GCKI History

GCKI History

In 1970, Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. (GCKA), was organized for the purpose of owning and operating facilities for the sport of kart racing.

The corporate charter of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. provided that if it ceased to operate its assets would be divided among the Regular Members of the corporation. The Regular Members of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. had guaranteed the payment of the debt to purchase the property and construct the original track and constituted the Board of Directors, which were not subject to removal, or election. All other members were Associate Members who only had such rights as given them by the Board of Directors of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc.

Though the years the Regular Members dwindled to five members, being Joe Dunlap, Bobby Vance, Tom Dunlap, Bobby Crisp and Bob Dunlap. In the mid 90's karting became more popular and the GCKA grew to enough members that the Regular Members of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. felt they (the members) should have more say in the conduct of the business of the club. So, for that reason, Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. (GCKI) was organized and the Executive Trustees are the remaining five Regular Members of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. These Executive Trustees have been involved with this track for up to 35 years and have a dedicated interest that it will always remain a kart racing facility.

If any of our present members think that Joe Dunlap owns (or acts like he owns) Gulf Coast Kartway, you’re right that he did own this track (partially, anyway). But, he and the other Regular Members of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. gave up their ownership for the benefit of the present racers. After its incorporation, Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. assumed all property and assets and debts and obligations of the former Gulf Coast Karting Association. In the transaction Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. paid the remaining Regular Members $15,000.00, for moneys that had been loaned to Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. by the Regular Members to pay its debts and obligations. Other than that obligation Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. received ownership of this track and about $12,000.00 in cash to continue to operated the facilities.

Kart technology has improved substantially through the years and with that technology we’ve seen speeds increase and lap times drop. With a major pit upgrade and track expansion, Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. is making room for increased membership and participation at our race events. The future looks very bright for the sport and for Gulf Coast Karters!

Mission Statement

GCKI Mission Statement

Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. is a member-owned and managed kart club that is focused on safety, family fun and sportsmanship while promoting the sport of Karting in the Houston area. Our members are committed to providing a safe environment to practice or race karts, entertain spectators, develop our young drivers, and enjoy the camaraderie that Karting delivers. We are dedicated to growing our membership and improving our facilities while keeping our membership costs reasonable. This is why we believe a GCKI membership provides one of the best values in motorsports!

Become a Member

How to Become A Member of Our Club

Becoming a member of Gulf Coast Karts, Inc. is easy. You can download a PDF of the Membership Application by clicking on the “Membership Application Form” link below.

Please mail (faxes and emails not accepted) your Membership Application to:

Gulf Coast Karters, Inc.
PO Box 19827
Houston, TX 77224

Membership is open to any person 18 years of age or older. The fee for new members is $325.00 for one (1) year. After the initial membership term the membership may be renewed for $300.00 for one (1) year. Any membership not renewed by the last day of the month following expiration will terminate and the person will have to join as a new member.

Membership of Gulf Coast Karters gives you unlimited access to the track at any time when a race or other official track function isn’t scheduled. This is the greatest bargain in motorsports in the Houston area!

Spouses and/or minor children living at the same address may join as Associate Members for the fee of $10.00 for each year.

Become a Volunteer

How to Become A Volunteer

Putting on races takes people and Gulf Coast Karters relies on our members and non-members to fulfill the roles required to run the Club and our kart racing events. We welcome and encourage this participation because without volunteers there simply would be no racing.

In addition to opportunities to volunteer and make a difference, race workers are required for each race event. You don't have to race to be involved in kart racing at Gulf Coast Karters. You can be a Corner Worker, Grid Marshall or work the Concessions Stand on race day and get paid for your service to GCKI. You don't have to be a member to serve as a race worker.

To volunteer, please contact one of our Club Officers or Board of Directors.  Being involved as a volunteer or as a race worker is fun and rewarding.

Officers & Trustees