Dear Karters,
First off, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Competitors, Sponsors and race day staffers for their support in 2016. We had record numbers all season long, and held arguably the most competitive 206 series in the country! It has meant a great deal to Steve and Myself that our little idea from a few years ago has been so well received by all of you, and our success would not have been possible without each and every one of you.
Although we have been relatively silent since the conclusion of our 2016 season, the work behind the scenes planning for 2017 has been well underway since this past July. We knew what we wanted to do in 2017, but we needed to make sure that any new plans did not degrade or diminish what we had already accomplished. Over the past few weeks, the final pieces have come into place, and we can now let you all in on our plans for 2017.
For this coming season, we will feature TWO DIVISIONAL SERIES! Our existing series, which will now be known as “206 Cup North” will race at many of the same tracks as it did last season. Our all new “206 Cup Central” will be race at tracks in the Illinois, Indiana and Ohio region of the country, where so many racers have reached out to us asking us to come. Both divisions will consist of four races, and each will name their own divisional champion.
Don’t worry though, that’s not all. At the end of the season, all of our divisions will come together to compete in our first ever “206 Cup Grand Nationals”! Racers will earn points throughout the year in the national standings, and we will name our 206 Cup National Champions at this special event.
I’m also very pleased to announce that Briggs and Stratton has agreed to continue our partnership with them as our Title Sponsor for 2017. Our relationship with Mr. Klaus and the entire Briggs family has been paramount to our success over the years, and we are honored by the opportunity to carry the Briggs banner for another season.
We can not release all the details for 2017 yet, but what we can tell you is that there will be no major rule changes for 2017. Although we will have to tweak our points format to accommodate the Divisional/National format, the only other changes planned are simple rules clarifications and minor tweaks. Without a doubt, we will continue on with the same unique open bodywork and seat rules that has been so well received, and all races will be on the Vega VAH tire in 2017. Most importantly, our focus will remain on making our series the most enjoyable, family friendly AND competitive series in karting.
This is an extremely exciting time for our series, as well as for Steve and Myself. The racers of the Central division are a talented bunch, and we truly believe this addition will raise the bar in our series, and in 4 cycle karting as a whole. The amazing support we have received from around the country made the decision to expand into a new market a relatively easy one. This series has allowed us to meet many new people that we now consider friends, and we are excited for the relationships and partnerships that this expansion will allow us to create.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will release all the information you are all dying to know. Our website will begin updating with all the new information, and we will provide regular updates via Facebook. Stay tuned….
