2011 Kart Expo has been called off

The combination of the deep and lasting economic recession both in the United States and abroad and the present state of the U.S. karting industry has forced Kart Marketing International, Inc., parent company of Kart Expo International, to cancel its plans for the 2011 kart industry trade show, annual roundtable and  accompanying events. The show was scheduled to take place Feb. 26-27, 2011, in St. Charles, Ill.

“It is with deep regret that we make this announcement,” Darrell Sitarz, producer of the 18-year old international show, said in a statement released on Sept. 30. “We have examined every aspect of the event and have come to an obvious conclusion — it is not feasible in the current economic climate to produce our show in 2011. This has been a gut-wrenching decision. However, although we will not be producing a show next year, we will be looking at the possibility of resurrecting it in the future should economic and industry conditions permit.”

George Sieracki, president of Wisconsin-based Franklin Motorsports, title sponsor of the show, said, “I certainly understand (Darrell’s decision); this has not been a good year for karting, and I hope things change next year.”

Kart Expo has been a long-time, well-known international event that usually marks the kickoff of the new racing season. Since 1993, the show — or trade fair as it is known in Europe — has moved around the United States only to settle back in 2001 to where it began…the Chicago-land area, a central location easily accessible from around the country and the world.

“I am hopeful things will turn around in the future as I feel it is essential that the karting industry have its own viable trade show so it can continue to grow and prosper,” concluded Sitarz.

Comments and suggestions can be directed to karting@msn.com. For the latest show developments, visit www.e-KMI.com and then click on the “Kart Expo” page.