CKN Top Storyline’s of 2012 – Part 2

After yet another exciting karting season for Canadian’s, CKN reflects on their top story lines of 2012 in a 3-part segment. Today CKN looks at some major industry news. Articles are in no particular order.

Bay Street Grand Prix raises over $400 000 for Sunnybrook Hospital

It is not often that you see 30+ high class executives trade in their business suits for karting suits, but this past July at the Bay Street Grand Prix, that is exactly what happened. As a fundraiser for Sunnybrook Hospital, the Bay Street Grand Prix was a one-day event held on site of the Honda Toronto Indy, putting executives in the drivers seat, all to raise money for the Sunnybrook Women and Babies program. The event was a huge success and is already being planned to be bigger and better in 2013.

READ: Bay Street Grand Prix nets more than $400,000 for Sunnybrook’s Women & Babies program

PSL Karting is #1 CRG Distributor in the World for 2012

Quite possibly Canada’s largest powerhouse karting operation, PSL Karting returned to the top of the CRG dealership awards in 2012. CRG was on top two years ago, and another successful year that included an expansion into the USA moved them back to the top of the CRG podium. Awarded by Mr. Tinini himself, Stephan St-Charles accepted the award at the annual CRG awards gala in Italy.

READ: PSL Karting Named #1 CRG Distributor in the World!

Goodwood Kartways repaved…twice

The new surface at Goodwood (Photo Courtesy of Goodwood Kartways)

In early 2012, Goodwood Kartways announced it’s beautifully aged circuit was getting a much needed fresh coat of asphalt. The news was very welcome in the Canadian karting industry, and with the first round of the 2012 Eastern Canadian Karting Championship taking place at Goodwood in late May, everyone was excited to get on track and take in the fresh paving.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go so well as the surface did not hold up as expected, and emergency measures were needed right before the ECKC race. Following a completed race season, Goodwood Kartways track owners took action, and with their partners, completed their second repaving of the year. The track has now closed for the season, allowing plenty of time for the new surface to cure, and will welcome racers in early Spring.

Goodwood Kartways Undegoes second repaving in 2012

Briggs & Stratton LO206 program continuing to grow in Canada

It has taken a little longer than what Briggs & Stratton may have wanted, but their LO206 engine program is finally taking off in Canada. The LO206 is a purpose built 4-cycle engine and 2012 finally saw the full fields Briggs has expected. At the Canadian Nationals, both the Jr and Sr divisions featured full fields, and arguably had the best racing all week, with incredible last-lap passing. In the Quebec Cup, 20+ sized grids were consistent, and in Ontario the Brian Stewart Racing Karting Championship even included a Briggs & Stratton Senior class at its Ontario Grand Nationals in Shannonville.

READ: BSRKC: Jonathon Treadwell wins the first ever Briggs Senior Bear.

READ: Canadian Karting Nationals: Gerald Caseley wins wild Briggs & Stratton Senior Championship Finale

SH Karting moves to Zanardi Kart after over 20 years with TonyKart

In one of the most unexpected moves of the year, especially right in the middle of the season, SH Karting elected to make the switch to Zanardi Kart after 20+ years with TonyKart. Making the switch right before the ASN Canadian National Championships, the team supported both brands for the remainder of the season but will now focus on the Zanardi for 2013 and beyond.

READ: SH Karting to Exclusively import Zanardi Kart

Intrepid North America switches to IPK North America; shifts focus to Praga and OK1 chassis lines

After some excitement and separation at the factory in Italy, Toronto’s Intrepid North America became IPK North America just before the 2012 SKUSA SuperNationals. The team led by Daniel and Marco DiLeo has been a long time supporter of the Intrepid kart brand, but will now focus on the Praga and new OK1 chassis lines.

READ: IPK North America – SuperNationals XVI Preview

WATCH: Video: Praga in Las Vegas Baby!

Next up, CKN will complete it’s Top Storylines of 2012 with some great individual efforts.