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. In 1971, 10 acres of land was donated to GCKA and the original track was constructed. 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.

Through 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.

In 1996 Gulf Coast Karters, Inc was formed and registered in the state of Texas a Non Profit Educational organization dedicated to teaching the technical skills, safety protocols, and competitive strategies of kart racing. GCKI’s member-supported facility and charter was organized to provide comprehensive motorsport education for participants of all ages and experience levels.

The Exectutive Trustees (Joe Dunlap, Bobby Vance, Tom Dunlap, Bobby Crisp and Bob Dunlap) and the Regular Members of Gulf Coast Karting Association, Inc. gave up their ownership for the benefit of the new corporation. As part of the transaction, Gulf Coast Karters, Inc. assumed all property, assets, 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 the track and about $12,000.00 in cash to continue to operated the facilities.

Since 1996, GCKI has continued to operate per its bylaws and educational charter. All excess fund have been used to fund various facility improvement projects through the years. In 2002, the original track was resurfaced. In 2004 GCKI built a 30’ x 40’ two story club house and bathrooms with showers and were the first in the area to add electronic timing. In 2007, the track was extended to its current configuration and in 2010 the pit runners and electrical were installed. A 160’ x 60’ grid cover was added in 2016 and access control was added in 2024.

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. We continue to prioritize the educational aspects of karting above all else and value the learnings that have been received by the community as a result of the GCKI charter, bylaws and membership volunteer contributions.