The Race Blog!

Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Banquet

2011-10-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

"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!

2011-07-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2011-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2011-05-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Story below
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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!!!

2011-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

"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!

2011-04-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

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!

BP Joins 2011 Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup

2011-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

This years 2011 Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup set for May 13 - 15 at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana will have a familiar face to many of those who race in "The Heartland Sprint Series". Brit Phillips, the Director of Operations and the "BP" in BP Motorsports Group, will serve as the official Race Director for the 2011 Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup.

Brit Phillips has been around the sport of Karting for over two decades and it was he who started BP Motorsports Group over four years ago. Brit currently serves as the Director of Operations for BP Motorsports Group, the promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties". When asked about this opportunity Brit had this to say, "Well, to tell you the truth it's really a tremendous honor to be asked to be part of this event. I've known Jim Russell Jr. for many years now and he's tremendously well respected in the sport of Karting. Having the opportunity to partner with him for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" has been very rewarding and now having the chance to work with him for the Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup is very exciting. It's something I'm really looking forward to.

You can find more specific information about the 2011 Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup at the link below

2011 Jim Russell Memorial IAME Championship Cup

Kid Karters Meet Your New Sponsor!

2011-04-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Kid Kart Racers... I thought it might be kind of cool for you to meet your new sponsor. You've seen him at the races before and he won the first Clone Class race of the season. John Pennington is the owner of Bike Stop in Blue Springs and below is his photo and some information about Bike Stop in Blue Springs. Remember one of you will win a brand new kids bike at the end of the season from Bike Stop. You'll get your name entered in the drawing for every race and if you race all six races of "The Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karing Specialties" you'll get three (3) additional entries.

John and Bike Stop in Blue Springs also support local BMX racing and there was a great article in The Examiner last week written by Jeff Martin and you can read it here, just click on this link: Bike Stop Story

If you haven't met John Pennington yet he's a great guy and all of us at BP Motorsports Group are thrilled to welcome Bike Stop in Blue Springs on board as the official sponsor of the Kid Kart Class for 2011. We'll make sure we introduce all you Kid Kart Racers to him at our next race on May 21 - 22. Good luck to everyone and get those karts ready!

Chris Hagan

Director of Sales & Marketing

BP Motorsports Group

www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

Mazda Heartland Sprint Series gets in First Round

2011-04-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Mazda Heartland Sprint Series gets in First Round

Despite a foreboding forecast early in the week, the weather was perfect for the first round of the Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties. The first round took place April 9-10 at the series home, the Precision Driving Center, in Independence, Mo.

There was a lot of excitement surrounding the opening of the 2011 season. BP Motorsports Group, the promoter of the series, has been working hard during the off-season to make the things better for the racer. New partners like Mazda, and the IZOD Indycar Series through the Mazda Road to Indy program have increased the stakes for each racer.

As part of the Road to Indy program, the MHSSR TaG Sr. champion will head down to Florida to take part in the Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine. Aside from that, TaG Sr. competitors are also fighting for a $4,000 purse that will be split up between the top three in the class at the end of the year.

Jim Russell Jr. stuck first blood in the TaG Sr. class leading the way from flag-to-flag. Broc Yocom drove hard, and came in second behind Russell. Luke Waller rounded out the top three. With everything at stake in the TaG Sr. class, it is no wonder that the class was one of the largest all weekend. As the season progresses, the number of racers in this class is expected to grow.

In the TaG 60 class, series veteran Jacob Winslow was able to bring home the win. He beat second place finisher Caden Bolz to the line by a mere .232 of a second. Michael Quigley captured the last step on the podium. James Yates and Garret Daughters rounded out the field. Every point will matter this year as these drivers look to get their part of the $500 purse to be divided among the top three point earners.

TaG Jr. is another of the ultra-competitive classes in the series. With a $500 prize to be divided among the top three, these drivers have incentive to drive fast and make each session count. Wyatt Manness certainly made his day count, beating out Cole Hannah and Troy Walsh for the win. Charlie Williams and Kyle Potts completed the top-5.

The S2 class is the last money class with $750 up for grabs amongst the top 3 finishers. Chris Thomasson took the victory with Dennis Brandon and Joe Carlson taking the last two podium positions. Lee Szydlosk also took home some hardware as the sole G1 on track.

The Clone class saw another very close race, as John Pennington was the first to the stripe, with Brian Carter and Andrew Pennington close behind. During the final, positions were being swapped at just about every corner. Russell Karting has put an entire clone package, including an engine and new chassis, up for a season end raffle. Each participant in the class will have the opportunity to have their name drawn to win the new package.

In the TaG Masters class Mike Knefel took the checkers by taking advantage of some bad luck on the part of his competition. Angela Hannah broke a chain heading to take the white flag, after she had built up more than a one-lap lead over Knefel.

Faith Yates dominated the Kid Kart class leading all twelve laps, finishing 17 seconds ahead of second place Henry Williams. Luke Howard, Dakota Earls, Zach Granberg and Tyler Hagan rounded out the field in that order.

There is still plenty of racing left in the season. Those drivers who had difficulties in the first race still have plenty of time to make up the gap. Come out and enjoy the great hospitality and excellent racing offered by the Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties.

Driver's View of The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series!

2011-04-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok so you've been thinking of racing in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and you're wondering what's it like? Well, let me see if we can answer that question for you... How about if we put you right in the Driver's Seat, so to speak.

Get ready because we're gonna put you in the seat with Richy Yates as he chases Cole "Monster" Hannah around the track in the Tag Jr. class. This video is from our June race last season but it's a great video representation of racing in "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series". Come join us for some of the best Kart Racing in the Heartland!

"The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties"

KID KARTS GET A NEW SPONSOR!!!!

2011-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Nope it's not "Hot Wheels" and it's not "Pokemon" its even better!!!

BIKE STOP in Blue Springs will sponsor the Kid Kart Class in 2011!!!

BP Motorsports Group is proud to welcome Bike Stop on board this season! The folks at Bike Stop were at the first race of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and they witnessed the Kid Kart racers working hard out on the track. Then after the race, when the helmets came off, they were all running around playing with each other and having a wonderful time! They were fierce competitors on the track but they were all buddies off the track and that was really cool to see!

John from Bike Stop wants to reward that competitive spirit and true sportsmanship by sponsoring the Kid Kart class. Bike Stop is putting a brand new Kids bike on the line as a reward for a great season of racing. Every Kid Kart racers is eligible to win and if you race all six (6) races you'll have an additional three (3) entries put into the drawing at the end of the season.

Everyone at Bike Stop in Blue Springs wishes all the Kid Kart racers and teams the best of luck this season and they said they're excited to sponsor the class. One of the coolest things to watch was at the start of each race these young drivers and their parents all walked to each others karts and gave the kids and parents a high five and said good luck. That kind of sportsmanship deserves recognition. BP Motorspots Group is very proud to welcome Bike Stop in Blue Springs as the official sponsor of the Kid Kart Class for 2011.

You can find Bike Stop in Blue Springs online by clicking here: Bike Stop
Or give them a call at: 816-224-8588.

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group
www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

Race #1 Mazda CX7

2011-04-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

The first race of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties" is now in the books and what a fantastic event! We had perfect weather for the races and it was geat to see drivers in from other states such as Oklahoma and Iowa.

The Tag Senior race was certainly fun to watch as several drivers took to the track in an attempt to get the early jump on the Championship and thus their shot at a USF2000 ride in "The Mazda Road To Indy Scouting Combine". It looks like Jim Russell Jr. is going to be hard to beat this season but several other drivers were putting some pressure on him.

All of us at BP Motorsports Group are excited about the series and glad you've chosen to come race with us. Thanks to John Pennington for the really nice post he put up on EKN for us late last night too.

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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:09 pm Post subject: THANKS Mazda Heartland Sprint Series !!
After a hectic 65 hour work week there was no better way to unwind than the opening race for the Mazda Heartland Sprint Series put on by the BP Motorsports Group.
This is a great series being organized by super nice people. My family and I appreciate the opportunity to run with such a quality series.
Keep up the good work!!

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Thanks John!! Congratulations on your win in the Clone Class by the way. How about that, a 65 hour work week and he still comes out and gets a win on Sunday in the Clone Class...

The next race for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series presented by Russell Karting Specialties" is The Mazda 2 Race on May 21st and May 22nd. There will be a new track layout and the winner of the Tag Senior race has the chance to pick up an additional $1,000.00 if they can win The Mazda Speed 3 race and the Mazda 6 race.

Good luck to everyone and we'll see you at the track in May!

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group
www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

NOTE: GATES OPEN ON SUNDAY 4-10 AT 7:00AM

2011-04-09T18:51:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION RACERS

GATES OPEN SUNDAY 4-10

---- > 7:00AM <-----

THE WEATHER LOOKS PERFECT...
TIME TO RACE!

2011-04-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

ZOOM, ZOOM!!!

The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Starts This Weekend!!!!

Winter is over, Let's RACE!!!!!

2011-04-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Presented by Russell Karting Specialties

BP Motorsports Group, the promoter of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series", is proud that Russell Karting Specialties will be presenting this years races. Russell Karting Specialties is tremendously well respected in the world of Karting and their wealth of knowledge and expertise is unmatched in the industry. Their addition to "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" is a tremendous benefit to the racer and all of us at BP Motorsports Group are excited to have the opportunity to work with Jim Russell Jr. and his entire staff.

Russell Karting Specialties is bringing an exceptional brand name with them as part of their increased level of sponsorship, Dunlop Racing Tires!

Russell Karting Specialties will offer a contingency program with Dunlop Tires and give all racers a chance to win one (1) FREE set of Dunlop Tires at each race this season. You must have the Dunlop sticker on your kart in the specified locations and you must be racing on Dunlop Tires to qualify for the drawing at the end of the days events.

Russell Karting Specialties will also be sponsoring the Clone Class this season and one Clone Class driver will win a brand new Clone chassis and a brand new Clone motor at the year end banquet. All Clone Class drivers are eligible to win and if you race all six races of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" you'll receive three (3) bonus entries into the drawing for the brand new Clone chassis and Clone motor.

BP Motorsports Group is looking forward to a fantastic season and the first green flag drops this coming weekend for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series Presented by Russell Karting Specialties". Good luck to all the drivers and we'll see you at the track this coming weekend.

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group
www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

New Sponsor Announcement Coming!!!!

2011-04-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

BP Motorsports Group is working on putting the final touches on a new sponsorship package for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series". It's a really big deal and we're all very excited to be working with these two big names in Karting! We'll give you all the details tomorrow about this tremendously exciting new sponsorship program....

Get those karts ready everyone because the first green flag drops this weekend, and tomorrow we'll introduce you to two very big names in Karting as they both jump on board to support "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and you, the racer!

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group

Perfect Day For Practice!

2011-04-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's almost time to race, and today the pits were full of people who brought their karts out to get some seat time before the first "Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" race next weekend.

All of us with BP Motorsports Group wanted to say "Thank You" to all of you who responded and showed up to come practice today! We're so glad it worked out and we were able to offer a practice session prior to the official start of the season so we wanted to take a quick moment to say, "Thank You"....

Today during practice we even had some drivers come in from Delmar, Iowa to check out the facility. From what I was told there were very impressed and looking forward to the possibility of racing with us this season. Thanks for making the drive you guys and you're more than welcome to come join us, we'd love to see you come back and race with us.

Get the karts ready everyone! The first green flag drops next week!!!!!

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group

Top Gun of Karting Begins, NOW!

2011-04-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

IndyCar Sets Field for First Mazda Road to Indy Scouting Combine
The field of Regional Qualifier Series has been set and "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" is leading the pack! Now, with five other series added, the question becomes....

Who will be "Maverick & Goose"???

Click link below for the full story.....

MAZDA Scouting Combine Regional Qualifier Series

Practice starts tomorrow..... "No points for second place." "The plaque for the alternates is in the ladies room." Ok that's the end of the shameless "Top Gun" movie quotes. Plus last years Tag Senior Winner was Kaylee!!! Perhaps the plaque for the alternates will be in the "Men's Room" again this year....

Good luck everyone!!!!!

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group

The First Green Flag Drops Next Week!!!!

2011-04-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone.... Well believe it or not it's almost here! Race Season is about to begin. We're holding practice this weekend for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and then next weekend, April 9th & 10th, the first green flag drops on the 2011 season. Are you ready??? If not get out to the track tomorrow, April 2nd, and come join us for practice.

Here's what racing at the PDC looks like from the point of view of the driver. Thanks to the folks from Jack 93 Racing for this great helmet cam video of the Shifter Race with "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series".

>> Note << If you're viewing this from the web page you won't be able to see the video. You'll actually have to go to the blog to see the video. Follow this link: The Race Blog

It's time to race everyone.... Get the karts warmed up and come join us for Practice at the PDC this Saturday April 2nd. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group
www.bpmotorsportsgroup.com

More Zoom Zoom added to the Heartland Sprint Series!!!!

2011-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

THE MAZDA HEARTLAND SPRINT SERIES! >>> UPDATED 4-01-11 <<<

We told you there was more big news coming, well here it is....

BP Motorsports Group is proud to Announce "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" for 2011. Yes, that's right it's now "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series" and they've increased their level of participation to include other classes as well. Not only is there $5,000.00 up for grabs in the Tag Senior Class and a shot at a ride in a USF2000 car as part of the IZOD IndyCar Series Scouting Combine, but Mazda just upped the ante for drivers in other classes as well!

The Tag 60 class, Tag Jr. class and the Shifter S2 Class will all have prize money on the line for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series". The prize money breaks down this way:

1) Tag 60: $500.00
2) Tag Jr.: $500.00
3) Shifter S2: $750.00

Voting has ended and the drivers elected, by nearly a two to one margin, for the Top 3 Positions to get the prize money! Thanks for your input, we appreciate it!!!!

Tag Senior Class $4,000.00 + $1,000 Bonus if the same driver wins race 2 - 3 and 6!!!
1st place: $2,500.00
2nd place: $1,000.00
3rd place: $500.00

Tag 60 and Tag Jr. $500.00 (each class)
1st place: $250.00
2nd place: $150.00
3rd place: $100.00

Shifter S2 Class $750.00
1st place: $400.00
2nd place: $250.00
3rd place: $100.00

BP Motorsports Group welcomes Mazda and we're very proud to be working with them as the 1st IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner to help promote "The Mazda Road to Indy".

Good luck to all the racers this year and we'll see you at the track on the first race day April 9th and 10th for "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series".

Don't forget practice is Saturday April 2nd. See you all there.....

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing

BP Motorsports Group

The 1st IZOD IndyCar Regional Karting Partner

Home of "The Mazda Heartland Sprint Series"

MAZDA Puts $5,000.00 In Tag Senior Class for 2011!!!!

2011-03-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

As part of "The Mazda Road to Indy" BP Motorsports Group & The Heartland Sprint Series are proud to be the very first regional series to participate in the IZOD IndyCar Series Scouting Combine. The driver who wins the 2011 Tag Senior Championship in "The Heartland Sprint Series" will travel to Florida to compete against some of the best kart racers in the country in a USF2000 car this November.

BP Motorsports Group & The Heartland Sprint Series are also proud to announce that , in a promotional venture with Mazda, there will be $5,000.00 in cash associated with the Tag Senior Class for the 2011 season! That's right, $5,000.00 is now up for grabs in the Tag Senior Class! Part of that $5,000.00 is a $1,000.00 bonus to the driver that wins The Mazda 2 Race in May, The Mazda Speed3 Race in June, and The Mazda 6 Race in September. If you win all three races you get a $1,000.00 bonus!!!

Here's where you, the drivers, come in. You have two options to pick from on how we allocate the prize money. It's up to you and voting starts right now and runs through Thursday March 31 at 12:00noon central time. We'll give you the option to pick how the money gets distributed. Winner Take All or Top 3 Spots? It's up to you! You can vote online in the poll attached to our post on EKN: Click Here and go to Heartland Sprint Series post.

Option #1: Winner Take All = $4,000.00 to the Tag Senior Champion

Option #2: 1st = $2500.00, 2nd = $1000.00, 3rd = $500.00

There is a $1,000.00 bonus available to the driver who can win Race 2, Race 3, and Race 6. Win all three races in the Tag Senior Class and get an added $1,000.00 in prize money.

Get those karts ready everyone because BP Motorsports Group, The Heartland Sprint Series and MAZDA just upped the ante this season and there is more exciting news to come in the days ahead!

Chris Hagan

BP Motorsports Group

The 1st IZOD IndyCar Series Regional Karting Partner

Home of "The Heartland Sprint Series"

"The Big News" IndyCar partners with BP Motorsports Group

2011-03-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Ok someone pinch me.... Did I really just see "The Heartland Sprint Series" included in an official press release from IndyCar? Yes, I did!!!! Holy Cow we're actually working with IndyCar and our Tag Senior Champion will participate in "The IndyCar Combine" at the end of the season. You can find the complete story on IndyCar.com at: IndyCar Combine

Back when this first started, Brit Phillips, our Director of Operations wanted to grow karting here in the Heartland and give kids the opportunity to race. He said, "I never thought when we started this that we'd have the chance to work with IndyCar and we're honored to be part of their grass roots effort to promote the IZOD IndyCar Series via The Mazda Road to Indy. To actually think that this years Tag Senior Champion from The Heartland Sprint Series could work their way up to the IZOD IndyCar Series via their new ladder system is tremendously exciting."

Well you heard it directly from IndyCar folks. Get those karts ready, the first race is just a month away and this year our Tag Senior Champion will get a shot at proving themselves in the IndyCar Combine event in Florida against the best of the best in karting from around the country. It's the "Top Gun" of karting this year!

All of us at BP Motorsports Group are honored to be working with the IZOD IndyCar series and while we've known about this for sometime we were sworn to secrecy. The 2011 Kansas City Auto show was the kickoff to our partnership with IndyCar and here is a photo of the event. It's estimated that over 300,000 people attended the 2011 Kansas City Auto Show and BP Motorsports Group & CarCar Motorsports were there with IndyCar!!!

This is really big news but we still have more to come so keep your eyes on our website and EKN because there is more to come!!!

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group

The Ladder Starts Early

2011-03-04T06:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Randy if I can reach the pedals in time for your final IZOD IndyCar race at Las Vegas count me in for the 5 Million Dollar Bonus Challenge!!! I race go karts now with BP Motorsports Group in Kansas City as part of "The Heartland Sprint Series" . But I'd love to race with Dario, Will, Danica, Helio, and Marco!

The IZOD IndyCar Series partners with BP Motorsports Group at the Greater Kansas International Auto Show to help promote "The Mazda Road to Indy" and the grass roots of racing, which starts with Karting. It looks like one young racer is taking IZOD IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard seriously on his 5 Million Dollar Bonus offer. Randy said if any driver, outside the IZOD IndyCar Series, can win the final race of the season against the best drivers in the world it will pay a 5 Million Dollar Bonus! There are only 5 spots open to other drives. Well, 4 if Tyler gets his way.... See the article on Indycar.com. Click here: IZOD IndyCar Challenge

Seriously Randy, if I can reach the pedals on this thing in October you can just start cutting the check now! Hey Marco, You'll have to find a new number buddy, here I come!

Tyler #26

Let The Auto Show Begin!

2011-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

I stopped by at lunch today and Brit, Craig, and Carlen and several others who were helping were nearly done putting the finishing touches on the BP Motorsports Group Display at the 2011 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show. CarCar Motorsports brought their massive new trailer along with several Karts to showcase at the show. They've got you covered from Kid Karts all the way up the Shifter. You'll also notice the focal point of our display this year... The IZOD IndyCar!!!!

The Kansas City Auto Show starts today at 5:00pm and runs through Sunday March 6th at 6:00pm. You can find all the details about the 2011 Greater International Kansas City Auto Show online at: http://www.kcautoshow.com/

Come see all the Cars, our Karts and the IZOD IndyCar! We'll be there all week and we're looking forward to seeing you there as well.

Thanks,

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group

The IndyCar is here in KC!!!

2011-02-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the very first photo of the IndyCar that will be in the BP Motorsports Group booth at the 2011 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show March 2nd to March 6th. Brit was down at Bartle Hall this morning when they rolled Will Power's #12 Meijer Racing Honda off the trailer!

Unfortunately we don't have a photo of Brit because he wouldn't stand still long enough for anyone to get a photo of him. From what I understand he looked like a kid in a candy store. Despite the fact that Brit showed up with his driver suit and his helmet they wouldn't let him take the car for a test drive.... However, you might want to keep an eye on our website and this blog and get your driver suits and helmets ready for this season because as we said, this is just the tip of the iceberg for 2011.

BP Motorsports Group and Car Car Motorsports will be at the 2011 Auto Show from March 2nd to March 6th so come down and see what we've got in store for this season and get a chance to see Will Power's #12 Meijer IndyCar in our booth.

Chris Hagan

Director of Sales & Marketing

BP Motorsports Group

IndyCar Partners with BP Motorsports Group!

2011-02-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone. What an exciting time it is for all of at BP Motorsports Group! First and foremost we want to thank all of you who have come to race with us over the past few years, because without your support none of this would be possible! Yes, we've worked hard at trying to grow the sport here in the Heartland, but without your support we wouldn't have been able to progress to this point. THANK YOU!

All of us at BP Motorsports Group are looking forward to the start of the 2011 season, and as many of you heard at the banquet we'll be working with The IZOD IndyCar Series this year to help promote "The Mazda Road to Indy".

Our first big event, to kick off that partnership, will be at the 2011 Greater Kansas City International Auto Show from March 2nd to March 6th at Bartle Hall. Not only will BP Motorsports Group again have a display inside the Auto Show with CarCar Motorspots but IndyCar will be joining us this year by sending one of their cars to be part of our display. This will kick off our promotion of "The Mazda Road to Indy" and there are some tremendously exciting other things we have in store for you this season as well. As of right now our lips are sealed, but we'll be able to make the official announcement about something else here in the very near future so stay tuned because this year is going to be BIG!!!!

I just got the official update from the folks at IndyCar and BP Motorsports Group will have the new Penske Racing #12 Meijer IndyCar of Will Power at the Auto Show! BP Motorsports Group will be in section 8C on the South side of Bartle Hall at the Auto Show and you can find us on the "Floorplan" at www.kcautoshow.com

Hopefully this snow and ice will melt off quickly and everyone can get the karts out soon. It's going to be one heck of a great season and the tie in with IndyCar at the Auto Show is just tip of the iceberg for 2011. Come see us at the Auto Show with IndyCar! Get ready because we're just over a month away from the first race of the 2011 season....

See you all soon,

Chris Hagan
Director of Sales & Marketing
BP Motorsports Group