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KARTS: League of Dreams: World Karting Association Evens the Score

16 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
HARRISBURG, N.C. -- For generations, school yards and ball fields around the world have been inspirational training grounds for children's dreams. Now, the same hands that once double-knotted hand-me-down cleats are now lacing driving shoes and getting behind the wheels of go-karts.

"The increase in the popularity of auto racing is getting more children interested in racing, and karting is the first step in participating in this exciting sport," said Randy Kugler, president of the World Karting Association (WKA). "Since 1990 there has been a 25 percent increase in the junior (8-15) age group."

A karting weekend is often like a Little League Baseball tournament -- populated by vendors, motor homes, kart trailers, WKA officials, racers and their families and friends. With constant announcements echoing across the public address system, teams diligently work on their karts in anticipation of the next heat event (qualifying race).

Sounds of popping exhaust pipes and the scent of alcohol fuel fill the air, as the miniature pace car leads the field toward the start/finish line like an angry pack of hornets. Racers fight for position to the checkered flag and ultimately to the championship of their respective class.

Although there is no shortage of competitive racing, karting is a great hobby for anyone who just wants to race for fun.

"Karting teaches the value of hard work, discipline and sportsmanship," explained Harold Adams, father of 12-year-old racer, Scott Adams. "Weekend road trips provide valuable bonding experiences for my family and at the same time Scott and I work together to achieve a common goal -- winning the race."

Karting provides a foundation for racers who dream of competing in NASCAR, Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) or the Formula One World Championship (F1).

In fact, many professional drivers such as Jeff Gordon (NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion in 1995, '97 and '98), Michael Schumacher (1994 and '95 F1 champion) and Juan Montoya (reigning CART champion and this year's Indianapolis 500 winner) began their careers in karting.

"I never played any other sport growing up," said Jerry Nadeau, former WKA champion and current NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver. "If it wasn't for my dad, I don't know if I would be in racing. I used to go to the track in my mom's arms to watch him race. My dad got me started racing when I was four years old. I discovered at an early age that I can't stand to have someone in front of me on the track. The first time my dad put me out on the track in a go-kart, I bumped him going into the first turn just to pass him."

The go-kart phenomenon began in the late 1950s as a fun and affordable form of motor sports. Informal parking lot competition rapidly grew into organized events at local race tracks. In 1971, WKA was founded to regulate and promote the family sport of competitive kart racing. Since then, the sport has spread around the world, creating a genuine grassroots motor sport and a multi-billion dollar industry.

WKA is approaching 10,000 members and 150 tracks nationwide. Classes in karting vary on the type of track, engine, driver experience and weight. Karting is just as fierce and competitive as any motor sport -- the vehicles are just a little smaller. Yet when it comes to the fulfillment of racing dreams for parents and children alike, WKA is in a league of its own.

Text provided by Aubree Foust

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.