Wow, we are already into the second month of the new year. Two winter races down and the rules meeting done. See new rules highlights in print on our web site.

As we move further into the year we have some traveling races coming up, as well as the IKF 2 and 4 stroke nationals (Duffy time again). If you were not aware, the IKF was formed in 1957 and is the oldest and considered the most prestigious sanctioning body in the US and just formed an alliance with SKUSA. We will be waiting to see how this evolves and how or if it will effect us.

Our race this year with the Texas Pro Kart Challenge (TPKC) will be a first-time under the lights and will be backwards. So hang on to your helmets for some real racing action. As for our members who follow the TPKC series, you will want to attend our backwards club races for practice.

We have new inspection tags. We will be inspecting your karts for the 2018 year for safety issues as we progress from now until March. This will allow us to get ahead of this, instead of being bombarded with everyone all at once at the first Spring race. Get your paperwork filled out and make sure your karts are in order and in-tune with the rules.

One of the biggest changes in the safety rules is that neck braces for seniors only will be optional. Juniors will still be required to wear them. Of course I don't know why someone wouldn't wear one; after all it's only your neck. It is much like the quality of your helmet: how much is your head worth?

John Ray, President