Thursday, December 6
Last year, the presence of the kart racing segment of the motorsports industry at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show rose dramatically. Part of this trend had to do with kart racing companies deciding to make the PRI Trade Show their favored venue for displaying new products to racing industry buyers.
However, the inaugural All-Stars Kart Race organized by the Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the IRL also brought the attention of the industry at large to these ferocious little race rockets, and the business opportunities in the thriving kart market.
And the good news is that the Stars of Karting, owned by Paul Zalud, Bobby Rahal and Bryan Herta, announced the return of the race—bigger and better—in 2007.
It will again be held the Thursday night of the PRI Trade Show, December 6, after the show closes. The kart race will take place on a specially made track adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center.
“Karting represents enormous business opportunities for racing entrepreneurs worldwide, from selling parts to engines. Kart racers also represent the next generation of auto racers,” said Steve Lewis, producer of the PRI Trade Show. “With the race on Thursday night, karting definitely took the main stage at the PRI Trade Show, and we expect even more karting exhibitors will bring their new product lines for the 2008 race sales season.”
Buddy Rice – 2004 Indy 500 Winner
Scott Speed – Former F1 Driver for Scuderia Toro Rosso
Marco Andretti – IRL, 2006 Indy 500 Rookie Of The Year
Jamie McMurray – NASCAR Nextel Cup
AJ Allmendinger – NASCAR Nextel Cup
Eddie Lawson – Motorcycle Racing Champion
Bryan Herta – ALMS
Ron Capps – NHRA Funny Car
Steve Johnson – NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle
Wayne Taylor – Grand-Am, 2005 Rolex 24 At Daytona Winner
Tomas Scheckter – IRL
Katherine Legge – Champ Car
John Andretti – NASCAR Nextel Cup
Memo Gidley – Grand-Am
Joey Hand – ALMS & Grand-Am
Michael Valiante – Grand-Am
Lake Speed – NASCAR Cup
Christian Fittipaldi – NASCAR Cup