KIRL NEWS RELEASE!
Buffalo Grove 1-8-2012
The new year of racing opens with a surprise! 2nd year KIRL racer Sean Seamon ran away and hid from the stellar field in the night's last race-The SUPER-FINAL where the top racers from all the weight classes compete in the same race.  KIRL and CIR have developed a system over the years that attempts to even the playing field between the heavy/slower racers and the faster/lighter racers who make it to the final.  Tonight the system worked perfect! Sean who is not the lightest or the fastest still managed to run 30 consistent laps that were fast enough to finish about 6 seconds ahead of super-light, super-fast, super-star Josh Bilicki! Josh started last and Sean started on the pole! Any slips by Sean and the hard charging Josh would have eaten Sean for dinner like a shark! Don't think that Sean had it easy, the final 10 laps we saw Sean slicing and dicing through lap traffic like a hot knife in butter... he knew that the sharks were on his tail.  Hats off to Sean who proved why KIRL Racing is so successful! Often imitated but NEVER duplicated! Join the KIRL racers for event #52 on February 5th, early enough in the day to make any Super-Bowl party within 120 miles of Addison! 


Addison 12-4-2011  Event 2 was complete before 9pm. Notably missing from the field--all Jones', Bilderback, Nelms, Hartwigs, Giuliano, and Blazek. Unfortunately for 43 of the hopefuls that did show, Josh  Bilicki  returned to the challenging Addison course with one thought on his mind.  That was to bore through the Super-Final field like a plasma cutting tool!... Not even Super Final fast-lapper Aaron Katzenberg   or last year's Pro-KIRL Champion Tony Velez   could reel Josh in before the checkered waved.  Of course, as has been the case in every Pro-KIRL Super-Final, there was some drama!  This Super-Final occured at the conclusion of the historic 50th Pro-KIRL event. Not only was it historic because it was the 50th Super-Final but it also will be remembered as the Super-Final with the worst First-Lap wreck in Pro-KIRL history! After 3/4 of the field became involved in a track blocking incident only a lucky 5 were able to escape and open up a 25 second gap before CIR staff freed up the bottle-neck!  Josh Bilicki miraculously squirted through the wreck as the track closed up behind him!  He looked like Indiana Jones escaping the collapsing ruins! Latemodel racer Rob Nelson  parlayed his upfront starting spot into his personal best S-F finish in 2nd, and Pro-KIRL rookie Jim Anderson nailed down an impressive third in his first KIRL appearance! 

 
Pro-kart racer Josh Bilicki, asphalt latemodel shoe Aaron Katzenberg, and mini cup legend Tony Velez  shared victories in the lightweight preliminary races.
Mini-Sprint superstar Nick Petska   owned the middleweight class with a clean sweep of the preliminaries and the coveted title of fast time of the night after 44 racers ran 288 laps in the counter-clockwise direction!
Bill Wirth  surprised everybody by carrying enough weight on the scales to jump up into the Super-Heavyweights!  Really, there isn't anyone in that class capable of keeping up with the IRA Sprint Car star.
Dirt Modified/Asphalt latemodel racer and current point leader Steven Brooks   might have been able to rough Wirth up and ruin Wirth's clean sweep if Brooks had pounded a couple Whopper's prior to weigh-in.  He ended up a Happy-Meal short of the minimum weight for the Super-Heavies!
Illiana latemodel star Danta  was never a threat to Wirth in any race but he sure was brutal to the rest of the field.
In year's past, 6 time KIRL champion Bill Hartwig   might have been a challenge for Wirth. It's speculation at this point whether Hartwig still has what it takes to dominate his regular division--the Super Heavies.
 Brooks was able to dominate the Heavyweight class in spite of being the heaviest of the division.

Next month, Event #3 will be held on the second Sunday of the month due to the holidays. Buffalo Grove will welcome KIRL on January 8th 2012.

For the current Pro-KIRL point standings: CLICK THIS!

 

James Swan   Michael Bilderback   Tony Velez

The season opener for KIRL started out at CHICAGO INDOOR RACING'S Buffalo Grove track this year.  A racetime decision was made to run Event 1's 3x14 lap qualifying heats and 1x30 lap Features in the clockwise direction. This automatically determines the race directions for the rest of the season's racing Dantaffalo Grove's demanding Track 3.  This decision also meant the night's bonus SUPER FINAL would run in the Danta'scounter-clockwise direction.

Hartwign Sunday 11-6-2011, fifty-three compeDantas took to the track to do battle in four separate weight divisions! Steven Brooks opened up this season on a strong note after suffering a dismal 2010-11 season in KIRL.  It was rumored that Brooks stayed home several nights Danta="font-size: 14px;" face="Arial">last year becRabeyhe was unable to tolKnippenbergggressive driving style from KIRL's perennial Super Heavy-Weight Bad-Boy Anthony Danta come from Illinois Late-Models and both have had prior kart experience.  Apparently, they have had some squirmishes befoHartwig, but until Hartwigason when Brooks "expanded" into the Super Heavy class theyDantaly raced each other.  Last season Brooks solidly landed in the Super Heavy class sporting what looked like a giant innertube under his "double-fDanta driving suit! Last year DantaWrongWord" id="RadESpellError_33">Danta gave Brooks some solid competition in the SH class but it was Danta's "questionable" driving style tDantasd Brooks frustrated!

Other's in the Super Heavy class have learned the hard way to stay clear of Danta whenever possible.  Brooks eventually cut his season short last year skipping a couple events because of Danta's on and off track antics. Seven-Time KIRL Champion Bill Hartwig has missed a number of events since Danta appeared on the scene, so many in fact, that he came up shortPetskaints in his quest for an 8th championship last season.  Scott Pierce was quoted "I just move over and wave him [Danta] by if I see him coming, otherwDanta know I am going for a ride in the next corner!"

Previously, there have only been a few racer's capable of neutralizing Danta on the track and off.  Vernon Hills detectiIvaskak Rabey and Grundy's Billy Knippenberg each had successful season's in KIRL running against Danta.  Obviously, as some have speculated, there was WIrthbly some degree of fear of retaliation or punishment rather than respect at work. 

This season Steven Brooks made it clear to everyone including Cerny"RadEWrongWord" id="RadESpellError_44">Danta, that he's here for the duration of the seasoBilickio bullying Ivaskaspan class="RadEWrongWord" id="RadESpellError_45">Danta or anyone else wilsquirmishesfrom chasing the KIRL crown.  Not even one lap into the SPetskaeavy Feature Brooks took out two of his biggest current threats in the SH class--Johnson and Danta. Brooks didn't have to worry about Hartwig since Hartwig was absent again, a decision probably made after learning Danta would be back this season--his explanation when asked was "my back is still bothering me."  Brooks said after the race "come on back Haliklihoodan> I am ready for you and I will protect you from big-bad Danta!" Danta recovered from the Brooks created spin to gain the last SH transfer spot into the Super Final where he was no match for KIRL superstars! Many Super Heavyweight racers had unpublishable comments regarding Dantas "recovery methods!" Brooks had a mechanical issue which unfortunately surfaced on lap 4 and then kept him from maintaining his early lead in the SF. He was very happy hanging on for 5th place in the rockstar field. None of the Heavy Weights would comment about their Feature when they exited the pits shaking their heads but later those that were questioned all said it was the roughest driving they had ever experienced in KIRL competition.  A look at the names in this weight class and those in the know could have predicted it would be a roughPetskanbsp; Danny Church, Old man Petska and Old Man Jones graduated from the Fat-Guy claBlazek are now running in their almost appropriate weight classes.  The problem is that after a season or two of being beat up by Super Heavyweight guys like Danta and Brooks they have learned some bad habits like trying to go 4 wide on the start down the Red Bull chute that can barely tolerate 2 wide racing! Bill Wirth said he found himself a victim in the 4-wide, the "meat in the sandwich" and he graciously lifted as did Kenny Ivaska to let the wannabe stars survive the insane attempt to negotiate the compound corners.  All the conservative nice guy moves got the pair was a shot from behind that left them spun-out!  Well the cream always rises to the top in KIRL and this race was no exception. WIrth exploded from his deficit to bolt to the front of the pack and win the Heavyweight Feature.  Josh Nelms also a victim in some of the early "ugly situations" rebounded to 2nd, Jobe Cerny had one of his best Feature performances pulling convincingly into third late in theHARTWIGMike Bilicki and Kenny Ivaska followed both manhandling their karts which sustained heavy damage in the early squirmishes.  Notable was the fact that the trio of Church, Jones Sr and Petska Sr found themselves near the back of the pack! VELEZtelerikcr />The Middle Weight Feature which qualified the top 4 into the Super Final turned out to be one of the most exciting KIRL races to watch ever!  After the cluster of knuckle-head moves in the Super Heavy and Heavy Features, the MW Feature was a pleasure to watch.  All eyes were on the trio of James Swan, Tommy Jones and Tony Velez.  The three of them ran nose to tail, literally inches apart, each matching the others moves, turn after turn, lap after lap.  Velez commented in a post race interview,  that until they ran up on lapped traffic he saw no likPETSKA of the finishing order changing.  With about 8 laps to go in the 30 lapper, Swan had a decision to make exiting the 180 degree righthand hairpin, should he go to the inside or the outside of the lapper?  Well if he chose the outside, Jones and Velez would go inside--the shorter distance, and he'd be shuffled back to third, so of course Swan took the inside in defense of his lead position.  The back-marker who received the move over flag, checked-up and sharply turned into the inside lane nearly wrecking Swan who in a maneuver which amazed the crowd, saved the kart which appeared to be headed into a full spin.  Swan quickly jumped into 3rd behind Velez.  Velez made quick work of Jones when they approached the next lapper and Swan followed in his tracks. Velez opened up a gap and started setting some of the fastest times of the night. When they reached the next back marker Jones made a pass that put him ahead of the lapper and 2nd running Swan. Meanwhile Nick Petska (Jr) was slicing through the field from his starting spot deep from the rear and eventually caught the leaders as the race ended.  Luke Blazek struggled in the MW Feature with a tight condition in right hand turns later found to be caused by the left rear tire being down in air pressure (track videos are being reviewed, someone wearing a suit similar to Tommy Jones's was seen near Lukes kart prior to the Feature). With Luke receiving a prior champion runner-up provisional, the MW qualifiers were set to transfer to the Super Final. The final weight class feature of the night was loaded with Light-Weights who never surprise the fans. 


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING NIGHT FOR THE NINTH SEASON OF KIRL
is SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2011

Will BILL HARTWIGdrtwothfont> return to try and regain his crown?

Who will be the biggest threat to TONY KirlDotNetError_17" class="RadEWrongWord">VELEZ?

Will CIR specialist KIRLdotNetze: 12px;" color="#ff0000">ANDY JONES try upset the field?

WiIl 2011-2012 be the season for NICK PETSKA?

Ken's Indoor Racing League was created for the enjoyment of racers, fans, families and friends.  After nine consecutive seasons running between the two CHICAGO INDOOR RACING tracks, hundreds of participants have experienced the thrill of indoor go-kart racing in the most competitive format ever provided at a rental kart facility!  The relationship that KIRL has developed with CIR has allowed for the creation of countless unique customizations to the KIRL race format.  THERE SIMPLY IS NO OTHER INDOOR KARTING LEAGUE WHICH CAN COME CLOSE TO THE EQUITABLE LEVEL OF RACING KIRL HAS PROVIDED SINCE 2003!

RACE DATES:

November 6, 2011  Buffalo Grove 4pm
December 4, 2011   Addison 4pm
January 8, 2012 Buffalo Grove 4pm
February 5, 2012  Addison 4pm
March 4, 2012  Buffalo Grove 4pm
April 1, 2012 Buffalo Grove  4pm

New pricHARTWIG this season!

No more pre-pay discounts!

Everyone pays just $70

Sign, weigh and pay by 4:15pm to be included in the coolest indoor racing to be found in the Midwest this Winter!

Don't sit at home waiting to race or watching races on the tube, get down to CHICAGO INDOOR RACING in Buffalo Grove and Addison and hang with KIRL gang and have a blast racing on the first Sunday of the month from November to April.

You don't have to be a short track racer to race KIRL.  KIRL is open to just about anyone who can pay the $70 bucks.

If you are planning on racing just email your intentions to drtwoth@comcast.net or phone or text them to 773-719-9559.

We recommend you send an additional text message to 40404
In the message box type " follow KirlDotNet"
you will then receive confirmation that you are following KIRLdotNet
Hartwig>
Periodically, you will receive reminders about the upcoming KIRL events or perhaps be updated on results or important KIRL news via text.
(normal text rates apply to this service, ie. unlimited texts=free)

-------------------------------------------------------
Last Season
TONY VELEZ

was confirmed the 2010-11
VELEZKIRL CHAMPION!

IT'S BEEN SEVEN YEARS SINCE THE PRO-KIRL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS HAVE LISTED ANY NAME OTHER THAN BILL HARTWIG...WELL, THE TIME HAS COME WHEN THERE IS A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN!

Tony Velez has etched his name in history books forever... Tony started racing in Ken's Indoor Racing League (KIRL) over four years ago as young teenager. Initially he had to be cleared by Chicago Indoor Racing staff to race in the Pro-KIRPETSKAn> division since he was far below the minimum age of 18. Tony passed his audition with flying colors and has been flying behind the wheel ever since!

After Tony's first KIRL race the other drivers were overheard asking each other "who is that kid?" "He's pretty fast." "Where did that kid come from?" It wasn'Blazek long before everyone knew the mystery kid's name because it was on the top of the scoreboard race after race, always a top 3 and regularly the fastest lap holder! Many superstars have passed through the Pro-KIRL Series and some still remain but none can say they don't know who Tony Velez is once they've raced him! Tony has raced every single one of them the hardest they've ever been raced and he can rest his helmet on the fact that none can ever say he wasn't the cleanest most respectable competitor they've raced. Bill Hartwig whose racing career has spanned 7 decades, a legend himself, stated early on after racing and watching Tony "that kid's got IT!" "IT" of course is what every racer strives for, what every parent dreams their kid has, "IT" is the stuff champions are made of and at the conclusion of the 2010-11 Pro-KIRL season, Tony Velez has the highly coveted Pro-KIRL Series Championship title that proves he has "IT!"

CONGRATULATIONS to TONY VELEZ for dominating the Pro-KIRL Series in the 2010-11 season and earning your CHAMPION status!

TONY VELEZ  2010-11
Pro-KIRL CHAMPION

__________

New this Season:
the SUPER FINAL CHAMPION!
The super final is the race at the end of the official pro-KIRL races each night that includes the top qualifiers from each weight division.  The fastest racers are given the slowest karts and asked to start behind the slower drivers who are given the faster karts.  We realize this puts a huBilderbackon all the racers and it's usually a race where only the best surface to the top because it requires pure driving skill to finesse one's way through a field of karts faster than than yours!

In 2010-11 no one knew we were scoring Super Final finishes but we did and after 6 Supers the top two were separated by the points from one position!  

NICK PETSKA is the inaugural
SUPER FINAL CHAMPION!

Pro-KIRL CHAMPION Tony Velez was just nipped by Nick after Nick moved up one position on the last lap of the last Super Final of KIRL Season VIII.

Luke Blazek finished in third.






Bilderback />
The Final Event of the 2010-11 season will determine the new Pro-KIRL Champion!
It's true! Kirlrong>After April 3rd Bill Hartwig will be a past KIRL champion.  Going into the 6th and final event of the 8th season of Ken's Indoor Racing League there are only 3 racers with a shot at the title and none of them is Bill Hartwig!  It's unbelievable and it isn't without drama! Luke Blazek is third in the points and has an outside shot at the championship.  Tied for the points lead after 20 points races this season are Michael Bilderback and Tony Velez!  Both the young guns have a personal racing history loaded with first place finishes but nothing can compare to winning a Pro-KIRL Championship Title!!!

Michael has been in this same situation in the previous 2 seasons, but this time he has a really strong hand.  Tony Velez has been on a hot streak coming down the final stretch this season.  Tony smoked the Super Final field in March and basically lapped the entire field up to 4th place in 30 laps after starting 20th.  Bilderback won't be settling for anything less than a podium finish in his final points races and only time will tell if that will be enough to snuff the fire Tony has working for him lately!


New for this season will be the first ever recognition of Super Final performances. Besides the Pro-Kirl overall series champion, a Super-Final Champion will be announced. The Champion will have competed in all six Super Finals. Although nearly 100 racers have competed in pro-KIRL this season, there is only a small number of elite racers which qualify for the Super Final Championship.
event 1 super final podium