Franklin Motorports Kart Expo International by NKN Opens Feb 27

Dear Friends of the Rock Island Grand Prix,

It’s that time of year again. The 18th Annual Franklin Motorsports Kart Expo International brought to you by National Kart News will be held on February 27 and
28 at the DuPage Expo Center in St. Charles, Illinois – just outside Chicago.

I believe this is the single most important event of the year for the U.S. karting industry. Historically, it has been the one place where those of us in business in the sport could get together, share what we have learned, make important business-to- business connections, and plot and plan for the coming year.

The past couple of years have been rough on the industry and Kart Expo is no exception as it has had to downsize several times. But it is important to the sport that it survives. Whether you are a karting business or racer, please consider participation this year. The Rock Island Grand Prix has been a sponsor for as many years as I can remember, and an active participant before that and it has been great for our business.

Over the years it has given us the chance to talk with factory owners both here and abroad as well as importers, shops, event promoters and racers. We have had the benefit of seminars and panel discussions of enormous value and comparable to the best in other industries. We have made competitor, marketing, business and sponsorship contacts. For racers and others it offers the opportunity to see equipment and products up close and talk directly to those involved in their development and sales … and usually the chance for some great show-floor bargains.

This is the one show that everyone in the karting industry should participate in. That is not meant to put down other shows because they also can provide a great benefit.
But the sport needs one place where all of its principles gather once a year and participants can go to learn more about the craft of racing.

If you have a karting-related business and are not yet signed up to participate, you still have time. Your booth doesn’t have to be fancy, just set up a table and folding chair and hand out information or display and sell products. But make sure to find the time to make new business connections with others in the sport. That is a real value of the show.

If you are a parent, racer, or other team participant and live in the Midwest, plan to fit this show in your schedule. And don’t just shuffle up and down the aisles and leave.
Take time to stop and talk with every business. Attend the Friday panel, “The New Normal – Evolve or Face Extinction in a Very Different World,” as well as the seminars. There is also a team race planned for Friday night at Chicago Indoor Racing in nearby Addison. I promise that you will learn more about our sport in this weekend than you could ever imagine, while making valuable new friends and contacts.

For information on the show go to www.e-kmi.com/kartexpo, or contact Darrell Sitarz at (630) 653-7368 or email karting@msn.com. If you can’t be there this year, call Darrell and let him know that you want a space at the show in 2011.
Next year, Kart Expo International is scheduled to return to Pheasant Run Resort where it enjoyed its glory years – filling two halls and the hallways in between. The suburban Chicago location is near O’Hare Airport and easy to get to from anywhere in the country or the world. I am hopeful that in 2011 more businesses will be able to afford to participate and other shows and the winter racing series can avoid date conflicts so that shops won’t be forced to decide between supporting present customers or seeking new ones.

But first let’s make sure everyone benefits by visiting this year’s show. Be sure to stop by Booth 117 and get to know the people behind the Rock Island Grand Prix.
We plan to be making some exciting announcements about our race, which will be Sept. 4-5, 2010.

Race safe,

Roger Ruthhart