Final days to pre-register for opening rounds in Tucson, Arizona
ORANGE, CA (January 9, 2014) – Now that the calendar has turned over, the push to begin the 2014 season is underway as the start of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas is just around the corner. Its seventh season begins January 24-26 at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona, as the three-weekend, six-round championship program gets underway and the hunt toward the four 2014 Rotax Grand Finals tickets commences. Friday, January 10 is the final day to submit pre-registration forms to secure your spot during the opening weekend event in the Copper State.
The opening two rounds returns to the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona on the final weekend of January. For the last three years, the 8/10-mile course that is a direct replica of the Suzuka circuit in Japan, has hosted the opening rounds of the series while bringing a great challenge right out of the gate. Pre-entry deadline, with all prices held at the same rates experienced in 2013, is set for January 10, 2014 for all competitors in the seven Rotax Max Challenge categories offered on the season. Online registration can be found at the RotaxChallenge.com website or through a PDF Form.
The Senior, Junior, DD2 and DD2 Masters categories will once again be competing for a ticket to the 2014 Rotax Grand Finals, with each championship-winning driver earning a spot to represent their respective country at the ‘Olympics of Karting’. Masters, Mini and Micro Max champions will be provided a paid entry into the 2014 United States Rotax Grand Nationals at Miller Motorsports Park on July 17-20 in Tooele, Utah (racer must be properly qualified through their local USRMC).
Seven karting companies have step up to offer their support of the Rotax Challenge of the Americas program for the 2014 season as class sponsors, all authorized Arrive and Drive vendors for series events. Each offers a wide variety of trackside support for the three weekends of The Challenge, servicing all the Rotax Max Challenge categories.
Senior Max: Holeshot Drive Systems
Whisler Racing Services (WRS) is a full-service operation, providing trackside engineering throughout North America since 2002. Company AJ Whisler brings decades of experience, with a broad knowledge of data acquisition, engine and chassis tuning for drivers of any age. WRS is now offering Rotax engine services, with development and testing unlike any other. WRS is also the exclusive manufacturer of Holeshot Drive Systems, including chain and sprocket products for every karters needs.
www.whisler-racing.com
Junior Max: Rolison Performance Group
One of the most successful race teams in recent years is the Rolison Performance Group. Led by veteran karter Mike Rolison, the operation is focused on driver development for any type of driving background. RPG team secured two Rotax Challenge of the Americas championships with Phillip Arscott and Blaine Rocha behind the wheel in Senior Max and Junior Max packages. In total, Rolison Performance Group sent six drivers to the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals as part of Team USA. www.rolisonperformancegroup.com
DD2: Snow Racing Engines/Energy Corse North America
Snow Racing Engines/Energy Corse North America is the premier Northern California kart racing program. Powered by Snow Racing Engines, the operation offers the next step for racing talent to compete on the regional, national and international stage of racing. The technical program is headed by Clayton Snow, who has competed and won countless karting events throughout his career. Energy Course America provides complete support across the nation from engines, chassis, coaching, transport along with arrive and drive programs. www.ecorseamerica.com
DD2 Masters: CRG-USA
The Colorado-based operation has grown into a powerhouse race team in just two years. The CRG importer has helped to grow the successful brand throughout the western half of the United States, and support a number of talented drivers, including former series champions Nicholas Latifi and Felipe Fraga. Last year, CRG-USA helped guide Joey Wimsett to the runner-up finish at the 2013 Rotax Grand Finals in New Orleans, earning the best finish ever by an American in the DD2 category. www.crg-usa.com
Masters Max: Nash Motorsportz
Experience and commitment are two words to describe the work ethic of Nash Motorsportz. Owners Seth and Tracie Nash have built their company on what is best for each client, with the results to prove it. They provide outstanding engineering and coaching for each of their drivers. Nash Motorsportz is also a Rotax Service Center and has a complete line of chassis and products. www.nashmotorsportz.com
Mini Max: BBR Karting
Building national champions is what BBR Karting has been doing since 2001. Team principal Blake Choquer, a veteran that has competed at the international level, uses his 18 years of racing experience to work with many of the best drivers in North America, developing their skills on and off the track. BBR Karting’s structured driver development/tuning program provides the resources, knewledge and experience to focus on winning at any level in the sport. Combined with Birel chassis and Black Racing Rotax Engines, BBR Karting is one of the most elite karting operations in North America. www.bbrkarting.com
Micro Max: Black Flag Racing
The source for all things karting in the state of Oregon is Black Flag Racing Products. A longtime supporter of the Challenge of the Americas program, Black Flag provides three different chassis brands for is customers – ART GP, Energy, and FA Kart – and supports trackside service at every event they attend. Black Flag Racing Products will be trackside at all Rotax Can-Am Karting Challenge events in 2014, following their championship run at the COTA program this winter. www.blackflagracingproducts.com
The RotaxChallenge.com website has event information for all three weekends, including track and host hotel information. The Tucson host hotel will be the Four Points by Sheraton – directly next to the Tucson Airport. Be sure to ask for the Rotax Challenge rate if you call 520-746-0271. The tentative schedule for Friday practice is also available at the Tucson Event Page, with a complete weekend schedule to be posted in the coming days. eKartingNews.com will once again be producing ‘Trackside Live’ coverage, including live audio during the weekend as well as detailed coverage that includes daily reports and social media updates.
Continue to watch www.rotaxchallenge.com for updates as the season opener draws closer or to enter for your chance to be part of The Challenge. You can also find them at their new Facebook page by searching Rotax Challenge of the Americas.