Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis will be the site of the first Indy Karting Classic, a new event during the growing International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) week, on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011.

Plans are well underway for the course layout and competition program. In addition to the racing, Conseco’s halls will be filled with karting industry displays and representatives from karting tracks, karting manufacturers and other suppliers.

The third annual IMIS event is scheduled for Dec. 8-10, 2011 at the Indiana Convention Center. The hardcore racing trade show was founded in 2009 by Chris Paulsen, owner of C&R Racing, Tom Weisenbach, executive director of the Indiana Motorsports Association (IMA), Jeff Stoops, president of Stoops Freightliner, and two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.

With its appeal to ‘hard core’ racing enthusiasts, IMIS is the fastest growing motorsports tradeshow in the country. It attracts motorsports industry professionals from all over the United States to see, touch and talk about what’s cutting edge in the world of racing.   

“Karting in the Midwest is huge, and this event will showcase the talent of the Stars, Pro, Regional and Club Level racers,” said Dean Mack CEO of the Indy Karting Series. “You will be seeing Kid Karts (for five to eight-year-olds), Juniors, and Seniors competing throughout the day. There will also be karting manufacturers, suppliers, tracks owners, virtually a who’s who in the karting world, in the lobby of Conseco to answer questions about the sport.”

Dean further shares a little bit of information on the charity that will benefit from the race.

“We have received awards from both Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard for the work we do with many charities.  This charity, Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund is special to me. As a veteran myself, I have seen firsthand what the loss of a service member can do to a family. They are a much deserving group. Without the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, events like this just would not happen. I encourage you all to attend this event.”

“We are thrilled to support the Indy Karting Classic,” said Paulsen. “Some of the top names in motorsports began in karts and many current INDYCAR and NASCAR drivers keep their skills honed by karting in their spare time. We see karting as an integral part of the racing industry, and we are proud to have a strong karting presence at IMIS.”

INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard, though new to motorsports, has quickly learned the value and need for karting.

“We feel karting is one of the key entry points into INDYCAR, so this race is a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills it takes to compete in our sport in front of an audience that will look towards the Mazda Road to Indy as its potential career path,” said Bernard.

The format of the Stars race is really quite interesting, 6 drivers from NASCAR will compete against 6 drivers from INDYCAR on a part oval part road course layout. You can expect to see top drivers from both disciplines going at it for bragging rights to the Indy Karting Classic Driving Force Award.

“We are excited to be part of this event,” said Mark Dismore former INDYCAR Driver, owner of Comet Kart Sales, and New Castle Motorsports Park (NCMP). “Indy is racing, and this is where we want to showcase our products and services. My entire life has revolved around racing, my father started my journey, and I started my families. Exposing karting and the benefits to new families is important, and this event is tailored to that end”.

World Karting Association’s General Manager Buddy Long is quick to point out the uniqueness of this event “any time karting can be part of a show of this magnitude, one where new and prospective karters can mingle with our industry while enjoying the entertainment factor, we are just thrilled.”

Former INDYCAR Driver Scott Goodyear, “Go-kart racing is the first step in any young drivers career. The majority of professional race drivers today  started their career racing go-karts. The mid-west is fortunate to have an indoor karting event like this taking place here in Indianapolis. I’m excited that my son Michael will have a chance to compete indoors at Conseco Field House this December. We are looking forward to the event.”

Entry information will be available on-line and at participating vendors very soon.

Spectator tickets for the racing program will be $15 for general admission and $30 for an entire family of four and will be  available from Ticket Master. More information can be found at www.indykartingclassic.com as it becomes available.