Countdown To Grand National Registration

The summer of racing and economics has caused a number of competitors to schedule their events carefully. This is not unique to Rotax as it has been the topic of discussion with a number of major series as well as one-off events.

For the Rotax Grand National we have filled the pits with teams, tents and haulers and now it’s the time for all of the remaining competitors to get their registrations in and accepted by Monday evening, August 31st.

According to Ray Verhelst, the Rotax Grand National event manager, “Even with our launch of the registration site in mid July, we tried to give everyone fair warning about the limited time for competitor registrations as well as housing.” Ray added, “The pit spaces were also going to be a challenge do to the compact nature of the grid and with more than 168 spaces taken move-in will be a task, but we’re ready.”

Now there is a mad dash to get all the last minute people signed up as well as secure any final perimeter pit spaces all before next Monday. Don’t wait any longer, get registered and get to Norman!

School Letter A Big Hit
We brought the letter to the student adviser back from last year and made it available through the newsletter last week. More than 50 readers clicked on this link and downloaded the document.

So often we forget what a child is learning as they compete and it is nice to let the influential people around them know exactly what is going on. There are so many different options for youth in sports that karting does not get the same level of recognition. Yet the young competitors that become proficient in this sport learn so much more beyond the physical skills.

We hope this letter helps bring clarity to how your child can benefit and know that as the organizer, we support your efforts to keep a good balance between sports and education.

Student Letter

Monday’s Practice Is Not Official
There was some confusion in the wording following the cancellation of the enduro and making Monday an additional practice day. While the Grand National will have taken over the track as of Monday, we have added the “Unofficial” practice day to the schedule. This does not require an early tech inspection, which will remain on the schedule for Tuesday. You may use our online registration site to prepay for your Monday practice fee which is $35.00, plus your Pit Pass.

A Tight Fit
If you are planning to bring a large trailer and/or hauler and you have space in the middle of the pits, you must be onsite by September 10th to get positioned. Because the pathways are only eleven feet wide, there is no way for a vehicle of any kind to get into the pits after we start the move-in process, especially with the large tents and canopies being set. We will be working with our tent and furnishings people to coordinate all of the move-in and setup so please understand why we are asking for your support.

Tire Stuff
Competitors can bring their own rain tires but they must be new and checked at scrutineering on Tuesday September 15th. W-2 Tires will be available for purchase in Parc Ferme on Tuesday as well.

The maximum number of sets of tires (D2 and D3) allowed into Parc Ferme is two and we recommend you check both in on Tuesday, September 15th.

Media Challenge Race Needs Youth Coaches
Working in conjunction with the Norman Convention and Visitors Authority, Sooner Legend Inns & Suites and other local Tourism agencies, we are trying to raise the level of awareness of karting by getting the media involved.

We have sent out an invitation to radio, TV and print media personalities to bring a team of one, two or three drivers to compete in a friendly challenge on Tuesday during the scrutineering session. For many of these individuals, this will be their first time behind the wheel of a kart in a competitive situation.

We want to pair up some of our youth, teens and adults with these newscasters to give them some coaching as well as introduce them to your world of competitive karting. As a coach, you will explain the fundamentals, provide driving tips and become their mentor through the competition.

This will take place from 10am to 1pm and those who help will have a chance to be interviewed (remember to give both your family and sponsors a plug) and join the group for lunch in the main hospitality tent.

If you are interested in helping to promote karting and yourself, please send us an email so we can contact you as the media teams sign up. ray@intlmotorsportsmarketing.com

Smile For The Camera!
This year, the Grand National will be broadcasted live in streaming video format over the Internet. All during the week video will be shot during practice sessions and heats as well as interviews will be conducted with drivers, teams and families. On Friday, we will go live with a pre-race show that will include footage taken during the week as well as live interviews with the leading drivers as we go into Saturday.

On Saturday, the entire day will be streamed live over the Internet with multiple cameras on platforms, and in the pits plus color commentating that you will hear both live at the track and over the Internet. The crew will be covering the parade and a number of special treats as well as the full podium ceremonies. We will close out the broadcast with a wrap-up session as we talk to the winners and get the final reactions from our expert analysts.

Ken Walker, the voice of the International Rotax and CIK championships throughout Europe and the Middle East will be on the mic as part of the broadcast team as will DD2 driver Maryeve Dufault, making her debut as a Rotax Grand National color commentator!

More details will come next week so stay tuned!
Last Chance to Recognize a Teammate or Family Member in the Official Race Guide

Like a yearbook, this high gloss, full color program guide will be given to every competitor as well as handed to spectators. More than 1000 copies will be distributed and this year we will mail every Rotax member a copy for their very own.

This is your chance to put an ad in to recognize the accomplishments of your family members, friends or teammates. Ads are needed by Friday so there is still time. Click here for complete details.