New Club?

[Tom Luttenbacher]

Who is Mike Hartman, the VKCA and how did my U.S. Postal address get in its possession? Tom

[Rob Voska]

Visited with Vince Hughes, Mike Hartman and Tom Thorin last week. vka is being taken over by monster kart guys, their ego's and attitudes and it's dying again (like it's on it's ninth life already), so they are trying to start a REAR style club / events called Go Kart Club of America like the first kart club in the US. I think it's more of a west coast deal. Anyone else with more "official" info please post here so people know what's going on.

I find it amazing "everyone wants to have fun with old go karts" and fight tooth and nail about how to do it.

[Dan Flanders]

Here is the link to the clubs website: http://www.vintagekartclubofamerica.com/
Take a look at the Mission and Rules portion for a better understanding of the philosophy. Many of us felt that the current direction of the VKA, with the over emphasis on timed and scored heat racing and the inclusion of modern C open karts had strayed too far from the spirit and intent of vintage karting. We felt there was a need for events that incorporate the best elements of REAR (adherence to period correct equipment)and VKA (inclusion of sidewinder karts and heat demonstrations). I've included the core philosophy statement from the club web site.


"The rules for this club have been formed for simplicity and enjoyment of the participant. Vintage kart track demonstrations are not intended to be a form of all-out competitive racing, but a means of celebrating the racing heritage of the karts while minimizing the risk to both karts and drivers.

The club intends to promote interest and activities for vintage karts by providing on and off-track events, open communication through regular newsletters and board participation in Web site forums, awards for member achievements( other than track performance), plus incentives and support for promoters to ensure their events will run smoothly and with the best opportunity to be financially viable.

VKCA events are for production race karts maintained as nearly as possible to their original specification for their era, and to be demonstrated in a sportsmanlike manner. VKCA demonstrations provide a margin which accepts the irreplaceable nature of a piece of racing history as taking precedence over the driver’s need to win. Flagged heat races at (some) events, provide that competitive track time needed for some drivers. Driving manners and respect for others’ safety and equipment is paramount! Cooperation between fast and not-so-fast is mandatory. The veteran respects the beginner’s right to the track, and the beginner respects the veteran’s right to motor to the extent of his ability and good judgment. The participant, whose only purpose is winning, has no place at VKCA events."

PS- Nice redirect and word substitution Jeff, I removed the offending link. Rob did ask to post more information....I did so at his request:D
Update: Redirect and substitution removed

[CarlBuchanan]

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[CarlBuchanan]

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[Tom Luttenbacher]

OOPS! I mistakenly typed VKA and it should have been VKCA! I wish them well in their endeavors to promote, enjoy whatever the program is, but 6 pages of rules etc.? And what is the motivation that would move anyone to pay a $250.00 Life Membership? Tom

[Rob Voska]

I have 3 sidewinders and would love a place to run them. Hope they can come up with good guidelines. After years and years of working on it REAR could not come up with a reasonable, simple sidewinder format. Who knows maybe someone will have a better idea.

[Dan Flanders]

Hey Rob-
We're certainly trying to go in the right direction. As you rightly pointed out and as we discussed, sidewinders are tough because the documentation is relatively sparse and enforcing what is and isn't period correct is a real pain in the behind. Personally, I also have 3 sidewinders that I want to run as well. Sidewinders aren't the issue as long as they are run with period correct equipment...It is the small minority that disregards the concept of period correctness is where the problem lies.

Tom, thank you for the well wishes. I don't know where you came up with the 6 pages of rules, but I could only come up with 2 pages double spaced with 12 point font. We tried to keep the rules to the absolute minimum and still clearly define what is and isn't acceptable. As we all know, if it isn't clearly defined, a very small minority will push the envelope. The bottom line is our emphasis on karts running equipment that is as period correct as possible.

Respectfully,
Dan

[Rob Voska]

Dan.....WOW what a concept!

[Dan Flanders]

I know Rob, there's this crazy idea that you should run vintage karts and a vintage kart event. Who would of thunk....