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July 2014

New to the PKC: Margay Racing Karts

The Simraceway Performance Karting Center will soon be taking delivery of 12 Margay Ignite karts, which will be added to the school’s fleet as well as starring in a number of exciting upcoming series. Powered by Briggs and Stratton Racing’s turn-key Local Option 206 engines, these machines are capable of speeds in excess of 60 mph and are set to add another dimension to racing at the PKC.

 

A number of brand new races featuring these super-competitive karts, including an arrive-and-drive series and a bi-monthly club race (slated to begin in Spring 2015) are currently being prepared.

 

What’s more, for those who want even more access to our latest additions, ready-to-race Margay Ignite karts will also be available to buy at the PKC Pro Shop for just $3,995.

 

And there’s good news for drivers whose budgets won’t stretch to outright purchases, because plans to implement a pioneering “rent-to-own” package that will allow racers to put their kart rental fees towards the price of used machines, are at an advanced stage. Here at the Simraceway Performance Karting Center we’re always trying to make it easy for you to get behind the wheel!

 

 

PDC/ASCE Instructors: Paul Charsley

Paul has been racing for over 23 years. A natural on the track, he started out by winning his first ever race on the last corner of the final lap. A year later he carried off his first championship, before turning to the pro circuit in IMSA endurance racing. Although primarily a “tin-top” racer, he has driven a variety of car types, including Super Touring sedans, formula cars, and sports car endurance GTs.

 

Alongside his racing, he has made a career of coaching in series events such as Grand Am, ALMS and SCCA, as well as providing incisive insights for the Formula1blog racing website and podcast. After some years on the road helping show off the latest Audi cars in performance events, Paul settled down at Sonoma Raceway in 2009 and has been applying his not-insignificant skill set to helping the Simraceway Performance Driving Center and Audi sportscar experience ever since.

 

PKC Testing New FIA Safety Light System

Working in conjunction with New Zealand-based Alitrax Circuit Control Systems, the Simraceway Performance Karting Center is currently testing out a new FIA safety lighting system at the track. Capable of displaying all flag combinations, these small-but-significant additions are helping keep the PKC at the front of the pack when it comes to safety and innovation.

Jim Russell F3 Racing Series – Race 8

To say race 8 of the Jim Russell F3 Racing Series was exciting may be an understatement, so let’s go with barnstormer! In fact the buzz was high before the race as an extremely tight qualifying session had everyone ready for an action packed event. On the front row were Doug “Ninja” Tuttle and race debutant, and Hammer Nutrition guru, Brian Frank.

 

Click here to read a full race report and view the race gallery and leaderboard.

 

 

Jim Russell F3 Racing Series – Race 7

A little something old and new greeted Race 7 of the Jim Russell F3 Racing Series as a new group of racers were enticed to sample the best damn series on the West Coast! After an intense training session the day before, everyone was raring to go for Saturday’s race. Cooler temperatures than we’ve seen of late saw Chase Murray back on pole with a dip into the 1.38’s, followed by fellow front runner Doug Tuttle, who was hoping to get some points on the table after being taken out of the running last race weekend.

 

Click here to read a full race report and view the race gallery and leaderboard.

 

 

New Sim Track: Brands Hatch

First used for racing in 1926, Brands Hatch was transformed into a purpose-built motor racing circuit in 1950. In 1964 it hosted its first British Grand Prix—an event it would go on to share with Silverstone until 1986. Now you can experience it on your PC absolutely free-of-charge at Simraceway’s Online Racing World. Click here to find out more on our ORW blog.

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PDC’s Matt Bell Wins in Canada

Simraceway Performance Driving Center instructor Matt Bell and his co-driver Andy Lally secured a hard-fought victory in round 7 of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Saturday.

 

The pair guided their No. 9 Stevenson Automotive Group Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.R from third on the grid to an awesome victory which leaves Matt handily-placed in the GS class driver standings as he aims to surpass his 2nd place finishes in 2012 and 2013.

Announcing The Audi sportscar experience San Francisco International Polo Classic

POLOSF, Inc. and the Audi sportscar experience are putting on an international polo tournament and event in the Bay Area next month. The San Francisco International Polo Classic, which will take place on the weekend of August 2nd-3rd, will feature a range of events dedicated to horses and horsepower.   The event, which marks the re-opening of the Cerro Pampa Polo Fields, in Petaluma, California, will include top-class matches featuring polo teams from Panama, China, Argentina, Haiti, and the United States. The ASCE’s select fleet of Audi S, RS and R models—including  range-topping 2014 R8 supercars—will also be on hand for guests who prefer their horsepower to come from man-made means!

 

For more information check out the dedicated Facebook page.

 

or click the button below.

 

Get Tickets

 

 

PKC Introduces the Polaris Off-Road Experience

The Simraceway Performance Karting Center invites you to leave the asphalt behind and explore the wild side of Napa Wine Country! This brand new Simraceway experience puts drivers behind the wheel of a POLARIS Ranger 4×4 ATV. A course of essential off-road instruction will be followed by a memorable excursion that takes in stunning views at the famous Dollarhide Ranch–and a range of fine wines at St. Supery’s Vineyards. Find out more by clicking the red tab at the bottom of the screen and talking to us.

PDC/ASCE Instructors: Jeff Sakowicz

Jeff’s first racing experience came at the age of five on a bicycle, when he competed in Bicycle Moto Cross all over California. At nine, he began racing karts, and his subsequent success saw him switch to SCCA competition for two years in the Formula Ford class. After racing in Formula Continental, he travelled around the country competing in the US Formula Ford 2000 National Championship and notching multiple race wins and podium finishes in the American Continental Championship.

 

Jeff’s passion for passing on his skills was evident from an early age. His teaching career began as a summer job at his local go-kart school when he was aged 13.  He worked at the school sporadically through high school, before committing to it full time. Since 2007, he has continued to hone his craft as a racing instructor, and is now is a lead instructor for the Audi sportscar experience and Simraceway Performance Driving Center.

PDC/ASCE Instructors: Dane Rudolph

Australian Dane Rudolph began karting at 14 years of age, competing in Juniors, Rotax and ICA. Moving into open wheelers, he raced in the Australian Formula Ford Championship and Formula 4000 Series, on top of taking part in a host of Dirt Speedway Midget events in his native country.

 

As well as competing in the Australian National Production Car Championship, Dane has also participated at a number of 24-hour endurance events, including races at Sepang, Dubai and the Nurburgring. In 2008, he moved permanently to the US and began competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. He is currently a lead instructor with the Audi sportscar experience and Simraceway Performance Driving Center.