From the desk of the President: September 12, 2002 - 2002 has been a great year for the International Racing Association. We have enjoyed growth in our racing programs, our newspaper, and our insurance business. We are pleased to provide a top level insurance program coupled with a complete set of rules and technical regulations to help tracks around the country to offer safe organized racing under a uniform set of rules. With this in mind it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Mike Lapke to the position of National Technical Director for the International Racing Association. Mr. Lapke is not new to the International Racing Association or karting. He has served as the International Racing Association Technical Coordinator since its founding. He brings with him over 30 years experience in this sport as a driver, pit crew, engine builder, master machinist, tuner and teacher. Mike is the lead author of our technical manual. Mike introduced Scott G Evans to the sport of karting and tutored him on the fine points as to provide him with an understanding of the sport enough to allow him, as an impartial inspector with a degree in scientific measurements, to become the technical inspector for the Championship Enduro Series. After a couple years of experience, Scott was able to help Mike clarify our technical engine rules as a contributing author of our technical manual. At the same time we wish to welcome Timothy Lang as the Technical Director of the Championship Enduro Series. Mr. Lang has over twenty-five years experience in the karting industry and has been involved in pre and post race technical inspections for the past several years. With the filling of these positions we want to thank Scott G Evans for his help and support of the International Racing Association during his tenure as one of our directors. We wish him well in his future endeavors. David E Larson President / CEO International Racing Association Visit the I.R.A.'s website Here!