From the Paddock
News, updates, and stories from the track.
Start hereHow It Started: Karting With My Son Led to a New Chapter
What began as a weekend activity with my son quickly became a passion—and a path to coaching, kart prep, and building an academy together.
Why the Chest Protector Matters: Protecting Young Drivers Under 12
SMK requires SFI chest protectors for drivers under 12. Here's why—and what to look for.
Why the Neck Brace Matters: Protecting the Neck in Youth Karting
SMK and SKUSA require neck braces for most youth classes. Here's why they're essential—and what to look for.
Watch: Champions of the Future America Round 1 Standings
Video from COTF America Round 1 at K1 Circuit (Jan 31–Feb 1, 2026): standings across Mini U10, Mini, KA100 Junior, Senior, Heritage, and X30 Pro. Register for Round 2.
Why the Helmet Matters: Your Driver's Most Important Piece of Gear
The helmet is the single most critical piece of karting safety gear. Here's why fit, certification, and care matter.
Champions of the Future America: Why European-Style Karting Landing in the Southwest Matters
The Southwest has long lacked a consistent, top-tier competitive karting series. Champions of the Future America—RGMMC and K1's new stateside series—is changing that with FIA-style racing, serious prizes, and a round at Spring Mountain.
Why the Racing Suit Matters: Protection Beyond the Lap
A karting racing suit isn't just a rule—it protects against abrasion, fire, and impact. Here's why it's non-negotiable for youth karting.
Why We're Building St.Cyr Racing Academy
Started karting with my son, loved coaching—now we're building an academy with my spouse. Here's why.
Behind the Scenes: Kart Prep and Why It Matters
Coaching isn't just about driving—it's about understanding the machine. Kart setup, maintenance, and race prep.
Gear Up: What Young Racers Need for Safe Karting
Racing suit, helmet, neck brace—what young drivers need before they hit the track.
Spring Mountain From Above: The Karting Complex in Full View
Aerial views of the karting track at Spring Mountain Motorports Resort - Karting Complex. See the layout, configurations, and why Pahrump is home to serious youth karting near Las Vegas.
Track Layouts at Spring Mountain: North, South, and Full Circuit
Spring Mountain Motorports Resort - Karting Complex offers multiple track configurations. See the North layout, South layout, and full circuit—and how they shape youth karting near Las Vegas.
The Joy of Youth Karting: Why Kids Thrive at the Track
Youth karting isn't just about speed—it's about focus, confidence, and the community that forms around racing.
Track Days at Spring Mountain Motorports Resort - Karting Complex
What makes Spring Mountain Motorports Resort - Karting Complex the right place for youth karting, driver development, and building an academy.
From Parent to Coach: Why I Loved Helping With the Kart
The best part of karting with my son wasn't the racing—it was the coaching, the gear prep, and the shared focus on getting better.
SKUSA Winter Series 2026: Rounds 1 & 2 at Speedsportz
Over 230 entries at Speedsportz Racing Park for the opening weekend of the 2026 SKUSA Winter Series. Sunday Round 2 winners: Massimino (Pro X30), Bayliff (Pro Shifter), Lloyd (KA100 Senior), Pettit (X30 Junior), Kemper Jr. (KA100 Junior), Boly (KA100 Master), Godschalk (Mini Swift), Kotowski (Micro Swift). Rounds 3 & 4 Feb 13–15.
SKUSA 2026 Winter Nationals at Musselman Honda + Race ROTAX (KSG) Alignment
2026 Winter Nationals are set for Musselman Honda Circuit, Tucson, AZ, March 27–29 (Pro Tour Rounds 1 & 2). Pre-entry opens Feb 23. SKUSA and Race ROTAX (Karting Solutions Group) will run events back-to-back at Pro Tour stops to cut travel and share logistics.