EKN Radio Network

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.

The United States Pro Kart Series reached the halfway point of the 2018 season with Round 3 and 4 contested at the GoPro Motorplex. The Mooresville, North Carolina facility hosted the Carolina Grand Prix on June 15-17 during what was a hot weekend for all seven IAME categories. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by KartLift. The Acceleration Kart Racing Paddock Pass, Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Nitro Kart complete the podcast.

The 2018 season on the west coast begins with the Challenge of the Americas. Promoter Andy Seesemann hosted the 11th season of the program this winter, beginning a new era with the series under the Rok Cup USA banner. Each event improved in terms of numbers and is a great starting point for the expansion of the Rok Cup engine platform for the western half of the North America. With the program completed, EKN’s Rob Howden sits down with the FTK Promotions owner about this past year, what is on the horizon for the Challenge, and more about what Seesemann does for the other eight months out of the year with his Full Throttle Karting shop.

Club racing is the backbone of karting here in the United States of America. It is what makes kart racing the grassroots level of motorsports, based on families willing to put their time and effort into making the sport better. One of the hundreds of volunteers to put in his time is Greg Speed of North Texas Karters. EKN’s Rob Howden sits down to talk with him about the growth and sustainability of the Denton, Texas club and race track, along with being a father of a young karter.

The second event of the Texas ProKart Challenge was a special and unique experience. The Superkarts! USA regional program hosted a Thursday, Friday, Saturday event, featuring two rounds of competition, with the main events held under the lights of the North Texas Kartway in Denton, Texas. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by CRG Nordam. The 3G Kart Racing Paddock Pass, Trinity Karting Group Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by K1 RaceGear complete the podcast.

The World Karting Association resumed its 2018 season with the third event of the year. The Pittsburgh International Race Complex served as the site for Round Five and Six of the championship chase, with the Wampum, Pennsylvania once again providing excitement, changing weather conditions, and putting a close to the first half of the series. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by K1 RaceGear. The Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Paddock Pass, Rolison Performance Group Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Comet Kart Sales complete the podcast.

The EKN Radio Network continues to expand with more live events and new shows. The latest is the rebirth of the Hot Seat, now hosted by EKN Managing Editor David Cole. Each race weekend Cole is trackside throughout the karting season, he will sit down with a member of the karting community to discuss past and present within the sport. The first to join him in the Hot Seat is new World Karting Association President Kevin Williams. The industry veteran was appointed to his new role within the organization at the end of March and has been busy during his first two months of his tenure.

The Superkarts! USA Pro Tour reached the halfway point of the 2018 season with the ninth running of the SpringNationals. The Phoenix Kart Racing Association in Glendale, Arizona hosted Round Three and Four of the championship chase for the nine IAME and Stock Honda categories. The weekend featured record high temperatures for the area as the nearly 200 drivers battled the challenging ‘Formula K Raceway’ circuit and conditions over the three days of competition. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Alan Rudolph Racing Academy. The CRG Nordam Paddock Pass, K1 Racegear Race Report and the EKN Trackside Live Race Calendar presented by Trinity Karting Group complete the podcast.

The 2018 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour continued with ninth annual SpringNationals taking place at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association in Glendale, Arizona. The nine IAME and Stock Honda divisions took part in Round Three and Four in extreme weather conditions that included record high triple digit temperatures throughout the weekend. On Friday, EKN’s Rob Howden provided the call of the final practice session for all seven race groups around the ‘Formula K Raceway’, serving as the newest episode of the ‘Happy Hour with Howden’. Sitting down with Howden during the broadcast included CRG Nordam driver Tyler Maxson and Alan Rudolph of the Alan Rudolph Racing Academy.

A lot of karting’s history is based from the Quincy area, both on the Illinois and Missouri sides of the Mississippi River. The famous race track in West Quincy, Missouri remains one of the grassroots facilities that shaped this countries karting history. On the Illinois side is ‘The Park’, one of the sport’s most famous street course rich with history. Gus Traeder, a true pioneer of karting, created the Quincy Grand Prix of Karting in 1970, lasting 32 years before the event went into the history books. Gus’ son and karting legend in his own right, Terry Traeder, is bringing back karts to the South Park roads once again, hosting the two-day weekend festival on June 9-10. EKN’s Rob Howden talks with Terry about the past, present and future of the event.

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 third episode of our ‘Operation Grassroots’ podcast features an interview with Cup Karts North America’s Greg Jasperson. He along with a handful of people created this regional program in the upper midwest and have continued to evolve the program expanding from Minnesota to Ohio, Michigan to Iowa. EKN’s Rob Howden talks with Jasperson about the development of the CKNA and where it is going for 2018 and beyond.

A trip to wine country sparked the end of the 2018 Challenge of the Americas. Rounds Five and Six of the premier winter series on the left coast were contested at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California on April 13-15. Seven champions in the Rok Cup USA categories were crowned, with six earning tickets to the famed Rok Cup International Final in Lonato, Italy with others earning entry to the Rok the Rio event this Fall in Las Vegas. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Nitro Kart. The KartLift Paddock Pass, VemmeKart USA Race Report and the Klotz Lubricants Race Calendar complete the podcast.

The 2018 Challenge of the Americas closed out the winter season with the third and final event in the championship. The Simraceway Performance Karting Center in Sonoma, California played host to the fifth and sixth rounds of Challenge, crowning the seven Rok Cup USA champions. On Friday, EKN’s Rob Howden provided the call of the final practice session for all seven race groups around the ‘National Reverse’ layout, serving as the newest episode of the ‘Happy Hour with Howden’. Sitting down with Howden included Challenge promoter Andy Seesemann, Rok Shifter Senior driver Nicky Hays, JH Motorsports’ Josh Huff, and Mike Rolison of Rolison Performance Group.

The third episode of the ‘Industry Insider’ podcast has EKN’s Rob Howden talk with Shawn Bayliff of Trinity Karting Group. The Trinity operation is a new program, based out of the Cincinnati, Ohio area, focused on driver development. Bayliff is no stranger to the sport of karting, having been among the top drivers in his prime, experiencing the climb up the motorsports ladder behind the wheel and outside of the driver cockpit. Howden discusses their program along with various topics in the sport, ending with the EKN Fast Five.

The sixth season of the United States Pro Kart Series began with the programs first visit to the Ocala Gran Prix. The central Florida facility hosted the Southern Grand Prix on April 6-8, serving as the first two rounds of the 2018 championship chase. The all-IAME program welcomed over 100 drivers in what was an exciting weekend of racing. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by K1 RaceGear. The Atlanta Motorsports Park Paddock Pass, Franklin Motorsports/Merlin USA Race Report and the Nitro Kart Race Calendar complete the podcast.

The Texas ProKart Challenge kicked off its 2018 season at the end of March with the first round of the championship held at the Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney, Texas. The March 24-25 event hosted one round of racing at the new facility, the same place where the 2017 season ended. The Superkarts! USA regional program began the new year and new chases toward the year-end awards. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Acceleration Kart Racing. The KartSport North America Paddock Pass, CRG Nordam Race Report and the Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Race Calendar 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 second episode of our ‘Operation Grassroots’ podcast features an interview with South Florida Karting Championship President Marc Julien. EKN’s Rob Howden talks with Julien about the development of the ‘SoFloKC’ and it’s focus around providing a grassroots movement for the sport around the Miami area.

The 2018 World Karting Association Manufacturers Cup Series resumed at the end of March with the first of two events scheduled for the GoPro Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina. The March 23-25 weekend served as Round Three and Four toward the 2018 championship chases, which began with Daytona KartWeek in December. Changing weather conditions kept the weekend challenging, with some solid performances by a handful of drivers. Rob Howden and David Cole broke down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Streeter Super Stands. The Comet Kart Sales Paddock Pass, IAME USA Race Report and Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires Race Calendar complete the podcast.

The 2018 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour kicked off at the NOLA Motorsports Park with the second annual WinterNationals. The Avondale, LA facility welcomed 212 drivers on March 2-4 in five IAME classes and four Honda categories to compete around the 1.1-mile circuit to begin the chase toward the SKUSA Pro Tour titles. It was an exciting weekend of racing, with Rob Howden and David Cole breaking down the entire event with the latest ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Rolison Performance Group. The Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Paddock Pass, Mazda Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires Race Report and Bell Racing USA Race Calendar complete the podcast.

The 2018 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour kicked off with the second annual WinterNationals on March 2-4. The NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, LA hosted the event for a second straight time, welcoming 212 drivers to compete in the five IAME and four Honda divisions. Friday, EKN’s Rob Howden provided the call of the final practice session for all seven race groups around the 1.1-mile course, serving as the newest episode of the ‘Happy Hour with Howden’. Sitting down with the official voice of SKUSA was Cadet racer Elliot Cox, Master driver Travis Irving, Nick Tucker of Nitro Kart, and 2017 EKN Driver of the Year Jake French.

The Challenge of the Americas returned to the CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California on February 23-25 for the second stop of the 2018 season. EKN was trackside throughout the weekend, providing LIVE coverage for the three days of competition that helped shape up the championship categories in the Rok Cup USA divisions. The EKN duo of Rob Howden and David Cole breakdown the event in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by Precision Karting Technologies. The Alan Rudolph Racing Academy Paddock Pass, Bell Racing USA Race Report and Acceleration Kart Racing Race Calendar.

The ‘Happy Hour with Howden’ returned for the second stop for Challenge of the Americas. The premier winter series on the west coast made its return to the southern California area and the CalSpeed Karting facility in Fontana, California. EKN’s Rob Howden provided the call of the Pre-Qualifying session for all seven race groups on Friday, February 23 around the 7/10-mile ‘Grande’ course. During the 2.5-hour show, series promoter Andy Seesemann joins Howden, along with Senior Rok point leader Jim McKinney, Briggs 206 Senior racer David Vasquez and Rok Shifter Senior driver Alex Keyes.

The inaugural Superkarts! USA Winter Series closed out at the Ocala Gran Prix facility on February 9-11. EKN was trackside throughout the weekend, providing LIVE coverage throughout the three days of competition. The third and fourth rounds of the ‘spring training’ for the SKUSA Pro Tour helped to crown the 11 inaugural champions and set the tone of the 2018 SKUSA season. EKN’s Rob Howden and David Cole discuss the weekend in the latest edition of the ‘EKN Debrief’ - presented by CRG Nordam. The two discuss the topics, including the K1 RaceGear Paddock Pass, the Briggs & Stratton Race Report, and look ahead in the Franklin Motorsports Racing Calendar.

The ‘Happy Hour with Howden’ is back, making a return to the Ocala Gran Prix for the finale event of the 2018 Superkarts! USA Winter Series. EKN’s Rob Howden sits down on the mic for 2.5 hours as the classes complete their final practice session on Friday, February 9 around the 6/10-mile circuit. During that time, Rolison Performance Group’s Mike Rolison sits down to talk about the task of driver development and what the leading race team is doing for 2018.

Our second episode of the ‘Industry Insider’ podcast has EKN’s Rob Howden talk with Nick Tucker of Nitro Kart. Today, the brand is among the top Cadet chassis on the market after a stellar opening year in 2017. Tucker has been involved in motorsports and karting since he was a kid. Howden dives into his early years as a driver, his progression within the motorsports world, and how he came to developing the Nitro Kart chassis and race team.

The 2018 karting season is now fully underway with the west coast welcoming its first major event of the year after the east coast has enjoyed all the spoils. For the 11th year, the Challenge of the Americas opened up the international karting scene along the western half of North America, holding its first event of 2018. A new era began for the Challenge, hosting Round 1 and 2 of the championship chase at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association in Glendale, Arizona on January 26-28. Providing the EKN Live coverage throughout the weekend were Rob Howden and David Cole as they were trackside all three days. Following their flights back to the cold weather, the two discussed the weekend in the latest edition of the EKN Debrief - presented by Rok Cup USA. The two discuss the topics, including the Nitro Kart Paddock Pass, review the Rok and Briggs 206 categories and talk about the upcoming events in the Streeter Super Stands Racing Calendar.

One of the original audio shows that had a home on the old eKartingNews.com site was the ‘Happy Hour with Howden’. Many of the shows were recorded actually on the racetrack at day’s end, in the paddock or in the lobby of the host hotel. We discussed the event and the sport, and enjoyed the participation of many great guests. The show is making a return this year, and is primed for the busy 2018 season. The ‘Happy Hour’ will allow EKN Publisher Rob Howden to sit down and talk about the sport with key people during the final practice session of our EKN Live events. The first show of 2018 took place at the Challenge of the Americas opener at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association in Glendale, Arizona on January 26. Rob sat down with COTA promoter Andy Seesemann, Rok Cup USA’s Garett Potter, former Indy 500 Rookie of the Year on now kart team owner Phil Giebler, and Senior driver Jim McKinney.

Superkarts! USA got its earliest start to a season with the inaugural running of the SKUSA Winter Series event at the AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex presented by MG Tires. Over 200 drivers contested the event around the southern Florida facility, with it all broadcasted via the EKN Live page. EKN’s own Rob Howden was trackside, calling the action and breaks down the weekend talking with EKN Managing Editor David Cole in the newest EKN Debrief - presented by IAME USA. The two discuss the topics surrounding the paddock, break down who shined on-track, and talk about the upcoming events on the Comet Kart Sales Racing Calendar.

The EKN Radio Network continues to expand with another new podcast program that will join the line-up to start the 2018 season. The ‘Industry Insider’ podcast provides EKN with the opportunity to sit down with key personal within the karting industry - from shop owners and race team managers to importers and series directors. The first episode of our ‘Industry Insider’ podcast features a discussion with Challenge of the Americas promoter and Full Throttle Karting owner Andy Seesemann. A long-time fixture in the sport of karting, Seesemann is opening up the 2018 Challenge with a new sound, moving to the Rok engine platform while continuing to support the Briggs & Stratton categories. EKN’s Rob Howden covers a number of topics with Seesemann in this inaugural ‘Industry Insider’.

2018 is here, and the new racing season is underway. The 2017 calendar year closed out and the 2018 season began with the same event, the annual WKA Daytona KartWeek. A unique event, combining three separate races at one facility. The Manufacturers Cup Series takes to the sprint track inside the NASCAR oval, the National Road Racing Series hits the high banks and the famed road course, while dirt racers from all over hit the flat track just outside NASCAR 1-2 for the Dirt World Championships. The focus of the first EKN Debrief of 2018 - presented by KartLift - examines the event overall and the action that took place at the Margay Sprint Nationals for the three days of competition. EKN’s David Cole gives us his insights and discusses the event alongside Rob Howden. At the end, check out the upcoming EKN Trackside Live events with the 3G Kart Racing Calendar.

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 first episode of our ‘Operation Grassroots’ podcast features an interview with KPX Karting Championship co-director Chris Rossi. The KPX program has been a catalyst of growth and newfound cooperation in the Northern California area. EKN’s Rob Howden talks with Rossi about the birth of the KPX program, the past seasons, the future of the series and, of course, the sport in general.

After a week in Las Vegas and returning for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s back to work for everyone, including the eKartingNews.com staff. The month of December will be about reflecting on the 2017 season and preparing for the upcoming 2018 schedule that is sure to be busy and jam packed full of karting weekend after weekend. But first, the duo of Rob Howden and David Cole debrief on the 21st edition of the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals, held outside the Las Vegas Convention Center | Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Ten drivers were able to walk away as winners, with 40 others standing on the podium leaving over 450 others hoping and wishing for better luck and results in 2018. The EKN duo talk about the event, some highlights, some issues, and breakdown the 10 races from SuperSunday. Special thanks to Cooper Tires as the presenting sponsor for the EKN Live broadcast along with Acceleration Kart Racing, Alpha Kart USA, Aluminos, TB Kart USA, Rolison Performance Group, Courtney Concepts, Trinity Karting Group, and Alan Rudolph Racing Academy.

Teams and drivers are arriving to Las Vegas for the 21st running of the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals. It has been an amazing 2017 season, and it all concludes with the annual trek to ‘Sin City’. This year’s event outside the Las Vegas Convention Center | Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino is projected to welcome over 500 drivers with nearly 40 different countries represented. The busy days leading up to the week in Vegas has kept the EKN duo busy review the exclusive entry lists provided by SKUSA. On November 3, Rob Howden and David Cole sat down to discuss the 10 categories, the new track, and what to expect from SuperNationals 21.