Kart Expo gearing up for great show this February
WHEATON, IL - The 11th Annual Kart Expo International, America's Premier Kart Racing Show, sponsored by ROC Timing, Shifter Kart Illustrated, Rock Island Grand Prix, Speedway USA Magazine, The Inside Track newspaper, International Racing Association, e-KMI.com, and KartFax.com, will take place on February 22-23, 2003 at Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center in St. Charles (West Suburban Chicago), Illinois. Over 210 booths of kart racing equipment from around the world will be presented, from 4-cycles to shifters and everything in between.
And, for the second year in a row, exhibit space is 100% sold-out. "The fact that we've sold out three months prior to the show tells me that we've come of age as a showcase for the kart racing industry in North America," said Darrell Sitarz Expo Producer. "We are still taking reservations for booth space in case space becomes available, but the likelihood is remote, at least at this time. (Note: As of December 31, there are 18 companies on the booth space waiting list.) I am very excited that the 2003 event, our 11th annual, will feature exhibitors from 10 different countries, the most ever for the show," Sitarz concluded.
MEMO GIDLEY TO APPEAR AT KART EXPO
Karting champion and auto racing driver Memo Gidley will be signing his brand new book "Speed Secrets" in the Shifter Kart Illustrated booth on both Saturday and Sunday of the Kart Expo weekend. Hours: Saturday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Stop by to say hello!
FREE KART EXPO SEMINARS
Saturday, February 22
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon (3 Hours)
HOW TO WIN RACES - FROM PREPARATION TO THE PODIUM
Presented by Jerry Clayton, Clayton Motorsports
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
INDOOR KART RACING - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Presented by Peter F. Olesen, Peter F. Olesen & Associates
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
COLLECTING AND ANALYZING RACE DATA FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE
Presented by Bob Chiras, Digatron
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (1.5 Hours)
OVAL KART SET-UP
Presented by John Nuttall, Raceway Kart Association
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
TRACK MARKETING
Presented by Tom Argy Jr., TCM Racing
Sunday, February 23
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (2 Hours)
HOW TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL SERIES
Presented by John Nuttall, Burris Circle Track Series
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
FINDING THAT ELUSIVE SPONSORSHIP DOLLAR
Presented by Tom Argy Jr., TCM Racing
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
COLLECTING AND ANALYZING RACE DATA FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE
Presented by Bob Chiras, Digatron
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
NEW 'TAG' CLASS - U.S. INTRODUCTION
Presented by Tom Argy, TCM Racing, Rodney Berryhill, Champion Kart
ASSOCIATION FORUMS
For the first time ever, many of the major racing organizations will be presenting individual open forums during the 2003 Kart Expo weekend. Your participation is invited. The Association Forum Schedule is as follows:
Saturday, February 22 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon (in Skybox 3/4)
World Karting Association (WKA)
Saturday, February 22 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (in Skybox 3/4)
CART - Stars of Tomorrow
Saturday, February 22 - 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (in Skybox 3/4)
International Racing Association (IRA)
Sunday, February 23 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon (in Skybox 3/4)
SuperKarts! USA (SKUSA)
Sunday, February 23 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (in Skybox 3/4)
International Kart Federation (IKF)
Sunday, February 23 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (in Skybox 1/2)
Rotax Max
EXPO MEETINGS
A number of meetings will be held onsite during the 2003 Kart Expo. The Kart Expo meeting schedule (to date) is as follows:
Friday 6:00 PM
Karting Industry Council Quarterly Board Meeting
Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon
Indoor Kart Racing - Davy Jones
Sunday 8:00 AM -10:00 AM
KIC Summit Conference Breakfast
Sunday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Rotax Max Regional Meeting - SSC Racing (Steve Cannon)
DOOR PRIZES AT KART EXPO
The following door prizes will be given away at the 2003 Kart Expo:
a) Intense Karting Imports, Norway, Illinois will hold a drawing for a brand new 5-HP Cricket Fun Kart. Attendees will be urged to register at the large Intense Karting display #401/403/500/502 at Kart Expo.
b) California-based Burris Racing will hold a drawing for one set of new Burris Racing Slicks at Kart Expo. Attendees who come to the Burris Racing booth # 330 wearing any Burris apparel will be eligible to register for the drawing.
c) Kart Marketing Group will be offering a drawing for two ProX RC Kart Racing Games - one each day to a lucky winner.
e) Target Distributing, South Bend, Indiana, Booth 341/440, will be giving away two Bieffe RT Helmets.
f) A #328 5" Monster Tire Gauge will be given to a fortunate attendee by Illinois-based Pit Pal Products, Booth 119/218
g) Flatout Graphics in Booth 312 will have 3 Gift Certificates for "Flag Tags".
This is a preliminary list as of 01/02/03.
DEALER PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Pre-registration for the show is now open to all dealers, distributors, manufacturers, importers, etc., the pre-registration form is available from www.e-KMI.com, by calling 650-653-7368 or e-mail to karting@msn.com.
Those in the business of karting will, as always, have an opportunity to enter the 2003 Kart Expo hall on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. The general public will be allowed to enter the hall beginning at noon on Saturday (and all day Sunday). These special "trade-only" hours offer the industry a unique opportunity to "talk business" one-on-one. Registrants must supply a viable business card or business license to obtain 'Trade-only' access credentials, a two-day pass!
SPECIAL PRE-REGISTRATION INCENTIVE
As a special incentive to pre-register before the deadline of February 1st , Kart Expo is offering one lucky "trade visitor" FREE accommodations (room only) at Pheasant Run Resort, home of Kart Expo, for both Friday and Saturday evenings (Feb 21-22). The winner will be drawn at random on February 2nd. The winner will be notified by telephone and by mail. Kart Expo management will make the reservation in the name of the winner - no transfer or substitution, refund or cash equivalent will be allowed. Prize is for accommodations-only on the above mentioned dates. Other charges (including telephone, food, etc.) are the responsibility of the winner. Only one prize will be awarded. Random selection will be final. Those who register on-site will not be eligible for the prize.
KART MARKETING CREATES KART EXPO ON-LINEš
Kart Expo management, in cooperation with CyExpo.com has created an online version of the 2003 Kart Expo that will allow anyone world-wide to "tour" the show now and long after the February 22-23 show dates. The on-line trade show will continue to showcase and market exhibitors products long after the physical event is over and will remain available for months!
"We are very excited about "Kart Expo Online" as it will give exhibitors a huge marketing advantage," said Darrell Sitarz Expo Director. "The online version will be an integral part of our website (e-KMI.com). It has an interactive floor plan, and individual online exhibitor booths that allow attendees to revisit each exhibitor's booth for months after the show. 'Attendees' will be able to use 'Kart Expo On-line' as a reference tool and buyer's guide and will allow exhibitors to maximize their return on investment (ROI) by creating new sales opportunities."
To view the new 'Kart Expo Online', log-on to www.cyexpo.com/kart or click onto the flashing Kart Expo Logo on the right hand side of www.e-KMI.com.
COMING TO KART EXPO?
DO NOT DELAY IN MAKING YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS!
Last year, most all rooms at Pheasant Run Resort were sold-out forcing some exhibitors and attendees who delayed in making early reservations, to seek other inconvenient accommodations. In the USA/Canada, call 800-474-3272, outside USA call 630-584-6300. Mention "Kart Expo" for special rate. Reservations can also be made online at www.pheasantrun.com.
ABOUT THE SHOW SITE
Pheasant Run Resort and Convention Center-the permanent home of Kart Expo - is an all-inclusive site with everything you can imagine. There are three swimming pools, restaurants, a lounge, Zanies Comedy Club, a renowned dinner theater, game room, Mario Tricoci Spa, and tons of free parking for automobiles, trucks, trailers, haulers, etc. Truly, a family environment.
In the surrounding area there is shopping at numerous world-class shopping centers, three casino gambling boats, a myriad of great restaurants and of course, all the sites in Chicago including Navy Pier, Sue - the T-Rex display at the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, the John Hancock Building and Sears Tower. A great winter get-away for the whole family. See the show, then see the sites!
For Hotel Accommodations - Log onto www.pheasantrun.com for a look at this fabulous venue designed for the whole family and mention Kart Expo for the best price. Make it a family outing at this great resort and visit the sites in the Chicago area! Phone: 630-584-6300 to make reservations - Be sure to mention "Kart Expo" for the special room rate!
Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 East Main Street (Route #64), St. Charles, Illinois. Main telephone number: 630-584-6300. Toll-Free (US Only): 1-800-474-3272. Website: www.pheasantrun.com.
SHOW HOURS
Saturday, February 22, 2003
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon - OPEN TO TRADE ONLY
Industry-related business cards and fee is required. (Pre-registration is suggested)
Note: Pre-registration forms are available by contacting Kart Marketing Group at 630-653-7368, Fax: 630-653-2637 or e-mail: karting@msn.com.
Saturday, February 22, 2003
12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Sunday, February 23, 2003
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Tickets Available At the Door
Daily General Admission $7.00 Adults
Children 12-3 $2.00
Children 3/under Free
