CART links up with karting association

CART and the WKA has joined forces to provide racing opportunities for young American drivers and help with their development.

The partnership will form part of the "ladder system" established by CART.

Senior vice president of marketing for CART, Patrick Leahy said: "Partnering with the WKA sends a positive message to the motorsports community that CART is taking a major step to promote the development of young drivers.

"By acquiring the Dayton Indy Lights and Toyota Atlantic Championships two years ago, CART began the establishment of a 'ladder system' of driver development. We see this partnership as essential to the creation of another rung on that ladder."

The partnership includes a scholarship program, "Kart to CART," as well as a series of performance awards.

The "Kart to CART" scholarship will be awarded to two junior class participants in the WKA Constructor's Series - one male and one female - at the end of the 2000 season.

Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship to the Skip Barber Racing School.

There will also be a "CART Fastest Lap Award" performance award at four WKA Constructor's Series events.

The award will be presented to the drivers who record the fastest lap during each race in two junior classes and two senior classes. A total of 16 performance awards will be presented throughout the season.

"Open-wheel motorsports has needed a defined 'ladder system' for sometime now," said World Karting Association president Randy Kugler.

" WKA, along with our newly appointed marketing communications firm, Cotter Group, will work with CART to establish such a system. It's a natural partnership that will strengthen both organisations and provide new opportunities for young American drivers."