Finally, the rain tires were not the order of the day at a TKC race. As one of our members stated, he was starting to get webbed feet.  With the sun shining, we hit the track at 10:00 sharp. Senior Light was up first, and was joined by Kelly Wood for a practice session before running a 100 lap race at Kawartha  Speedway next Friday night in her late model car. In the senior class it was Maroula Tassos taking the fast qualifier pin, her first of many to come. At the end of the final it was Alex DiFrangia taking the win with Kelly finishing in second place, and Maroula in third . 

Another great race of the day was Junior Heavy with  Spencer Todd taking the fast qualifier pin. The finals were 18 laps and saw a group of four breaking away with Bryson Schutte taking the lead. On lap four, Dalton Kellett took the lead and held it until lap 12. He lost it to Spencer Todd, but took it back for three more laps. In the end, Spencer regained the lead for the final two laps and the win. Bryson got second, Dalton third , and Dimitra Tassos rounding out the top four.  It was a great day for all the racers. 

The TKC has three weeks off and returns to racing on September 20. See you all at Goodwood.
 

    
In an effort to keep our members, and all club members, safe from potential danger, we want everybody to be aware that there are many crooks/scammers who have been targeting the karting community via local club websites and advertisements for buying and selling used karts.  

For information on how to avoid a scam when buying or selling used karting equipment, please click on this link. 

Additionally, there have been major thefts reported recently.  Ensure that your equipment is stored securely, record all serial numbers, and take photos of all your equipment.  If your chassis does not have a serial number, we recommend using an engraver to etch a unique id on an inconspicuous area of the chassis. 
 

    
The day started early with registration at 7:00 a.m.  The Subaru racers came into the new Subaru trailer and had a lottery draw for their engines.  The Mechanics mounted the new power plant and waited for the first practice.  This was the first time we have been at Kawartha Speedway and what a site.  As the karts went around the oval banked corners, they looked like 2 F16 Fighter Jets flying in formation, and the sound echoed off the outer concrete wall made it sound like Nascar.  It was quite impressive.

Practice and 1^st Heat were on dry tires but then the rain arrived and a tire change was in order.  The Subaru classes finished up in the rain with Trevor Rancier bringing home the 1^st win in the Subaru Kart Championship Series Novice class.

The Junior class had a field of 10 racers trying for the win in the inaugural race; the honor went to Jeremy Steinhausen.  It was also Jeremy’s first win as a kart racer, what a way to do it, to be the Subaru Kart Championship Series 1^st Junior winner. 

Congratulations Trevor and Jeremy on your wins.  Also a big thank you to the Mosport Kart Club for hosting the first race in the series; everybody was made to feel like part of your karting family.  
 

    
We at the TKC think there is a conspiracy going on to get the club to buy more rain tires.  The day started with a rainstorm that flooded corners 4, 7 and 9.  With a lot of help from the members we got the track ready to go.  Practice went ahead with rain tires.  After 11:00 a.m. the sun came out and dry tires were the best choice for the Heat races.  Even with all the tire changing there was enough time to have 20 lap finals.

The Masters class race turned out to be a strange “turn” of events.  Fred Jordan jumped out into the lead with Paul Draganac close behind.  A little water splashed up in corner 4 and Fred looped it with Paul spinning right behind him.  Both recovered in time to finish 1^st and 2^nd respectively, with Duane Cinnamon taking 3^rd.

The race of the day was the Junior Heavy Final, with a field of 17 karts.  Dimitra Tassos was the fast qualifier, and she came to the final with a win on her mind.  Dimitra was challenged a few times in the beginning of the race but no one had enough to complete the task.  She brought home her first win of the season.  After Dimitra cleared the scales she made one more dash and leap into and elated Dad’s arms; congratulations Dimitra (and Greg).  Kevin Morgan placed 2^nd and Dylan Van Tienen 3^rd.  The entire field fought hard for positions, it did not seem to matter if it was for 1^st, 6^th or 17^th.  The racing was spectacular!!

It was another great day of racing with the Ambulance attendance getting to be spectators all day and not having to go to work.   It is you, the karters that make this happen, keep up the good work.  We will see you all at the Hershey Centre for our first away race on July 12^th and 13^th.  Pre-registration is being accepted for this event.  For all the results, updated points and Hershey Centre race information go to the website at torontokartclub.com.
 

    
It was a special occasion for all in attendance on Saturday June 14, which was a tribute to a missed karting supporter, Dennis Morgan.  The day started with Jim Kenzie, Toronto Star's chief auto correspondent, saying a few words and everyone taking a moment of silence in honour of Dennis. As the crowd watched on, Jim then took Kevin Morgan for a remembrance lap in Dennis' Jaguar.  It all wound up with Jim and Kevin being given a checkered flag -- it was quite a sight.  Thanks to Jim Kenzie for his participation and contribution to our memorial.  

The races got underway with our first running of heat qualifying for the 2008 season, where drivers took full advantage of three racing heats.  In our Junior Light race, Cameron Morrison came home with the victory over Michael Taibi, although  Michael turned the fastest time of the race with a 46 flat on the Long Reverse track configuration.

Senior Light turned out to be a little bit of a challenge.   The scene in corner #9 for heat #2 and the final was one of the front rows spinning, mixing up the field.  At the end it was Michael Iamundi bringing home the win.

It was also photo day at TKC, and most of the members prepared their karts for the event.  Thanks to Warren Liebmann (ActionPix.ca) for a great job in delivering the custom photo CD's so quickly.  All participants can pick up their photo CD's at Canada Cup.

We ended the day with Kent Hovesen of Hovesen Homes, our race day sponsor, handing out the hardware.    

TKC's next points race is on Saturday June 28, which is also the popular  "11^th Annual Canada Cup", not to be missed.

  See the full story by Jim Kenzie in the Toronto Star HERE.
 

    
Finally the Sun Gods have shone upon the TKC. It seemed as if we would never get some good weather. The race day started off as usual with a few surprises to be revealed along the course of the day.  Our Masters class had Paul Draganac receiving the Fast Qualifier; the Pre-final had quite a bit of number swapping between Paul, Fred Jordan, and Owen Dykstra; but the Final proved to be just as exciting.  The end of the race Paul Draganac's "Last Lap" curse was gone and he brought home the win.

Our Junior Heavy class had 19 racers entered to compete for the day.  Dimitra Tassos kicked some boy butt and earned the Fast Qualifier; although things didn't go so well in the Pre-final.  After having led the pack for the entire race a last lap incident stole the win from her.  The Final proved to be quite a chase as relative newcomer Dalton Kellett turned the fastest time of the race, but it wasn't enough.  The win went to Taylor Gates with Andy Brough hot on his heels in 2^nd, a personal best for Andy.

As always the racing was spectacular in all the classes and the Ambulance never moved all day.

TKC returns to the track this Saturday June 14, to present the inaugural Dennis Morgan Memorial Event, which will pay homage to a long-time ambassador of karting and motorsports, who passed away suddenly on December 23, 2007.   Mr. Dennis Morgan was the founding editor of the Toronto Star Wheels section, the first dedicated automotive newspaper section in North America.  The race will be attended by Dennis' son Kevin, who has been a TKC member for many years, as well as other family members and close friends.  Media coverage of the event will be provided by the Toronto Star's Jim Kenzie.  The event is also TKC's annual "Photo Day", and professional sports photographers will be on site throughout the day.
 

    
The weather was great for the introduction of the Subaru Motor Program on May 24 at 3-S GoKarts in Sutton.  This was the first time that the motors have been seen under race conditions in Canada.  The day started a little late but everyone made it on the track and had a fun day.

These motors have a low RPM torque level and that challenged the racers and their mechanics as to what gear to run.  We held a mock 5-lap race for both the Novice and Junior Pro classes.  Everyone was very happy to see the motors go through their paces and perform as expected.

Practice went until 2:00 pm, at which time the motors were returned to the Subaru trailer.  The motors will be inspected and prepped for the first race, at Kawartha Speedway, in conjunction with Mosport Kart Club, on June 29.  Check out pictures from our set-up and test day on the Photos Page.  

For more information about the SUBARU Junior Karting Championship, including how to join, see the Subaru Page.
                                                   
       

    
Classes Doubled, Prizes Doubled, Registration Extended, and Corporate Meet & Greet Announced . . . . . .

We have received information from Fuji Industries Head office to bring Subaru Canada, Auto Division on line to support this program.  We have also received a news release from Subaru's Director of Karting, Yosuke Takahashi.  (CLICK HERE to read Mr. Takahashi's letter).  

We are having a meet and greet on Sunday May 18 at Subaru Head Office in Mississauga from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  The address is at the top of Mr. Takahashi's letter, in the link above.  Please read this letter for the full announcement and invitation.  We realize there are karting activities taking place on this long-weekend, but if you can find some time we would love to see you.

Additionally, we have enough entrants in this series to split into two classes (see below).  This also means that the prize packages have been DOUBLED!

            NOVICE    age 8 to 11 (experienced racers) -- EX17 motor

                               age 8 to 16* (inexperienced drivers) -- EX17 motor

            JUNIOR PRO   age 11 to 16* -- EX21 motor
         

Weights for the two classes will be determined and announced shortly.
* Must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the race season, but can be turning 16 in 2008. 

Because we have split the classes, we now have room for additional entrants.  Anybody who is still interested in participating in this program, will be permitted to register, with a new registration deadline of June 16.  Please note, though, that the on-track testing day is still scheduled for May 24 at Sutton, so don't delay if you still wish to take advantage of this extra day.  

We are scheduled to be at the Sutton track on Saturday May 24 at 8:00 am for set-up and testing.  All Subaru program registrants will need to RSVP their attendance at the testing day, no later than Thursday May 22.  Please RSVP to tkcpres2008@torontokartclub.com.

For more details about this programme, race dates, prize packages, registration form, etc., see the link below.   To assist in finding all the information about the SUBARU series, we have added a separate page, which can be accessed from the HOME page of this website.  Look for this button in the bottom right corner of the TKC Home page.  This new link will contain all the updates and vital information pertaining to this series: 

    
TKC is excited to announce that we will be offering "PHOTO DAY" to all our members on Saturday June 14, during TKC Race #5, the "Dennis Morgan Memorial Race".  

Throughout the day, ActionPix Photography will be on site to take professional on-track shots of all karts.  Each TKC member who races that day will receive a CD of their photo collection, free of charge.  These photos are a valuable keepsake of your 2008 racing year, and due to their high quality and resolution, can be printed in any size.   Don't miss Race #5 on June 14, and get those karts cleaned up !

Many thanks to the sponsor of the day, Hovesen Homes, for making this possible.    

                                                   
       

   
The Toronto Kart Club's  2^nd race of the season started out like any other typical May race day.  As the day progressed, the weatherman had different ideas.  With most of the qualifying complete, the skies started to open up. When the pre-finals got underway, the rain tires were the order of the day.  When the final round of the day got going, the drivers had a full understanding of hydroplaning.  No one really knew that water could slow down a kart so fast. As the racing wrapped up and all the corner workers and officials were heading for the scoring tower, a monsoon hit Goodwood. Check out the great pictures that our official photographer ( Jim McGlade ) took on the Photo Page for proof that we actually raced. The rain came down so hard and fast that trophy presentation had to be postponed until Race 4, June 7^th.  The day ended without the ambulance moving, to prove that our racers and officials are doing a great job. I hope everyone has dried out by now and hope for better weather for the next race.
   

 
Click HERE to read updated announcement regarding licensing requirements for Junior Light/Heavy drivers -- POSTED MAY 7.
  
After fielding several concerns from our members regarding this event, the Executive Board of Directors of TKC feel that it would best serve the members to allow for an additional drop.

Therefore, effective immediately, there will be 3 drops permitted for the 2008 TKC championship series. 
Only the best 11 of 14 points will be counted towards total points for the year. 
   

 Toronto Kart Club Race #3 is being combined with the "O.R.K.C. Round #1" event, being held at Goodwood Kartways on the weekend of May 9-11.  

At this time, TKC has very few details about this event, other than what has been posted on the O.R.K.C. website.  Please refer to the O.R.K.C. website, and direct any questions you may have to that site, or contact the staff of Goodwood Kartways.  

Please be aware that classes, weights, fuel, and other regulations, may be different from TKC rules. 

Toronto Kart Club and its directors and officials are not responsible for running this event.  We will post more details if they are made available to us. 

 

 Toronto Kart Club First Race on the Books for 2008

April 26th was the TKC's first race of the season.  The forecast was a bit worrisome as the week progressed, but we were fortunate to get the day off with only a few drops of rain and a little bit of a sand storm. The Masters class was up first to show all the rookies how it was done. With 9 classes in the field, there was a lot of racing to watch. Our largest class was Junior Heavy with 21 racers in the field and Kevin Monteith left off where he finished the '07 season and came home with the victory.

We were on the track at 10:00 sharp and off the track by 4:30 and the ambulance never moved all day. A great job by all the officials and the drivers. We rounded out the day with trophy presentations and pictures in front of our new sponsor banner.

Thanks again to all involved and a large thanks to all of our sponsors.  Here are the winners of each class.

Masters        Fred Jordan
Jr Rotax       Austin Milwain
Jr Light       Michael Taibi
Mini Max       Artem Korolev
Novice         Gregory Hovesen
Sr Light       Alex DiFrangia
Sr Heavy       Jack Manns
Sr. Rotax      Ryan Dennahower
Jr. Heavy      Kevin Monteith

Full results and photos can be found on TKC's website.
  

 Toronto Kart Club welcomes drivers from other ASN-affiliated clubs who wish to participate in one of our club races.  Non-TKC drivers may participate in a maximum of two (2) TKC points events, without being required to become a TKC member.   (This limit does not apply to special events such as Canada Cup or the Ironman Enduro.)   Event registration fee for visiting drivers is $80.00.

All visiting drivers are required to present a current (2008) license issued by an ASN-affiliated Club -- NO exceptions!  If you are planning on visiting TKC and have not yet received your 2008 license, please contact your home club.

 

    
Due to poor weather conditions, the Rookie On-Track Training and Testing day has been postponed until Saturday April 19.   This also means that TKC's Race #1 will be moved to Saturday April 26.  
      

    
Due to scheduling conflicts, the DENNIS MORGAN MEMORIAL RACE has been changed to Saturday June 14, TKC Race #5.   We encourage karters from all clubs to participate, as Mr. Morgan was a strong supporter of karting and motorsports in Ontario, and was also a good friend to many people in the karting community.    
      

  

 

 

    
Due to member demand, the event originally scheduled for August 9 and 10 (TKC Race #9) at Batavia New York, has been cancelled.  

Race #9 will now be held on Saturday August 9, 2008, at the 3-S kart track in SUTTON, ON.  
      

    
The SUBARU Junior Class is an experimental Club Support Program being introduced for the 2008 karting season.  Sealed engines will be supplied by Subaru to the Club for a special introductory series.
This program will be running only at our 2 scheduled "away" races at Hershey Centre Grand Prix and Sutton.  More details will be presented at the Spring Annual General Meeting on Sunday March 2.  
      

All Rookie drivers (drivers who have never previously held an ASN-affiliated kart racing license), are required to attend the training sessions.   The in-class training will be held on Saturday March 29, at Goodwood Community Centre, at Regional Road 21 and Highway 47, in Goodwood (west of Uxbridge).  Click here for a MAP.   The session begins at 10:00 am, and will run for approximately 2 hours.

You must be a registered member of Toronto Kart Club to attend this session.   Membership applications (along with completed medical forms and waivers) should be mailed to us in advance.  There will also be a separate "mechanics" training course, which will introduce new mechanics (parents) to the basics of chassis/engine set-up and maintenance.

All Rookie drivers are also required to attend the on-track training and testing, on Saturday April 12.
This will be held at the Goodwood Kartways Track (weather permitting).   
Technical inspection of all karts will begin at 8:30 a.m., so participants are reminded to arrive early in order to allow time to unload trailers.    You must bring your kart and all safety apparel (race suit, gloves, helmet, chest protector, neck brace, etc.).

Rookie drivers who do not attend and successfully complete BOTH sessions, will not be issued their racing license, and will therefore not be allowed to participate in any races.

Please note that, as the Toronto Kart Club is a not-for-profit organization, these training sessions are being provided completely FREE OF CHARGE to all of our members. 

If you are new to TKC, and have any questions about membership, completing the forms, or the mandatory training sessions, please send your questions to admin@torontokartclub.com , or phone 905-831-8088.

Our racing schedule for 2008 has been released, and can be seen on the Schedule page of this site.  

 Please remember that all dates and locations are tentative, as final details are still being arranged at this time.  

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Morgan on December 23, 2007 of a sudden heart attack.  Dennis, along with his son Kevin, have been active members of TKC for many years.  Dennis, retired journalist and editor, was the founder of the "Wheels" section of the Toronto Star back in 1986 -- the first newspaper in North America to have a dedicated automotive section.  Services for Mr. Morgan will be as follows:

Viewing -- Thursday Dec. 27, 4-9 pm, Pine Hills Cemetery
Funeral Service -- Friday Dec. 28, 10 am, Pine Hills Cemetery,
with Reception to follow.  Pine Hills is located at 625 Birchmount Road, north of St. Clair, in Scarborough. (416-267-8229).

Obituary in Toronto Star -- Click Here.