Young karter looks to begin journey in karting industry

Many people in the karting industry already know ‘Derek Crockett: The Racer’, but now many will also get the chance to meet ‘Derek Crockett: the Kart Shop Owner’.

The Midwest hotshoe has put together a program with his father Mike Crockett to open the doors to Crockett Motorsports, a shop that will cater to the karting needs for those in St. Louis and the surrounding region. With the launch of this new venture, Crockett will become an official GP Kart dealer.

Meet ‘Derek Crockett: the Kart Shop Owner’

Crockett has been at the race since birth, as his father was a flat track and motocross racer himself. Derek got the driving itch around age 10 when he received his first kart. From his beginnings in Yamaha Rookie, Crockett progressed up the ranks to TaG and then on to shifter karts.

In his first year as a Senior driver, Crockett ran the Superkarts! USA ProMoto Tour, earning the TaG Senior national championship. From there, Crockett spent his time racing both sprint and road racing events, earning many regional victories and championships.

Last year, Crockett earned his first ever victory at the Rock Island Grand Prix in the debut of the Stock Moto division. This past season, Crockett earned the S1 and TaG Senior championships with the SKUSA Central States Challenge, while finishing fifth in the RIGP King of the Streets event.

Looking forward, Crockett Motorsports will allow Derek to use his many years of karting experience to a new generation of karters. “Ever since I competed at the 2003 SKUSA SuperNationals as an 80cc Junior, I’ve been hooked on karting,� commented Crockett.

“At 16, I began working at a local kart shop sweeping the floors and cleaning karts, anything I could do to help out. As time progressed, I moved up to a mechanic and then started running the shop when needed. Now I’m at a point in my life where the timing was right for this new direction.�

At the recent Rock Island Grand Prix over Labor Day weekend, Crockett met veteran karter AJ Noud of Rocky Mountain Kartworks. “AJ and I hit it off pretty well over the weekend, despite the fact that we were racing against one another. I think he was impressed with the results we were producing with what little factory support we had and after a few discussions, we had a GP Kart to take home to test.�

Crockett Motorsports will be the fifth United States dealer of the GP Kart, servicing the St. Louis and Midwest area. The Cahokia, IL based operation will take slow steps in growth, bringing in more brands and products as the operation expands its business.

First off, Crockett will be more focused on building a strong customer base with supporting those involved in the SKUSA Central States Challenge and other area programs with kart and engine service.

Crockett Motorsports will make its debut at the upcoming SKUSA SuperNationals XIII set for Las Vegas on November 18-22 as part of the Rocky Mountain Kartworks and GP Kart operation, which will have a strong presence at the elite event.

For 2010, Crockett is looking to have aggressive representation at the SKUSA Pro Tour, SKUSA Central States Challenge, Rock Island Grand Prix, and other regional and local events. Crockett will be working in conjunction, providing trackside service and other facilities with another soon to be announced kart shop that will be based in the Midwest area.

About Crockett Motorsports:

Based in metropolitan St. Louis area, Crockett Motorsports is a new venture for karting enthusiasts Mike and Derek Crockett. The father-son duo is the latest GP Kart dealer, serving the Midwest area and customers.

Crockett Motorsports will be providing chassis and engine service for the Superkarts! USA Pro Tour, SKUSA Central States Challenge, SKUSA SuperNationals, Rock Island Grand Prix, and other regional events.

source: ProMedia Motorsport