Sumas International Motorsport Academy to Host Three-Hour Endurance Race

 The Sumas International Motorsport Academy (SIMA) is proud to announce the SIMA Enduro for September 22-23. The facility located near the United States/Canada border in Sumas, Washington will host a unique three-hour endurance event for TaG karts, combining three classes into one event with the grand prize an entry for two drivers to the IAME International Final in Lyon, France on October 18-21, 2012. The entry to the event includes a complete kart package, mechanic, tires and fuel, while enjoying a taste of international karting thanks to IAME and Italian Motors.

“Our goal is to continue to try and offer unique opportunities to racers here in the Northwest,” commented Claudio Valiante of Italian Motors USA. “With IAME’s support, we are able to provide a great prize for the winning team. No matter which team crosses the line first at the three-hour mark with the most laps completed, whether it’s a Senior, Junior or Masters team, they will represent North America at the IAME International Final.”

The format for the inaugural SIMA Enduro will put three classes on the track at the same time: TaG Senior, TaG Junior and TaG Master. Each team will have a minimum of two drivers, and a maximum of three, and all must be at the correct age level for the category they will compete in. Every team driver must complete a total of 50 minutes of racing time with no limit to the number of pit stops each team makes. Teams will be weighed using the lightest driver with the team’s kart. A five minute qualifying session will set the grid for the race. A couple twists have been added to make the event much more unique from any other endurance events. The main event will begin with a traditional Lemans-style start with drivers running across the track and jumping into their karts after the green flag waves. The other shake-up to the three-hour endurance race will be the inclusion of full-course cautions. Should karts need to be retrieved from the course, the course will go under a full-course caution and pit lane will be closed. Tires will be included in the entry fee which will be $399.

The TaG Senior class will include the Parilla Leopard, X30, IAME Dragon, Rotax and Rok (first generation) engines at specified weights, along with the TaG Masters category. The TaG Junior division will host Parilla Leopard engines with the 30mm exhaust header and Rotax Junior engines, both at 320lbs. All karts must utilize the spec Bridgestone YKC tires, and may only use one set for the entire three-hour period. Practice will take place Saturday, September 22 with qualifying and the race to be held Sunday, September 23. Additional prizes will be handed out, including product from GoPro, VP Fuel, New Balance, tickets to the Seattle Mariners, and more.

“SIMA opened its doors to the racing community two years ago, continued Valiante. “The facility has been expanding and improving its amenities ever since, in hopes of exceeding its members expectations. During this event, we hope competitors enjoy SIMA’s live timing, homemade lunches, brand new change rooms, full service parts shop and other amenities.”

For more information on the Sumas International Motorsport Academy and the SIMA Enduro event, be sure to visit http://www.simaracing.com/sima-enduro and for more on the IAME International Final, visit http://www.x30world.com/iame.international.final/