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GCKI News

GCKI Spring Series Points Updated

Written by David Pergande
Wednesday, June 12 2013 00:00
Here are the updated points as of GCKI Spring 7 by RPM Motorsports. Thanks to all the racers that attended! The next race will be the last race in the GCKI Spring Series by RPM Motorsports on June 16th. The racing is going to be exciting as many of the racers are close in points and the Spring seaason class champions are yet to be decided in several classes so bring your friends, family and neighbors and join us for some exciting, close, open-wheel racing. Spectator passes are only $5 each which allows access to the shaded spectator bleachers and also the pit areas so you can visit with the racers and get a close look at their Italian racing machines! If you have any questions about the points please contact David Pergande at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. View the GCKI Spring Series by RPM Motorsports points file 42K PDF

Next Up - RPM Motorsports Spring 8 Race

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Wednesday, June 05 2013 00:00

The next GCKI event will be the GCKI RPM Motorsports Spring Race 8 on June 16th. There will be some exciting, close open wheel racing as racers compete for points in the RPM Motorsports Spring series.

The public is welcome to come out to watch. Spectator passes are only $5, we look forward to seeing you at the track!

The next event at Gulf Coast Kartway will be the Texas Mini Grand Prix motorcycle raceJune 22nd through 23rd.

Download the Race Registration & Pre-Tech Form

Photos of GCKI Spring Race 5 by RPM Motorsports

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Sunday, April 07 2013 20:00

Here are some podium pics from GCKI Srping Race 5 by RPM Motorsports

Photos of GCKI Spring Race 4 by RPM Motorsports

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Sunday, April 07 2013 20:00

Here are some podium pics from GCKI Srping Race 4 by RPM Motorsports

Photos of GCKI Spring Race 6 by RPM Motorsports

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Sunday, April 07 2013 20:00

Here are some podium pics from GCKI Spring Race 6 by RPM Motorsports

GCKI Spring Race 3 by RPM Motorsports Photos

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Sunday, March 24 2013 11:50

Here are some podium pics of GCKI Spring Race 3 by RPM Motorsports

GCKI Spring Race 2 Podium Pics

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Monday, February 18 2013 00:00

Here are some podium photos of the GCKI Spring Race 2 by RPM Motorsports.

Congratulations to all the podium finishers!

GCKI Spring Race 1 Podium Pics

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Sunday, February 10 2013 23:20

Here are some podium photos of the GCKI Spring Race 1 by RPM Motorsports.

Congratulations to all the podium finishers!

Spring Race 1 Photos by Awesome Shots

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Sunday, February 10 2013 18:52
Many thanks to Kenny Lau for once again proving his "Awesome Shots" of GCKI racing action. His outstanding photographic talents provide a lasting memory of our races and racers. Please consider supporting Awesome Shots if you see something out there you would like for your personal collection. http://awesomeshots.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=8839819

Update to 2013 Rules and Class Specifications

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Written by John Bartos
Monday, January 28 2013 16:01
An updated official version of GCKI's Rules and Procedures as well as an update to GCKI's Classes and Class Specification have been published. The updates are in accordance with the decisions of GCKI's members as reached in our all member meeting earlier in the month. Where appropriate, the Classes also follow established national sanctioning body guidelines. We've highlighted the changes to the documents for 2013 to make it easier to see the changes. Please familiarize yourself with all rules and regulations. Except where specifically noted these rules will be in effect immediately beginning with Spring Race 1 on February 3rd. It is each competitor's responsibility to ensure that they have the proper tires, fuel, oil, etc to be in compliance with these rules. Good luck to all on a safe, enjoyable, and competitive 2013 season! Download the 2013 GCKI Rules 120K PDF Download the 2013 GCKI Classes 131K PDF (Mini Rok Class updated 1/29/13)

2012 Fast Lap Times!

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Written by John Bartos
Sunday, January 20 2013 19:01
The attached file contains the identified fastest lap times per class for events held at GCKI in 2012. Each year the lap times are reset, and the GCKI members recording the fastest times at any officially timed event at GCKI during qualifying or racing are recognized at the annual banquet. Times posted to MyLaps are the offical times of record. Everyone is encouraged to review the document. This is still a painstakingly manual process to review every session for every race and pick out the fastest times per class. You know your performance better than anyone, and despite great care in reviewing the numbers - it is possible an error could have been made. The results for 2012 become official at midnight Friday January 25th, 2013. To report an error contact John Bartos at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Download the 2012 Fast Laptimes 187K PDF

January 2013 GCKI Newsletter

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Friday, January 11 2013 10:38

GCKI-Map-Image-Gulf smallf Gulf Coast Karters logo With a successful 2012 season completed (and a celebration of our champions yet to come at the awards banquet on January 26th), it is time to look forward to what is shaping up to be a very exciting 2013 season of kart racing at Gulf Coast Karters in Katy, Tx. We had great racing participation in the fall season of 2012, and a great turn-out for the recent Winter Blast. Both are good signs of things to come.

2013 GCKI General Membership Meeting

On Tuesday evening January 8th GCKI held its annual all-members meeting at the Memorial West Community Club. The facility, arranged and hosted by Becky and Bill Choice, continues to serve as an excellent venue for this important event. We had an excellent turn-out of both new and longtime members who worked passionately and cooperatively to shape the direction of the club for the coming year.

Finances for 2012 were reviewed in detail, and it has become clear that the costs of operating the club – particularly in running races, have gone up substantially year over year. GCKI remains financially strong, and our commitment to putting every dime the club earns back into facility improvements continues. After a lot of thoughtful discussion it was ultimately agreed that the best way to address the rising costs of conducting races was to increase the race fees for both members and non-members by $10. Prices for wrist-bands for spectators and annual membership fees will remain unchanged.

Sponsorship

We were pleased to announce the support of RPM Motorsports as our Spring Series sponsor and the return of Trailer World Katy as our Fall Series Sponsor. Please consider both of these businesses when making your purchasing decisions.

2013 GCKI Race Schedule

One of the most critical discussions held during the meeting was the date for the first race of the season. After much deliberation, it was agreed to hold our first points race in 2013 on Sunday February 3rd (yes it's Superbowl Sunday, and as we just proved at the Winter Blast, we can hold a very efficient day of racing and get everyone home in time to see the commercials ahead of kick-off.) From there, the schedule was massaged to continue with our dual 8-race series concluding in Houston's best-weather days in early December.

2013 GCKI Spring Series		2013 GCKI Fall Series
Race 1	February 3rd	Race 1	July 14th
Race 2	February 17th	Race 2	August 18th
Race 3	March 10th	Race 3	September 8th
Race 4	March 24th	Race 4	September 29th
Race 5	April 7th	Race 5	October 13th
Race 6	April 28th	Race 6	October 27th
Race 7	May 26th	Race 7	November 10th
Race 8	June 16th	Race 8	Deceember 8th

Changes to 2013 Rules

Spec Tires – It was agreed by the members that GCKI will continue with MG Yellow Tires as our spec tire (and club sponsor) for non-Rotax classes. This rule will be in effect as of the first race of the 2013 season. (Kid kart tires will remain "open.") It was agreed that the Chonda Cadets will continue to use MOJO tires (see note below on compounds and timing of that change.) Rain tires will continue to be open for all non-Rotax classes. MOJO "wets" will be mandatory for Rotax rain races. Scrubbed rains will continue to be permitted at club events.

Rotax Class Rule Changes – Rotax national rules have not yet been formally established. Many changes have been discussed, and are in the process of being adopted. Most of the changes relate to slowing down the classes for younger drivers – Micro Max, Mini Max and Junior. One change that appears to be imminent is the change to MOJO D1 tire compounds (from the current D2 compound). GCKI membership agreed to set the standard of MOJO D1 compound as the spec tire for all Micro, Mini and Junior classes. This rule is in effect beginning with Spring Race 1. All other Rotax rule changes will be evaluated as they are finalized at the national level and may be adopted by the club with a reasonable phase-in period.

SKUSA Class Rules – To offer the added flexibility of new racers joining the series in shifter class, GCKI will adopt the S2 class formally into our structure.

Mini Rok - The use of an air filter will remain optional. MG Red will be the spec tire.

CHONDA Class Rules – CHONDA & CHONDA Cadet remain as two of GCKI's most successful classes – appealing to new and experienced racers alike, and continue to grow. There have been many changes to the AKRA rules for engine specifications during 2012, and those rules continue to be in flux. It was agreed by the membership that it is in the best interest of GCKI members to keep our rules as consistent (and cost-effective) as practical. The single component affected most by this decision is the engine flywheel. The ARC Racing BSFW-1 steel flywheel (mandated prior to the 2012 Fall Season) remains our only legal flywheel option. Many other tracks in the country have followed AKRA's allowance of billet-aluminum flywheels – but the membership agreed that the fact that these can effectively double the cost of the engine package (along with a substantial increase in performance) goes against the spirit-and-intent of the class.

Due to availability of engines, sheet metal color will be a non-tech item.

The requirement for full-width rear bumpers for CHONDA Classes remains in effect. However it was clarified that during rainy conditions (when declared a "wet race" by the race director) that the rear tires must remain at least even with the full extent of the rear bumper. That is, the rear bumper may not protrude beyond the rear tires under any conditions.

CHONDA Cadet – Resulting from the changes to the Rotax cadet classes, CHONDA Cadet tires will become MOJO D1 beginning in Spring Race 4. Either D1 or D2 compounds may be used during the first three races. This should ensure the continued availability of used tires for racers to claim.

Kid Kart Class – Burris Castor 927 oil will become the spec oil. The stock washer or a head temperature sensor must be used under the spark plug.

2013 Facility Improvements

Our initial and primary focus will remain our commitment to be "good neighbors" to the surrounding community. The leadership of GCKI is working to develop a plan to install a noise-abatement fence/wall surrounding the north perimeter of the track. The expense of performing this necessary improvement will dictate the remainder of this year's facility improvements.

2013 GCKI Officers, Elected Board of Trustee, Compensated and Position Volunteers

We continue to see more and more membership involvement in the leadership of the club. For 2013, we'll see a healthy mix of continued service by experienced club veterans along with the injection of fresh talent into our key positions.

Voluntary Officer Roles President – John Bartos Vice President – Patrick Roth Treasurer – Bill Choice Technical Director – Eric Meservey Competition Director – Paul Jones Membership Director – Marcia Bartos	Compensated Race-Day Roles Race Director – Joel Yelton Tech Inspector – Currently Open – Seeking nominations Race Secretary – Marcia Bartos Assistant Race Secretary – Sandra Roth / Becky Choice Starter – Austin Johnson Timing and Scoring – Michael Hopkins Concessions – Elise Yelton
Volunteer Positions Track Director – David Young Assistant Track Director – Paul Jones Trophies and Awards – Michelle Watts Championship Points – David Pergande Sponsorship Committee – Scott Boone, Mark Reid, Brian Warwas	Elected Board of Trustees Bill Choice (Elected to a 2-year Term) David McKee (Elected to a 2-year Term) Bryan Joplin (Serving year 2 of 2 year term) Brad Johnson (Serving year 2 of 2 year term)

Here is wishing everyone a safe, competitive and FUN 2013 season at GCKI!

GCKI 2013 Race Schedule

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Wednesday, January 09 2013 09:45

Gulf Coast Karters is pleased to announce the 2013 GCKI race schedule!

2013 GCKI Spring Series		2013 GCKI Fall Series
Race 1	February 3rd	Race 1	July 14th
Race 2	February 17th	Race 2	August 18th
Race 3	March 10th	Race 3	September 8th
Race 4	March 24th	Race 4	September 29th
Race 5	April 7th	Race 5	October 13th
Race 6	April 28th	Race 6	October 27th
Race 7	May 26th	Race 7	November 10th
Race 8	June 16th	Race 8	Deceember 8th

The Texas Mini Grand Prix race dates at GCKI are TBA.
Printer friendly 2013 GCKI Race Schedule 55K PDF

GCKI Fall 6 Photos

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Sunday, October 21 2012 00:00

Here are some podium pics of the GCKI Fall 6 race 10/14/12

GCKI 2013 Winter Blast Photos

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Sunday, October 21 2012 00:00

Gulf Coast Karters would like to thank all the racers that participated in the 2013 GCKI Winter Blast Fund Raiser race. Here are some podium photos from the event.

GCKI Fall 5 Photos

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Saturday, October 06 2012 00:00

Here are some podium pics of the GCKI Fall 5 / Texas Ca$h Shootout race 09/30/12

GCKI Fall 4 Photos

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Monday, September 17 2012 17:57

Here are some great photos of the GCKI Fall 4 race taken by High Velocity Productions

When you visit the HVP website be sure to check out the TPKC DVD ~ Only $15, it includes all the TPKC race videos with a 15 minute Main Presentation and a digital copy of the DVD cover! The DVD will be for sale at the TPKC BBQ Banquet & Awards Ceremony September 29th!

GCKI Fall 2 Photos

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Sunday, August 12 2012 00:00

A big "Thank You!" to all the racers that attended Fall 2 and everyone is invited to attend Fall 3 next weekend on August 19th. If you can't make it out to the track be sure to watch the live timing & scoring here on the website with live chat also to give your favorite driver a shout out!