World Karting Association Nationals at Chapel Hill Raceway

The World Karting Association (WKA) is a membership- owned, non-profit corporation formed in 1971 to regulate and promote the sport of competitive kart racing. They establish the rules and procedures to set standards by which to sanction tracks and to conduct annual championships for various types of karting. WKA has grown to over 10,000 active members and 120 sanctioned tracks nationwide to make it the largest sanctioning body for kart racing in the United States and one of the largest in the world.

The “go-kart” phenomenon began in the late 1950's as a fun and affordable form of motorsports with informal parking lot events rapidly growing into organized competition on purpose-built tracks. While the “go” in the name has long since been dropped by those involved with the sport, karting has gone on to become a recreational activity for an estimated 100,000 plus Americans annually.

Karting can be a relatively inexpensive hobby or a legitimate and sophisticated training ground for those looking to move into other forms of professional motorsports. A majority of today’s drivers at the highest levels of racing trace their beginnings to competitive karting. They include Tony Stewart, Sam Hornish Jr, Sara Fisher and Danica Patrick, to name just a few. Many others have made karting a life long hobby and/or career.

Organized events are available to individuals beginning at age 5. Formal competitive classes begin at the junior stage (age 8) and generally run in 3-year age groupings until “senior” status is reached (age 15 or 16, depending on the series). Around 45 percent of competitive event entrants are juniors.

There is not a better way of introducing yourself to motorsports. It offers an excellent entry level for racing that is safe, economical, and fun. From the beginner to the experienced veteran, it is a sport that involves the entire family.

For more information on this event please visit http://www.chapelhillraceway.com