New Race Day Schedule and Race Registration Payment Reminder

Written by Gary Kincade, GCKI Race Director

Gary Kincade, the GCKI Race Director would like to remind you of our new race day times starting with GCKI Spring 1 Race by Joe Bauhs Motorsports  February 7th, 2016. Controlled practice starts at 9:00am with two seven minute sessions for 6 classes, ending at 10:45.  Drivers meeting to follow shortly after. 

Also please be sure to pay for your race registraion online to avoid the $20 surcharge for registration payment at the track. You can register online from any device at home or at the track. The $20 surcharge only applies to race registration payments processed trackside using cash, checks or credit card swipe and does not apply to pit pass purchases. 

Reminder: $20 Service Fee for Registration Payments Processed Trackside

Effective Spring 1, 2016 any race registration payment that is processed outside of the online registration portal (i.e. you register online & select "Pay at Track") using a credit card swipe, cash or check will incur a $20 service charge. The $20 service charge applies to race registration only not spectator passes.

Save money and pay for your race registration through the online registration portal using a computer, tablet or phone. You can pay using the online race registration portal in advance or on raceday using any device at home or at the track.

2016 GCKI Rules, Regulations and Classes

Written by Paul Jones, GCKI President

The 2016 GCKI Rules and Regulations and 2016 GCKI Classes have been posted on the website to be viewed and downloaded. Changes have been highlighted for easy reference.

2016 GCKI Race Schedule

2016 GCKI Rules and Regulations 218 PDF
2016 GCKI Classes 216K PDF
2016 GCKI Race Schedule 236K PDF

January 2016 GCKI Newsletter

Written by Paul Jones, GCKI President

Created: 07 January 2016

With a successful 2015 season completed (and a celebration of our champions yet to come at the awards banquet on January 23rd), it is time to look forward to what is shaping up to be a very exciting 2016 season of kart racing at Gulf Coast Karters in Katy, TX. We had record participation in the 2015 race season, and the club stands close to it’s all-time record membership. These statistics combined with the support of long-time as well as new members of the club will make 2016 the best year yet in the long history of GCKI.

.2016 GCKI General Membership Meeting

 On Wednesday evening January 6th 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 turnout of members representing all of the classes raced at GCKI. The topics were discussed positively and decisions were reached that will shape the club and form the basis of our operations for the next year.

Finances for 2015 were reviewed in detail. With record racing participation in 2015 as well as reduced needs for facility maintenance, the financial picture of the club is stronger than it has ever been. As a result, the club will be reinvesting those funds into strategic facility improvements that will continue to enhance everyone’s enjoyment at the track.

Facilities

Facilities improvements completed during 2015

• Painted curbs
• Painted inside of club house
• Spread new parking lot material
• Replaced awning material
• Replaced refrigerator
• Secured long term arraignment for overflow parking of major events with track neighbor
• Repaired and improved front gate
• Rebuilt flag stand
• Upgraded timing system

Facilities improvements planned for 2016

• Install new covered building for grid and scales area (60’ X 160’)
• Install gate and entrance on 2855 for overflow parking of major races
• Install gate and fence for pedestrian access to parking of major races
• Upgrade electrical for 400 more amps (200 amps per pit half, double capacity)
• Add beacon to flag station for use during race days

Sponsorship

Resulting from the adoption of SKUSA Evinco tires as the spec tire for TaG and Shifter classes, the combined partnership of 3G Kart Racing and SKUSA will serve as GCKI’s overall Title Sponsor.

We are very grateful for the support of many longtime GCKI sponsors who have continued to support our club. Please endeavor to support these great supporters of GCKI whenever your purchasing decisions allow. GCKI is always looking to add businesses that are interested in furthering their exposure through a beneficial affiliation with GCKI. Please contact members of our Sponsorship Committee for details.

2016 GCKI Race Schedule

The membership reviewed the proposal for race dates in the 2015 season.  In a best-effort to avoid conflicts with holidays, major karting events, and motorsports events in the Houston, TX area the following schedule was adopted:

Changes to 2016 Rules

Spec Tires – It was agreed by the members that GCKI will continue to use the MG-SK “whites” tires (now re-branded as Evinco) as our spec tire for all SKUSA-based classes (Tag & Shifter) SKUSA Evinco Blue will be the spec tire for cadets. The four stroke classes (Chonda and L206) may run either SKUSA Evinco Blue (hard) or MG HZ (Red). This adoption will have multiple benefits. First and foremost, it enables the club to receive a very generous season sponsorship from 3G and SKUSA. 3G and SKUSA will also provide a set of tires to each of the 2015 season high-points champions in each of the Evinco spec classes. It also enables out-of-town racers to run at GCKI with the same tires they would use at sanctioned SKUSA events. This rule will be in effect as of the first race of the 2016 season (Cadet classes have until the third race to switch to Evinco tire). Rotax sanctioned classes will utilize that series’ specified compound of MOJO tires. Kid kart tires will remain “open.” Rain tires will continue to be open for all non-Rotax classes. MOJO “wets” will be mandatory for Rotax rain races.

Other adopted rules changes are as follows:

Kid Karts

• Added the Honda GXH50 as legal engine for the Kid Kart classes
• No parents on track for races
• Kid Karts will be scored as competitive class similar to all other classes
• All Kid Kart participants will receive award at trophy celebration, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd receiving special recognition

LO206

• Addition of LO 206 Heavy class at 405 lbs
• VP MS 93 is spec fuel for 4 stroke classes
• World Formula will be allowed to race but not recognized as separate GCKI class

All Classes

• Points restructuring
  • Elimination of worker points
  • Added points for results of qualifying, pre-final, and fast times
• Camera mounting must meet SKUSA qualifications
• No drone use without GCKI permission
• Starting with Spring race 1, the drivers meeting will be 11:00 AM, not 12:00 noon

2016 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 2016, we’ll see a healthy mix of continued service by experienced club veterans along with the introduction of fresh talent into our key positions.

Voluntary Officer Roles
President – Paul Jones
Vice President – Robert Schneider
Treasurer – Bill & Becky Choice
Membership Director – Scott Boone

Compensated Race-Day Roles
Race Director – Gary Kinkade
Tech Inspector – Frank D’Angelo
Race Administrator – Joquine
Starter – Leo Leondio
Timing and Scoring – Austin Johnson
Concessions – Open

Volunteer Positions
Facilities Manager – John Fantuzzo
Trophies and Awards – Michelle Watts
Sponsorship Director – Austin Hunter

Elected Board of Trustees
Bill Choice (Serving year 2 of 2-year term)
Brian Warwas (Serving year 2 of 2-year term)
David McKee (Elected to a 2-year Term)
James Waithman (Elected to a 2-year Term)

I would like to thank all the outgoing, incoming and continuing leadership and volunteers of GCKI. Without your dedication and help, the success of this club would not be possible. I would like to wish everyone a safe, competitive and FUN 2016 season at GCKI!

Paul Jones

GCKI Welcomes Ladies 4-Stroke Class @ GCKI Spring Race 5 - March 29th, 2015

GCKI is very excited to announce the much anticipated, new Ladies 4-Stroke class.  So call your moms, call your wives, call your girlfriends and call your sisters becasue they are not going to want to miss out on this fun, affordable class for Ladies Only!

Ladies 4-Stroke Class

• Entry Fee: $40 entry if second racing family member, otherwise normal price
• Awards:    Run for trophies and points all races (as per John’s suggestion)
• Series:     Series will be Spring 5, 6,7 and Fall 1,3,4,5,7
• Drops:     Two drops, best 6 of 8 for championship
• Format:    7 minute Qualifying, 8 lap Pre-Final, 10 lap Final
• Tyres:      MG Red tires
• Weight:    Chonda 320lbs, LO206 335lbs - (will adjust as necessary)

Questions? Check out the GCKI forum post "New Ladies 4-Cycle Class!"