News

Just as the United States of America did a few weeks ago, the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series will change leadership today with the announcement of veteran racer Alan Rudolph as the new face of the series. Taking the reigns as series President, Rudolph will be the leader in the future direction of the organization, working closely with current series staff to help better the Snap-on Stars of Karting and the sport of karting as a whole.

“This is a new and exciting position for me and I am ready to hit the ground running,” stated karting veteran Alan Rudolph. “Stars has undergone some crucial and important changes this week and I happened to be a part of it through their advisory panel. All of the changes are for the good and I look to witness the new Snap-on Stars of Karting Series at the first event in Ocala.”

As a result of Rudolph’s addition to the team, Paul Zalud will be able to better focus on his new role in the series as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the organization. Zalud’s primary task will be to strengthen and develop new strategic corporate alliances for the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series. Looking to again elevate karting in North America, Zalud will concentrate on getting the sport of karting on a common stage with the rest of the world.

“I am truly honored that Alan has agreed to become involved with our series and more so, to the level he is willing to be involved,” offers Zalud. “I think it would be difficult to find a more respected individual in karting and we hope that the series will gain some additional respect with Alan’s appointment. There is some hard work ahead for us, and I am grateful to have Alan added as another strong asset to our already fantastic group of officials that is the Stars organization.”

“What Alan can do for our organization as we go through our recently announced transition is give us a new image, one that I hope we all can get behind,” Zalud continues. “For me personally, this will allow me to concentrate on strengthening our relationships with corporations and motorsports partners outside of karting. I will also be able to spend more time expanding our series over the course of the year. I have started the CIK certification process for the track in Seattle and I will be traveling to Geneva this month for the CIK Commission meeting and again in March for the upcoming Sporting and Technical Seminars. It is important that the Stars of Karting represents the top level of karting in America and I now have more time to dedicate to ensure this will happen.”

The Stars of Karting staff is very much looking forward to working with Rudolph, having interacted with him at the race track during his many years of Stars competition. Always a class act, Alan will bring a special skill set to the team.

“Alan is a staple of presence in our great sport, and I am thrilled to be working with him,” stated National Competition Director and Race Steward Kevin Williams. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective from all facets of the industry, which will be a great addition to the professionalism of the Stars of Karting Team.”

Alan Rudolph, who is one of the most decorated karters of all time with multiple championships and big race wins to his credit, will bring a fresh new approach to the series. With years of experience in karting as well as the motorsports industry, Rudolph also brings with him to the series multiple alliances. Rudolph will look to advance the support and participation within the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series.

“I am going to do whatever it takes to continue developing the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series as a successful organization,” stated the new series President. “I am going to work with Paul, Scott Evans, Kevin Williams, Mike Tetreault, Mike Maurini and the rest of the series staff and be available to teams and participants in every instance possible. I want to state my opinion on everything and work with the series and teams to come to the critical decisions that will help better the Stars of Karting program.”

“It has always been my goal to give back to karting and try to make it better for the competitors, teams, importers, kart shops, and new people getting into our sport,” Rudolph continued. “Being in this position allows me to do this and I look forward to the opportunity.”

In other news, the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series membership and race entry forms are now available via the Snap-on Stars of Karting website. Drivers who competed in the ‘08 National Championship and wish to retain their competition number must register with the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series by February 15, 2009. Drivers and teams looking to receive a discount on event registration can do so by registering for the complete series. In addition, any Snap-on Stars of Karting Series driver participating in two classes will receive a rather substantial discount on the cost of registration for the second competition class.

The Snap-on Stars of Karting Series will continue to make announcements in regards to their 2009 National Championship, and they are extremely excited about moving forward with the 2009 class structure. An updated rules package will also be announced in the coming days. Announcements for the Stars of Karting Eastern Division opener at the Ocala Gran Prix facility in Ocala, Florida will be forthcoming.