EKN Radio Network

The newest show to hit the EKN Radio Network is ‘Operation Grassroots’, a podcast geared solely on the foundation of the sport. The hub of the show will be discussion centered on the grassroots level of karting, from club racing to regional racing, all focused around the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine platform. Our #OperationGrassroots movement has been based around the Briggs powerplant, with the ultimate goals of bringing new people into the sport and igniting the spark of former racers to come back into what is the most economical form of karting. Briggs & Stratton racers in the Midwest are craving for the weather conditions to warm up and start the 2019 season. The Cup Karts North America program opens up its season with the Spring Nationals, set for Concept Haulers Motor Speedway in Norway, Illinois on May 3-5. Listen to Rob Howden talk with series promoter Greg Jasperson about the series opener, and the rest of the season, including the Grand Nationals in October in this edition of the ‘Operation Grassroots’ powered by Briggs & Stratton Racing.

The newest show to hit the EKN Radio Network is ‘Operation Grassroots’, a podcast geared solely on the foundation of the sport. The hub of the show will be discussion centered on the grassroots level of karting, from club racing to regional racing, all focused around the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine platform. Our #OperationGrassroots movement has been based around the Briggs powerplant, with the ultimate goals of bringing new people into the sport and igniting the spark of former racers to come back into what is the most economical form of karting. The 2019 season is underway in northern California with the KPX Karting Championship already hosting the first of their six events on the year. The grassroots regional program has transitioned to become an International Kart Federation (IKF) series, welcoming Briggs & Stratton 206 competitors along with IAME KA100 racers. To bring you up to speed with everything related to the KPX program, Rob Howden talks with Kenny Manchester and Chris Rossi in this edition of the ‘Operation Grassroots’ powered by Briggs & Stratton Racing.

The Dual Weekend Double Double program concluded with the series finale for Challenge of the Americas. The Rok Cup USA program hosted Rounds Five and Six at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California on April 5-7. Nine class champions were decided with six tickets to the Rok Cup Superfinal in Italy, and three tickets to the ROK the RIO in Las Vegas. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Streeter Super Stands. The Nitro Kart Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Bell Racing USA. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Croc Promotion USA completes the podcast.

The second half of the #DualWeekendDoubleDouble featured the 2019 opener for the United States Pro Kart Series presented by MG Tires. The program began its seventh season with the Southern Grand Prix, held on April 5-7 at the Ocala Gran Prix in central Florida. The event welcomed over 160 entries for the seven IAME categories, the highest total since the 2016 season. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to CRG Nordam. The CompKart Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Franklin Motorsports. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Cometic Gasket completes the podcast.

The 2019 season began for the Texas ProKart Challenge on the March 29-31 weekend. The series hosted Round One and Two at the North Texas Kartway in Denton, Texas on a chilly weekend for the Lone Star State. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to PSL Karting. The Stilo USA Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by the Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Comet Racing Engines completes the podcast.

The World Karting Association Manufacturers Cup Series program resumed its 2019 season after 88 days. The 2018 Daytona KartWeek kicked off the championship program in December, with the BBS Nationals hosting Round Three and Four at the GoPro Motorplex on March 29-31. The Mooresville, North Carolina facility welcomed 119 entries in the eight divisions competing. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to IAME USA East. The Croc Promotion USA Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Precision Karting Technologies. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by KartLift completes the podcast.

Now entering its eighth season, the Superkarts! USA Texas ProKart Challenge opens up this weekend at the North Texas Karters facility in Denton, Texas. The Lone Star State continues to produce top-level karters year after year, thanks in part to the Texas PKC. It has been a busy off season for P1 Promotions - Mark and Gina French - as they prepared for the upcoming championship. EKN’s Rob Howden talks with the husband/wife, racing dad/racing mom, race directors, etc. about the 2019 season for the Texas ProKart Challenge and P1 Promotions.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. Episode eight brings you the updated information on the prize package of the upcoming Rotax events here in the United States with RTX Karting and J3 Competition. The prize package for the Superkarts! USA regional programs - California ProKart Challenge, Texas ProKart Challenge, and the revived Great Lakes ProKart Challenge. And learn about the new Tuesday Night Thunder in Indy and amazing tire program offered up by Cup Karts North America.

The second stop of for the Rok Cup USA Challenge of the Americas took competitors of the premier winter series on the left coast back to Tucson, Arizona. The popular Musselman Honda Circuit welcomed nearly 100 drivers on the March 8-10 weekend to play host for Round Three and Four of the program. It was back-to-back weekends for EKN, and many of the competitors on hand. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. The Stilo USA Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by VemmeKart USA. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Comet Kart Sales completes the podcast.

Exactly three weeks after Superkarts! USA closed out the Winter Series in Florida, the organization hosted the opening event of the Pro Tour for the 2019 season. The third edition of the WinterNationals was held at the CalSpeed Karting on March 1-3 in Fontana, California. It was the first SKUSA Pro Tour event to be held in SoCal, welcoming challenging weather conditions around the Grande layout. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Croc Promotion USA. The Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tire Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Acceleration Kart Racing. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by IAME USA East completes the podcast.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. The seventh episode covers a number of topics, beginning with a new online home for Rotax racers in the USA, a recap of the second round for the Florida Winter Tour, upcoming event updates and #OperationGrassroots section.

The 2019 Superkarts! USA Winter Series closed out the program on the February 8-10 weekend, completing the third and fourth rounds of the championship at the AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex presented by MG Tires. The final ‘winter training’ event crowned this year’s series champions and awarded the big prize purse for those finishing on the podium. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Franklin Motorsports. The Comet Racing Engines Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by KartSport North America. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by IAME USA completes the podcast.

The karting season on the west coast kicked off 2019 with the opening event for Challenge of the Americas. The premier winter series on the left coast opened up its 12th season at the CalSpeed Karting facility on February 8-10 weekend. Rain hit the Fontana, California area all weekend, providing for a wet start to the three-event, six-round championship program. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Rok Cup USA. The CRG Nordam Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Cometic Gaskets. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Rolison Performance Group completes the podcast.

The leading program in the northeast portion of North America is The F Series Gearup Challenge. Four states are represented in the five-event championship set for the 2019 program, which is supported by a number of competitors and industry members, and includes a class structure that is not selective. The program provides unique opportunities for drivers of all ages and skill level. Series principal Marco Oldhafer talked with EKN’s Rob Howden about the 2019 season, his ownership in the New York Race Complex, and the local series he’s helped to establish to build the grassroots level of the sport.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. Episode six is 1.5 hours long, covering a number of topics from the second half of January. Among them include SKUSA 2019, karting in Texas, the Florida Winter Tour, Canadian schedules and more.

The 2019 edition of the Florida Winter Tour began this month at a new location under the ROK Cup USA banner. Promoter Garett Potter brought karting to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, creating a replica of the South Garda Karting circuit in Italy to a parking lot for an exciting temporary track to host Round One of the series. Potter talks with EKN’s Rob Howden about the weekend, the plans for the second round at the home of the Miami Dolphins, breaking the circuit layout plans for February and the location for the first of two ROK Festivals in 2019.

Superkarts! USA has come full circle over the past two decades. The Janowski family was behind the initial years, building the organization from the ground up from Indiana. Today, SKUSA is the premier national program and continues building up regional programs across the country. The latest is the revival of the Great Lakes ProKart Challenge, the original regional program of SKUSA, now led by SKUSA Director of Competition Joe Janowski. The ‘Polish Hammer’ sits down with EKN’s Rob Howden to talk about his past in the sport, the building of SKUSA, the present status of the SKUSA Pro Tour and the upcoming season of the Great Lakes ProKart Challenge.

The first ‘Debrief’ taped in 2019 covers the opening event of the Superkarts! USA Winter Series. The AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex presented by MG Tires hosted over 230 entries to South Florida over the January 11-13 weekend to officially kick off the 2019 karting season. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Bell Racing USA. The Nitro Kart Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Trinity Karting Group. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by KartLift completes the podcast.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. The fifth episode of TWIK is the first of the 2019 season. Rob Howden and David Cole discuss the items that hit the karting newswire during the holiday weeks and the opening week of 2019. Silly season continues as we start the new season, Rotax racing is revamping for 2019 while pushback bumpers expand in North America to more international and regional events.

Endurance racing is a test of man and machine. It is not everyday you can attempt to drive a kart for 24 straight hours. Your chance is now with the creation of the SimCraft 24 Hours of Orlando. Event promoter TJ Halsema sat down with EKN’s Rob Howden to discuss the upcoming event on March 29-31 at the Orlando Kart Center in Florida. Racing twice around the clock in Briggs & Stratton 206 powered karts, over 20 teams are entered to take on the challenge and become the inaugural winner of the USAC Karting-sanctioned race.

2019 is here, and the official kick-off for the new season always begins in 2018. The World Karting Association Daytona KartWeek was held on December 28-30 as the first event for the 2019 Bridgestone Manufacturers Cup Series championship program. The annual ‘three events at one facility’ took place at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida with the sprint, road racing and dirt oval programs competing over the three days. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the event from the ‘World Center of Racing’ with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to IAME USA. The Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Precision Karting Technologies. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Rolison Performance Group completes the podcast.

The new season is upon us as 2019 is here. The first podcast to hit the EKN Radio Network is the 15th episode of the ‘Industry Insider’. EKN’s Rob Howden was able to track down Superkarts! USA leader Tom Kutscher for a long conversation. The new season for SKUSA - including the upcoming SKUSA Winter Series and the 10th season of the SKUSA Pro Tour - along with the International Kart Federation are among the many topics during the 1.5-hour podcast.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. Episode four closes the 2018 season with the final items of the year to hit the karting industry. Drivers leaving their current homes, looking for new teams in 2019, setting the stage for the opening events of the season and a look at where EKN begins the new year.

The final ‘Industry Insider’ of 2018 is focused on the last event of the calendar year. The World Karting Association is set to host the Daytona KartWeek during the days after Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The organization, off the upcoming event inside the Daytona International Speedway, is gearing up for an exciting 2019 season with sprint, road racing, and dirt oval competition - including a return to the Charlotte Motor Speedway in June. Listen in as EKN’s Rob Howden talks with WKA President Kevin Williams and Chairman of the Board Mike Tetreault about these topics and more during the 14th episode of the ‘Industry Insider’

The Hot Seat returns to the EKN Radio Network. EKN Publisher Rob Howden takes over the reigns as he grabs EKN TaG Driver Rankings powered by Bell Racing USA #1 Ryan Norberg. The now three-time Superkarts! USA Pro Tour champion is without a ride, after parting ways with PSL Karting. Howden talks with the Florida driver as they reflect on the past, and look to what is ahead.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. Episode three is a recap of all the news that has hit the karting world since the SKUSA SuperNationals 22 in November. A lot of topics came across the news desk and hit the home page of the site in the days during and after SuperSunday in Las Vegas.

Andy Seesemann has become the leader in the clubhouse for the Industry Insider show. The longtime industry member made his third appearance on the show, joining EKN’s Rob Howden again for another entertaining interview. Seesemann has been working hard on the 2019 season since before the summer began. Now that the calendar is about to turn, the focus is on the 12th season for Challenge of the Americas. The premier winter series on the left coast begins in February, marking the second year under the ROK Cup USA banner. The two discuss that program, along with the California ROK Championship, new for 2019 and set for May to September with four events scheduled.

The 2018 season came to an end with the Super Bowl of karting - the Superkarts! SuperNationals. For the 22nd time, karters from around the world converged in Las Vegas to compete in the premier North American karting event featuring shifter and TaG karts. The race returned to its ‘home’ - the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino on November 14-18 as 10 categories featuring over 530 drivers battled on a new temporary circuit. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. The CRG Nordam Paddock Pass is followed by the Race Report presented by Franklin Motorsports, Precision Karting Technologies and EPARTRADE. The EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Rolison Performance Group completes the podcast.

One of the most historic names in the karting industry for USA is Margay. One of the few chassis manufacturers in the United States continues to be at all levels of the sport. Decades after the company began, third-generation owner Keith Freber understands that sport can only grow with new people coming in. Their grassroots effort with the new Ignite program riding off of the popular Briggs & Stratton powerplant is part of the sport’s growth over the last five years. Now, the new partnership with Circuit of the America is expanding their reach. EKN’s Rob Howden spoke with Freber about the history of Margay, where the company is today and off course the future of Ignite.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. The second episode hits just prior to the SKUSA SuperNationals 22, with some news on the event in Las Vegas along with information on programs for the 2019 season.

The newest podcast to hit the EKN Radio Network airwaves is ‘Book It’ - in conversation with Rob Howden. The EKN Publisher and longtime announcer turns on the mic for a raw, open book discussion with veteran karter and race. Matt Jaskol. The Vegas native is celebrating the one-year anniversary of completing the show ‘Castaways’. Jaskol’s story is much more than just a spot on a reality television show. It’s about the grind of making his way up the motorsports ranks, and how karting continues to be part of his life 20 years after winning at the SuperNationals.

Becoming the best takes hard work and dedication. It’s no different in karting, needing to put in 100% for the opportunity to be at the top of the podium when it comes to main event time. No one is on the gas full throttle on and off the track for his drivers and team then Mike Rolison. The former IKF and US Rotax Grand Nationals champion is the owner of Rolison Performance Group. RPG has become one of the leading driver development race teams in North America. EKN’s Rob Howden got Rolison to sit down for just a bit as he prepared for the ROK the Rio event and what is in store for the RPG squad in 2019.

The 2018 season for the WKA Manufacturers Cup Series wrapped up at the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina on October 26-28. The Top Kart USA Grand Nationals welcomed racers for Round 11 and 12 of the season, with each day winner earning the coveted WKA Eagle trophy. The results put the final touches on the 2018 season championships, with title winners to be crowned at the year-end ceremony in Daytona this December. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to K1 RaceGear. The Acceleration Kart Racing Paddock Pass, Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Nitro Kart complete the podcast.

One of the most respected figures in the sport of karting in North America is Alan Rudolph. A longtime driver and instructor, Rudolph’s resume is strong in both aspects with a long list of victories and championships along with great alumni pupils that range from all forms of motorsports. All of that preceded the announcement of his ownership in the Speedsportz Racing Park and the creation of Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. EKN’s Rob Howden calls up longtime friend in Rudolph to discuss his beginnings as a karter, the path his career went, and what is happening now with the Houston, Texas facility and his own driving school.

eKartingNews.com is the hub of the karting world, providing you with all the latest news, insider information and race reports from events around the globe. ‘This Week In Karting’ helps to tie everything together in one weekly podcast, bringing our listeners up to speed on the most recent news in the sport. The inaugural episode hits on the new SKUSA SSE powerplant, Dan Wheldon Award, the latest release of the EKN Driver Rankings powered by Bell Racing USA, and more.

The Rok Cup USA program is wrapping up the 2018 season this week with the inaugural ROK the RIO event in Las Vegas. From October 31-November 3, racers will be competing outside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino to be name the inaugural winners of the event. The Rok Cup USA program has continued to grow throughout the season, adding the Florida Winter Tour and Challenge of the Americas to its list along with a number of facilities added the Rok engine platform to its roster. EKN’s Rob Howden grabbed Garett Potter of Rok Cup Promotions prior to the event to talk about Team USA at the Rok Cup International Final, the ROK the RIO, and plans for the 2019 season.

The newest show to hit the EKN Radio Network is ‘Operation Grassroots’, a podcast geared solely on the foundation of the sport. The hub of the show will be discussion centered on the grassroots level of karting, from club racing to regional racing, all focused around the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine platform. Our #OperationGrassroots movement has been based around the Briggs powerplant, with the ultimate goals of bringing new people into the sport and igniting the spark of former racers to come back into what is the most economical form of karting. It’s back-to-back podcast programs with Cup Karts North America promoter Greg Jasperson on ‘Operation Grassroots’ powered by Briggs & Stratton Racing.. Prior to their Grand Nationals II event, we had Greg on to talk about the event. Now, Mr. Jasperson is back to provide his take on the September race that drew in nearly 200 drivers from around North America to compete in the unofficial Briggs continental championship at New Castle Motorsports Park. He and EKN’s Rob Howden talk about the event and the future plans for the Grand Nationals III, along with the 2019 plans for the regional programs under the CKNA banner.

It has been an amazing 2018 season for the Nitro Kart brand. In just two years, the chassis has become the leading brand for the Cadet age group, gaining major wins and championships since launching in 2017. The man behind its birth is Nick Tucker. A SKUSA Pro Tour champion and motorsport industry member has taken the reigns for the leader in the Cadet ranks, helping to develop not only a successful chassis, but a group of drivers primed to take on the best in not only North America, but the world. EKN’s Rob Howden sits down with Tucker to discuss the 2018 season, the upcoming end to the season and the outlook for the future of Nitro Kart.

One of the most unique events of the year is the Streets of Lancaster Grand Prix. The City of Lancaster, California put together the 10th edition of the event on September 29-30, working with Superkarts! USA for the past eight. Racers from all over North America converged to the southern California city for what was the season finale for the California ProKart Challenge. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to IAME USA. The Cambrian Go-Karts Paddock Pass, VemmeKart USA Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by TB Kart USA complete the podcast.

The Texas ProKart Challenge closed out the racing for the 2018 season, deciding this year’s champions at the Dallas Karting Complex. The Caddo Mills, Texas facility welcomed racers for a one-round event on September 22-23, with rain hitting the area hard throughout Saturday. Thankfully, the precipitation ended on Sunday to allow the racing to be completed and this year’s champions confirmed. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to CRG Nordam. The Acceleration Kart Racing Paddock Pass, Comet Kart Sales Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Bell Racing USA complete the podcast.

The 2018 season continued for the World Karting Association Manufacturers Cup Series on September 14-16. Racers headed to the New Castle Motorsports Park for the Nitro Kart Nationals, competing on a revised layout of the popular New Castle, Indiana facility. Weather was perfect for racing, with Round Nine and Ten contested in the penultimate event for 2018. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. The Comet Racing Engines Paddock Pass, IAME USA Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by K1 RaceGear complete the podcast.

The newest show to hit the EKN Radio Network is ‘Operation Grassroots’, a podcast geared solely on the foundation of the sport. The hub of the show will be discussion centered on the grassroots level of karting, from club racing to regional racing, all focused around the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine platform. Our #OperationGrassroots movement has been based around the Briggs powerplant, with the ultimate goals of bringing new people into the sport and igniting the spark of former racers to come back into what is the most economical form of karting. The Cup Karts North America program is the midwest authority in Briggs & Stratton regional racing. The program has closed out the North and Central schedules, and are now looking ahead to the upcoming Grand Nationals II, set for New Castle Motorsports Park on September 28-30. EKN’s Rob Howden tracked down promoter Greg Jasperson to talk about the season and the second edition of the special event in the latest episode of the ‘Operation Grassroots’ powered by Briggs & Stratton Racing.

The 24th edition of the Rock Island Grand Prix was held over Labor Day weekend. Karters from all over the country and the world traveled to the Quad Cities area to compete in the two-day racing festival in Rock Island, Illinois. Racers battled wet weather early before the skies opened up for perfect racing conditions the rest of the way. In all, 16 categories took on the 6/10-mile street circuit that always provides amazing action for the thousands of spectators in attendance. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with a special two-hour edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to EPARTRADE. The KartLift Paddock Pass, Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Precision Karting Technologies complete the podcast.

The ninth season of the Superkarts! USA Pro Tour came to a end with the 2018 SummerNationals held at the New Castle Motorsports Park. The Pro Tour finale has found a new home in New Castle, Indiana, with the nine IAME and Stock Honda categories crowning the 2018 champions after Round Five and Six were contested on the 1-mile course. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with a special two-hour edition of the ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to K1 RaceGear. The Texas ProKart Challenge Paddock Pass, Nitro Kart Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Comet Kart Sales complete the podcast.

The 2018 edition of the United States Pro Kart Series closed out at the recent Hoosier Grand Prix. The New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle, Indiana hosted Round Five and Six on the July 27-29 weekend under perfect racing conditions. The seven IAME categories decided the 2018 champions after two days of solid racing around the 1-mile circuit. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to IAME USA. The Rolison Performance Group Paddock Pass, TB Kart USA Race Report, and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Precision Karting Technologies complete the podcast.

Each Labor Day weekend, karters flock to the Quad Cities area to take part in the annual Rock Island Grand Prix. The Illinois city along the Mississippi River will host the 24th edition of the RIGP with a host of volunteers putting on the three-day festival. The featured entertainment is the two days of racing through the city streets in a six-trun, 6/10-mile course. The event requires 365 days of preparation and execution, and the man leading the core group of volunteers is Roger Ruthart. EKN’s Rob Howden sits down with the RIGP director about how the event began, what makes this race so special and things racers this year can expect to see and experience.

The Texas ProKart Challenge completed its summer season with the second annual trip to the Amarillo Kart Circuit on July 20-22. The series hosted Round Four and Five of the 2018 championship program, welcoming high-profile drivers from the west and east coast venturing to the Lone Star State. Amarillo, Texas featured record high temps during the weekend, which featured some exciting racing on this rare and unique facility. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to the Acceleration Kart Racing. The VemmeKart USA Paddock Pass, IAME USA Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by 3G Kart Racing complete the podcast.

The World Karting Association resumed the 2018 season for the Manufacturers Cup Series on the July 13-15 weekend. The program visited the Concept Haulers Motor Speedway for the first time since 2012, taking on the challenging grassroots course. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debreif’ - thanks to the Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires. The K1 RaceGear Paddock Pass, Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Trinity Karting Group complete the podcast.

A new event is gaining momentum in only its second year. USAC Karting is providing karters with the bucket list opportunity to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a dream all racers have. The Battle at the Brickyard was established in 2017 with rave reviews, and exceeded those marks in 2018 with the second edition on July 6-8. Rob Howden and David Cole break down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Franklin Motorsports. The CRG Nordam Paddock Pass, Trinity Karting Group Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Streeter Super Stands complete the podcast.

The newest show to hit the EKN Radio Network is ‘Operation Grassroots’, a podcast geared solely on the foundation of the sport. The hub of the show will be discussion centered on the grassroots level of karting, from club racing to regional racing, all focused around the Briggs & Stratton 206 engine platform. Our #OperationGrassroots movement has been based around the Briggs powerplant, with the ultimate goals of bringing new people into the sport and igniting the spark of former racers to come back into what is the most economical form of karting. Briggs racers make up a big part of the USAC Karting events in 2017 and will once again be in full force at their July and August events in 2018. The first is the second annual Battle at the Brickyard where karts compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 6-8. The second is the Elkhart Riverwalk Grand Prix on August 10-12. EKN’s Rob Howden sat down with USAC Karting Director of Operations Mike Burrell to discuss both events in the latest edition of the ‘Operation Grassroots’ powered by Briggs & Stratton Racing.