The Dates/Events page has been updated with 2011 events.
The Clyde Grand Prix returns to the streets of downtown Clyde, Ohio for the 18th time on Sunday, September 20, 2009.
The race is held annually along with the Clyde Country Fair and is the longest continually held street race in the state of Ohio.
Race director Brad Smith announced on Thursday, September 17th that although pre-entries were down slightly they were happy overall, especially considering the general state of the economy and the low turnout at many of the other big street races this year. He went on to explain they had a good base in every class, and good numbers in several. On the bright side there are still spots available in all classes and he doesn't expect to have to turn anyone away this year.
This years class are;
50cc Mini Kart
Rookie 4-Cycle
Rookie 2-Cycle
Junior 4-Cycle
Junior Supercan
Senior Armature (Flat Head & Clone)
Pro 4-Cycle (Flat Head)
Pro Animal
Pro Supercan
Fremont Raceway Park opened the 2009 racing season on Sunday, April 5, with their Annual Race Against Cancer. Good weather (for this time of year) brought out nearly 50 entries who competed on both the 1/10 mile oval and 1/4 mile road course. Thanks to the racers, volunteers, and spectators, over $1000 was raised for the American Cancer Society and their Relay for Life program. This this year's race was co-promoted by "Racers Racing for the Cure" - a Sandusky County Relay for Life team.
The co-promotion evidently worked well as there was a good crowd of spectators on hand as well as local radio and news paper coverage. The Fremont News Messenger had both pre and post race articles along with photos on their web site. Dwight Allen and Lisa Hammer from Findlay's WFIN 1330 AM were also on hand and will be broadcasting interviews and other race coverage on their weekly Racing World radio program. The show airs Saturdays from 10:00 AM until noon and can also be heard on WFIN.com.
Winners for the day included Drake Powell, Don DeCoursey, Grant Kanfield, Kevin Henry, Brian English, 65 year old Jerry Cole, Gram Short, Nicole Zamponi, Ayrton Smith, Cap Henry, Kelcee Krieg, Nolan Smith, Jason Brown, and Sam Longanbach.
50cc Mini Kart participants were Austin Black, Carson Smith, Eathan Garcia, Alexander Klement, Brennan Hanville, and Xaiver DeCoursey.
This was the first race at the track that utilized the "scale house" that was constructed several years ago by Don Thrash of Thrash Motorsports. Although there are still a few bug to be worked out, the racers really seemed to appreciate the roll on platform and the digital scales that were provided by Henry Motorsports for this event.
On Saturday, February 2nd, karters from across the country once again came together at the Clark County Fairgrounds near Springfield, Ohio for the Annual OVKA Swap Meet. The overall turnout may have been down a little, but I would have to say that the good weather and the hope of finding bargains brought out a fairly strong crowd.
There were good deals to be had from individuals along with plenty of booths from kart shops, manufacturers, engine builders, and graphics suppliers. The 2 main buildings were full, a 3rd was 1/2 full, and with the good weather there were a couple of rows of trailers set up outside. I was impressed with the number of shops from the south that were on hand. I'm sure I'll miss a few, but some that come to mind are Dixie Karting from Greenville, SC - Sox Racing/Shadow Karts from West Columbia, SC - Dover Power from Concord, NC - and for you 2-Cycle guys, TS Racing made the trip all the way from Bushnell, FL. A couple of those who did not have to travel so far were Stan from APS in Newbury, OH and Kit Henry from Henry Motorsports in Belleview, Ohio. Kit seemed to be having a busy day even though he was in the far end of the 3rd building.
Local tracks, race series, street races, and organizations were also well represented. WKA, OVKA, MKC, R.E.A.R., VKA, GLSS, OPS, Fremont Raceway Park, Stateline Speedway, Kartington, Circleville Raceway Park, the Commercial Point Grand Prix, the Grosse Ile Grand Prix, the Anderson Mayor's Cup, and many others had information or representatives on hand.
I have to say this event continues to be well worth attending.
I attended the Eastern Ohio/Western PA Karting Swap Meet on Sunday, January 18. It has been held at the Yankee Lake Ballroom in Brookfield, Ohio for as long as I can recall. It was the first time I had been there in a few years. Unfortunately I think the weather, the economy, and the fact that it was a big NFL play-off day all took their toll on the turnout. The number of tables for both shops and individuals was disappointing and the general addmission turnout was very low. Most of vendors were 4-Cycle and oval oriented. There were rumors going around that this was going to be the last year for the swap meet, but I did not get a chance to confirm that with Dan or Cindy Rati (the promotors).
It looked like the used stuff was selling OK, but at rock bottom prices. A couple of the kart shop owners I talked to were not moving big ticket items and had concerns about making it through the next couple of years.
There was a lot of talk going on about the new Briggs LO 206 (sealed Animal engine). It is basically an Animal with a sealed block (from the factory) and a rev limiter. At about $500 it is a little more expensive than I would have liked to see, but with good maintinance and the rev limiter it should last up to two seasons. At that point you can either turn it into a WKA Animal, or replace the bottom end. I was talking to Stan from APS (American Power Sports) and he expects to have bottom ends availible for about $250. This is not too bad considering you could still sell the old one off. I've heard that some builders are considering taking them in for credit as a seasoned block is better for blueprinting. This should be an interesting class to watch.
Doug Marsh, president of CKRA (Championship Kart Racing Association) said they are looking forward to a good season at Thompson this year. The 2009 Schedule has been finalized and they have some new drivers joining the CKRA Sr. Animal Class. There was some conversations going on about trying to switch the CKRA Animal Class to the new Briggs LO 206. The official word is that they will not be doing this, but 206's would be welcome to race in the class (they would definitely be at a disadvantage). They are also excited about the 3rd Annual Eastlake Grand Prix. Proceeds from this parking lot race go to support the Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital.
Lynd Motorsports from Port Clinton, Ohio was set up and selling. Sean and Eric are both looking forward to the racing season and plan on having parts available at the area dirt tracks.
