Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Banquet

2011 Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Banquet (UPDATE)

Hey everyone it's about that time....  Time to celebrate the 2011 season and here are some additional details....

First of all, the Banquet is FREE this year and we'd like to thank the all of our promotional partners for helping to make that possible.  We had a great season and we were very fortunate to have the support of some truly great partners this season.  BP Motorsports Group & The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series are continuing to see positive growth and as a result of that we're able to offer the banquet this year for FREE!

At the banquet last year we charged an entry fee and provided food but we had so much food left over that this year we felt it best to pass on the entry fee and allow you the opportunity to order food and drinks on your own if you like.  However,  BP Motorsports Group will be providing a limited amount of Pizza and Drinks at the Banquet.  If you would like to order Pizza on your own you're more than welcome to do that but there will be some Pizza and soft drinks provided.

DATE:  Saturday November 5, 2011 

LOCATION:  Waldo Pizza

                       1543 NE Douglas Street 

                        Lee's Summit, MO 64086

                        Phone:  816-875-2121
                        www.waldopizza.net

TIME:   5:00pm - 8:00pm

We will be recognizing the achievements and the success of the drivers and teams during our banquet and we'd like to thank each and every one of you for coming to race with us this season.  BP Motorsports Group is looking forward to an even bigger and better 2012 season.  

We would also like to thank our promotional partners for helping to make this season possible:

- The IZOD IndyCar Series

- MAZDA

- Russell Karting Specialties

Dunlop Tires

- CarCar Motorsports

- Maxxis Tires

- Bike Stop of Blue Springs

- Bridgestone Tires

We'll see you all at the banquet November 5, 2011 at Waldo Pizza in Lee's Summit, Mo. 

2012 IndyCar Testing at Iowa Speedway

Attention all Speed Freaks and IZOD IndyCar Fans.....    Check out who and what was turning laps at Iowa Speedway recently.  It's the new oval aero package for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar.

So what do you think about the new design for the 2012 season?  Personally I think it looks pretty cool.  It's got one heck of a nose on it and I'll bet we see quite a few nose replacements during racing action in the early part of the 2012 season but I like the looks of the car.  It's going to be really cool to see different aero packages and more than just one engine manufacturer on the track in 2012.  It should be a really great season for the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2012.  


The start of the 2012 season will be cool but seeing new designs and new engine manufacturers roll across the yard of bricks in 2012 at Indy will be very cool.  Kudos to Randy Bernard and the entire IZOD IndyCar team for giving the fans something really exciting two straight years in a row.  This year the 100th running of the Indy 500 and next year the new motors and aero packages!

Take a good look everyone...   This is the IZOD IndyCar that represents the future of the sport.  Follow the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system and this could be you in the years to come.

Did you know that you can start on the first rung of that ladder right here with BP Motorsports Group and "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series"?  Of course you did....   This weekend one lucky Tag Senior driver will take the first step at making it rung number two in the "Mazda Road To Indy Scouting Combine".  Will it be Luke Waller, Kaylee Granberg, or Alex Nowyse making the trip to Palmetto, Florida in November?  Come out this weekend and find out...

See you all at the races.

The Last Race Of The Season!

The final race of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties is this coming weekend, September 24 -25, at the Precision Driving Center in Kansas City.  It's been a tremendous season this year and we have our promotional partners and our racers to thank for that!  We couldn't have done this without them and we're certainly looking forward to some very exciting things for next season.

The highlight of the season came early in the year for all of us at BP Motorsports Group when we received confirmation that "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" was the first IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner for their Scouting Combine as part of "The Mazda Road to Indy".  We'll crown our Champion in the Tag Senior Class this coming weekend and that driver will participate in the first ever Scouting Combine in November at Anderson Raceway Park in Palmetto, Florida.  What an amazing honor to be the first regional karting series selected to be part of this program with Mazda and the IZOD IndyCar Series. 

Shortly after that announcement we solidified our partnership with Mazda and we couldn't have asked for a better partner to be associated with.  Mazda has a passion for the grass roots of racing and it was a perfect fit with our series.  We're proud to be associated with such a wonderful company that has helped create the ladder system, with the IZOD IndyCar Series, for young grass roots racers to find their way from the local tracks to the big leagues of racing.  Then to add to that we've had the pleasure of working with one of the best known karting shops in the United States in Russell Karting Specialties.  Drivers started to come in from several other states and kart counts continued to grow this season  This is been the biggest and the best season for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" to date and we're all looking forward to the final race this weekend and the seasons still to come.

There are tight battles in several classes and some big money to be earned this weekend.  One driver in the Tag Senior Class will be headed to Florida in November for the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine.  Another driver will win a pair of tickets to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race in Las Vegas on October 16th and get to meet the winning driver in Victory Circle after the race as part of the Mazda Summer Cash Dash.  Several other classes have money on the line as well and every class (excluding Kid Karts) that has ten drivers or more in it's class gets a 50% payout for the top three drivers. 

Heading into this weekends final race of the season John Pennington holds a five point lead over Ted Hite in the Clone Class with Andrew Pennington close behind in third place.  The Clone Championship is still very much up for grabs this weekend.   In the Kid Kart class last years champion, Luke Howard, holds a solid lead but has been challenged much more this season than last year.  Tyler Hagan currently sits in second place and Zach Granberg, a rookie this season, is currently in third place.  The S2 Shifter class is all but locked up by Chris Tomasson with Dennis Brandon and Mike Parker in second and third place coming in this weekend race.   Jacob Winslow looks to take the Tag Cadet championship this season as well as the added Mazda Summer Cash Dash bonus money.  He's currently holding off Caden Bolz and Will Burke.  Cole "Monster" Hannah has a rather commanding lead in the Tag Jr. class coming into the final race of the season with Wyatt Maness and Kyle Potts rounding out the top three positions.  Angie Hannah has a solid lock on the top position in the Tag Masters division ahead of Chris Koster and Carl Hayward.  The Tag Senior Division has been a solid battle all season long and Luke Waller currently holds a seventy point lead over last years champion, Kaylee Granberg.  Alex Nowyse, currently sitting in third place, is only twenty points out of second and ninety points out of first place.  It will be a serious battle for the top three podium spots this weekend.  Something else on the mind of all three of these racers is Jim Russell Jr.  He may be in their rear view mirror in points but he's seldom in that spot on the track.  Will Jim Russell Jr. be the spoiler this coming weekend and sneak up to grab a podium spot?  The Tag Senior Class is set to be a very big race this weekend!

The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series is one of the fastest growing karting series in the Heartland attracting drivers from:  Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma, as well as our home states of Kansas and Missouri.  It has been a wonderful season and all of us at BP Motorsports Group would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our promotional partners and to each and every driver and his or her crew that came to race with us.  Best of luck to you all this weekend, thank you for coming to race with us and we'll see you all at the track.

Heartland Sprint Series Update

BP Motorsports Group is looking forward to the final race of the season this coming weekend and we hope to see you all at the track. 

Attention Tag Senior Class:  It has come to our attention that the current points in the Tag Senior Class are incorrect and we've been trying to rectify the situation.  Unfortunately, we haven't been able to do so locally so we've had to ask for assistance from MyLaps and it's taking a little time to correct.  Please note that Alex Nowyse, currently in 3rd place in the Tag Senior Class with 775 points, should have an additional 40 points making his official points total 815.  BP Motorsports Group and MyLaps are working together to correct the error and we apologize for any inconvenience.  

Race #6 Brings Big Prizes!

It's about that time everyone.  The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series will draw to a close at the end of this month and with it champions will be crowned, money will be won, and two of our drivers will be getting ready to pack their bags to take some very exciting trips!

The first trip will be to Florida to Anderson Raceway Park for "The Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine".  The champion in the Tag Senior Class will make that trip in November to compete against some of the best kart racers in the country.  It's much like the "Top Gun" of karting where all drivers will be competing against each other in a USF2000 car in hopes of winning the battle and earning a shot to race in St. Petersburg for the start of the 2012 season.  Who will will this highly sought after opportunity?  Come watch the race September 25th and find out.

Trip number two will be the chance to go to Las Vegas to watch the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race on October 16th.  The driver in the Tag Senior class who earned the most points for the final three races is the driver who will make the trip to Vegas and get passes to be in the pits and meet the winning driver in Victory Circle immediately following the race.   


Not only is this the final race of the IZOD IndyCar Series but it's also the race with the FIVE MILLION DOLLAR challenge!  There's now a new twist to the promotion as well.  One lucky fan in attendance will win 2.5 Million dollars as part of the Godaddy.com challenge.

It's been a tremendous season for BP Motorsports Group and "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties and we're looking forward to the final race of this season and many more seasons to come.  We couldn't have done it without the help of all of our wonderful promotional partners:  MAZDA, Russell Karting Specialties & Dunlop Tires, Car Car Motorsports, The IZOD IndyCar Series, Maxxis Tires, Bike Stop, TAG USA, Bridgestone Tires, Northern Lights Motorsports, and The Greater Kansas City International Auto Show.  We would also like to extend a special thank you to Marcus Moore from KMBC TV Channel 9 for doing the story about the kids racing in the extreme heat.  


As the season draws to a close BP Motorsports Group and "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" would also like to extend our sincere thanks to you, the racers.  While we realize that we've had some growing pains along the way we never forget that there wouldn't be a series like this if it wasn't for you!  We'll continue to do the best we can to provide you the opportunity to race and we'll continue to try to make it bigger and better as we grow.  Thanks again to all or our promotional partners and to you the racers.  We wish you all the best of luck in the final race and we'll see you at the track!

Tire Update

Everyone:  Below is an update about the Dunlop Tire Question from Brit.

 

---------------------------

 

I talked to Jim Jr. today and he has confirmed that they are out of DDM's and Dunlop is no longer making them. The tire that has taken it's place is the Dunlop DEM. He has assured me that there is no difference in performance so we will add the DEM to the Dunlop list as an approved tire and TAG USA will be adding it shortly. More than likely the DDM will be removed from the list next year like the DCM was this year. So if you still have DDM's better use them up this year.

_________________
Brit Phillips
Director of Operations
BP Motorsports Group

Tire Info

Some questions about tires have come up and Brit wanted to make certain that we clarified some of the questions.  His post about the official tire rule is listed below:  Note that if you race on the tires listed in Bold it makes you eligible to win a Free set of that brand of tires courtesy of our sponsors:  Maxxis, Dunlop, and Bridgestone.

-----------

 

In light of the problems we have had with drivers running the wrong tires at the Mazda Heartland Sprint Series and since so many of them are also KCKA drivers I wanted to take a minute and post this here in hopes of saving someone the grief of getting DQ'ed. Here are the legal tires which are also posted on our web site-

๏Maxxis HG3   (Eligible to win Free set of Maxxis Tires)


๏MG FZ Yellow


๏Dunlop DDM   (Eligible to win Free set of Dunlop Tires)


๏Mojo D2 (Rotax only)


๏Bridgestone YKB/YLB    (Eligible to win Free set of Bridgestone Tires)


๏Bridgestone YKC/YLC (Yamaha only)   (Eligible to win Free set of Bridgestone Tires)


You must run the compound listed next to the tire and all 4 tires must be the same brand and compound. Just because the brand on the side of the tire is right doesn't mean the compound is right. You must check the compound to make sure it matches what is on the list. I hope this helps clear this matter up. Thanks.

_________________
Brit Phillips
Director of Operations
BP Motorsports Group

Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Race Review

"It's the bottom of the 9th, the score is tied, it's time for the big one!"   Ok it's not really the bottom of the 9th, that's the wrong sport, and the score is close but it's not really tied, but who could resist a good Top Gun quote!

It might not be "Top Gun" however, it is much like that iconic battle between "Iceman" and "Maverick" in our Tag between Luke Waller and Kaylee Granberg in the Tag Senior battle.  Luke currently holds a 70 point lead over Kaylee Granberg and the Tag Senior Champion gets the chance to go to Palmetto, Florida in November for the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine.  Unless something really bizarre happens it looks like it will be either Luke Waller or Kaylee Granberg who will make that trip to battle against the best of the best in a USF2000 Car.  Put the game face on because the Champion will be also be evaluated by some of the best from the IZOD IndyCar Series.  No pressure there huh!

"The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" was the very first regional karting partner selected for the Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine with the IZOD IndyCar Series and thanks to our title sponsor "MAZDA" our Tag Senior Champion will be headed to Florida with some serious prize money in hand.  The IZOD IndyCar Series is also sending the winner of "The Mazda Summer Cash Dash" in the Tag Senior Class to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race in Las Vegas in October with $500.00 in cash and the chance to meet the winning driver in Victory Circle.  That battle appears to be between Aaron Telitz and Jim Russell Jr., who is only 20 points behind.  Who will get the trip to Vegas?  The race in September will be the determining factor.

It's been a full season of excitement and the champions are about to get crowned at the end of next month.  One of the closest point battles is in the Clone Class!  John Pennington scored a win in August and will take his five point lead, over Ted Hite, into the final race of the season in September.  It was a back and forth race between all three drivers in August!  Andrew Pennington had an impressive race but a late spin in the final lap brought him home 3rd which is where he sits in the championship points battle as well.  

The Kid Kart class has proven to be quite exciting this season with new an old faces alike.  The dominant force is still last years champion, Luke Howard, but the other drivers are catching up quickly and challenging him at every turn.  We've had three different winners in five races this season.  Luke currently sits in the top spot but is feeling the pressure from Tyler Hagan, only 93 points behind.  Zach Granberg has been on fire lately, almost literally, as he blew his motor in the Pre-final but thanks to some spare parts from Luke Howard, and Dad turning the wrenches, he was back out there again for the final.  Jayden Parker and Henry Williams have been fast this season as well.  Both drivers showed extreme sportsmanship when their wheels touched out on the track sending Henry air-born.  As soon as the karts came to a rest the drivers ran over to check on each other.  "Great Job fellas!  That showed true sportsmanship and you should be proud of yourselves for looking out for your fellow drivers."  Also welcome to Gaige Lafland who made his debut in race number 5 of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series".  Looking forward to seeing you again next month Gaige!  Remember one lucky driver will get a free Bike from Bike Stop in Blue Springs at the year end Awards Banquet.  Good luck to all the drivers and a big thanks to Bike Stop!

When it comes to the S2 Shifter Class Chris Thomasson has it pretty much locked up as he scored yet another win in August but Dennis "The Weatherman" Brandon and Mike Parker were keeping the pressure on in August.  They're making Chris work for the Championship.

The Tag Cadet class has been exciting this year or should we call it "The Winslow - Bolz Show".  Jacob has been the dominant driver in the class this season racking up 4 out of 5 wins thus far but Caden Bolz has been no slouch as has scored the other victory and only sits 75 points out of the top spot.  These two drivers are closely matched and their times are neck and neck. Look for Jacob and Caden to turn in yet another exciting performance in September. 

Boom!  Went the motor of the Tag Masters point leader Angie Hannah at practice on Saturday.  Something which could have easily erased her point lead.  However, in a yet another display of great sportsmanship, Chris Koster, her nearest competition, offered up his spare motor so Angie could race.  After she and Dave turned some serious wrenches Angie was back out on the track on Sunday.  Chris Koster, from Arkansas, took the win in Sunday's race but it was a great battle out on the track.  Angie came home in the 2nd place position and now holds a 175 point lead going into the final race of the season.  Carl Hayward rounded out the podium by coming home in 3rd place. 

The Yamaha Super Can class saw Jamie Yount and David Gharst battle it out on the track with Jamie Yount coming away with her first victory of the season.  Jamie now holds an 85 point lead as we enter in the final race of the season in September.

209 points separate your top 4 drivers in the Tag Jr. Class with Cole "Monster" Hannah sitting in the top spot with one race left to go.  Cole currently holds a 95 point lead over Wyatt Maness.  Wyatt, who had a very successful weekend, picked up the bonus points for the fastest qualifying time, the win in the pre-final and the top podium spot in the final race as well.  Kyle Potts of St. Louis sits in 3rd place with Shelby Winslow only 79 points off a podium finish for the season.  Charlie Williams rounds out the top 5 in the Tag Junior Class of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties.

The Tag Senior Class has Luke Waller currently in the top spot, just 70 points ahead of Kaylee Granberg.  Alex Nowysz sits in position number 3 with Jim Russell Jr. threatening to finish the season on the podium only 50 points behind.  This weekends big winner was Aaron Telitz scoring the fastest time in qualifying, winning the pre-final and the final in round number 5 of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series".  Luke Waller took 2nd this weekend with Jim Russell Jr. taking 3rd and Kaylee Granberg finishing in the 4th position.  

 One race to go in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties.  Who will win the championships?  Who's going to Florida, Who's going to Vegas, who will win the Mazda Summer Cash Dash.  It will all come down to the weekend of September 24 - 25 in Kansas City with BP Motorsports Group at the Precision Driving Center.  Get your karts ready and we'll see you there....

A Scorcher On And Off The Track!

Mazda Summer Cash Dash Race 1


The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series took to the track for Race #4 this weekend, the first in the three race "Mazda Summer Cash Dash".  Drivers braved some scorching temps on Sunday as it was 101 Degrees in the shade according to the Thermometer in the back of the Hannah's race trailer.  The heat Index was 115 Degrees, the temperature on the concrete was 124 Degrees and the temperature on the asphalt was an astonishing 139 Degrees.  It was more than just hot this weekend it was brutal out there.   

Drivers in Tech area after their races.  Track temp was 139 degrees for Race #4

KMBC 9 News reporter, Marcus Moore, stopped by and did a live report for their 5:00pm Newscast as Team Parolin took to the track to show just what those karts could do.


KMBC TV 9 Marcus Moore Reports

KMBC TV 9 Marcus Moore Reports 10pm News 

It was a tremendous day of racing and a thanks to all of you who showed up to race in the extreme temperatures.  By the time we were ready for "The Awards Ceremony" we noticed that many drivers had already opted to get out of the extreme conditions and the News Media had just arrived, so rather than hold an official awards ceremony with so many drivers missing we felt it would be a good idea to recognize those drivers at the start of of Race #5 in August.  We'll also draw for the tire winners at the start of that race as well.  With so few people left at the track at 4:00pm it wouldn't have been much of a ceremony so we'll be sure to recognize those drivers at the race in August.


It was a very exciting day of racing and things kicked off early with a battle between Chris Koster and Angie Hannah in the Tag Masters class with Chris Koster taking the win in Race #4.

The second race of the day saw the Tag 60 class take to the track and Jacob Winslow not only extended his points lead, by picking up the victory, but he got an early jump on the $250.00 "Mazda Summer Cash Dash" bonus as well.  Caden Boltz and Will Burke rounded out the top three.  

There were some new Kid Karters at the race this weekend as a field of five drivers battled with each other during the day.  Last years champion, Luke Howard, is trying to extend his lead in the second half of the season as he picks up yet another win.  Tyler Hagan came in second with Braydon Cromwell, Zach Granberg, and Jaden Parker rounding out the top five.


Chris Thomasson continues his dominance in the Shifter class picking up another win and extending his points lead over Mike Parker, Dennis Brandon, and Joe Carlson who finished in that order on the day.


The Tag Jr. class continues to be very competitive.  This class also has a $250.00 cash bonus in "The Mazda Summer Cash Dash" and Cole "Monster" Hannah took the win with Kyle Potts right behind him in second place.  Shelby Winslow, James Russell, and Morgan Charleston rounded out the top five.


The Clone Class continues to be a tight battle on the track and John Pennington picked up the win on Sunday with Ted Hight and Bryan Carter rounding out the top three spots.

The final race of the day was the Tag Senior Class and it was a tremendous battle on the track!  The driver that wins the Championship will be headed to the first ever "Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine" and the driver that wins the "Mazda Summer Cash Dash" will he headed to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race in Las Vegas.  There were ten karts on the track for qualifying so that meant a 50% payout was available and would be split by the top three drivers.

Tag Senior Karts line up for Tech Inspection after racing in 100+ degree temps.

 Jim Russell Jr continued to show why he's an 8 time national champion as he picked up the win in Race #4.  Aaron Teltz finished in 2nd place with Luke Waller finishing in 3rd place.  Current points leader Alex Nowyse looked strong again in qualifying but got shuffled out at the start of the prefinal as he made a move for the lead.  Alex was unable to get back on the track for the prefinal and suffered a mechanical during the final.  This will certainly put the championship back up for grabs in the Tag Senior division.  


The next race for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties will be August 13th and 14th.  It's race #5 in our six race Series and points battles are getting tight.  Good luck to everyone and we'll see you in August....

Mazda Summer Cash Dash

BP Motorsports Group the promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties is proud to announce our Summer Promotion....

The Mazda Summer Cash Dash 
with 
The IZOD IndyCar Series
 

This promotion will take place over the next three races of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" (July, August, & September) and will reward the driver who can accumulate the highest number of points in those three races.  Here's how the program will work for the specific classes:

TAG SENIOR:  Attention all Tag Senior Drivers.  How fast are you?  One of our drivers will be going to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship Race in Las Vegas on October 16th.  Are you fast enough to win the tickets?  If you think you are then come race the next three races of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and prove it.  If you accumulate the largest number of points, over the next three races (July, August, & September), then you win the following from The IZOD IndyCar Series, MAZDA and BP Motorsports Group:

- Two (2) Grandstand tickets to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship Race in Las Vegas on Sunday October 16, 2011.

- Two (2) Pit / Paddock credentials for the entire IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship Race weekend in Las Vegas.

- A photo with the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship Race winner in Victory Circle, immediately following the event.

- $500.00 in Cash from The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series.

*For details about the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race: Click Here

Tag Senior Drivers get those karts ready because there is a lot on the line for the next three races.  Are you fast enough to go to Vegas for the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship race?  If you think you are then get signed up for the final three races of "The Heartland Sprint Series" now. 

The Mazda Summer Cash Dash doesn't end there...  There's much more in store for the final three races of the season.

TAG 60 and TAG JR.  Attention all Tag 60 and Tag Jr. drivers.  The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series has put up a $250.00 bonus in each class for the driver who gets the most points over the next three races (July, August & September).  One driver, in each class, will get a $250.00 bonus for getting the most points over the next three races.  All drivers are eligible to win, just get the most points in the next three races and you win.  Even if you haven't raced in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties at all this year you're still eligible to win the $250.00 Mazda Summer Cash Dash bonus if you race in the next three races (July, August & September).

All Classes (excluding Kid Kart Class)  Attention all Drivers...  The Mazda Summer Cash Dash applies to EVERYONE.  There is now a 50% payout for all classes (excluding Kid Kart Class) if your class reaches 10 karts or more.  If your class has a minimum of 10 karts take to the track for qualifying then there will be a 50% payout in that class.  The prize money will be divided between the top three drivers with the 1st place driver getting 50% of the purse 2nd place getting 25% of the purse and 3rd place getting 25% of the purse. 

Example:

- 10 karts x $55.00 entry fee = $550.00

- $550.00 / 2 = $275.00

The top three drivers would split $275.00 in cash in the following way.

1st place gets 50% of the $275.00 purse = $137.50

2nd place gets 25% of the $275.00 purse = $68.75

3rd place gets 25% of the $275.00 purse = $68.75

This holds true for all classes (excluding Kid Kart Class) for the next three races (July, August & September) so if you have buddies you race with that haven't come to race with you at "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" yet, now is the time to convince them to come race with you.  You could win CASH in the Mazda Summer Cash Dash and if you're in the Tag Senior Class you have a shot at going to the IZOD IndyCar Series World Championship Race in Las Vegas on October 16th plus $500.00 CASH!!!

Good luck to everyone and we'll see you at the races on July 9th and 10th!

Best of luck!

Mazda Heartland Sprint Series on RADIO!

BP Motorsports Group Director of Operations Brit Phillips and Director of Sales & Marketing, Chris Hagan have been invited to be part of the KC Sports & Fitness Show on Hot Talk 1510AM on Saturday morning with Steve Fisch and Jim Potoski.  The show can be heard live on 1510AM as well as online at Listen Live

Brit and Chris are scheduled to be part of the show at roughly 8:40am on Saturday morning June 18th.

Brit and Chris were invited to discuss the sport of Karting in Kansas City and how it relates to Fitness.  The host of the show, Steve Fisch, is also the Publisher of Kansas City Sports & Fitness Magazine which is a Free publication and can be found at a wide range of Kansas City locations.  You can learn more about the publication at their website.  Click here for details: Kansas City Sports & Fitness Magazine

The goal of Brit Phillips when he first started BP Motorsports Group, which is the promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties, was to grow the sport of karting here in the Heartland and attract more drivers from surrounding states.  In just four short years BP Motorsports Group has gone from a small operation to one with both regional and now National focus.  This year BP Motorsports Group has secured sponsorship from national companies such as automotive manufacturer MAZDA, and Karting giant Russell Karting Specialties as well as contingency sponsorship programs from tire manufactures like Maxxis, Dunlop and Bridgestone.  Local companies such as Bike Stop in Blue Springs have also joined in to help the younger kids get excited about the sport of karting.   

Perhaps the biggest thing to happen to BP Motorsports Group this year is their partnership with the IZOD IndyCar Series!  BP Motorsports Group was selected as the first regional karting partner for the IZOD IndyCar Series to help promote the first ever Scouting Combine as part of The Mazda Road to Indy.  This program helps kart racers get their shot at making their way up the racing ladder to get to the IZOD IndyCar Series.  BP Motorsports Group will send their champion in the Tag Senior Class to Anderson Raceway Park in Palmetto, Florida this Fall to compete against eleven other drivers from across the country in a "Top Gun" style shoot out to see who's got what it takes to make the next step.  The winner will get the chance to race a USF2000 car at St. Petersburg in early 2012.


Details about The Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine can be found by clicking here: Scouting Combine

Big Announcement Monday 6-20!

BP Motorsports Group to make a big announcement about the final three races of the season on Monday 6-20, and we'd like to thank our sponsors for making it possible! 

There are 5 Million Reasons to Race "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties this Summer and we'll tell you why on Monday....

Start tuning those karts now....  The big announcement comes on Monday!

Meet The Tag Senior Pilots!

As you all know BP Motosports Group is the promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties and the 1st IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner.  It is our great privilege to be sending our 2011 Tag Senior Champion to the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine at Anderson Raceway Park in Palmetto, Florida this November.  Our driver will compete against some of the best kart racers from all across the country in a "Top Gun" style shoot out in USF2000 cars.  They will be evaluated on not only their on track performance but on everything else that makes a good racer.  Those who qualify and get the chance to go to Florida will be the best of the best.  There will only be twelve drivers total and the Tag Senior Champion from "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" will be one of them.  We thought it would be fun to introduce you to some of the drivers competing for that opportunity, and because we know our manners at BP Motorsports Group it's "Ladies first"....

It would seem fitting to first introduce you to last years Tag Senior Champion in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series".

1) Kaylee Granberg:  
"Defending Tag Senior Champion Mazda Heartland Sprint Series"

This young lady is the defending champion in the Tag Senior Champion in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and has an impressive list of accomplishments which include the following:

2010 - Champion Tag Senior Class Mazda Heartland Sprint Series.

2010 - 2nd place Shifter S2 Class Mazda Heartland Sprint Series.
2010 - 19th place finish at Supernats XIV Las Vegas.
2010 - Selected as a Member of Team USA for the race in France.  Kaylee had a successful race as she finished 19th out of 33 drivers in her first year at this event.

Kaylee holds several track records at the historic Liberty Kart Track and she's won countless races and several championships on her pathway to the Tag Senior Class.  It doesn't matter what you put Kaylee in, if it has a motor and wheels she'll find a way to be fast! 

Kaylee Racing with TEAM USA in France

Kaylee is a local girl from Raytown, Missouri and her favorite drivers are Mark Martin, Danica Patrick,  Ashley Force, Mike Neff, and John Force.  Her favorite kart tracks are Delmar and New Castle and she's currently acting as the driving coach for her younger brother Zach Granberg who just started this year in the Kid Kart class.  Zach is now hitting speeds of 40mph so it's safe to say he's now "The Fastest 5 Year Old in Kansas City" and with big sister Kaylee as a driving coach Zach is sure to see some success.  

Kaylee was hand picked by 8 time National Karting Champion Jim Russell Jr. of Russell Karting Specialties to be a part of TEAM USA and race in France in 2010.  Kaylee said it was a tremendous honor to be selected by Jim Russell Jr. and the chance to represent TEAM USA was an amazing thrill.  Kaylee finished 19th out of 33 drivers in the X30 Final in her first overseas race.

Kaylee said her goals are, "To learn all I can about go karting and my ultimate goal is to become and IZOD IndyCar Driver."  Her first step to that goal could be at the conclusion of this years "Mazda Heartland Sprint Series"  If she wins the Championship she'll be headed to the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine.  However there is another young lady with a lead foot and several driving credits under her belt that is looking to win that Championship as well.  That brings us to another Tag Senior Driver....


2)  Natalie Fenaroli

Natalie at the Texas Proving Grounds

At the time of this article Natalie was in 5th place in the Tag Senior Championship points battle, just 53 points behind Kaylee who currently sits in 2nd place.  Natalie is threat to win at any time and is currently racing karts in the Tag Senior Class with "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" but she's also racing a Spec Mazda Miata in the COMMA Series as well.  

Natalie is another local Kansas City girl who grew up in Raytown, Missouri.  She started racing in the Kid Kart class 10 years ago when she was only 5 years old, and she is now working her way up the racing ladder with her eyes on the ultimate goal, the IZOD IndyCar Series!  Her favorite drivers include:  Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, and Sarah Fisher and she said her favorite car is the 2004 Lotus Elise because it's much like being in a go kart.

Natalie has impressed several people in the racing community and she's caught the eye of some people in high places and as a result she will be traveling to New Zealand in the near future and spending a week and a half with an engineer from Formula One.  Quite the accomplishment for a young lady who is only 15 years old.

Some of Natalie's accomplishments include the following:

2003 - Participated in the Kid Kart National Championship in St. Louis in 2003 at the age of 7 years old.  Natalie finished in 1st place in Group 2.

2008 - Central States Super Series champion in the TAG Junior class.

2010 - Granted a competition license to race COMMA at Hallett race track.
  

Natalie is also part of Henry Ford History of Women in Motorsports and the information below is taken directly from her website.

 

Natalie is honored to be included in a 5 year traveling exhibit on the History of Women in Motorsports. The exhibit was put together by The Henry Ford and the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and opened at the end of January at the Daytona Experience in Daytona Beach, FL. Natalie attended an event celebrating the opening of the exhibit and a VIP meet and greet with many racing leaders and executives from ISC and NASCAR.  One of the pictures is Natalie with Indy diver Lyn St. James who was the major force getting the exhibit put together. 
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These are just two of the extremely talented drivers that make up the Tag Senior Class in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties in Kansas City.  Attention IndyCar...  If you're looking for some potential future drivers you might just strike gold here in Kansas City.  These two ladies have an impressive resume of accomplishments already and their barely old enough to drive legally.  Keep your eye on these two because my bet is you'll see Kaylee Granberg and Natalie Fenaroli on the podium in the near future thanking their sponsors and signing autographs at tracks like Long Beach, Sao Paulo, and Indianapolis.

IZOD IndyCar Race at Iowa Speedway

Thanks to all who showed up for the Mazda Speed3 Cup race this weekend as part of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties.  Despite the forecast of some rain we had perfect racing weather on both Saturday and Sunday.  

If you were at the Driver's meeting you heard us ask you about the coming IZOD IndyCar Series race at Iowa Speedway.  The folks at IndyCar have been and continued to be impressed with "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and they're curious to see if any of our racers are planning to attend the upcoming IZOD IndyCar Series race at Iowa Speedway June 24th and 25th.

If you are planning to go to that race please let me know as IndyCar is attempting to put together a possible meet and greet session with their drivers and our drivers.  It would be an opportunity for our drivers to get the chance to meet some of the drivers from the IZOD IndyCar Series.  Nothing has been confirmed as of yet but there is a possibility this could happen.  If you are already planning on attending that race please let me know so I can let the people at IndyCar know how many of our drivers might be in attendance for the race.

Nothing is official yet but the folks at IndyCar would like to make the race a memorable experience for the drivers of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" so please let me know if you are planning to attend the IZOD IndyCar Series race in Iowa on June 24 and 25th.

I would like to provide them with an estimated head count on Friday 6-17 or Monday 6-20 so please feel free to e-mail me if you're planning to go to the race.

CONTACT:  Chagan26@comcast.net

Thanks everyone and we'll see you at the next race on July 11 - 12th

IMPORTANT UPDATE! Mazda Heartland Sprint Series

Everyone:

The following is an important update that BP Motorsports Group received from MCC Blue River College and The Precision Driving Center. This is an update the everyone needs to comply with and it will be strictly enforced by the security staff of the College who are official Police Officers.

MCC Blue River Campus and The Precision Driving Center are alcohol free facilities. No alcohol of any kind is allowed on the MCC Blue River Campus or The Precision Driving Center at any time.

This is an official policy of MCC Blue River Campus and The Precision Driving Center and if you are found in violation of this policy we've been told it will be grounds for your removal from the facility.

This message isn't intended to sound mean or harsh but rather to point out the facts of an official policy of the College. Please keep in mind The Precision Driving Center is used as a practice facility for the Police Department. Their security personnel are typically fully licensed Police Officers with the authority to enforce official policy.

Good luck to everyone this coming weekend and we're looking forward to seeing you all at the races.

Up Next... Mazda Speed3 Race... ZOOM ZOOM!!!

Ok, everyone it's a short break between races from May to June.  Next up is the Mazda Speed3 Race and it's just a few days away.  Believe it or not this will mark the half way point of the season for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties.

Which Tag Senior driver will take home the big cash purse and make their way to Florida as part of the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine with the IZOD IndyCar Series?  Which driver will take that first step on the Mazda Road to Indy and get the chance to go up against some of the best kart racers in the country in a "Top Gun" style shoot out in Florida in November?  Tune your karts and get ready because the battle continues on June 11 - 12!!!

 
The final touches are being put on the track layout and it will be posted very soon.  It will combine high speed runs with technical turns and put the driver to the test.  Will we see more first time winners or will we see repeat winners looking to solidify their quest for the Championship?  The pressure is on it's GO TIME!  

Tag Senior Drivers take the Green Flag in Round 2 of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series"

Luke Waller took the win in Round 2 of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and with that he maintains an 80 point lead over Kaylee Granberg, who finished on the podium in third place in the Mazda2 Cup.  Alex Nowyse rounded out the podium by finishing in 2nd place on the day and it was a tight battle between these three drivers all day long. David Piel, Natalie Fenaroli, Chris Koster, and Gregory Gerst rounded out positions four through seven on the day. Luke Waller is the driver eligible to pick up an extra $1,000 in bonus cash if he can also win race #3 and race #6 which will be a lofty task based on the competition he faces.  Rumor has it that Jim Russell Jr. will be back for round 3 as well.  The Tag Senior battle looks to heat up again in June!  One thing is for certain, the representative from "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" in the first ever Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine will be fierce competition for the other eleven drivers from across the country who will make their way to Palmetto, Florida later this year.

BP Motorsports - RED BULL - NASCAR Coca-Cola 600!!!

BP Motorsports Group on Brian Vickers Red Bull #83 for the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600!

BP Motorsports Group, promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties, is proud to announce that Brian Vickers the driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota Camry will carry the BP Motorsports Group logo on his car for this weekends NASCAR race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

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BP Motorsports Group is thrilled and honored to be the only Kart Racing promoter to have their logo on Brian Vicker's car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 this weekend. "It's been a tremendous growth year for us" said Brit Phillips Director of Operations "This has certainly been a year of firsts for us and we're thrilled that things are growing so rapidly. Being selected as the 1st IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner was a tremendous honor and now having the chance to have Brian Vickers carry our logo on his car. We're very excited and honored to be a part of it."

The image that BP Motorsports Group selected showcased more than just their logo apparently. "Our promotional partners are the ones who are helping us make the 2011 season a reality for our racers so we wanted to make sure and include them as well" commented Chris Hagan Director of Sales & Marketing.  "Several of our promotional partners logos actually surround the BP Motorsports Group logo within the image itself which allowed us to give credit to those who are helping us make the 2011 season what it is."

When asked where the image of the BP Motorsports Group logo would be placed on Brian Vicker's #83 Red Bull Toyota for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend Hagan said, "Well, it keeps moving so we're not 100% sure where it will be located all we know is that it is for sure on the car and we couldn't be more excited!"

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BP Motorsports Group just concluded race number 2, "The Mazda 2 Cup" and they're preparing for race number 3 "The Mazda Speed3 Cup" on the weekend of June 11 - 12 at the Precision Driving Center in Kansas City. More details can be found on the website at www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

The 1st IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner
Home of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties

Bridgestone Tires Partners With BP Motorsports Group!!!

"The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties" in Kansas City has secured yet another sponsor as Bridgestone comes on board for the remainder of the 2011 season. Keith Freber from Margay Racing in St. Louis said, "You guys are certainly on the radar screen out there and we're excited to offer this program for the racers in your series." 

Bridgestone will offer a contingency program for all drivers in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" who are racing on Bridgestone Tires. Drivers must have the Bridgestone stickers in the assigned location on their kart, which will be an item enforced by tech,. and race on Bridgestone Tires in order to be eligible to win a FREE set of Bridgestone Tires at the conclusion of each race for the remainder of the 2011 season.

Keith Freber pointed out that Margay Racing in St. Louis has been Bridgestone-Firestone’s kart tire distribution partner since 1978 when Margay was approached by Bridgestone to assist with their entry into the U.S. karting market. Today, Margay distributes Bridgestone kart tires through a network of dealers across the United States and also sponsors many kart tracks, clubs and series that utilize Bridgestone tires. BP Motorsports Group is proud to be the newest partner with Margay and welcomes Bridgestone to "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties for the 2011 season.

You can find more details about BP Motorsports Group and "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" presented by Russell Karting Specialties on our website at www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com and you can learn more about Bridgestone Tires via this link: Bridgestone Tires

The next race is just around the corner May 21 - 22 at The Precision Driving Center in Independence Missouri and we're looking forward to seeing you all there. The winner of the Tag Senior Race will have the opportunity to win a $1,000.00 bonus from Mazda. Get those karts ready because the Mazda 2 Cup is May 21 - 22 in Kansas City!

Indy 500 & Hot Wheels!

Have you seen what IZOD IndyCar Series sponsor "Hot Wheels" is going to do at the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 this May?  They're going to attempt a world record jump and the track they'll be attempting this jump on looks much like the old orange track that we all use to play with when we were kids.

Remember way back when you use to affix the trademark "Hot Wheels" track to the back of your bedroom door and race the cars the track to see how far they could jump.  You jump them over your little sister's goofy Barbie Dolls or her little tea sets or something.  We'll now imagine that exact same thing in real life, with a real driver, a real track, and a real jump!  It's called "Fearless at the 500" and "Hot Wheels" is going for a World Record... 

This is certainly something worth watching.  Check out the promo video they have about the event below.

You can read even more about this world record attempt from "Hot Wheels" at IndyCar.com via this link: Hot Wheels Fearless at the 500!