The HAMILTON KART CLUB is a non-profit organization. Although the Club has been in existence since 1983, the Club officially became the HAMILTON KART CLUB in 1988. It was developed to further promote kart racing in the Hamilton/Wentworth area. The home track, for the Club, is located at KARTWORLD on Hwy. #6 just north of Mount Hope (south of Hamilton). This 1640 ft. track, which was built strictly for racing, provides more than enough challenge to test most drivers skills. Scheduled races take place Sunday mornings from April to late October, and Thursday nights June to Sept.. Spectators are always welcome free of charge.
Karters travel from places as far away as Toronto, Woodstock, Kitchener/Waterloo, and Niagara areas to compete. The Club has a growing membership of over 130 competitors with ages ranging from 7 to 60 years. Kart racing itself, at the H.K.C., not only helps to develop driving skills, but also provides quality family time.
Its true, that most successful, professional drivers started in go-karting, of some form. Karting is one of the lowest cost, direct participation forms of motorsports today. The H.K.C. has excellent safety and competition rules that are the basis for most other racing.
The H.K.C. race events are run at the KARTWORLD "Race Track" which is just south of the public "rental" track. The club pays event rental fees for The use of this track, under terms and conditions with the KARTWORLD owners.
At the H.K.C., kart speeds are determined by weights and engine restrictions, for each class/age groups. For example, in the Cadet and Junior Restricted classes, carburetor restrictors and certain engine rules, keep the speeds in the desired safety zone.
Since the inception of karting in 1958, designs have changed, technology has evolved and speeds increased, but some things have not changed ---The safety, the fun, and keeping the cost at an affordable level.
Karting is an ideal family hobby. The bonding factor between parents and their young drivers is evident. At the H.K.C., we make every effort to maintain a friendly family type atmosphere. by participating as a group of the track and as good sportsmen on the track. Many friendships are formed at the H.K.C., that have the basis for lasting a lifetime.
Hamilton Kart Club
Winter ‘98 Newsletter
Hey!! Wake up race fans, spring is just around the corner. I don’t care what Wiarton Willie says, after all he lives in a hole in the ground. Figure that one out. Yes, the Hamilton Kart Club is alive and well and on the road to recovery as one of the best clubs anywhere.
There will be a general meeting 7pm on March 4 at Mt. Hope Community Hall (same location as the banquet). Please attend as we need your input on your club. Membership forms will be available.
To make races run smoothly we will need volunteers (no experience required, on the job training is fun), so surprise us and volunteer early before your favorite job is taken. We can also use some good people on the Board of Directors, so don’t be shy.
For those of you who have Internet access the club now has a website! The address is www.oxford.net/~writtt. No the 3rd T is not a mistake. You can also E-mail us at writtt@oxford.net or on the off chance that you have a telephone 519-539-9961. If you have an E-mail address please let us know so we can keep in touch.
Our mailing list got lost in some of our past paper shuffles so please pass on this information if you know other racers we may have missed. We are trying our best to contact all current and past members to make our club strong.
See you at the meeting,
Bill Writt
#49 Sr Heavy
On Mar.4/98 the HAMILTON KART CLUB held a general club meeting, at the Mount Hope Community Hall. The meeting commenced at 7:30pm and had approximately 50 in attendance with representation from all classes as well as new interests. Don Wallace, acting chairperson, opened the meeting by welcoming all for coming out and showing support for the club. He noted that we all were all here for a number of reasons; that we all wanted another good facility to race; we wanted the club to grow and prosper and of course we wanted the latest news the directors had to offer. He went on to add that in order for the H.K.C. to survive and function as a viable club, we all had to make a commitment not only to attend races but to actively volunteer in club activities; to go out and recruit new members, and to be positive about our club and the excellent facility that we race at ( KARTWORLD ). He believes that with these things in mind the H.K.C. will restore the success the club enjoyed before. It was also mentioned that in order to boost interest back into the club, there had to be some slight changes in our racing format. Those changes will be mentioned as you read on.
CLUB FINANCES:
The club, for this season, has enough money to basically pay for things such as hall rentals, postage, club insurance and some telephone expenses. But the one major expense, the club must pay, is for the H.K.C. to become INCORPORATED. This could cost upwards to $1000. The unfortunate part is, that the rules are the same for all clubs that get insurance from ASN. Small clubs, like ours, are made to pay the same amount that larger (financially stable) clubs pay, not just for incorporating but for race day insurance as well. Mr. Wallace pointed out that financially we need members to sign up now in order to not only offset this major expense, but to buy new safety supplies, trophies, etc., for the upcoming season.
CLUB EXPECTATIONS:
The club expectations, for the start of this season, is that it needs a base of at least 50 paid members to get the club off to a good start. And of that 50, the club will need a minimum of 37 to 40 entries per race, just to break even. If the club attracts more than 40 entries per race, the club starts to benefit with better trophies, more newsletters, better safety supplies and of course a healthier year end banquet. Mr. Wallace went on to explain how much it actually cost to run a club race and to let the membership know just where the money is dispersed: 1) Track Rental: $350 2) Race Day Insurance: $200 3) Medical: $120 4) Race Day Trophies: $200 to $300 5) Other Safety: $ 50 TOTAL: $920 + So at $25 entry fee per race, the club would need 37 entries just to break even.( 37x$25=$925) Don't forget that this does not include all the prep and time spent on organizing and running the event. Mr. Wallace feels, that with the changes the club is taking, there should be no reason that the race day entries shouldn’t exceed the minimum required. He also stated that the club is pursuing trophy sponsors and that it would be a great opportunity for sponsors to have their names not only on the trophies but to also be put on our WEB SITE for the week of the sponsored race.( excellent exposure ) ***Also of note, to boost club interest, the H.K.C. will be adding a GX-200 ( 6.5hp ) senior class to its schedule this season. If these expectations are met, such as getting our entries over 40 per race, the H.K.C. will be back on its way to a viable status.
1997 H.K.C. BANQUET:
Mr. Wallace, on behalf of the directors, thanked and congratulated everyone for making the annual banquet a huge success. Everyone who attended were treated to an excellent turkey dinner, with all the stuffing’s, and a choice of deserts. Special thanks to Lorna's Catering of Mt. Hope. After dinner the annual H.K.C. Trophies were awarded to all the series drivers. Special awards were also given to directors and volunteers who dedicated their summer Sundays and Thursdays to the club. There were lots of prizes for just about all 120 that attended. Prizes included Honda motors, Honda camshafts, gas containers, models, music & computer CD's, toys, fire extinguishers, gift certificates, tool boxes, gym bags, mugs, hats, shirts, soaps, ornaments, clocks, lots of WD-40, etc., and spot dance prizes. Thanks were also given to all the sponsors that participated and donated to the clubs banquet: Dominator Racing, Phantom Racing, Canadian School Supplies, Industrial Hose & Hydraulics, Mississauga Tire, Canac Kitchens, VES, Kartworld; and from our members, Mr. & Mrs. Writt, Mr. & Mrs. Dykeman, Mr. & Mrs. Tinkler, Mr. Kavanaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Wallace, Mr. & Mrs. Cheeseman. 1998 H.K.C. Board of Directors: Next on the meetings agenda, was the introduction of the directors as nominated by the nominating committee. They are: Don Wallace, Bill Writt, Brent Martin, Bob Urry, Don Duggan, Riki Lewin, Boyd Kirby, Bill Tinkler, Bert Stratford, Ed Copeland, Kathy Writt and Bill Dykeman. Behind the scenes: Tim Writt (Web site & newsletter), Crystal Writt(Points) Robin Writt(50/50) & Milisa Wallace(photo's) Mr. Wallace said that in order for the club to run smoothly, on race day, volunteers were still needed to assist with race day functions, such as scoring and marshaling. A brief instruction, by one of the directors, will be given on how these jobs are done, to all volunteers.
RACE SCHEDULING/COSTS:
Mr. Writt was introduced to talk about the race schedule, with dates and costs. Mr. Writt noted that the entry fee for Sunday and/or Thursday racing would be the same as last year at $25(non-members $30). H.K.C. yearly memberships are $50 single and $80 family. Mr. Writt also indicated that if you sign up with the club by Mar.29/98 you would only be charged $5 on both practice dates instead of $20 for non-members. The Sunday race schedule will have 16 races with 3 drops. What that means is your best 13 of 16 will count towards the season standings. Gates will open at 7:30 am with racing to start around 9:15am. ***Note: The H.K.C. Sunday series does not conflict with the NATIONALS or any OKRA dates. One of the changes that the H.K.C. will make is that all the Sunday races will take place on the larger, and faster, KARTWORLD RENTAL TRACK (excluding the bridge). There is also the strong possibility that the club will race in the RAIN (slicks optional, rain tires permitted). The Thursday night race schedule will be run on the adjacent kart track and your best 8 of 10 races will count towards season standings. Track will be open to club at 5pm with racing to start at approx. 7pm. Mr. Writt reminded everyone that the Sunday and Thursday racing are each a separate points series with each series having its own championship standings. One of the differences that makes the Thursday series unique is that; it is held at night, track direction is reversed every week, Formula1 standing start for last heat and, last heat winner takes all.
TECH TALK:
Mr. Urry was the next to speak about the rule changes that would be added to the H.K.C. rule book. There was discussion on motor specs primarily in the rod, cam, carb and head areas. Mr. Urry also noted that RIB PROTECTORS and HEADER PIPE WRAP are mandatory for this year. The H.K.C. class weight structure was change to the same specs as the W.R.K.C. to lessen the confusion for members racing at each club. Mr. Urry pointed out that the GX-160 and K1 will be the same weight for each class. Another added extra for the H.K.C. is the use of the European style NOSECONES (small). All classes will be allowed to use them. Mr. Urry pointed out that races will be strictly monitored. If the nosecone becomes a safety hazard they will be disallowed. Mr. Urry went on to explain a change in the clubs class structure. The Cadet class will be combined with Jr. Restricted. It was the opinion of the board that cadets would be able to race in the Jr. Restricted class ( .450 restrictor) with little or no problems. He also noted that a Senior GX-200 ( 6.5hp ) class will be added to accommodate drivers competing in the OKRA series with OKRA rules. Driver and kart weight -- 350lbs.
INCORPORATION/MEDICALS/KARTWORLD:
Mr. Duggan was introduced to shed some information on the above topics. He began explaining why the H.K.C. had to become incorporated. It is a stipulation of ASN to get race day insurance and it also protects members and the directors involved with the club from any legalities. Mr. Duggan made note that part of the agreement to get race insurance was that everyone who races must have a medical. A copy of your medical must be handed in, with membership, to the club. The medical is good for 2 years. So, if you had one last year, and the club has a copy, you should be clear to race. Remember --- no medical>no racing. He went on to mention that there would be some minor changes to the rental track to accommodate racing. Some barriers and tires will be moved, as well as hay bails, to be added at certain turns. He also noted that up until 1988 the club had raced at the rental track. Mr. Duggan said that with the increase in speed and a smoother/wider track, it should spark some excitement back into the club.
QUESTION PERIOD/MEETING AJOURNMENT:
The rest of the meeting included a question/answer period in which a variety of things were asked. It was noted that rain tires are optional and that the race directors will determined when to race under wet conditions. If it is raining hard and/or to many large puddles of water there will be no race. There will be racing under damp conditions with slight drizzle. Mr. Wallace gave a brief explanation, using a large picture of the KARTWORLD rental track, of the outlay and racing line to be used. Going in a clockwise direction the gearing should be close to what is used at the WRKC track. He said that due to the higher speeds, and use of nosecones, drivers will have to take advantage of some form of drafting. The pits will be in the main parking area on the asphalt and grass. A portable weight scale will be used for the Sunday races. Make sure you have someone there to give you a lift. Mr. Wallace again stated that help was still needed to run and organize race day activities and if anyone wanted to get involved to give him a call (905)765-4500. The meeting was then adjourned to the coffee bar.
THE NEW HAMILTON KART CLUB -- LET'S RACE!!
April 1 1998
Just a Reminder
The Hamilton Kart Club will be holding it's fist controlled practice on Sunday April 5/98, at KARTWORLD. Practice will take place on the RENTAL TRACK (excluding the bridge) in a clockwise direction. The main parking lot will be used as the pit area. This would be a good time to have your kart "teched" for the up-coming season. Tech inspections will be available for all karters. Practise time is from 8am to 12 pm. Cost for 1998 H.K.C. members is only $5. Non-members will be charged $15. So, if you have the need for speed come on out and give it a go.
The Hamilton Kart Club, for 1998, has made some interesting changes that should add some excitement for the on-coming season. The one change that has everybody talking, is to run races on the wider, faster rental track. An agreement between KARTWORLD and the H.K.C. was made to hold the Sunday morning race series on the main rental track. Karters will notice an increase in speeds and a much smoother ride, as compared to KARTWORLDS adjacent track. Geering should be close to what you would run at Waterloo. New for this year, is the use of the small European type nose cones (optional). This might assist drivers slightly, in drafting, ahile adding to the karts appearence. The club has also approved WET WEATHER or RAIN racing. If there is a light drizzle or damp track condition, the SUNDAY races will be run. RAIN tires will be MANDATORY (as per ASN & CKC). There will be a NEW SENIOR GX-200 CLASS added to the racing schedule. This class will follow all O.K.R.A. rules and specs. The Cadet class has been dropped from the H.K.C. schedule. Any cadet from other clubs wishing to race at the H.K.C., may race in the Junior Restricted class. You will need a .450 restrictor.
The Hamilton Kart Club is issuing an open inviteation to anyone and all who would like to help out in our race day operations. As you know it takes many volunteers to make a race day run efficiently and without delays. Now is your chance to assist and give some input, as a member of the H.K.C. Race Operations Team. Corner & Grid marshals, Scoring, Flagging and Tech are just some of the positions available. Experience not necessary, as we will train and guide you in race operations. You do not have to be a member to help out. If interested please contact:
Scoring: Kathy Writt (519)539-9961
Flagging & Corner Marshals: Don Wallace (905)765-4500
Grid Marshals: Brent Martin (905)627-9907
Tech: Don Wallace (905)765-4500
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Anyone interseted in the 6.5hp GX-200 Senior class please contact Boyd Kirby at (905)845-2913
Check out the HAMILTON KART CLUB web site: writtt@oxford.net
If you would like to sponsor a race, or a class of trophies, please contact Rikki Lewin at (905)627-9907. She will be happy to talk to you and tell you of the benefits the H.K.C. has to offer to potential sponsors.
NOTE: Rib protectors and header wrap are MANDATORY for this season. Everyone must hand in a medical form in order to participate in any ASN sanctioned event. This includes H.K.C. races.
| SUNDAY SERIES | THURSDAY SERIES | |
|---|---|---|
| PRACTICE DAY | APRIL 26 | |
| RACE #1 | MAY 10 | JUNE 25 |
| RACE #2 | MAY 24 | JULY 2 |
| RACE #3 | MAY 31 | JULY 9 |
| RACE #4 | JUNE 14 | JULY 16 |
| RACE #5 | JUNE 28 | JULY 23 |
| RACE #6 | JULY 12 | JULY 30 |
| RACE #7 | JULY 19 | AUGUST 6 |
| RACE #8 | AUGUST 16 | AUGUST 13 |
| RACE #9 | AUGUST 23 | AUGUST 20 |
| RACE #10 | SEPTEMBER 13 | AUGUST 27 |
| RACE #11 | SEPTEMBER 20 | |
| RACE #12 | SEPTEMBER 27 | |
| RACE #13 | OCTOBER 4 | |
| RAIN DATE | OCTOBER 11 | |
| RAIN DATE | OCTOBER 18 | |
| BEST 10 OF 13 | BEST 8 OF 10 |
