IKF disputes partnership announcement ONTARIO, CA - The International Kart Federation announced today that no formal partnership of any kind have been formed with any other karting organization, despite published rumors to the contrary. The IKF is the original sanctioning body for the sport of karting. Founded in 1957 as Go Kart Club of America, the name was later changed, and membership expanded. Membership continues to grow, with significant growth in all divisions in each of the past three years. The IKF promotes and sanctions events in the sport of karting for competitors beginning at the age of five. Events in 2 and 4 cycle Sprint, 2 and 4 cycle Speedway, Road Race and Shifter Karts are offered at IKF events across the United States. The IKF is very proud of it's reputation of promoting karting events that are suitable for the entire family. IKF President Brad Swiggart responded to the reports of an impending promotional partnership with another sanctioning body by saying "We have every intent of cooperation and possible joint ventures now or in the future to benefit our members, but we currently have not agreements with any other sanctioning body." Other IKF members of the IKF Board concur, when asked if a merger between IKF and another sanctioning body was in the works, Treasurer of the IKF Art Verlengiere stated "Unfortunately no, there is no merger in the works and actually a merger would be a huge undertaking that would take many years, perhaps in the future such an action will be taken." Deborah Davidson-Harpur, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the IKF stated "IKF has lasted 45 years as a volunteer organization, despite many privately owned sanctioning bodies being formed. Currently there are no plans before the IKF Board of Directors to change the concept of our organization with partnerships with other sanctioning bodies."