New Layout and Karts for VIR Big Kahuna Kart Race

Danville, VA (June 26, 2009) - The popular Big Kahuna Nationals Superstars Kart Enduro Challenge, a race pitting AMA Superbike stars, fans, AMA officials and the media in a kart challenge team race, is racing on a new track layout with new karts at the 10th Annual Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals presented by Dunlop Tires and Makita.

The track’s original Zip karts, powered by 80cc engines, were replaced after the 2007 event by faster 270cc Stratos karts. The new karts forced a change in track layout, with racers now running clockwise on the track, opposite the original direction. “This gives the racers a new challenge with the track layout, more power from the karts and even more fun for everyone,” said promoter Cameron Gray of Colorado-based M1 Entertainment. “2007’s event was great and with the new track layout and the new karts, the 2009 Kart Enduro Challenge will be the best one yet.” The 2008 event was rained out after sporadic showers kept the track too wet for safe racing but this year’s event is already being planned as bigger and better than ever.

Staged Thursday afternoon before the Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals, featuring the AMA Superbike Championship, the Enduro Challenge teams a Superbike racer, a member of the media, a fan and an employee either of VIR, AMA, or M1. Each team driver is allowed seven laps to set their time and then hand the kart over to the next teammate. At the end of the competition, the team with the best quick lap total time is the winner. 2007’s team of Jessica Zalusky, Mark Langford, Bryan Gibbs and fan Eric Person set a best total over two and a half seconds in front of the next team: Chaz Davies, Berry Gillsen, Racing2SaveLives’ Stan Foxworthy and fan Dean Mizdal.

“This was about the biggest thrill I’ve ever had,” said fan winner Person after the 2007 race. “Getting the chance to race against some of racing’s biggest stars is a once in a lifetime opportunity..”

“With the new karts, this year’s event will be even more exciting for the participants,” added Gray. “Now we have to learn both the different track layout and a new kart, which should level out the playing field even more.

Top Three 2007 Teams:
Jessica Zalusky (rider), Mark Langford (VIR), Bryan Gibbs (media), Eric Person (fan) 3:12.35 total
Chaz Davies, Berry Gillsen, Stan Foxworthy, Dean Mizdal (fan)
Aaron Yates, Jack Carbone, Dave Sadowski, Jim Lorimer (fan)
Best individual time Mike Moshenek (VIR): 46.37 seconds.

Some potential rider star entrants for 2009 include: Danny Eslik, Ben Bostrom,  Tommy Hayden, Josh Hayes, Larry Pegram, Aaron Yates,  Jason DiSalvo, Roger Lee Hayden, Jake Zempke, Martin Cardenas, Blake Young, Josh Herrin, Scott Russell, Jamie James or Cory West. The event draws interest from all the AMA classes - from American Superbike, Daytona Sportbike and Supersport.

“The Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals is one of the can’t-miss, best-deal-for-fans events on the calendar, and we intend to keep it that way,” says promoter Gray. “We’re going to have more promotions, exhibitions, displays, vendors and special events scheduled than ever before. I guarantee nobody will go home disappointed! VIR is a great facility, and to have the best motorcycle racing in America from the AMA Superbike Championship on this beautiful track, along with all the other events and entertainment we have planned, fans need to be crazy not to come out and enjoy the event! For 2009, it’s another great weekend-long motorcycle party, and anyone who misses it is going to be sorry!”

Providing more than racing for fans, the 2009 Suzuki Big Kahuna Nationals promises multiple big-screen television monitors so guests won’t miss any action, bigger and better vendor displays and fun and games with a special section for children in the infield, live music and more.

Pit Walk Passes, allow cold pit access and are available for $20 in advance or $30 at the track gates. There are only 1000 of these passes available, and access is good for all practice and qualifying sessions throughout the weekend. Guests are reminded that closed-toe shoes are required and you must be 16 years or older to enter the cold pit area.

The Big Kahuna Super Ticket, always popular with fans, includes three-day admission, paddock access, a Pit Walk Pass, a Parade Lap, a car parking pass and an official 2009 Big Kahuna shirt. This offering is limited to 2000 and is available for $110 (sold in advance only).

The Big Kahuna Pair includes 2 three-day admission tickets that includes paddock access, a car parking pass, 2 pit walk passes, 2 official 2009 Big Kahuna T shirts and an event program. Super Pair tickets are available for only $195 per pair. (sold in advance only).

There are two levels of Hospitality Passes available. The Pagoda Hospitality Pass includes three-day admission, Paddock Access, a car parking pass and hospitality access to the banquet hall and balcony located above The Pagoda Grille in the main paddock on Saturday and Sunday. Only 400 Pagoda Hospitality Suite Passes will be available, and are $175 (sold in advance only). For children 5-12 years of age, the Kid’s Pagoda Pass is available for $75 (sold in advance only).

The Big Kahuna Family 4-Pack lets four people, family or a group of friends, purchase Three-Day admission tickets with paddock access, one event program, a parking pass and eight lunch vouchers, all  for only $285.00. This package can be even a group of 4 friends who all want to attend the Big Kahuna.

Perhaps the best fan value is the Trackside VIP Suite, at $275 (sold in advance only). This includes three-day admission, paddock access, a Pit Walk Pass, car parking pass and access to one of VIR’s pitside suites overlooking the pit lane. Each climate-controlled suite can accommodate 20 people, and features closed-circuit coverage on a flat-panel plasma TV, private bathroom and catered continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack with drinks (cash bar service also available). There are only 40 Trackside VIP Suite tickets available and these are expected to sell out quickly, so interested fans are advised to act quickly to reserve their seats.

All current military personnel will receive a $20 General Admission discount and free car parking with a copy of a current military ID or by presenting their ID card at Registration (during Registration hours only). Groups of 20 or more will be eligible for a 30-percent three-day General Admission discount and 10 or more a 20-percent discount, providing the order is paid for with one credit card (advance only). College students will receive a $10 discount with proper identification. Discounts do not apply to the following: Big Kahuna Super Tickets, Trackside VIP Suite tickets, Pagoda Hospitality Passes, Pit Walk Passes and all parking/camping passes.

Children 15 and under will receive free admission when accompanied by a paid adult but must have a Little Pagoda Hospitality Suite Pass to enter the Pagoda Hospitality Suite area.