Who else is ready for a fun-filled, two-days of racing with a heaping side of Brazilian BBQ and Mexican street tacos? Next up of the NHKA Racing Series is the much-anticipated 5th edition of Kartmania! at Canaan Motor Club Saturday and Sunday July 17 & 18. Seeing as biblical floods and global plagues have prevented us from hosting the event as planned for a few years, with a little luck, a good number of you will finally be able to experience one of the best weekends in karting.

We will be racing clockwise on the full 1.4-mile road course with the chicane. (206 Cadets will be on Half Track 1, like in May.) It’s a super-fast thrill ride of high-speed straights, sweeping bends, blind off-camber exits where drafting, strategy and coopetition will make or break you in a race where you can finish within a second of the winner but outside the top 10! It is intensely competitive and unbelievably fun!

Most of Saturday will be practice by group. Then at the end of the afternoon will be qualifying for starting positions in Sunday’s finals plus 1/2 points towards the season championship! Sunday will begin with a couple rounds of practice followed by timed endure-style races in the afternoon. If it rains, we’ll still race, but need to switch to Half Track 1 for safety.

Kartmania! has always been as much about friendship and community as racing. On Saturday evening there will be a cookout and party with games open to all. Marcelo and the DeCampos crew will be cooking up their famous Brazilian BBQ, Hugo and Tobe Armendariz will be making their amazing tacos and the club will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. If you have anything you want to cook, please be our guest on the grill. If you have a great family recipe for a side dish, salad, dip or dessert, please bring them to share… please just let us know at [email protected] Oh yes, everyone should bring their own beverages.

Kartmania! is always one of our biggest draws, so to keep it to manageable mob we’re capping entries at 180 and limiting drivers to three guests. We’re giving our active 2020/21 NHKA Members first shot with members-only registration through July 8. Open registration for non-members and members will begin July 9 at 12am. The deadline for all registrations is midnight July 13. No late or at-track registrations will be accepted. You can register at www.BikeReg.com/NHKA or by clicking here. You’ll see you have the option to register for Sunday only, which will mean missing out on qualifying points. However, you may join us for the cookout so long as you enter the track by 5pm Saturday, otherwise we’ll see you Sunday morning.

Thank you to the more than 180 competitors who registered for NHKA Race 3 this Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, making it the club’s biggest event ever, again. Registration is now closed, and no late entries will be accepted before or at the race. No exceptions.

Of course all this rapid growth is amazing, but as an organization it is challenging to keep up. We’re working to hire more staff and adapt procedures to accommodate the influx. To that end, we will continue to limit drivers to three guests. We will also limit drivers to one helper on the grid and at the scales, which we will be control by issuing each driver a helper’s lanyard which will be required to enter the gated grid/scale area. (Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.) We are also establishing spectator areas at the grandstand site overlooking the bowl and along the fencing at the chicane.

With so many drivers and race groups we want to make sure we have enough day to squeeze it all in and get everyone the track time they expect. To do this we’re trying a new race day format: Beginning as close to 8:30am as we can, we will have two rounds of group practice and extend those sessions to as long as 10 minutes. Then we will break for lunch, after which each group will have one 5-minute qualifying session. There will be no prefinal races, instead we will run longer 20-lap finals. This is subject to change as the day goes, but according to Race Director Mike’s calculations this will ensure racers get in as many laps or more than they did at Race 2.

As usual, the drivers meeting will be at 8:15am. It is mandatory for ALL drivers. Anyone not in attendance will be subject to disqualification for the day.

Group Order
1 Kid Karts (on track 4 times, finishing at lunch)
2 TaG Masters/ TaG jJunior
3 206 Cadet/TaG Mini
4 World Formula Light
5 206 Senior
6 Shifters
7 TaG Senior
8 World Formula Heavy
9 206 Masters/Junior

We will be on the Hill Course, the same circuit as Race 2, but we will reverse direction and go counterclockwise. Friday night and Saturday morning entry procedures will also be the same.

Friday Night Entry 7-9pm: Campers (fee paid at front gate) and trailer drop off must enter during this time. Late arrivals will be turned away at the front gate. Signin will be available in the grid/scale area along with safety tech.

Saturday Morning Entry 6:30am: Form a double line with your vehicle and pull forward when you can. DO NOT stack out onto Rte. 106. Please don’t get out until you are directed that it is your turn to signin.

Pit Passes: Whether you sign in Friday night or Saturday morning, all your guests (up to three) must be with you to purchase pit passes at the same time. We will not hold wristbands for late arrivals, and you may not purchase extra wristbands to hand out later.

Safety Tech 7am: Inspections will be in within the gated grid area. All karts must pass safety tech before going onto the track.

Masks: We will not require any masks or PPE anywhere on the property. Please be respectful of your fellow racers’ choices. NHMS is still requiring all attendees to sign their covid waiver. To make things go quicker at signin, please print and fill out the NHMS waiver at home.

NHKA Race 2 was certainly cold and wet. It was also huge and a lot of fun. For many of you, it was your first taste of rain racing and most handled it quite well. Whereas some of our experienced drivers… hmmm… not so much. That’s fine. Constant learning and the chance to do better next time are big parts of what keep us coming back to the track to try again.

Big thanks to everyone for adapting so well to the rain tire situation. Shipping delays left us hanging without adequate supply, forcing us to open the tire rule so shops and members could dig into their back stock of old and used rains. This made it possible for pretty much everyone with rain wheels to race. However, it demonstrated the speed disparity between brands and compounds, reinforcing the need for the NHKA to institute a strict rain tire rule. If you bought new non LeCont tires for Race 2, we’ll work with you best we can. But from now on, the only new rain tires allowed will be LeCont, which are now fully in stock from the NHKA and NHKA Authorized Dealers. Stay tuned for more on this.

Onward to NHKA Race 3 on June 26th. We’re expecting another large turnout. You can register now on www.bikereg.com/nhka or print and mail your entry by clicking here. Deadline is midnight Tuesday June 22nd. Once again, there will be no registrations accepted late or at the track, and no amount of begging and bribery will change that, so register now!

We’ll be back at NHMS on the Hill Course. The times and procedures will be mostly the same, but this time we’ll be racing counter-clockwise – and hopefully in the dry! We will also be instituting a new procedure to thin out the crowd around the grid and scales. Each driver will be issued one lanyard which your helper will need to be allowed in the grid and scale areas. (Special exceptions can be discussed.) There will be a designated route for the rest of your guests to access the spectator areas without adding to the busyness of nearly 30 karts heading out while another thirty are coming in.

Points: Jim and Mike are still working on the championship points standings. Several classes have required scoring adjustments due to multiple attempted reenactments of Dale Earnhardt’s pass in the grass. Unfortunately, in most cases, the only thing being passed was the scoring loop… by as much as twenty feet in some cases. We realize it is useless to ask racers to slow down. So, from now on, if you miss the scoring loop for any reason other than being forced off the racing surface, that lap will not be counted. It’s this or a pit of alligators. Cast your vote on the Facebook page. And watch for more updates race week.

We did it! The NHKA’s biggest event. We have 174 entries signed up for Race 2 this Saturday May 29 at NHMS. Plus we’ve got more card carrying members than ever before. It’s definitely an exciting time to be part of the NHKA and we appreciate everyone’s support! Here are your final updates going into the big day…

Registration: Registration is closed. No late entries will be accepted now or at the track. No Exceptions.

Memberships: Speaking of memberships, if you aren’t already one this is your last chance to become one and have the points from the first two races count towards the 2021 championship. That means if you submit your 2021 membership form after the end of the day Saturday you will only be credited with points starting with Race 3 or after. In other words, no waiting until the end of the season to see what kind of trophy you’d be getting. (We’re on to your tricks!) Remember, if you got a membership in 2020, you’re all set for 2021 too. Otherwise, complete your membership form now and bring it with you for when you check in Saturday.

Camping on Friday Night: Unlike the first two events at Canaan, you do not need to reserve a camping spot for this Friday night at NHMS. Arrival time is 7-9pm. No entry or parking after. The track will charge you a $25 fee (maybe $35) and may issue you a permit when you check in at the front gate. After parking, proceed immediately to the gated grid area to sign in your driver and helpers and get your pit passes. If you forget to do this before 9pm Friday night, you and your three helpers will need to drag yourselves down to the front gate and wait in line to check in Saturday morning.

Trailer Drop Off on Friday Night: 7-9pm only. We encourage everyone to take advantage of trailer drop off on Friday night to get a good pit spot and get signing-in out of the way. Remember, your entire group needs to check in at the same time. (No, you may not purchase extra pit passes for people coming Saturday.) The best part of Friday night trailer drop off comes Saturday morning when you’re waved by the long line at the front gate. You’ll just need to stop your vehicle briefly at the booth near the main gate and hold up your wristbands until the NHMS worker in the window confirms seeing them on everyone in your vehicle.

Saturday Morning Entry: Check in will begin at the main gate at 6:30am. Please form two lines of vehicles. All helpers (up to three per driver) must be with their driver when they sign in. We will not hold, store, hide, email, airmail, etc. any pit passes.

NHMS Covid Waiver: Please make sure every member of your group has their NHMS Covid Waiver (the one they printed and completed at home this week) to turn in at the NHMS window when you sign in at the front gate.

Masks: Although the masking mandates have been eased, we will still require masks inside the grid gate at all times. The grid and scale areas are very congested. We are all on top of each other so we feel masking is the best way to keep our friends and staff safe. Outside of the grid gate you are free to do as you choose, as is everyone else, so be respectful.

Parking: Honestly, parking for the pits at Loudon wasn’t great when we only had 65 entries. Please, only use as much space as you need for your pit. NHKA staff will guide you to the best spot available for your vehicle and trailer. Extra conversation, begging, bribery, etc. will only hold up everyone behind you. (Please note that the parking area inside the grid gate is reserved for NHKA staff and officials only.)

Race Day Schedule

8:15am Drivers Meeting

8:30am Practice by Group
1. Kid Karts: Last Kid Kart session during lunch.
2. 206 Senior
3. 206 Cadet / TaG Mini
4. TaG Senior
5. World Formula Light
6. 206 Masters / 206 Junior
7. All Shifters KZ / Stock Moto / DD2
8. TaG Masters / TaG Junior
9. World Formula Heavy

If time allows, we will attempt two rounds of practice plus a separate qualifying session. After lunch, each group will have one Pre-Final Race and one Final Race.

There are several drivers running multiple classes. It is impossible to schedule the day without at least one of them ending up in back-to-back races. If you are one of those busy drivers, be sure to let the grid steward know. He will cut you a little slack (a little) to help you not get left behind. If you’re not one of the very few in the back-to-back club, get to the grid on time! That means as soon as the race before yours enters the track. The show must go on!

We’ll see you all at the track!

After huge turnouts for Pre-season practice and first race at Canaan, Race 2 on the Hill Course at NHMS could very well draw the most entries the club has has ever had for a sprint race. We won’t know for sure until after the registration deadline, midnight Tuesday, May 25th, but it is promising to be an exciting day you won’t want to miss out on. Register now!

With so many racers expected, and each racer now allowed to bring three helpers, it’s important that everyone knows where to go and what to do to keep the day moving to maximize track time. Here’s some important info to help…

Friday Night Entry: The gates will be open 7-9pm for trailer drop off and camping. Nobody will be allowed to enter after 9pm. For Friday night only, checking in will be a two-stop process. First you’ll need to stop in at the main gate to sign the NHMS waiver and pass in the NHMS covid waiver you printed and completed at home this week. Then you will drive toward the Hill Course. Before parking, you will stop near the gate to the grid area to sign the NHKA waivers and collect your pit passes (remember your whole group needs to check in together.) Then you will be directed towards the best available pit spot. Pre-race safety tech will be available until the gate closes at 9pm.

New Drivers: A safety course for new drivers will be held Friday night.

Saturday Morning Entry: The main gate will open at 6:30am. Form a double line with your vehicles. Make sure your up-to three helpers are with you to check in. We will not hold pit passes at the gate for late arrivals. And make sure all attendees have their completed NHMS covid waiver.

Drivers Meeting: The drivers meeting is mandatory and will begin at 8:15. Kid Karts should be ready to roll immediately after.

Revised Mask Policy: While NHMS no longer requires masks, we will continue to require them inside the gated grid area due to the large number of people. However, outside the grid gate and in your pit area you may do whatever is comfortable for you. And you will be respectful of other people’s right to choose for themselves. We do ask that you help minimize the number of people on the hot grid and near the scales. We are working out an expanded viewing area for helpers and families.

As we move on into the summer we are hopeful that we will be able to return to our normal routines fully. We wish to thank you all for working with us to help keep everyone safe. We’re almost there!

Race 1 of the 2021 NHKA Racing Series was huge, with 154 entries and great racing in all classes. There were minimal breakdowns and incidents, which kept the day moving smoothly. Awesomeness! Let’s do that again at Race 2 on the Hill Course at NHMS on May 29th. We’ll be racing clockwise.

Online registration is open on BikeReg.com/NHKA, and for those who prefer it, a print and mail entry form is available by clicking here. The deadline to register is Tuesday May 25 at midnight (you can expect the reg deadlines to be the Tuesday before the race from now on.) Too many drivers missed the deadline and missed the race. A few showed up and found out we really mean it when we say that absolutely no registrations will be accepted at the track on race day. The best way to avoid this happening to you is to register right now!

All drivers are allowed to bring up to three people to help and cheer them on. As has been the case for a year now, the driver’s entire group must present themselves at the gate at the same time to sign in and purchase pit passes. We will not let anyone in unless they are directly associated and arrived with a driver. This means that we will not hold pit passes for later arrivals and that independent spectators are not allowed.

NHMS requires that every person who enters the facility submit the NHMS Covid Waiver. Please print and complete it at home the week of the race and bring it with you to the gate to prevent the day being delayed by the amount of time it takes each person to complete the form at the window.

NHMS also requires that all minors, whether they are driving or not, have both two-page minor waivers for “All NHKA/KEI Events at NHMS” on file signed by both parents and notarized. Click here to download and print. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions. (TIP: These two waivers for NHMS are included in the download with the NHKA/KEI Minor Waiver for Canaan. It’s easiest to just complete and submit all three at once for each minor you may bring to the track this year.)

You may have noticed at Race 1 that the top finishers in some classes faced post-race technical inspection. We intend to tech all the engines we can throughout the season so all racers can feel confident they are competing on level ground. Illegal parts will be confiscated (Mike is starting a Museum of Cheaters.) Refusal to give up an illegal part will result in the driver, and or kart owner, being suspended for the remainder of the season. TaG and Shifter engines must comply with 2021 TaG USA rules for that specific engine, including carburetor and exhaust pipe rules. All Briggs 206 classes must comply with the 2021 Briggs 206 US Rule Set, while World Formula engines must comply with the latest version of the NHKA World Formula rule set. Unsealed engines from either class will not be allowed on track at any point. Period.

We will also be checking fuel on a regular basis. World Formula and Briggs 206 will use VP MS93 or MS98. You must NOT mix them together or mix them with any other fuel or gasoline. We will also allow 93 octane pump gas from a designated filling station near the track.

Finally, it has been a week filled with changes to Covid safety guidelines and rules. We are still working with all the parties involved in our events to determine the best course of action for everyone… just as we have done throughout the pandemic. The relaxing of some rules seems likely. We will announce those changes next week, along with other important event updates. Stay tuned!

Thank you to all 154 entries for registering early. 126 on BikeReg.com and the rest via snail mail. Awesome! Registration is closed and there will be no entries accepted at the track. It’s going to be a big crowd with all drivers now allowed to bring two helpers. Helpers must sign in with their driver. No Exceptions. We will not hold pit passes at the gate. If you sign in Friday night, your helpers must be with you. And remember, drivers are responsible for the behavior of their helpers at all times.

Friday night camping requests are also closed. Those who did get camping reservations, and anyone who wishes to drop off their trailer, may enter the track starting at 7pm. The gate will be closed at 9pm, and all non-campers must be off the property. No late arrivals. No exceptions.

The forecast has been improving all week. However, there is still nothing we can do about the weather. If the track is wet, we will declare a wet race, so have your rain gear ready to go. We will not delay the event if you are not ready.

Rain Tires: Any generation of LeCont rain tires are allowed. MG rain tires with the NHKA stamp from past seasons will also be allowed this season (but not in 2022.) We will not mark any new or used MG tires at the track or office.

Lunch Options: If you are planning on leaving the property to get your lunch when we open the gate 11:30-12:30, we strongly suggest that you plan ahead and phone your order in. We’ve tried three lunch shops in the Canaan Village with satisfactory results…
Jakes Market 603-523-9011: the deli at the gas station closest to the track.
Canaan Village Pizza 603-523-4314: Next door to the hardware store.
Red Wagon Bakery 603-523-2062: Near the town common.
At some point we’ll post a poll to see which most of you prefer.

Race Day Schedule: There will be 10 run groups. Kid Karts will be #1 and should be ready to go at 8:30am with your last session at lunch time.
1 Kid Kart
2 206 Cadet / TaG Mini
3 World Formula Light
4 206 Masters
5 TaG Senior
6 All Shifters
7 TaG Masters / TaG Jr.
8 206 Senior
9 206 Junior
10 World Formula Heavy
This is may to change. Ideally we‘d like to combine more classes.

Saturday morning the gate will open at 6:30am. Please DO NOT park on the street in front of the track if you are early.

Vehicles will be directed to form two lines when pulling up to the booth.

Thank you all!!! See you at the track!!!

After a long, boring winter it is finally time to get back to the track and race. NHKA Racing Series Race 1 is this Saturday May 5th at Canaan Motor Club on Half Track 1… the same configuration as the pre-season practice day. And remember, we race rain or shine, so be prepared!

Friday Night Entry: The gates will be open 7-9pm for those with confirmed camping reservations and anyone who wishes to just drop off their trailer. As of Tuesday morning, we have a few camping spots available for $25.

Saturday Track Entry: We appreciate everyone’s patience waiting to get into the track on the practice day. We’re making changes to try to get everyone through the gate and pre-race tech faster. Firstly, the covid waiver/questionnaire will no longer be required for events at Canaan. Secondly, we’ve been allowed to have more people camp at the track Friday night. And if you drop off your trailer you’ll be directed around the line of new arrivals Saturday morning. As for pre-race tech, Paul will be inspecting karts 7-9pm on Friday night.

Lunch: Between 11:30am and 12:30pm we will reopen the gate to allow attendees to go into the village to pick up lunch.

World Formula Engine Seals: At the practice day we noticed several World Formula engines that did not have a NHKA engine seal installed. Seals will absolutely be required in order to go onto the track to race or practice for the rest of the season. No exceptions. If you purchased your engine from an NHKA Authorized Dealer, they are required to install an engine seal. If your engine was purchased from an outside shop, or a used engine without a seal, it will need to be inspected and sealed by Archie’s Kart Shop, they are the only shop authorized to do so. Archie is located in Henniker, NH. 603-289-1029

Kart Numbers: All karts must have a number on the front and sides in order to go onto the track race day. NHKA uses a non-repeat number system. New members and non-members must request numbers by email at [email protected]

Helmet Specs: ALL helmets must have a current Snell approval. You will NOT be allowed to race without an approved helmet. See the NHKA Competitor Rules for the complete list of approved helmets.

Two Helpers: Another change from the practice day is that we are now permitted to increase attendance by allowing all racers to bring two helpers. However, just like the practice day and all last season, you and your helpers must check in at the gate together to get your pit passes, whether you check in Friday night or Saturday morning. No stragglers, holding pit passes or entry after the gate closes. And if your helper is a minor, you must have a notarized minor waiver completed.

As pandemic restrictions are eased, we will welcome more people through the gate. Probbly record breaking numbers of people. That’s great! The more the merrier! This rapid growth will mean making adjustments, as we have to the race morning entry process. And we will continue to rethink how we do things. But the most important thing is that we all keep on doing what makes the NHKA so great: working together as a community to make sure everyone is safe, has what they need and is having a good time. So long as all of us continue to pursue that gold standard, when the day comes we hold our first 300-entry race it will be as awesome as this Saturday’s season opener promises to be.

Stay tuned – we’ll be releasing the race day schedule and other event updates later this week.

6:30am: Gate from the street opens (the first one with the NHKA sign!) You’ll be directed to form two lines of vehicles. Do not arrive early and park in the street. Do not turn around in the neighbor’s driveways.

7am: Check-in begins. You’ll be signaled when it is your group’s turn to exit your vehicle to get your pit passes, sign the waivers and submit your NHKA Covid waiver that you filled in at home this week. Remember: One helper per adult driver or up to two parents per minor driver. All helpers must check in with their driver. No late arrivals. No spectators.

8:30am: Kid Karts begin their first round of practice.

8:45am: Drivers meeting – mandatory for all drivers. New drivers will remain for a second meeting and lead/follow session.

9am (approx.): We will begin the first round of 8-10 minute practice sessions. The groups and order will be:
1. Kid Kart
2. 206 Cadet / TaG Mini
3. World Formula Light and Heavy
4. TaG Senior / TaG Junior
5. All Shifter / TaG Masters
6. 206 Masters / 206 Junior
7. 206 Senior

12:30pm (approx.): We will take a short break for lunch after we complete 2-3 rounds.

4pm: Practice ends.

REMEMBER: You are required to wear a mask whenever you are not in your pit area. This will be strictly enforced. However, you are allowed to wear your helmet without a mask to and from the grid.

So far it’s looking like Mother Nature is onboard with holding back the wet stuff until Sunday to give us a beautiful day for our first event of the season this Saturday at Canaan Motor Club. Here are some updates

Friday Night Camping: All the allowable slots have been taken.

Trailer Drop Off: You may drop off your trailer and set up a pit spot on Friday night. Hours are 7pm – 9pm only. No Exceptions. If you are not camping you must vacate the property by 9pm. You will check in and pick up your wrist bands at the gate. REMEMBER: Your helper must be with you to pick up their wrist band or you must wait with them at the gate in the morning. We will not hold wrist bands for anyone.

Use the First Gate: Please enter the property by the first gate, there will be a NHKA sign. Don’t miss it – there is no place to turn around. DO NOT USE the neighbors’ driveways to turn around.

Masks Required: Bring your masks. Masks will be required in all common areas – meaning anywhere outside of your personal pit area. Yes, we do know that NH lifted their mask mandate. Nonetheless, we are continuing with the same procedures that we agreed to with the town and the track last season. Our hope is that we will be able to relax some of these procedures as the season goes on. For now, we will strictly enforce the mask requirement and expect everyone to respect all the NHKA Covid-19 Event Procedures that enable us to race.

NHKA Covid Waiver: All attendees must fill out a NHKA Covid Waiver at home the week of the event (ideally within three days) and have it with you when you check in at the gate. If you filled one out and dated it prior to this week, you need to do a new one. Covid waivers will be required until otherwise announced.

Help us get everyone into the track as quickly as possible by having all your paperwork completed when you step up to the gate (minor waivers too!) You don’t want to be that person who holds up the entire line filling out forms that you could have completed at home! We’ve all had enough waiting! It’s finally time to go fast!