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!