Bryan King
Superkart 250 competitor Bryan King passed away on Thursday morning after his battle with cancer. As you know this is the second death in the Superkart 'family' in the last 10 days, following on from Stephen McCrea's death on 28th July. Some of you will be aware that Stephen had been a protégé of Bryan's, who he had intended to run in the 250 Div1 class, had he recovered from his illness.

Bryan will be remembered as a fierce but fair competitor and as the leader of the 'Ballyclare Mafia'. He has introduced so many new guys to the sport over the years, and more importantly offered good advice and help to anyone needing it.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Linda, entire family circle & his many friends.

Funeral arrangements to be confirmed.

Race in Peace.

Stephen McCrea
Superkart125 competitor Stephen McCrea was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in Larne on Monday evening. Stephen has been racing for the around six years & in recent seasons had become one of our leading competitors when the 125's appeared on the short circuits. At his last race in Portrush in May he was unfortunate to come away with only one victory, when he easily could have won all of his races. A protégé of Bryan King, Stephen will be remembered by his fellow competitors as strong but fair racer on the track, while off the track he was a well known & respected member of the 'Ballyclare Mafia'.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to his entire family circle.

Race in Peace.

9th August - Nutts Corner
Nutts Corner Circuit have confirmed that following a track inspection by Mr John Symes of the MSA, the long circuit has now been approved for karting & sprints, subject to some minor modifications, which will be completed shortly.

The Coleraine & District club can now confirm that all N.I. Championship classes will compete at their event on the 9th August at Nutts Corner, including Superkart 125 & 250. While providing some valuable pre Gran' Prix race testing the event is also the 2nd round of the club championship, following on from the very successful opening round at Portrush in May.

Entries for this event should be sent to:
Mr. Trison McMullan, 26 Colman Avenue, Liscolman, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT53 8DP. Tel: 07719 797191

Irish Kart Gran' Prix
With Nutts Corner now in private ownership, the Ulster Kart Club would like to confirm that the Irish Kart Gran' Prix will take place on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August. It For the first time in four years Superkart 125 & 250 will be included on the programme, which combine with the ongoing improvements to the circuit should make for one of the best events in many years. Further information will be posted when available.

The club would also like to advise Formula MiniMax competitors that there will be a separate class included on the programme, with several English drivers already expressing an interest in entering. However drivers should be aware that subject to the number entries it has yet to be confirmed whether there will separate races or if the race along with Formula Junior Max. Further information will be posted when available.

Entries for this event should be sent to:
Mr. Gordon Duncan, Nutts Corner Motorsports Centre, Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT29 4SR.

Class Structure for 2009
As part of NIKA's strategic plan for karting, which aims to improve the sport within the province over for the next 5 years, a review of all classes currently racing in the province has been undertaken. Following a committee meeting on the 28th April 2008, as part of this review, the following decisions have been taken & fully endorsed by each of the clubs, regarding the classes for 2009:-

2009 Junior classes (Honda Cadet, Formula Cadet, MiniMax & KF3)
After the completion of the 2008 summer season, Junior Max, will no longer be included within the SR's for events. For the reminder of the year MiniMax are welcome to entry races & compete along with Junior Max, however at this stage it is unlikely that either a Ulster Cup or NI Championship would be awarded, only individual prizes for each event.

2009 Senior classes (TKM Extreme, World Formula, Pro Kart, KF2, Rotax Max & Rotax 177)
Phased changes to the senior class structure is envisaged for the 2009 season ahead of a full introduction in 2010. This review will take place over the next few months, in consultation with the competitors & clubs. Any changes for 2009 will be announced to give competitors sufficient time to prepare for the 2009 season.

No new classes will be introduced at any level in the province in the immediate future & not without the full approval of all 4 clubs & NIKA.

These changes, along any future changes, have been taken in order to stabilise & hopefully improve the classes, for current competitors, while also making it more accessible for newcomers, all which will safeguard the long term future of the sport in the province.

Competitors are invited to offer any constructive comments they may have on the future class structure, in writing, to any of the club committee members or directly to the NIKA committee.

Formula Cadet (after Round 6)
1. Scott Finlay 672pts
2. Jamie Grant 542
3. William McCullough 528

Honda Cadet
1. Jessica Orr 676pts
2. Davin Orr 554
2. Ronan Mulrine 554

Formula Junior Max
1. Kyle Price 615pts
2. Jonathan McMullan 594
3. Stuart Coey 563

Formula TKM Extreme
1. Aaron Newell 616pts
2. Daniel Burgoyne 445
3. Maurice Roberts 417

World Formula
1. Darren Saunderson 372pts
2. Paul Prentice 317
3. Mark Overend 294

Honda Pro Kart
1. Robert Devenney 617pts
2. Jason Morrow 458
3. Vincent McCaffery 374

Formula Rotax 177
1. Peter Crossen 436pts
2. Marcus Murphy 247
3. Lee Cherry 219

Formula Rotax Max
1. Johnny Cylde 595pts
2. Alan Davidson 495
3. James Dawson 440

Formula SuperKart 125 (after Round 5)
1. Noel Lindsay 388pts
2. James Irvine 360
3. Justin Doherty 156

Formula SuperKart 250 (after Round 4)
1. Mark Montgomery 428pts
2. Stephen McAdam 408pts
3. Liam Fox 390