June 12th, 2025 - PIT NOTES/Race #3-Interclub Race
Hello Teams!
It was an eventful weekend for all those who made the trek to New Brunswick for round 3 of the 2025 season. An ominous weather forecast kept many Home, but a decent number took a chance on the forever changing Maritime hourlies. For this they were ultimately rewarded.
Saturday Evening Practice
For those who travelled to New Brunswick on Saturday, it was a pretty decent drive. Trailers started arriving at East Coast Karting at about 3pm. For a while it appeared that teams would get some dry laps in before the heavens opened up. It was not to be the case. The rain started at about 5pm and was coming down pretty good by the time the first AMKA karts took to the track at about 6pm. As always, it was wonderful to see our club members working together, discussing setup, helping each other getting karts ready and lending canopies to keep the crews dry.
Most teams wrapped up their testing around 8pm and an impromptu dinner happened at St Louis Bar and Grill around 8:30 and lasted much longer than expected. There were many laughs, lots of conversation and some all-you-can-eat wings competitions between a couple drivers! (Apologies to the members we were not able to reach. I can assure you that attempts were made and there was no intent to leave anyone out. Next year we will preplan a club dinner the night before)
Race Morning
Everybody woke up early to heavy rain. Hourly forecasts showed clearing and the potential of sun around 9am. Wet practice? Dry races? Will the track be too wet for slicks but too dry for rain tires? Racer dilemas.
The rain was done by 6am. The track was wet with streaming water down towards turn 1. (We were running counter clockwise) Promptly at 7:30am, Gerald announced practice sessions open. There was no movement in the pits. Gerald got back on the PA and reminded everyone that the track would dry quicker if there were karts out there doing laps. Moments later engines roared to life and the day had truly begun.
As final practice approached, several drivers had ventured out with slicks. The track was drying but rain tires were still faster, although the gap was closing. With AMKA drivers in the mix, the format was for Heat #1 to be time qualifying. TIre choice stress was at maximum. The majority of drivers went out with rains but it was quickly evident that the track was drying at a significant rate now. By the time the Senior/Masters group hit the track for qualifying, it favoured the brave drivers on slicks. Well done to those who made that call. There is no doubt that the changing weather added to the early excitement and taxed many a nerve. Then the sun came out in it's full glory!!
Races
The competition was fantastic! Lots of wheel-to-wheel action and plenty of passing in all divisions. It was great to see a couple of our rookies make the trip. I am happy to say that nobody looked out of place and everyone should be proud of their performances.
We did have one unfortunate incident that brought out a red flag and a trip to the local Hospital. We are happy to report that Brayden Isenor is doing well. He has a precautionary cast on his foot but is in great spirits and eager to get back on the track soon!
Here are the podium results from the Feature races:
Cadet
1st- #12 Ayrton Kutcher (CEKS)
2nd- #15 Harlen MacNeil (CEKS)
3rd- #10 Rafael Staszyczyk (AMKA)
Junior
1st- #224 Jack Simpson (AMKA)
2nd- #611 Malex Richard (AMKA)
3rd- #19Victoria Geitzen (AMKA)
Senior
1st- #727 Isaac Teed (CEKS)
2nd- #96 Addison Rayner (AMKA)
3rd- #49 Andre Robichaud (AMKA)
Masters
1st- #435 Eric Woolliscroft (AMKA)
2nd- #77 Lin Vinh Do (CEKS)
3rd-#18 Nickoli Roussakov (AMKA)
The next Interclub race will be held in Halifax at Kartbahn on July 6th. This is AMKA Race #4. We look forward to seeing our CEKS Friends at our Home track next month. Remember, you are always welcome!
AMKA Fastest Lap
There was no beating veteran CEKS Driver Isaac Teed's best lap time on Sunday. However, AMKA Senior Division Driver, Addison Rayner, put pressure on him all day and posted the best AMKA driver lap time of 25.751. Way to go Addison!!
As always, any questions or concerns: directors@amka.ca
June 5th, 2025 - PIT NOTES, Race #2 and More!
Hello Teams!
What was looking like a wet race day turned out to be dry but cool and windy. Cool air means more power and the drivers were taking advantage of that all day. A fantastic turnout translated into some incredible wheel-to-wheel action on the track. Congratulations to ALL of our racers.
Race #2 Podiums:
Cadet Division
1st-#49 Ivan Roussakov
2nd-#17 Cayson Misenor
3rd-# Rafael Staszcyk
Junior Division
1st-#224 Jack Simpson
2nd-#611 Malex Richard
3rd-#19 Victoria Gietzen
Senior Division
1st-#388 Cameron Nickerson
2nd-#96 Addison Rayner
3rd-#237 Logan Hanninen
Masters Division
1st- #435 Eric Woolliscroft
2nd- #18 Nickoli Roussakov
3rd- #803 Barry Nickerson
Podium EVERY week
Reminder that there will be podium celebrations after EVERY race event. Our Promotions committee suggested this in the off season and Full Circle Wood Products sponsored, and created, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards that podium placing drivers can pose with for photos and cheering at the end of the day. In the spirit of sportsmanship and the family atmosphere of AMKA, we strongly encourage you to stick around and participate.
DRIVER OF THE DAY
Thanks again to our Promotions Team and Full Circle Wood Products for this award. The Driver of the Day will be awarded at the end of each race day and will be chosen by the person who watches every race, our Race Director. It could be awarded for a number of reasons; an amazing win, an amazing pass, incredible sportsmanship...there are many ways to earn this award.
Race #1 winner was Cameron Nickerson
Race #2 winner was Logan Hanninen
Again, stick around and celebrate. Imagine if you pack up and head Home and YOU were the winner?
Format confusion
There were a handful of teams that expressed some confusion on, and after, thgis past race day. We would like to address what was conveyed to us.
1) Formats. There are still some teams struggling to understand the different formats and when they happen.
- Lap time based qualifying. This format is used by the Cadet Division on EVERY race day and for ALL Divisions during the three Atlantic Region Motorsports (ARMS) races.
- Random draw. This format is used by the Junior, Senior and Masters Division for the seven non-ARMS races. (This is the standard format.)
It should also be noted that there was a very productive discussion regarding our formats during the AMKA AGM in January. This discussion prompted a member survey that all members had the opportunity to participate in. We were very encouraged by the responses.
**Further information on these formats can always be found in the AMKA Sub Regulations on our website (www.amka.ca) We encourage you to take the time to read them over and refer to them when needed.**
2) Race types. The club has actively tried to make the season more interesting with our races. We can assure you it was not our intention to make it more confusing.
Here are the race types we have:
-Trophy Races. We have traditionally held three trophy races each season. This season they are Race#1, Race#6 & Race#11
-ARMS Races. We have three ARMS races that were introduced about a decade ago. It was proposed by our Regional governing body (ARMS) who supply and present the trophies at the Regional banquet. This season they are Race#2, Race#5 & Race#7
-Inter-club Races. This is relatively new and actually more difficult to coordinate than you might imagine. There are three Interclub races this season. They are Race #3 (in NB), Race #4 & Race# 5 (at Kartbahn). We think it's important for the clubs to support each other and fantastic for drivers to race on different tracks.
Race Day Schedule confusion
We have been told that there was confusion near the end of the race day. There were two teams that left before the Feature Race thinking that Heat #3 was the Feature Race. A couple others were packing up but were caught before they left. We are not exactly sure why this happened?
Again, the Race Day schedule is in the AMKA Sub Regulations found on the website.
The number of 'Races' per event has not changed. There was a change during Race#1 on May 11th due to time constraints (we had to drop a Heat Race) but that is NEVER what we strive for as addressed in posts and emails to the members leading up to Race #2. We will always announce if there is a change. We would also encourage Teams to check with a Director if you are getting second hand information and have not heard an official announcement of a change yourself. This is the only way we can correct misinformation.
To further avoid any confusion, as a courtesy, we will be posting the race day schedule and format sections from the Sub Regs in printable form on the website. (It should be up and available in the coming days.) We encourage you to print it and post it in your trailer for reference.
From the Race Director
There were many delays on Sunday that were the result of stranded drivers leaving their karts in precarious places and walking away from them. A reminder that Junior, Senior and Masters drivers are required to move their karts to a safe position when it is possible and safe to do. Track Marshals are NOT required to move a kart. There were a couple karts that hit barriers in the upper infield and the karts were left against the barrier creating a yellow flag situation in that corner for the remainder of the race. The karts should/could have been pulled across the track to the infield so green flag racing could resume.
A reminder that race restarts (after a red flag) are single file as per the rule set. In the event that the field comes around in a side-by-side formation on their own, they will be given the green flag. This happened on Sunday. This is a much tougher way to learn a rule. ;-)
Note: If a red flag happens on the first lap (before the field completes a full lap) a proper restart will take place.
Race #3 in New Brunswick (June 8th)
A reminder that Race #3 is an Interclub race and is being hosted by CEKS at East Coast Karting track in Dieppe, NB. Registration is open and payment must be received for the registration to be valid.
There will be practice available from 6pm to dusk on Saturday, June 7th. Track opens at 7am on Sunday...race day practice starts at 7:30am. (Judging by the forecast, be prepared for a wet race)
Anyone planning to go Saturday and stay overnight, there is a deal for $119 per night at the Quality Inn Dieppe. Call the front desk directly and say you are with Championship Kart Racing Association event for the price.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at directors@amka.ca
**IMPORTANT REMINDER: RACE #3-Interclub in Moncton**
Please ensure that you make payment after you register for the race. Failing to pay will result in your registration being void.
Thank you for your understanding.
May 28th, 2025 - Information for Races 2 and 3
Race #2 - Sunday, June 1st
Registration has been open for this race for a few days. As per the Sub regulations, there is a penalty for late registration:
"Entry fees must be paid by 7:00 pm the Thursday prior to the race or the driver will be penalized, will be sent to the rear for both heat races."
Obviously we do not want to see anyone get a penalty so please stay on top of this. We do our best to send out reminders as a courtesy, but the responsibility ultimately rests with the teams.
On the topic of sub regulations, another reminder that they have been updated and team members should take the time to go over them. WARNING: Driver's meeting is officially at 7:30am on the schedule now. Drivers failing to attend, or arriving late, will incur a penalty. Set your alarm!
Atlantic Region Motorsports (ARMS) Race
Race #2 is an ARMS Regional Race so qualifying for ALL divisions is based on fast times from 2nd practice. Check Sub Regs for more information.
Race #3 - Sunday June 8th (East Coast Karting, Dieppe, NB)
This is an AMKA points race and part of our two race Inter-club series promoting club/regional racing. We would like to see as many of our drivers there as possible supporting our NB Racing Friends.
For planning purposes, you should know that the track will open at 7am, practices start by 7:30 and races around 10am.
Any questions, email: directors@amka.ca
See you at the track!
May 26th, 2025 - IMPORTANT REMINDERS and UPDATES
Hello Teams!
We just want to pass along some important information before Race#2 on June 1st.
**TIMING and SCORING**
It is really important that our timing and scoring folks are not bothered during races. They really need to concentrate on what they are doing. When they are distracted with questions, mistakes are more possible. Also, it can slow down the day as they get behind setting up the next heat/race.
We ask that you find an AMKA Director and explain the situation or your query. If the Director cannot answer it, they will find the answer or pass along the information when appropriate. This includes any questions or concerns to the Race Director.
We will make a point of identifying the AMKA Directors present on race day during the Driver's meeting.
The 2025 AMKA Directors are:
Barry Nickerson
Eric Woolliscroft
Cashton Woolliscroft
Arnold Huber
Charles Grosse
Brandon Smith
DJ Hanninen
Jack Simpson Sr
UPDATES
There were more positive takeaways than negative ones after Race#1, but the biggest negative is one we absolutely need to solve. We never want to drop races to make up time.
We looked closely at our race day and had a lengthy meeting with our Race Director, trying to identify the main culprits. Obviously, red flags, broken down karts and sweeping gravel between races are issues. We also calculated the time it takes to run each race based on 'out laps' and 'average lap time' for each division. That was eye opening for us.
A few upcoming changes:
-We are having a couple of kart stands built that will be placed strategically around the track to quicken kart removal. We hope to have these in place by Race#4.
-Gravel was not as big an issue as it has been, but we still need drivers to focus on not cutting corners over the gravel.
-The Race day schedule has been 'fine tuned' in the updated sub regulations. One of the obvious changes is the Driver's meeting will be held at 7:30am. We did that at Race#1 but that will be permanent now and should be more efficient. The 'updated' sub regs are now up on the website.
-We will be moving to two 5 minute practice sessions per class instead of 3.
*We are actively working with Kartbahn to secure regular practice sessions. Lucas will be sending us a proposal shortly*
The Race Director (Jeff) will control the pace of the day, but that requires karts to be in position in the gridding area, on time and ready to go. We do not want to be militant, but we NEED to be efficient and that will require cooperation from our members. We have a track announcer now, so please be aware of any announcements that may affect your division.
See you at the track!
AMKA Licence Requests
To all of those drivers who are planning to travel to events this summer, we have a very small window to get these made up.
Please forward your request with an accompanying 'head shot' photo to treasurer@amka.ca by this Friday, May 23rd.
Thank you,
AMKA Directors
SPONSORSHIP
Hello Teams!
We just want to remind you how important Sponsors are to the health of our club. They help with infrastructure, upgrading equipment (radios, timing software, etc) and keeping member costs in check. When we lack sponsors we are forced to up member fees. Never an enjoyable decision.
If you know a company that might be interested, please approach them and find out. The sponsorship opportunities can be found on our website:
BONUS: 10% of the sponsorship you bring to the club goes directly back to supporting your team!
Thank you in advance,
2025 AMKA Directors
directors@amka.ca
Help Wanted: 'DRIVEN' show at HEC - May 24th from 1pm-7pm
Hi Teams!
AMKA has been invited to have a kart display at the upcoming 'DRIVEN' show at HEC. This is a great opportunity to sell our sport to motorsport minded people.
NEEDED:
- We need two karts for the day. (Senior/Junior and a Cadet) Karts would arrive in the morning and put in place. This is a one day event that is well attended.
- We need a couple more volunteers to chat with people about our sport. Once we have some volunteers we can divide up the day.
Please let us know ASAP if you are interested.
May 13th 2025 - Race #1 Report
Hello Teams!
Race#1 is in the books and the season is underway! Overall, it was a successful day. There were some amazing battles on track. CONGRATULATIONS to ALL the drivers and especially to those who made the podium. Here are your top 3 finishers for Race 1:
CADET DIVISION
1st- Cayson Misener
2nd- Rafal Staszczyk
3rd- Axl Whitehead
JUNIOR DIVISION
1st- Jack Simpson
2nd- Adam Riebetz
3rd- Malex Richard
SENIOR DIVISION
1st- Cameron Nickerson
2nd- Evan Huber
3rd- Addison Rayner
MASTERS DIVISION
1st- Barry Nickerson
2nd- Nick Roussakov
3rd- Eric Woolliscroft
Thanks!
Thanks to Brandon Smith for jumping in and volunteering to manage the grid. Also to Staci McBride and Phil MacBeth for their help on the scales. Tammy Smith for rounding up the last of the waivers to make sure our insurance would be valid.
Track Announcer
Huge shout out to Austin Richardson, our track announcer! You took our race day to another level and it is exciting to think that it will just get better and better as you get into a rhythm. Wow! Just Wow! Thank you! The comments from members were overwhelmingly positive.
Austin mentioned this yesterday; if he gets information wrong or mispronounces your name, just let him know and he will correct it going forward.
Race Day schedule
Obviously we were not thrilled to have to drop a heat race to make time. The Directors are actively working with the Race Director to find solutions to avoid this going forward. Also, we will be addressing the schedule in the sub regulations to reflect any changes. We will inform you all when that happens.
Registration Cut off
A reminder that Race registration needs to be completed by the Thursday, 7pm before a race weekend. This is NOT a new rule. If you miss the deadline you will start at the back of the heat races. The Registrar/Treasurer is a volunteer position and last minute registrations became VERY time consuming. This was the solution to encourage prompt registration and payment. It has been successful.
Suggestion: If you are concerned you may not make a race, register and pay anyway. If you don't make it your payment will be credited and used for the next race you register for.
Race# 2 is June 1st.
Change your oil...clean your clutch...see you at the race!
May 9th 2025 - RACE 1 - Waivers and Details
Hello teams!
With Race #1 this weekend we wanted to remind you of the required waivers and outline some important details:
WAIVERS:
Another reminder that there are two electronic waivers that are required before your kart can go on the track. There are links to both waivers below:
1) 'Waiver for Kartbahn' - This is the waiver to be at, or on, the Kartbahn track.
2) '2025 Ewaiver' - This is the waiver needed to participate in AMKA events.
IMPORTANT: These BOTH need to be filled out by ALL AMKA participants. Driver, crew, Family, Friends. Anyone who is at the track.
So far we have 40 drivers registered but only 18 have done the waiver. In some cases the Parents have done their waiver but not done their driver who is a minor. These need to be done for Sunday and available to show when asked. Once completed, they are both good for the season.
If you have questions, please email: directors@amka.ca
Smoking/Vaping at the Track:
This is just a friendly reminder that there is no smoking/vaping in the pit/paddock and bleacher areas. The pit and paddock area is primarily a safety reason as there is gasoline in these areas. The bleachers is courtesy to those around you.
We would ask anyone smoking or vaping to move a suitable distance away from these areas. If required, we will designate a smoking/vaping area.
Thank you for your cooperation and see you at the track!
2025 AMKA Directors
May 7th 2025 - Race #1 Registration Reminder
Hello Teams!
A friendly reminder that we are just a few days away from Race #1 of the 2025 season! This first race is the Don Nickerson memorial trophy race.
Cutoff for registration is Friday May 9th at 9pm, so please act soon and register here.
Also, be sure to fill out BOTH waiver forms (AMKA and Kartbahn) which are also on the website. This is for ALL team members, not just drivers. Once filled out, they are valid for the entire season.
Any questions, please contact directors@amka.ca
See you at the track!
May 7th, 2025 - ***URGENT*** - Race Day help Needed!
We have two positions that require bodies starting with Race#1:
1. Grid Marshal: Coordinating with timing to set grid for each race. Pushing each division to get ready for the next race.
2. Scaling: Working the scales after each race to make sure each racer is at, or above, minimum allowed weight.
These positions pay $15 per hour. This can be filled by a Parent, a Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle...Friend. Please give this some consideration. Your help is needed to produce successful race days!
Please email directors@amka.ca if interested.
Thank you!
Correction/Update: May 4th Rookie School & Testing
Sunday May 4th Rookie School/Practice is 8am-noon as stated in the registration. Apologies for any confusion!
SCALING OPPORTUNITY BEFORE RACE #1:
Scales will be set up for anyone who is concerned about their driver/kart weight. You do not need to register if you just want to show up for weigh in purposes.
-AMKA Directors
May 3rd, 2025 - UPDATE: May 4th Rookie School & Testing
As of Saturday afternoon, Sunday’s event looks to be a go. It’s a bit hit-or-miss with the weather, but we can only control so much!
8am-noon is the time we have. Rookie school will take priority of the track so anyone coming for practice time will have to work around that.
We will update you by 9pm tonight (Saturday) if there are any changes or new details for tomorrow’s event.
If you have not registered, please do that here: Register for May 4th rookie school/testing
Thank you for your patience,
AMKA Directors
April 27th 2025 - April 27th ROOKIE SCHOOL & TESTING CANCELLED
Due to the amount of rain and the predicted hourly forecast, we have decided to cancel today's session. We do not think it prudent to run the Rookie school in these conditions. Due to the lack of registration for testing today, that will also be cancelled.
We will look at potential alternatives for a Rookie school, but a reminder that there is one scheduled for May 4th.
AMKA DIRECTORS
April 17th, 2025 - Testing Waiver Available
**IMPORTANT**
https://kartbahnracing.speedwaiver.com/olcxj
Here is the waiver specifically for testing in April at Kartbahn. This needs to be submitted by driver and anyone else attending at the track. You cannot get on the track until this is done so please try to have it done before arriving at the track to avoid delays.
NOTE: This is NOT the AMKA Season waiver.
March 21st, 2025 - AMKA 2025 Membership Application Release
Hello AMKA!
Here is the 2025 Membership Application. Please fill out the required information, sign, and return to treasurer@amka.ca. If you need assistance or have any questions please contact us!
March 20th, 2025 - AMKA 2025 Schedule Release
Hello Teams!
Here is the long awaited schedule for the 2025 season. As always, we have done our best to avoid long weekends and we have succeeded.
You will notice the lack of race dates in June. This is simply a track availability issue that cannot be avoided. We also tried very hard to add some dates at Scotia Speedworld in June but it was not available due to the Prostock series schedule. We would like to eventually include a couple of races at SSW to add challenge and variety. We will continue to pursue that for the 2026 season.
2025 AMKA Schedule
Early/mid April TBA - Practice (weather dependent)
April 27th - AMKA Practice/Race School
May 4th - AMKA Practice/Race School
May 11th - Race #1 Don Nickerson Memorial
June 1st - Race#2 ARMS Race 1
June 8 - Race #3 Inter-club race in Moncton
July 6th - Race#4 Inter-club race at Kartbahn
July 13th - Race#5 ARMS 2 race and Inter-club race at Kartbahn
July 27th - Race#6 Deke Cameron Memorial
August 17th - Race#7 ARMS Race 3
September 7th - Race#8
September 13th - Race#9 **Evening race under the lights**
September 28th - Race#10 & Race#11 **Double race day** Zachery Grosse Memorial
NOTE: We are confident that we will be able to work with Kartbahn to arrange practice days throughout the season.