Midstate Ohio Kart Club

Club News
Dec 21		The Board of Directors are scheduled to meet on Thursday, January 27 at 7 p.m. at INFONETICS in Grove City. On the agenda will be necessary revisions to the General Competition Rules for 2005 including, classes, weights and other rules. The possibility of adding 2-cycle junior class (and what type) being added to the class line-up will likely be discussed. Members are encouraged to contact any BoD member or post comments on the Ohio karting forum.
		Doug Hagge's 1995 Warrior Spec 100 Yamaha (#31) was stolen from his used car lot offices on December 6. If anyone has information about the whereabouts of this kart please call the number below. The thief did not get a starter so may be looking for one. Doug advises everyone to keep their racing equipment under tight security. If his kart is not found he'll be looking for a good used kart for Spec 100. Any info, call Doug at 614-582-7860.
Nov 23		Your 2004 MSOKC Vega Tire Champions can be found here
		Junior Unrestricted driver Joey Seifert was was inadvertantly ommitted from the championship results and trophy presentation at the awards banquet. Although he entered only 6 Jr. Unrestricted events in '04, he had entered 3 Jr. Sportman 2 races earlier in the season, meeting the 9 race requirement. Joey's 6th place trophy will be delivered to him ASAP with our apologies.
		The next BoD meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 7 at 7pm at INFONETICS. BoD meetings are open to any interested club member.
		The 2005 Board of Directors are in alphabetical order: Kevin Brown, Dana Conlin, Jim Conlin, John Fox, Tom Hickey, Mike Long, Bob Strawser, Steve Tatman, Mike Unger, Mike Yoerger and Roberto Zayas. The BoD was expanded to 11 members due to a tie for the 10th and final seat. The alternate members (who assume regular BoD seat in the event a BoD member resigns) are: Chris Putman, Tim Floyd, Keith Hume.
Nov 14		Our Junior Sportsman 2 champion Adams Roberts continues to make a name for himself on a national level. At the recent Gup Cup at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Adam Won the Junior Sportsman 2 Lite event posting the fastest lap of the race (50.436) and then finishing second in the Junior Sportsman 2 Heavy race. We're proud that Ed and Adam call MSOKC their home club. Thanks to Bill Bruce for bringing this to our attention.
Nov 2		Final points have been posted. After careful review of the scores and eligibility factors, several corrections were made affecting Senior Briggs, Rookie Box and Junior Sportsman 2. Also, after careful deliberation by the BoD of an appeal, final points and order of the Rookie Box class has been adjusted.
		There is still time to nominate yourself or someone else to the 2005 MSOKC Board of Directors. If you've seen things that could be done better, we need you to play an active role in guiding this club. Contact any BoD member. Voting will be held at the banquet.
		Only four days left to get your reservations in for the 2004 MSOKC Vega Tire Championship Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 20th at the Foxfire Country Club in Lockbourne. Registration closes on Friday, November 5th. Door prizes and awards are rolling in and the 2004 banquet looks to be bigger and better than last year's. No one leaves empty handed. So c'mon out and celebrate with our championship racers.
Oct 11		The fun "Money Race" on October 24 will run on our usual Sunday schedule. Gates at 8am, practice starting at 9:30, racing at about noon. Pre-registrations are still being accepted.
		Be sure to mark your calendars for the MSOKC Vega Tire Championship Awards Banquet on Saturday, November 20th at the Foxfire Country Club in Lockbourne.
		Several key club positions are available for 2005. On the Board of Directors (submit a nomination to the club Secretary if interested) the position of Treasurer will be available. The Pointskeeper position will also be available and BoD membership is not required. Must be familiar with Microsoft Excel and available to receive the points at the end of the race day.
		Points through Race 13 have been tallied and posted. Congradulations to all our 2004 Vega Tire champions!
		2004 TAG Master champ Len Bailey put some numbers together to illustrate the low costs and maintenance of the TAG class: The Parilla Leopard Motor that he won the TaG Master class with this year has now raced the last 2 seasons as it came from the factory. The only parts replaced were spark plugs, and pumper gaskets in the carburetor. The motor won 8 of the 10 features it ran this year. Len turn this motor at about 15,000 rpm and reports that he's had absolutely no engine problems.
		MSOKC BoD member and Chief Starter/Flagman Bob Straswer was in a car accident last week on US Rt 23 and SR 762. Apparently a coal truck could not get stopped at an intersection and as Bob drove through on the green light hitting T-boning the dump truck truck. Last we heard he escaped with bumps, bruises and a few broken ribs. Get better soon Bob! Well wishes can be sent to: 8255 Winchester South Rd Stoutsville, OH 43154
Sept 28		The "Fun Event/Rain Date" scheduled for this weekend has been "unscheduled". Unfortunately no plans could be made for it until after our last race (Sept 26) in case we needed it for a rain date.
		Nominations for the 2005 MSOKC Board Of Directors are still open. Meetings are generally monthly from November through May and then as needed during the racing season. Not all BoD positions require officer or chairperson participation but there are several key positions needing to be filled for next year. The club is experiencing continued growth and we could use your help in guiding the club and making decisions about future direction. Contact MSOKC Secretary Jim Conlin to nominate yourself or someone you feel would be a good addition the the Board.
Sept 20		Many apologies from your webmaster for the delay in posting classifieds, news and especially points here the last few weeks. Pointskeeper Keith Hume and webmaster Jim Conlin both have busy lives with many responsibilities and unfortunate delays here are the result. The club could use a few more dedicated enthusiasts to help spread around the work load. Contact any Board member to get involved for 2005.
		Points are posted through Race #12 (Sept 11). Points from last Sunday's race (Sept 19) should be posted here by Wednesday.
		October 23 will be the date of our OctoberFa$t Pro Kart Race presented by J & J Racing. All our regular classes will be offered, with 125 Shifter, TAG, Spec 100, Super Can and Briggs Medium guaranteed $300 to win and payback through 3rd place. Club spec tire rules apply. Final weights and other specs to be announced here shortly. Mark Oct 23 as your final kart fling of the year.
		There has been several new kart and equipment ads posted to the (Un)Classified Ads page in the past couple weeks.
		Former MSOKC Super Can driver Shaun Hulit is up to 3rd in PP Can 380 in the Dunlop National Road Racing Series, and he is 10th in PP Can 360. Shaun's dad Don reports that there sure is a lot of miles involved in running all the National Races, You can keep tabs on Shaun by going to WKA.com and checking the standings in Dunlop National Roadracing Series, Shaun visits MSOKC.com a lot to see how all his old friends are doing (maybe he still misses short track racing?) The Hulits hope to get back down to CRP before the summer is over.
Aug 30		Due to the rain during the second round of heat races at last Saturday night's event, second heats for Super Can, Spec 100 and 80cc Shifter will conclude on later race dates: Super Can Heat 2 is postponed to Saturday, September 11. Spec 100 and 80cc Shifter second heats are postponed to Sunday, September 28. In both cases these races will be run between practice and the scheduled day's racing. The third practice session may be canceled to accommodate these postponed races. Only entries registered on August 28 for these races may compete in them. The field will start according to the Heat 2 grid sheets produced on August 28. August 28 points for all classes will be awarded based on the heat race finishing positions and the starting positions which would have been assigned to the features.
Aug 25		If you have some news you think your fellow racers should know, send a paragraph or two about it to the webmaster.
		MSOKC Junior Sportsman 2 championship leader Adam Roberts has been getting noticed on the national circuit this year too. At the ING Direct Nationals of the Gold Cup Series at BeaveRun last weekend, Adam held the pole until the last lap of qualifying and got outside pole in the Jr. Sportsman II Lite class. After a hard battle for the third position on the last lap, Adam spun off the track. He was able to recover from 23rd to 17th before the checkered flag. On Sunday, he qualified 3rd. In the feature, he dropped a wheel off the track and fell to 4th position. He, along with Chance Rice, Tyler Sandmeyer, and Wyatt Harvey were 5 seconds ahead of 5th place. Adam was able to catch the three leaders at the checkered flag and missed 3rd place by a half a kart length. He set the fastest lap time for the feature by 3 tenths. Way to go Adam!
		MSOKC member, Spec 100 racer and pro photographer Chris Putman crashed big while racing for third in the feature at Mansfield Speedway Thursday night, August 12. His badly broken left leg will have him couch-bound for two weeks and out of the seat for at least six. All his friends down in Circleville wish him a speedy recovery.
Aug 13		We're shocked and saddened to learn of an accident involving HPV racer John Fox's father, John Fox, Sr. John Sr., 72, while bicycling near his home was struck by a car last Monday. He initially shook the accident off and it was only after refusing medical treatment and carrying his bicycle home was it discovered that he suffered 3 broken ribs, a punctured lung and a broken collar bone. All his friends in MSOKC wish the very tough John Sr. a speedy recovery and hope to see him out crewing for his son and grandson again soon.
Aug 9		Remember, this weekend's race is on SUNDAY. If you show up on Saturday to race, you'll have to remove two wheels because you'll be racing with the YSR motorcycles.
		Spec 100 sponsor National Kart News has unveiled a completely redesigned web site. It includes better info, slicker graphics & navigation and forums. Visit the site to see for yourself, post a comment and why not subscribe while you're there to support one of our valued sponsors.
		The Columbus Dispatch article about karting at CRP and the Conlin SpeedSports team was published six days early on Monday, August 9th. Check out the Life section to see the local press our sport is getting
		Eric Creech did not get away unharmed in the ugly tumble down the front straight back on July 24th as we were initially told. He will be out of racing for at least six weeks as a fractured shoulder blade and possible rotator cuff injury heals. On behalf of all his fellow racers, we wish Eric a complete and speedy recovery.
July 30		Our next race, on August 7th, will be All Seasons Spas Night at CRP. All Season Spas is the 2004 125cc Shifter class sponsor and MSOKC would like to acknowledge their valuable support.
July 29		Photographer and occasional Spec 100 racer Chris Putman has posted several action photos to the "Pictures" page on CRP's website.
		The BeaveRun kart club has been invited to join us at CRP to race under the lights on August 7. J&J Racing is also planning on attending with their support trailer.
		There's been a rash of new ads posted to the club's (Un)Classified Ads section. It's never too early to starting planning for next year.
July 26		Eric Creech is on the mend from his nasty crash Saturday night. Fortunately, nothing was broken or dislocated during that ugly spill on the front straight. Dad Dave wants to extend his appreciation to everyone that tended to Eric after the accident and then helped to get the Creech karts and equipment rounded up and loaded into their trailer while they were getting Eric checked out. Dave also says they hope to be back racing August 7th.
		Mike & Noah Unger, Bob Strawser and Dana & Jim Conlin all worked the MSOKC booth during this past weekend's Honda Supercycle Weekend at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. Hundreds of race fans stopped by the booth to learn about karting, watch a multi-media karting presentation and pick up literature. Thanks to everyone involved.
July 14		Well, just don't sit there gawking at the Big News page - the points through Race 7 are posted. Go see how you're doing. Remember, your 3 worst races are dropped from the year long points total and your current worst 3 are indicated by the yellow boxes.
July 12		Next race is Saturday night, July 24. Gates @ 2, Practice @ 3:30, green flag by 6.
		Ed and Adam Roberts, Dale Bethal, Dana, Tracy, Julie and Jim Conlin spent Sunday afternoon promoting MSOKC at the Advance Auto Parts store in Hilliard. Pamphlets, schedules and other info was distributed to folks that stopped by after seeing the four karts displayed in the parking lot. A BIG thanks to these members for their efforts. If you'd like to do a similar event at an auto parts or other business in your hometown, contact Jim Conlin for tips and literature.
		A discussion has been started on the local karting Forum about Saturday night's race, our first night race of the season. There were a few glitches and this would be a good place to make suggestions and see other karter's ideas.
		MSOKC will have a promotional booth at the AMA Super Cycle Weekend at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course July 23 - 25. Discounted weekend passes are available to club members that can help staff the booth for a few hours each day. Contact Jim Conlin if you would like to work the booth. Mid Ohio has given us special consideration to leave early on Saturday to make it back to our race at CRP that night. If you plan to attend the bike races but can't work the booth, stop by to say hello.
July 7		Just a reminder that we start our Saturday evening racing schedule this weekend, July 10. Gates will open at 2 and practice starting at 3:30. We'll be racing by 6 pm. Remember your bug spray.
		Roberto "Tire Man" Zayas has a new batch of Vega tires and will have them for sale July 10th.
June 21		We were saddened to learn over the weekend of the passing of Bob Strawser's father early Saturday morning after a long illness. Bob has been a dedicated kart racer and official for as long as Circleville Raceway Park has been open. Bob currently serves as our Chief Flagman and is on the MSOKC BoD. MSOKC fellow officials and racers extend their deepest sympathies to the Strawser family for their loss. Calling hours will be Wed., June 23 2pm - 4pm and 6pm - 8pm Defenbaugh Wise Schoedinger Funeral Home 150 E Main St Circleville, OH 43113 (740) 474-3750
		The MSOKC karting promo display in the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Midway during the American LeMans Series pro race there has been cancel for lack of staffing. We hope to be able to have a strong presence at the AMA Super Cycle weekend at the end of July.
June 16		More points standings have been updated. This time through Race #5 (June 13). Pointskeeper Keith Hume has adjusted championship rankings based on the second dropped race. To see the new standings click the links above.
June 9		The points standings through Race #4 (May 30) are up. Points keeper Keith Hume has indicated the first dropped race in yellow and an adjusted total of each competitior to provide a better idea of the championship race in each class.
May 28		Donnie Gaddis (#9) is looking for any photos or video of him airborne during the big wreck in the second Spec 100 heat May 16. Contact Donnie directly if you have something he can put in his trophy case.
		MSOKC member Len Bailey has developed a chassis manual that tells you what adjusting each component on your chassis will do and how it will effect your chassis handling. No theory, just facts from a non engineering standpoint. This book is for the new karter as well as the old and covers handling problems and track supplies, scaling and set up sheets. $15.00 per copy plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Contact Len to order.
May 24		In keeping with the festive Memorial Day holiday atmosphere of our next race, May 30th, we'll have a club BYO picnic after the last race. The club will provide the gas grills, soft drinks and desserts, racers and spectators a like are encouraged to bring meat, chips or whatever else is on their list of perfect picnic fare to feed themselves and their crew.
		Circleville Raceway Park is looking for kart enthusiasts that would like to make $25 - $50/day for working the upcoming Great Lakes Sprint Series WKA Divisional round at CRP June 4 - 6. No experience necessary and it is a great way to see the Midwest's best kart drivers and teams race up close. Contact Steve Tatman at (740) 474-7697 to let him know which days you can work.
		As per the GCRs, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, etc., are prohibited from anywhere on the track grounds until after the last race of the day. Simply, if it is not an entered racing kart or a licensed motor vehicle is should not be rolling anywhere in the pits, grid or track. All BoD members have been asked to monitor and enforce this rule. First offense parents will be warned. Second offense or if the parents can not be found during the first offense, device will be impounded until racing has ended. Parents: to avoid any problems don't bring it to the track.
		TaG competitors are reminded to declare themselves in either the TaG Senior or TaG Masters class to Pointskeeper Keith Hume by the May 30 race.
		Restrictor plates will not be required in the Kid Kart class effective immediately.
		The Noram shoe clutch is the specified clutch for Rookie Box and will be enforced at our next race May 30.
		Minutes from the April BoD meeting are posted.
May 20		Membership Chairperson Peggie Floyd reports that we have 114 members, 41 of which are new members (were not on the club's roster last year). Treasurer Beth Hopkins counted 89 entries at our last race, May 16.
May 12		After getting rained out April 25th we had great weather for May 8th, our second scheduled race. 82 entries showed up for the Saturday daytime race including a healthy TAG and HPV class. Kid Karts also got off to a nice start. Thanks to everyone that entered or helped out to get our season off to a great start. Race One has been rescheduled for September 19.
		Roberto "TireMan" Zayas will have a new batch of tires for sale at this Sunday's race. TireMan will not be at the May 30th race so if you need tires before then, please get with Roberto this weekend!
		A Board of Directors meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. at INFONETICS.
Apr 21		It is with deep sorrow that we must report the passing of Harold Tatman, grandfather to long time MSOKC regular Tyler Tatman. Mr. Tatman, 72, was a familiar face at Circleville Raceway Park making it three generations in the Tatman pit area and making a fine example of karting as a family sport. On behalf of the entire MSOKC "family" we extend our sincerest condolences to the Tatman family for their loss. Calling hours are today, Wednesday 2-4 and 6-8, with the funeral Thursday 11:00 am at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville.
		We are still looking for someone that can run the grid gate for our races. Responsibilities include verifying that everyone is in their proper grid position as they get ready for their race and opening the gate when the starter tell you to. Advantages: You get to see all the action (drivers and prep on the going on on the grid, good position for watching all the races), all outdoors (if you like the sun, go stand in the sun - if you like the shade, stand in the shade) and you play an important part in helping the day go smoothly. Disadvantages: it is not a paid position, but you do get your pit pass for free so it's a chance to help your team cut down expenses too. Contact Beth Hopkins or Jim Conlin if this interests you.
Apr 15		The next batch of spec Vega tires will arrive and be distributed Saturday, April 24 at Circleville Raceway Park. With your cooperation we've been able to keep the costs of these tires to our members are low as possible by pre-ordering in quantities that avoid shipping and other charges. However, tires are available on a special order emergency basis through the club anytime but shipping charges of $16.00 for that special order will have to be added into the purchase price. Special orders can be delivered in as little as two days. Contact Robert Zayas for all tire orders.
Apr 9		The ages specified for Junior Unrestricted in the 2004 GCRs and on the Classes web page was in error. Junior Unrestricted ages are as per WKA regulations, 12 to 15 years of age. Correction have been made to both documents. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.
		We will hold a Karting Basics seminar April 24 (the day before our first race) at 10:00am at Circleville Raceway Park. It will be geared towards our brand-new racers and will cover prep and maintenance tips and tricks for putting a racing kart on the track and keeping it on the track. We will also describe how a typical racing day will go and what the new racers can expect at their first race. The seminar is FREE! but attendees should bring their own chairs. We should be done, rain or shine, just in time for regular CRP practice at noon. Contact Jim Conlin for more details.
Apr 7		Circleville Raceway Park has a slick new web site thanks to Spec 100 racer Chris Putman. A full 2004 schedule, news, track map and details as well as current weather conditions are only one click away. Check it out.
		We're still looking for someone that likes writing and is looking for a way to get published to do press releases for the club. Topics would include profiling some of our racers, stories about karting in general and our club. Our volunteer writer would only have to write and would not have to get the releases out to the press - we'll do that. So if you know someone that likes to write and could use the experience and exposure (perhaps a journalism or marketing student?) have them contact the club secretary for more info on this valuable role.
		Don't forget our last kart racer gathering of the "off-season" will be Wednesday, April 14th at Plank's at 4022 Broadway, Grove City (south end of downtown Grove City). Beginning at 7:00 p.m. you'll be able to do some socializing while ordering off their full menu and from their full bar. Hope to see you there!
		The next Board of Directors' meeting is scheduled for April 15 at 7:00 in the conference room at INFONETICS in Grove City.
		Hume Motorsports has opened a subsidiary specializing in centrifugal clutch service. Hume Performance Clutches will provide trackside assistance at MSOKC and OVKA races as well as providing full service clutch maintenance and repair between events. Contact Keith at (614) 519-2677, clutches@humemotorsports.com or check out their website at http://www.humemotorsports.com for all your clutch needs.
		J & J Racing has announced that they will attend our first race weekend with their support trailer and tuning expertise. They will be available Saturday during practice and during Sunday's races to help not only Biesse Kart drivers but any MSOKC racer that could use advice or spare parts.
Mar 30		Our first order of tires is nearly depleted and most of the extra tires we ordered on speculation have been sold, a great indication that we will have many new teams and drivers racing with us this year. But if you haven't ordered your tires yet or if you're hoping to buy them at the track when the spirit moves you, let Roberto Zayas know your intentions so that you're not disappointed.
Mar 22		The first batch of the spec Vega tires have arrived and distribution can begin Tuesday, March 23. Please make arrangements to pick your tires up by appointment by contacting Roberto Zayas or Jim Conlin. + + + + + + OR + + + + + + At Circleville Raceway Park: Friday, March 26th between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm Saturday, March 27 between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Contacts: Roberto - (614) 888-4953 (W) (614) 890-7752 (H) RZayas@PIRNIE.COM Jim - (614) 354-3016 (M) jim@conlinss.com
		The 2004 MSOKC General Competition Rules are available for downloading. The GCRs are available only in electronic form. It is recommended you download and print a copy for yourself and have it available at club events. If you have trouble downloading the doc on-line, contact Secretary Jim Conlin to have him email the file to you directly.
Mar 19		Circleville Raceway Park looks to be open for its first day of open practice tomorrow, Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Be sure to call the CRP hotline at 740-477-1626 for the latest conditions or updates.
Mar 12		After skipping a month (March), we'll have one more informal gathering of racers to exchange truths, untruths and plain old whoppers on April 14 (next month) at Planks in Grove City before the racing season starts. Come on out to socialize before things get serious!
		A big thank you to everyone that pre-paid for their Vega tires in the last couple weeks. Your cooperation has made it possible to place the order within the next few days and have tires available for you by next weekend (March 20). Watch this space for pick-up options.
		Because of perceived discrepancies in how WKA's new 2-cycle nerf bar rule could be interpreted, MSOKC Board of Directors has adopted it's own nerf bar rule based on the intention of the WKA rule with regards to safety. For Super Can, HPV and Spec 100, upper/lower nerf bars will only be required if the kart is equipped with the new CIK homologated bodywork side pods. Karts with older style "breadbox" side pods (square with open ends) are exempt from the double bar rule. In the case of pre-2003 karts fitted with new CIK side pods, the upper bar must be added in accordance to the WKA specifications (below) but the attachment points to the kart chassis do not have to be modified. Shifter and TaG classes are exempt completely form this rule as they are governed within MSOKC by the SKUSA S1 and TaGUSA rule books, respectively. From the 2004 WKA Tech Manual Manufacturer's Cup section: "209.4 NERF BARS: Nerf bars must be composed of a lower and upper bar. The minimum straight length of the lower bar is 15 1/2" (400mm) and the upper bar minimum straight length is 11 13/16" (300mm). Nerf bars must be of style for the type of side pod being utilized. Nerf bars must be made of steel tubing and have a diameter of .630" (16mm) as a minimum and .787" (20mm) maximum. Nerf bars must attach to the chassis/frame by two points. Minimum width of attachments is 18 7/8" (480mm) center to center and a maximum of 20 1/2" (520mm), measurements are in relation to the longitudinal axis of the kart. Attachments must be parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the axis of the chassis/frame. The height of the upper bar from the ground as raced with the driver seated in normal driving position is 6 5/16" (160mm) minimum. See figure 209." Members are urged to check with other clubs or organizations they intend to race with for their application of the double nerf bar rule in advance of attending those events.
		Citing performance disparity and noise concerns at Circleville Raceway Park, the Board of Directors has rescinded the "No airbox rule" for 125cc Shifters it passed at last month's BoD meeting. During the March 11 BoD meeting it was decided to follow the SKUSA solution for removing the performance disparity between the ICC motors and the Moto motors by lowering minimum weight for Moto-engined 125cc Shifter to 385, a 10 lb weight break. The Board also voted to require air boxes on the 80cc Shifter karts as well. 80cc air boxes will be 2 hole design with 29mm tubes. The increase in Saturday evening races was the source of the noise concerns and good-neighbor policy.
Mar 10		The March Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. at INFONETICS.
		Invoices for your tire orders were emailed recently. Check your in-boxes and get a check to Roberto quickly. The sooner we have everyone's payments, the sooner we can get the tires here to practice with. We would like to place the order the last week of March for the tires to arrive around April 1st. Direct questions or comments to Roberto Zayas.
		It's that time of year again: If you have plans to announce or sponsors to thank, put together a brief press release or note and send to the webmaster and we'll post here ASAP.
		Hume Motorsports is proud to announce it's plans for 2004. They plan to race 13 times with OVKA in Sr Novice Supercan, as well as 12 races in MSOKC competing for the National Kart News Spec 100 championship. Hume Motorsports will be running two Arrow karts, a 2000 AX-6 and a 2001 AX-7, with engines from Stafford's Racing Products. Sponsorship support for 2004 comes from RPH Consulting, Stafford's Racing Products,Trailer Wiz, Team Pronto, A-Tec Signs & Graphics, Trophy Industrial Maintenance, Pop's Corner, Del-Co Auto Electric, and Sunrise Promotions. For more information about Hume Motorsports, visit their website at www.humemotorsports.com.
		Conlin SpeedSports will be defending its 2003 championship with Dana again competing in the INFONETICS HPV championship this year aboard a Biesse Viper kart with engine tuning by Ed Kesse. Sister Tracy will move up to Super Can after her rookie season in Briggs Medium. Tracy will also be driving a Biesse Viper. Both ladies will campaign the season with the gracious help of National Kart News, McCall Motorsports, Circleville Raceway Park, Sprint Graphics, INFONETICS and J&J Racing. Additional information can be found on the team's website: www.ConlinSS.com.
Mar 3		Apologies from your webmaster for the delay in recent posting of news items and (Un)Classified Ads. Personal obligations made time for club web work hard to come by. Things should be back to normal now.
		We are privileged and please to have Distinctive Trucks return as a class sponsor for 2004. Jim Fisher, who will be competing in the Distinctive Trucks Briggs Stock Medium class again this year, was instrumental in arranging Distinctive Truck Center support in 2003 and 2004. Thank you Jim and Distinctive Trucks. Distinctive has a wide selection of accessories for trucks and tow vehicles. Visit their large showroom at 5665 Scarborough Blvd, Columbus, to make your truck distinctive.
		Peggie Floyd, mom of Rookie Box driver T.J. Floyd, has stepped up to be our new Membership Chairperson. She'll be getting new membership forms and waivers out to last year's members soon. Thanks Peggie for being part of the team!
		Orders are still being taken for our first order of Vega SL5 "Blue" tires. Racers needing tires for April testing and the first few races should contact and get a check to Roberto Zayas by email or phone at (614)890-7752. Pricing for Vega "Blues" are as follows: 4.50s - $31.25 ea 6.00s - $36.25 ea 7.10s - $38.75 ea 4.50/4.50 - $125 set 4.50/6.00 - $135 set 4.50/7.10 - $140 set Prices for the Vega XS "Whites" (for 125cc Shifter class only) are: 4.50 - $37.50 ea 7.10 - $42.25 ea 4.50/7.10 - $160.00 set Make checks payable to Mid State Ohio Kart Club. Tires will be available for pick-up at various locations around Columbus and Circleville and at the track on practice and races days. Roberto will be sending out payment reminders this week for tires ordered but yet unpaid. The sooner we get these tires pre-paid and ordered, the sooner we'll have them to practice on.
		There will be no weight penalty for 80cc Shifter karts running front brakes. Minimum weight for all 80cc Shifters is 370 lbs for 2004.
		Karting has received some good exposure in the past few months with SpeedTV broadcasting the Stars Of Tomorrow races and Discovery Channel airing the Gold Star Racing series. Show your support and let the people in charge know that we appreciate the exposure. Email your comment to SpeedTV and Discovery Channel.
		Bob Strawser was the main force behind MSOKC representation at the River Valley Mall Motorsports Show in Lancaster last weekend. Over 400 pieces of information were distributed during the 3 day show and the results were immediate on the club website visits. Monday saw about 50 additional "hits" and Tuesday's was about 25 higher than normal. Bob was helped out by Stivi Nocheski, Rocky Johnson, Scott Lowenstien, and Scott Thompson. This is the grassroots promotion that will make your races more fun this summer. Great job everybody!
Feb 16		The MSOKC Board of Directors have agreed that Super Can, Spec 100 and HPV will be in compliance with the 2004 WKA Manufacturer's Cup rules with regards to body work this season. This means CIK noses, sidepods and nerf bars will be required to meet WKA rules. There will be no exemptions or exclusions as there have been in past years as each of the changes are deemed to have been made with safety and the drivers' best interest in mind. The change likely affecting the most karts will be the requirement that nerf bars be of double-high bar configuration. Modification to single bar designs are acceptable but must conform to 2004 WKA specs (we will post those specs here soon). The double-high bar offers more protection in side impact collisions.
		With spring weather not too far off it is important that orders for the Vega spec tires be placed and paid for ASAP so that we have tires to practice on before mid-April. For club budget reasons we must have about 50 sets of tires ordered and prepaid to be able to requisition the tires. The sooner we meet that minimum number, the sooner the Vegas will be in Central Ohio and the sooner we will be able to test and practice on them. Get your order in to Roberto Zayas ASAP. Members that have ordered tires but have not paid for them as of March 1st will receive an invoice as a gentle reminder. Steve Tatman hopes to have CRP open mid- to late March so let get those tires on their way here!
		An error was made in the price of the Vega XS "White" tires for the 125cc Shifter class. The price for a set of tires is $160. Your webmaster apologizes for any inconvenience the error may have caused.
		Due to the low demand for Vega SL5 "Blues" in the size 5.50, the club will not be offering that particular tire size. However, all those club members wanting to purchase the 5.50 size can still do so by contacting the supplier directly at: Grand Prix Distributing/J&J Racing (814) 866-8918 info@jjracing.com
Feb 13		About 26 folks came out for our February get-together at Planks. Many new faces and some familiar faces that we haven't seen for a while. But more evidence that 2004 should be an exciting year of racing for MSOKC. Thanks to everyone that made it out.
Feb 6		Mike Long is promoting MSOKC at the Rod & Custom show this weekend at the Convention Center by having his 80cc shifter proudly displayed. He'll have video to watch and pamphlets to give to people stopping by his Sound Investment display who are interested in kart racing. If you're going to the show be sure to stop by the Sound Investment area to say hello and thanks. Way to go Mike!
		Pricing for the 125cc spec tire, the Vega XS "White" has been established: 4.50s: $36.50ea; 7.10s: $41.00ea; set: $155.00. Contact Roberto Zayas to place your order now so we're sure to have enough for everyone.
		The club's membership chairperson position is still open and looking for a volunteer. If you've been looking for a way to make the club work better but need something that you can do in your spare time, this might be the place for you! Duties include compiling membership packets (application waivers, info, etc) and sending them out to returning members in the spring and new members throughout the year; collecting membership fees and forwarding them to out treasurer; maintaining a current member list with Excel or other management tool; presenting a membership report (in person or by email) to the BoD. Contact Jim Conlin to jump in or learn more.
Jan 28		Encouraged by 16 kart racers braving threatening weather to come to our first member gathering last month, we'll hold another meeting of the Cabin Feverish at Plank's On Broadway in Grove City on Wednesday, February 11th starting at 7:00 p.m. Planks has a full kitchen and bar so you can plan to eat and drink there if time is tight. Planks is located at 4022 Broadway. Mark your calendars.
		The National Kart News Chassis Setup 101 handling seminar is already about half sold out. To reserve your seat for the March 6 class in Circleville, pre-registration online here. Its only $20 and Mike Unger will be covering everything from scaling your kart to making the proper changes trackside.
		The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 12 at INFONETICS. MSOKC BoD meetings are open to all members.
Jan 27		We're delighted to have All Seasons Spas as the 125cc Shifter Class sponsor for 2004! All Seasons Spas is Central Ohio's largest spa and Jacuzzi dealer. Their new 22,000ft showroom is at 4105 Lyman Drive in Hilliard. Owner Pat Hernon is switching from racing two wheels to four in the All Seasons Spa 125cc Shifter Class.
		National Kart News has agreed to sponsor the Spec 100 class this year. National Kart News is America's leading kart magazine since 1986. NKN specializes in grass roots karting with reports on all facets of kart racing. And just about every month there is a technical article that will help you go faster. Every serious karter should have a subscription to NKN.
		INFONETICS, Inc., of Grove City will be sponsoring the MSOKC HPV Class for 2004. The company provides sophisticated software and systems to compressed gas and welding supply distributors. INFONETICS is a familiar name around MSOKC having supported Conlin SpeedSports for several years.
		Karters in Central Ohio now have a forum all their own. And if you liked Ekartingnews' forums, you'll love this one for and by Columbus area kart enthusiasts. Check it out. Post an opinion. Make a comment. Ask a question. Lurkers are welcome but to post you'll have to click the "Register" link and tell 'em who you are.
Jan 17		Your 2004 Officers were selected by the Board of Directors at the January 15th meeting and they are: Tom Hickey, President Steve Tatman, Vice President Beth Hopkins, Treasurer Jim Conlin, Secretary
		We are taking orders now for our first batch of Vega SL5 "Blue" tires. Racers needing tires for April testing and the first few races should contact Roberto Zayas by email or phone at (614)890-7752. Pricing for Vega "Blues" are as follows (125cc spec tire prices to be announced later): 4.50s - $31.25 ea 6.00s - $36.25 ea 7.10s - $38.75 ea 4.50/4.50 - $125 set 4.50/6.00 - $135 set 4.50/7.10 - $140 set Make checks payable to Mid State Ohio Kart Club. Tires will be available for pick-up at various locations around Columbus and Circleville and at the track on practice and races days.
		Some adjustments have been made to the raceday schedules. Our on-line schedules reflect the change but please note the changes on your personal schedules: Saturday Schedule Gates: 2:00 p.m. Practice: 3:30 p.m. Driver Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Green Flag: 6:00 p.m. Sunday Schedule Gates: 8:00 a.m. Practice: 9:30 a.m. Driver Meeting:11:30 a.m. Green Flag: Noon
		Billet connecting rods being permitted in stock Briggs engines is under consideration for 2004 by your Board of Directors. If you have an opinion as to whether or not billet rods should be allowed (in addition to cast rods) in the stock Briggs classes contact one of your BoD members.
		If most of the TaG owners that have expressed interest in racing in MSOKC's new TaG class show up, it will be a great debut. MSOKC TaG rules as posted here in November have been approved for addition to our 2004 GCRs.
		MSOKC 125cc Shifter rules are based on the SKUSA S1 2004 rule book. Special supplements include weight at 395lbs and tires spec'd as Vega XS "Whites".
		The BoD has approved two weight configurations for the 2004 HPV class: 340lbs running the 3 pipe and 360lbs running the 4 pipe. The change was made in hopes of drawing heavier drivers to the class.
Jan 16		Bob Strawser is looking for karts to display at the Lancaster Motorsports mall show at the end of February. If you have a sponsor this is a chance to give them some great exposure. Contact Bob at (740) 474-7330 or email Bob if you can help him out Feb 27 - 29.
Jan 15		16 members and friends braved cold, rain, snow and ice to come out to our casual get-together at Planks On Broadway in Grove City last night. Lots of laughs and info were exchanged. Thanks to those who made it for making our first "socializer" of 2004 a success.
		We'd like our karters to race with us forever but we know that sometimes there are higher aspirations and larger goals. When it is time to move out of karting and into car racing the most logical move is to formula and sports car racing with the Sports Car Club of America. Central Ohio has one of the most active and vibrant SCCA chapters in the country, Ohio Valley Region, SCCA. Check them out to see what's on the horizon for MSOKC racers that want to someday move on.
Jan 10		The Discovery Channel's mini-series on kart racing, "Gold Star Racing" will air on the following dates and times: Episode 1 - Friday, Jan 16 @ 8pm Episode 2 - Friday, Jan 23 @ 8pm Episode 3 - Sunday, Feb 8 @ 4pm Special thanks to Bill Bruce for getting this info to the webmaster.
Jan 1		MSOKC and National Kart News are hosting "Chassis Setup 101", a chassis tuning seminar conducted by member and NKN technical writer Mike Unger. The seminar will be held on March 6, 2004 at the Circleville Fire Dept. Community Center in Circleville. Topics will cover everything from scaling your kart to tuning at the track. A pizza lunch will be provided. Fees are $20 per person and $15 for each additional crew accompanying him or her. $5 for children under 14. Seating will be limited and on-line preregistration is recommended. All proceeds to go towards promoting MSOKC.
		An informal gathering of central Ohio karters will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14th at historic Plank's on Broadway in Grove City. Full kitchen and bar service will be available. No formal agenda is planned although those wishing to address the group will be given the floor for several minutes. Otherwise it will just be a chance to bench race, compare plans for the new season and socialize. Plank's on Broadway is at 4022 Broadway, Grove City (south end of downtown Grove City).
		The next Board of Director's meeting is Thursday, January 15th at 7:00pm. Location is INFONETICS, Inc., offices in Grove City. Selection of officers and 2004 rules will be the main issues discussed.