"Karting Industry Council hosts first "Sanctioning Body" summit" JANUARY 4, 2002 - In late Fall, the Karting Industry Council (KIC) hosted the first summit meeting of the US-based kart racing sanctioning bodies. The meeting was held in Las Vegas in conjunction with the SEMA Show. Attending were representatives from the International Kart Federation (IKF), International Racing Association (IRA), Karters of America Racing Triad (KART), Small Engine Racing Club of America (SERCA) and World Karting Association (WKA). The purpose of the summit was to establish uniformity in rules, regulations and objectives among the organizations. Specific topics discussed included engine and chassis criteria, coordination of race schedules, inclusion of "starter" classes, insurance, participant cost reduction and an industry-wide newsletter. A major result of the meeting was the establishment of a National Tech Committee to coordinate both 2-cycle and 4-cycle technical issues. KIC will chair the committee. According to KIC President Charlie Pistorio, "We've taken a giant step in terms of getting the various organizations on the same page. As a result of this meeting, the future of kart racing is brighter than ever. We'll keep the fire burning by meeting again in February in Chicago." Founded in 1973, KIC is the largest independent karting trade association in America. The mission of the 150-member organization is to "Promote Karting Through Leadership". There are more than 100,000 kart racers in the United States and the number is growing rapidly. Nearly 90% of professional race car drivers have risen through the ranks of karting. For further information on KIC, call 859-760-5850.