08/02/06
Region 4B Speedway Points Now Posted!
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08/09/06
Region 11 Sprint Event Date Change
September 16-17, 2006 event changed to September 23-24, 2006.
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08/09/06
Region 5 Speedway Points Now Available!
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08/10/06
2 Cycle Speedway/Speedway Midget Grand National Results Now Posted!
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08/11/06
2 Cycle Sprint Grand National Results Now Posted!
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08/14/06
Region 5A Speedway Points Now Posted!
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08/14/06
Region 4B Speedway Points Now Posted!
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08/22/06
Region 6 Sprint Now Posted!
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08/22/06
Region 4B Road Race Points Now Posted!
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8/22/06 Original Post: 07/31/06
Hotel Information for the Fall Board Meeting Now Available
September 23-24, 2006
Doubletree Guest Suites
16500 Southcenter Parkway
Seattle WA 98188
1-800-222-TREE room reservations
Mention IKF for room discount
8/22/2006 Original Post: 05/04/2006
Proposals from April Meeting
Proposals were submitted at the April Board Meeting. Input from the membership should be forwarded in writing to the IKF Office or emailed to pat@ikfkarting.com for distribution to the Board and/or Committee Chairmen. Please include the Proposal Number on your submission. The replies from the membership must be in the IKF office/email no later than 5pm PST, Friday, September 8, 2006. Proposals will be addressed at the Fall Board Meeting.
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8/22/2006 Original Post: 05/02/2006
Important Information for 2008 Grand National Bidders
Beginning in 2007, by vote of the IKF Board of Directors at the recent April Meeting, 2 Cycle Sprint and Shifter Grand Nationals will be run as a combined event. Bids for 2008 will be accepted for the combined 2 Cycle Sprint and Shifter Grand National.
All clubs/tracks/promoters wishing to host a 2008 Grand National event must submit their bid letter to the IKF office no later than September 1, 2006, per Section 101.2.7 of the 2006 IKF Rulebook.
08/23/06
Rule Updates - Section 716.1 & 717.1
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08/24/06
2006 Shifter Grand National – Immediate Release & Tentative Friday – Sunday Schedules
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08/29/06
First Recipient of the Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence Award Announced at 2006 IKF 2 Cycle Sprint Grand National
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08/29/2006
Matt Johnson Honored with LakeSpeed Excellence of Karting Award - First recipient of prestigious IKF perpetual award announced at IKF Grand National
ONTARIO, CALIF - - (August 23, 2006) Karting history was set in motion August 6 at the International Kart Federation (IKF) 2-Cycle Sprint Grand National as 26-year old Matt Johnson from Las Vegas, Nev., proudly accepted the first Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence award. For Johnson, the award capped off a phenomenal national performance at the CalSpeed Kart Track in Fontana, Calif., after a struggle of adversity all season.
The perpetual award, established this year in honor of the 1978 World Karting Champion and former NASCAR driver Lake Speed, is to recognize an outstanding driver, team, shop or individual based on performance, sportsmanship, willingness to help others, overcoming adversity with a positive attitude and other outstanding attributes. With scouts in place throughout the paddock and race track, Johnson was one of several teams and drivers considered. “There were numerous scenarios unfolding all weekend as the event progressed,” said IKF director Wayne Brown who spearheaded the award’s creation. “For a while there, it looked like it would be a very tough decision, but when Matt locked in his second Duffy and we considered all the criteria, he was a clear choice,” Brown added.
Johnson, who joined the Tony Kart team of Seth Nash Karting last season, achieved two national wins for the prestigious Duffy in the HPV-3 and HPV-4 classes in addition to a close second in Formula Y. He also earned the Screaming Eagle fast time award and outside pole position during the four day event making him a seven-time national champion. It was a beautiful scenario for a challenging season that left Johnson with two broken ribs after a racing accident last February. Since the accident, Johnson has made a come-back to lead the Southwest Super Series points in addition to the coveted national wins.
Having raced karts for 14 years, Johnson acquired multiple championship titles but up until the 2004 season, his ultimate goal of obtaining a national title remained elusive through fluke misfortunes. The tables turned that season for Johnson and his long-time mentor/team-owner, Marc Zartarian of High-Rev Engineering where the duo captured three Duffies at the IKF and two at the World Karting Association’s grand national. “It was an incredible year that would be impossible to duplicate. We won 27 races with 22 poles,” Johnson said. Zartarian laughed as he recalled the initial years the two teamed up. “He was an untamed bull with enough attitude and testosterone for five drivers. He had desire, skills and raw talent – he just didn’t have the materials and direction to achieve his goals,” Zartarian explained. Since then Matt has matured to stand out and apart from other drivers through confidence and maturity. Although the dynamic duo parted ways last season, they still maintain a close friendship and Johnson continues to race with High-Rev engines.
“Maturity was a major factor that marked Matt for distinction,” said Brown. Johnson struggled and was tagged as a ‘hot head’ in his younger days. “To watch him progress into a mature sportsman is what karting is all about. Today, he’s a class act who understands how to manage a win and also how to behave as a sportsman off track,” Brown added.
“When the award was first announced, I truly wanted it. I knew that being honored after a world champion was an ultimate goal. I’ve been on a roller-coaster all year but kept my focus and determination and it’s paid off in a huge way,” said Johnson who gives a 110% effort. ”I’ll always make a sacrifice to race. There is nothing I would rather do. It is all I work for and it’s mostly all I think about,” he added. “I cherish my time in karting – these are the special days of my life and I have so many people who have helped groom me through the years to thank - Marc (Zartarian), my dad and family, Art Verlengiere, Seth Nash and so many friends in the karting community,” he said.
Johnson’s name will be inscribed on the beautiful two-foot tall brass cup manufactured by the same company who produces the Oscar and Emmy. The award will be in his possession for the season and then passed on to future winners. Johnson also received a smaller replica to keep for all time.
“Although I couldn’t be at the event personally, I was kept informed and am truly happy about the choices made in the selection process. I spoke personally with Matt on the phone after the event and I look forward to meeting him in person,” said Speed who has returned to karting after a rewarding 19-year career in NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series, now known as Nextel Cup. “After many years of progression up the ladder, I’ve realized karting is an awesome sport for what it is. It keeps families together, it’s competitive, has good rules and is full of wonderful people,” Speed added.
IKF gives special thanks to Lynn Haddock of Haddock, Ltd. Inc., Art and Rod Verlengiere of RLV Tuned Exhaust and to Rhonda and Wayne Brown for their generous support of making this award possible.
08/30/06
Region 4A Speedway Points Now Posted!
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