GCKI News
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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
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Next Up - RPM Motorsports Spring 7 Race |
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Sunday, April 07 2013 00:00 |
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The next GCKI event will be the GCKI RPM Motorsports Spring Race 7 on May 26th. 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 ProKart Challenge Rounds 3 & 4 May 31st - June 2nd.
Download the Race Registration & Pre-Tech Form |
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GCKI Spring Race 3 by RPM Motorsports Photos |
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Sunday, March 24 2013 11:50 |
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Here are some podium pics of GCKI Spring Race 3 by RPM Motorsports
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GCKI Spring Series Points Updated |
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Written by David Pergande
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Thursday, March 14 2013 00:00 |
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Here are the updated points as of GCKI Spring 6 by RPM Motorsports. Thanks to all the racers that attended! The next race will be GCKI Spring7 by RPM Motorsports on May 26th.
If you have any questions about the points please contact David Pergande at
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View the GCKI Spring Series by RPM Motorsports points file 28K PDF |
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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! |
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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! |
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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 |
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Update to 2013 Rules and Class Specifications |
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Written by John Bartos
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Monday, January 28 2013 16:01 |
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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)
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2012 Fast Lap Times! |
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Written by John Bartos
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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
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Download the 2012 Fast Laptimes 187K PDF |
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January 2013 GCKI Newsletter |
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Friday, January 11 2013 10:38 |
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  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 |
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July 14th |
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| Race 2 |
February 17th |
Race 2 |
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August 18th |
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| Race 3 |
March 10th |
Race 3 |
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September 8th |
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| Race 4 |
March 24th |
Race 4 |
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September 29th |
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| Race 5 |
April 7th |
Race 5 |
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October 13th |
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| Race 6 |
April 28th |
Race 6 |
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October 27th |
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| Race 7 |
May 26th |
Race 7 |
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November 10th |
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| Race 8 |
June 16th |
Race 8 |
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Deceember 8th |
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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
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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
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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! |
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GCKI 2013 Race Schedule |
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Wednesday, January 09 2013 09:45 |
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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 |
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July 14th |
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| Race 2 |
February 17th |
Race 2 |
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August 18th |
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| Race 3 |
March 10th |
Race 3 |
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September 8th |
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| Race 4 |
March 24th |
Race 4 |
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September 29th |
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| Race 5 |
April 7th |
Race 5 |
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October 13th |
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| Race 6 |
April 28th |
Race 6 |
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October 27th |
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| Race 7 |
May 26th |
Race 7 |
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November 10th |
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| Race 8 |
June 16th |
Race 8 |
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Deceember 8th |
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The Texas Mini Grand Prix race dates at GCKI are TBA.
Printer friendly 2013 GCKI Race Schedule 55K PDF |
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GCKI Fall 6 Photos |
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Sunday, October 21 2012 00:00 |
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Here are some podium pics of the GCKI Fall 6 race 10/14/12
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GCKI 2013 Winter Blast Photos |
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Sunday, October 21 2012 00:00 |
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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.
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GCKI Fall 5 Photos |
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Saturday, October 06 2012 00:00 |
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Here are some podium pics of the GCKI Fall 5 / Texas Ca$h Shootout race 09/30/12
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GCKI Fall 4 Photos |
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Monday, September 17 2012 17:57 |
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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! |
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GCKI Fall 2 Photos |
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Sunday, August 12 2012 00:00 |
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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!
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An Introduction to Kid Karting - A New Racer's Dad's Perspective |
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Written by John Rucker
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This is a great time to become involved with the GCKI Kid Kart program for young racers age 5 to 8. There are several new 5 year olds currently starting, and the more involvement we can get generated now, the more even the playing field will be the rest of the year. Growing our organization will also insure outstanding possibilities for next year’s young drivers. We consider Kid Karting an exhibition class, and all finishers earn trophies at the awards ceremony held after each race. I can tell you the kids get the full fledged experience in every aspect that any professional racer would feel. This has by far been the single best sport I have been involved in with my son and one that has held his attention the longest. It has taught him patience, confidence, dedication, and discipline, which he has been learning together with the other youngsters at the track. I had the same concerns any parent would have about his safety by allowing him to get behind the wheel of what resembles a miniature Indy car. However, GCKI makes safety as a top priority which is such an important consideration for us all. Everyone at the track has been fantastic about sharing information, emphasizing safety, and making the karts competitive and fun to drive. At GCKI we found a great group of people and a wonderful club to be a involved with. One of my favorite parts of joining GCKI was that we had access to the track anytime and could arrange practice with equally experienced drivers via the forum and email. The times we’ve shared the facilities with more experienced drivers they were all fantastic about taking turns on the track so I never had the worry of my son making a mistake or being intimidated by a faster driver. GCKI encourages the use of their forum, where many more questions can be answered. Our club membership has paid off in ways I cannot begin to describe.
For more information on getting started, please contact any of the GCKI volunteers or you can contact me at
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- I'd be glad to help you get started, the same way others have helped me.
It has truly been an awesome experience for my son and me!
John and Brandon Rucker #5 |
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Photos from GCKI Fall Race 1 |
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Thursday, July 12 2012 12:02 |
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Thanks to everyone who came out and braved the weather for GCKI's first race of the Fall Season. We had a pretty impressive turn-out all things considered, and those competitors who raced in the changing conditions looked to be having a blast. GCKI is fortunate to have several high-quality photographers supporting us this year. Many thanks to Ryan Hollis from "RTH Photography" and Kenny Lau from "Awesome Shots" who come to the track to shoot the action at GCKI. Please continue to support them by visiting their sites.
Links to pictures can be found here:
http://rthphotography.smugmug.com/
http://awesomeshots.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=8587761
GCKI Fall 1 podium pics
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GCKI Track Weather
Katy, TX, USNow Mostly Cloudy
75°F, Windchill: 75°F
Wind: 9 mph SE
Humidity: 100%
Visibility: 0 mi
pressure: 29.95 in steady
Sunrise: 6:27 am
Sunset: 8:10 pm Sat AM Clouds/PM Sun
Hi: 91°F, Low: 70°F Sun AM Clouds/PM Sun
Hi: 89°F, Low: 72°F
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Archived GCKI News
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March, 2013
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January, 2013
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December, 2012
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May, 2012
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January, 2012
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