like to send our thoughts along with the rest of the karting community to the Larson family along with the Johnson family.

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