ONE WEEK AWAY FROM START OF 2019 CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS

Prize package adding up as program prepares for opening rounds at CalSpeed Karting next weekend

ORANGE, CA (January 31, 2019) – In a week’s time, trailers will be parked in the paddock of the CalSpeed Karting facility, karts will be receiving their final preparations, and drivers are anxiously waiting to hit the track for the opening event of the 2019 Challenge of the Americas. The first two rounds of the premier winter series on the left coast will be contested on February 8-10 in Fontana, California. Pre-registration surpassed the 110-driver mark, and likely to increase once the at-track entry opens for the ROK Cup USA program.

“It has been a busy winter with teams and drivers excited about the first major karting event of the 2019 season here on the west coast,” stated series promoter Andy Seesemann. “We have received great feedback and commitment to the 2019 program, even before the calendar turned over to the new year, as we had all of our class sponsor positions filled. Last year was a transition season with ROK Cup USA and we came out with positive growth, something many other programs can not support with their numbers. 2019 is going to start out even stronger when we hit the track at CalSpeed.”

Challenge of the Americas is entering its 12th season, thanks in part to the many industry members and competitors that continue to support the program. The 2019 season will be no different with 11 companies providing class and podium sponsorships. Below is a list of those pledging their support for the 2019 Challenge of the Americas:

Micro Rok: Empire Karts
Mini Rok: Performance Kartsport
Junior Rok: EsTeam Racing
Senior Rok: Ruthless Karting
Masters Rok: VemmeKart
Shifter Rok: Cameron Karting
Shifter Master Rok: APM Racing
Senior 100cc: Forward Direction Motorsports
Masters 100cc: Acceleration Karting

Podium sponsors for the 2019 season include Acceleration along with Choquer Creative and M2 Image Solutions.

More than $1,250 in gift certificates for ShopAKR.com will be among the raffle prizes held at each Sunday driver’s meeting. Those raffles, which include sets of tires and many other items, total roughly $1,000 each weekend.

Choquer Creative has donated almost $25,000 in certificates for Challenge of the Americas in 2019. Each podium for all classes will be awarded $450 CC certificates ($200 for 1st, $150 to 2nd, and $100 for third). Those certificates can be applied toward a FreeM Custom Suit, custom apparel order over $500, custom sticker order over $500, web development or social media marketing (*One coupon per service, orders must be placed in 2019).

Of course, the most coveted hat throughout North American karting is the COTA podium hat, presented by M2 Image Solutions. The top-three finishers in all classes for the six rounds of racing will receive a customize Challenge of the Americas hat complete with the event and position.

“It’s great to see at other karting events throughout the season and when drivers, mechanics, and family members come back wearing the COTA podiums hats. You can’t buy these, you can only earn them. Podium finishers are going away from all of our events with more than just memories with the prizes that these companies have been able to provide. All of them are guaranteed, with no minimum entry required. And with our Sunday raffle, everyone has a chance to leave with something to compliment their fun-filled weekend racing with the Challenge.”

Competitors at the Challenge are not only racing for weekend prizes, but the year-end awards as well. The six-round championship chase the title winners in the Mini ROK, Junior ROK, Senior ROK, Masters ROK, Shifter ROK Senior, and Shifter ROK Masters earning a ticket to compete in Italy at the ROK Cup International Final at the famed South Garda Karting circuit. Drivers in the Senior 100cc, Masters 100cc and Micro ROK divisions are competing for entries to the ROK the RIO event in Las Vegas on October 28-November 2 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.

More about the details of the February 8-10 weekend is available at the COTA Event Page. Complete information for the 2019 Challenge of the Americas will be published at the challengekarting.com. More information, videos and photos can also be found on the Facebook page.