In our 11th year of points championship racing at Galletta's Greenhouse's Go-Kart Speedway
Sundays from June-August & Saturdays from September-October, and summer Fridays at Oswego Speedway.
We race exclusively with limited-modified 5hp Briggs and Stratton flat-head motors all with affordable 100% stock parts.
 

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Galletta's Go-Kart Speedway 2006 Event #9 results:
Sunday, August 6th, 2006 (Two 10-lap Heats and 40-lap Feature)
A great evening of hard racing action was in store for the Galletta's Go-Kart association. The racing was fast and furious, as were the wrecks. However, disappointing all, Team Meynes (Ed, Rick, Kenny, Chris, and Jason Mills) did not show. Jason's work schedule left him unable to attend (all drivers, please arrive earlier!), and apparently Ed wasn't feeling well. We hope they'll be back next week. Regardless, Ed's 3rd place points were bound to take a hit by missing an event with such a close race between 2nd and 5th. We are devising a points formula (kind of like a passer rating in football; adding total points, wins, races attended, and points-per-event) to help drivers who missed a race or two still contend for the title. Now to the race...

Race Index:
2006 #10
2006 #9
2006 #8
2006 #7
2006 #6
2006 #5
2006 #4
2006 #3
2006 #2
2006 #1
2005 Final
2004 Final
1995-2003 N/A

  (LEFT) Heat #1 was won by points leader, Matt "Mush" Stevens (#3) followed by Ogre Stevens (#4) and Rob Jimenez (#5).
(RIGHT) Heat #2 was won by Dick Dann (in his brand new #86 on it's 1st time out at Galletta's) challenged by Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens (#8; AKA me) and Billy Kuykendell (#6).

More shenanigans with Howard Seabrook! This time, his team took the pin out of his steering column and on the very 1st lap of his heat race from his pole-handicap position, he caused a pileup. It's getting to the point where these guys will be making their own track to cut their teeth on.

The 12-cart feature was filled with both tremendous racing action as well as some devastating accidents. The lead changed a few times early, with Gary Miller (#24) coming up through the field and getting Nick Dann (#02) for the early lead. Similar with most full-moon races, many wrecks plagued the early going (all spectacular accidents that involved nearly every single driver - though some more than others - the DVD is a MUST SEE!). When Gary blew a chain, it set up a tremendous battle for the finish. Billy Kuykendell, in only his 4th race, took the Galletta's Rental #6 to the lead and started running away from the rest of the field (though he needed a warning for jumping the gun and passing two people before the leader passed the start line on a restart - usually a disqualification [SEE RULES], but instead he was put back into his pre-jump position). Dick Dann (in his brand new #86) followed up last week's impressive performance with another exciting race were he held off top guns Chris, Matt, Rob, Gary, and Ogre for a dozen or so laps, and enabled Matt, Rob and Chris to shuffle back and forth behind him as they kept failing to get by the #86. Finally, Chris was able to pass Rob, Matt and Dick together in a tremendous inside move that involved more than a handful of side-to-side laps. For the final 20 laps, the battle was on, but one that wasn't without controversy...

On laps #20 through 40, the race was on for literal bumper-to-bumper racing with Bill, Chris, Matt, Rob, and Gary Miller. Bill, Chris, and Matt would put a little distance on as the race progressed, but restarts would equalize out. Rob dropped out with a handful of laps to go, and the race would soon see an amazing finish! A lack of communication between scorekeepers and the flag people were the culprit for the controversy. Let's examine the tape...

According to scorekeeper Amanda, on what was meant to be scored as lap #40, the lap counter read 39 and the white flag was waived (Bill claimed that he thought that the checkered flag was waived, but the tape showed that it wasn't; something that happened to Ed Meynes on week one, to which Chris gave Ed his position back after the race, and Chris thought that a yellow was out, and partially slowed as well). Chris (who was not just racing Bill, but making sure that Matt didn't have any passing lanes, as the points title is essentially between Chris and Matt ever year) then made his move which he was saving for the final lap, and pulled alongside Bill on the inside between turns 2 and 3. They raced side-by-side for nearly the entire lap, with Chris holding a slight advantage. As they rounded the corner on the following lap, with the audience cheering for rookie Bill and the checkered flag waiving, Chris nipped Bill on the Finish line by three inches or less, virtually a tie. Checkered flag waiver Gary Miller Jr. noted how close the finish was on the tape. After they crossed the finish line, Amanda then turned it to lap 40. Another camera...

Again, from a  different angle (better visible in the DVD, as these are low resolution captures), we see the white flag and lap 39 on the counter. We then see Chris and Bill racing side-by-side to the line, with Chris getting him by less than half of a tire at the checker... then the lap counter flipped to 40. (If you cannot view the above flash file, then open this animated GIF. If neither are suitable, buy the DVD! Ha!).

Chris was going to record it a tie, but when they pulled into the garage, Kris Pitsley, Bill's wife, and several others protested the outcome, saying that the white flag lap WAS lap 40, we went an extra lap, and that I (Chris) had a conflict of interest. Now this amazed me considering that I was going to award a tie to Bill even though I clearly beat him to the checkered flag and I wanted Bill to get a win in. We also wondered that if the situation was reversed, and say Bill or Rob nipped Matt or me (Chris) at the checker - would they protest to go to the white flag lap? Or Rob nipped Bill? There is no conflict of interest at Galletta's, as Chris and Matt want as many great racers as possible on their track, and if they didn't, then all of the rental karts would be stinkers (not capable of winning like so many have done in them), and they wouldn't help set up other driver's own karts to compete either. The drivers race to the white-then-checker-then-yellow. Over the eleven years of racing at Galletta's we have sometimes completed too few laps, and sometimes too many - but the race is over when the drivers see the checker and then the yellow. Mary Stevens, who used to count the laps for the 1st 7 or 8 seasons (and owner of the greenhouse who doesn't even like us racing), made that rule years ago. She would count every lap if everybody but one or two guys completed a green, and that the race is over at the checker - which was supposed to be on the 40th lap, and if an extra lap was run, it wasn't the driver's fault, but the scorekeepers and flag people. Period. To avoid further problems, pay closer attention, mark the laps correctly, and make sure that the white and the green flags are thrown on the correct laps. Let this week be a lesson that we never run too few or too many laps again, or people let off on the last lap. Thanks!).

VIEW THE DVD! DVD is available for $3-$5.
All pics are internet-reduced, low-resolution screenshots from the DVD. DVDs are $5 each, but if you pre-order and buy multiple discs we can discount to $3 each, or more depending on how many one orders. 2 hours+ of action on every disc, two camera angles, and packed with tight racing and spectacular flips and crashes right in front of the cameras! And this week, partially announced by Colin Miller! Cameras operated by Uncle Gene Galletta, Rungnapha "Au" Stevens, and captures are all optimized for the website by Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens for free, so please give your thanks and buy a DVD!

(Attention Howard Seabrook; Chris wants to get a copy of all Oswego Speedway events to fill out "2006 Volume One" of our DVD collection, so please contact him about a trade! Thanks!)

August 6th, 2006 "41-lap" Feature Final order or finish:

* = Tie was awarded due to controversial and disputed finish.

2006 Galletta's Go-Karts Point Standings
After 9 feature events from 6/11/2006 thru 8/6/2006:

NEW: POINTS SCORING SYSTEM IS NOW IN RULES SECTION and also below!
Each heat and feature is started in a handicap order, reversed from points-per-event (low-to-high).
Inexperienced drivers with less than 10 races and wreck-prone drivers start in the back regardless of points.
Points are scored based on finishing positions in heats and features (with bonus points for each feature lap in the top 3 spots).

Oswego Speedway Mixed-Class Dirt Track Exhibition:
Friday, August 4th, 2006 (Two 10-lap Heats and 20-lap Feature)

 There were 15 mixed-class karts in an exhibition at Oswego Speedway's dirt track (Galletta's Go-Kart style all-stock-part 5-horsepowers, and several competitors had 5.5hp-6.5hp OHV and one Raptor motor). We were planning on going in for a purse, but when the track officials put us in with an open class, we couldn't do it. Pictures by Rungnapha "Au" (Ooh) Stevens, and optimized for web by Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens.

Heat One was won by Brian Bortel (#15) followed by Matt Stevens (#3) and Robbie Jimenez (#5).

Heat Two was won by Chris "Yours Truly" Stevens (#8; out of camera) followed by Mark Miller (#00).

The feature was won by Chris Stevens (#8) followed by Matt Stevens (#3) and Nick Dann (#02). Matt started on the pole, but Chris and Nick came up through the field. Though 15 karts started the race, several expired before the race's end. This race did not count towards Galletta's points, as it was just for fun. Again, if Mark Miller, Mike Billion, and their friends wanted to race at Galletta's, they could with preferably lighter frames and 5hp engines (too many competitors and spectators strongly resented racing with tank frames and bigger motors - its just a different class; like trucks against cars). The Galletta's class is a pure flathead 5hp Briggs class with 100% stock parts (see rules and/or Matt for specifics - he will help anybody tune their flathead motor for racing here). Chris has helped several competitors buy Briggs 5hp motors on eBay (Ed, Rick, Jason, Brian, and Gary - though Gary didn't pay for his yet) and Matt has helped virtually every competitor tune their motors to Galletta's specifications, so see him.

Meanwhile, here is next Sunday's handicapping order:

Start / PPR / Race / Win / Name
01. 083.00 1 0 Gary Miller Jr.
02. 089.06 8 0 Rick Meynes
03. 090.50 2 0 Phil Hall
04. 092.21 7 0 Jason Mills
05. 092.67 3 0 Oscar Berry
06. 092.90 5 0 Nick Dann
07. 093.50 2 0 Kenny Meynes
08. 093.88 7 0 Dick Dann
09. 094.06 9 0 Fred Collins
10. 094.67 3 0 Josh Schute
11. 108.28 9 0 Robby Jimenez
---Feature Winner cutoff---
12. 106.00 4 1 Brian Bortel
13. 107.20 5 1 Gary Miller Sr.
14. 109.78 9 1 Wesley Stevens
15. 121.63 8 1 Ed Meynes
16. 125.56 9 1.5 Chris Stevens
17. 129.13 4 0.5 Billy Kuykendell
18. 137.00 9 3 Matt Stevens
---All other drivers cutoff---

Our races take place at:

Galletta's Greenhouses
60 County Route 20
Oswego, NY 13126-6512
(315) 343-0879
Need directions? Here's a Google Map!

POINTS SCORING SYSTEM FOR GALLETTA'S GO-KARTS RACES:
 

Pos.	10-laps	20-laps	25-laps	30-laps	40-laps	45-laps	50-laps	70-laps	130-laps
1	20	54	68	82	110	124	140	192	362
2	18	51	65	78	105	118	134	182	346
3	16	48	62	74	100	113	128	174	330
4	14	45	59	70	95	108	122	166	314
5	12	43	56	66	90	103	116	158	298
6	10	41	53	62	85	98	111	150	284
7	9	39	50	59	81	93	106	142	271
8	8	36	47	56	77	88	101	136	258
9	7	33	44	53	73	83	95	130	243
10	6	31	41	50	69	78	90	122	230
11	5	29	38	47	65	73	85	115	217
12	4	26	34	44	61	68	80	110	204
13	3	23	31	41	57	63	75	105	191
14	2	20	28	38	53	58	70	100	178
15	1	17	25	35	49	53	65	95	165
16	1	14	22	31	45	48	59	90	149
17	1	11	19	27	40	44	53	85	133
18	1	9	16	23	35	40	47	80	117
19	1	7	13	19	30	35	41	75	110
20	1	5	10	15	25	30	35	70	100

10-lap race is heat. All others are "Feature Events". Kart Classic is 130-laps (as of 2005).
In Feature events, bonus points are awarded as follows:
1st place = 1.0 point every lap
2nd place = 0.5 point every lap
3rd place = 0.5 point every lap
(3rd place is only awarded bonus points with 11 or more karts.)
Classic has never had awarded points for laps led (may change).

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Facts, Questions & Answers, Basic rules, regulations, and prices:

What do we race?: We race 5hp engine Go-Karts clockwise on a dirt oval track. Although it's a dirt track, we race very much like asphalt cars because of the stagger and smoothness of the track (sliding the karts in the turns usually slows you down and breaks the hubs, so we aim to keep the karts straight in the turns). We race clockwise (instead of the usual counter-clockwise) because this way the engine is located on the outside of the kart leading to greater speeds and less sliding in the corners.

When do we race?: We run on a weekly basis, which is almost always Sunday (afternoons and evenings) from June through September, and then usually Saturdays from September through November (weather permitting) every year. We race virtually every weekend from June through October. We occasionally race two times per weekend and/or during the weekdays, depending on weather, holidays, local events, and racer attendance. We also race Friday evenings at Oswego Speedway during the Summer (that schedule and more info located here).

How fast do you go?: Approximate speed is probably around 35-40mph in the straight-aways. We purposefully do not use specialized racing parts (except the safer nylon dippers) and don't want to modify the motors to go much faster because we are looking to keep costs low and the safety high. We could easily make them faster, but it would go against our policy of affordable and safe backyard racing and enter us into a racing kart category. We race mostly 1990s-and-up Briggs flatheads (the ones with newer style carb/tanks) with almost entirely stock parts and minor modifications. More below.

Where do we race?: The dirt speedway in back of Galletta's Greenhouse on County Rt. 60, Oswego, New York, USA, and also at Oswego Speedway's dirt track, located behind the back grandstand/camping area.

How do we race?: Every race begins under a handicapped start (Points leaders and race winners in the rear with low-points racers in the front in opposite order of points-per-race and 1st-timers in the back), and race length can vary between 20-50 laps for regular season races and up to 130+ laps for our "Classic Championship" race that usually occurs in late September.

I don't have a kart. Can I still go karting?: YES! The track owns 9 Karts (3 that we personally race and 6 that we rent out to anybody). They are all competitive and can win any given race with an experienced driver at the wheel. Every engine and kart has won a race at the track, and all are potent and have a solid chance of winning. Several of our friends/co-competitors also have extra karts and may rent them to you. We had as many as 18 karts on track in 2005 and expect in excess of 20 this season. More if you've never been here and join us.

What kind of engines do you run: Our featured class of karts all have 5hp Briggs and Stratton flat-head 4-cycle motors and prefer them to be 1990s-and-up that have the updated carbs. For example, ours are mostly Fun Power, I/C, and standard. We allow simple modifications, but no racing parts (except affordable nylon dippers), as this makes the racing too expensive. We may change this rule in the future when the engines and parts become unavailable, but for now, all of our established competitors race with 5hp flathead Briggs and Stratton motors with shaved heads. For the foreseeable future, we have plenty of motors and parts, and even more found on ebay when in need.

What are the allowed modifications to the motors?: Allowed modifications are as follows: Overriding the governor, Shaved heads (newly allowed in 2005 in order to defeat OHV cheater karts that we were forced to suspend). When the engines get older and worn, we do allow bored-cylinders up to .010/.020/.030 over. But we recommend this ONLY for older engines that have been worn considerably.

Restrictions on the motors?: We currently do not allow after-market racing parts, such as special racing crankshafts, cams, carburetors, springs, and so on. This is to keep speeds both extremely safe and affordable. Even without, we get around 35-40mph in the straights. (We do allow nylon dippers and "Raptor" integrated dippers, as we had a problem with stock metal dippers breaking and causing internal damage). This may change in the future with a vote of the active drivers and track owners and the pricing. The reasons for not running bigger horsepower motors are listed below.

I have my own kart. Can I race?: YES! Others are invited to bring their own karts and race them at Galletta's. The only qualification is that they must be 5hp motors and they cannot have illegally modified racing parts. Stock flathead 5hp Briggs are the norm, though we modify them and will help you do the same. The track owners and mechanics can help you set up your kart to the exact modifications that everybody else runs. All engines should be approved by the track owners and mechanics, but as long as it's a 5hp and aren't illegally modified (as said above), you will almost certainly be allowed to race. We have had trouble with OHV motors, and for now, they are extremely frowned upon. Regardless, they must be a 5hp, no stickers removed. You can buy any go-kart in a yard sale or store, and with minor modifications (governor spring, shaved head, stagger, chain, and tire tips) you could be racing the same day and can be competing to win the very next race.

Can I buy a kart off of you?: We can build you a kart for a price. We are very affordable, mainly because we love racing so much, that we want more people to race against! We can also help you find motors and parts, or help you fix motors, karts, and parts that you may believe are junk (until we get our hands on them).

How much does it cost to race?: To rent one of our karts, the standard 40-lap race is $15. This is extremely affordable and a great price. It's often said by visitors to be the most fun they've ever had for $15. If you have your own kart, the entrance fee for a 40-lapper is $5. Longer races are slightly more. The fees cover parts, repairs, kart maintenance and track maintenance. This is a non-profit, race-at-your-own-risk, recreational operation and all of the money goes right back into the track and karts. Prices may vary depending on costs, race length, points race prize entry, and track/kart volunteer work.

How much does it cost to watch?: It is 100% FREE to watch the races, though you may be asked to participate in a 50/50 ticket contest which will be drawn after the contest's conclusion (50% of the funds will go to the points standings prize purse, the rest to the winning ticket holder). We also occasionally have cookouts before or after race time.

Do you have prizes to the winners/top-runners?: We debate doing this. It would depend on drivers and spectators putting money into a fund, and so far we've only had limited support. Last year (2005), we attempted a points fund, but at year's end, the top 5 winning visiting drivers all owed more money in rental & repair fees than winnings, so no money was handed out. This is a non-profit, recreational-only organization. However, if enough of the drivers are serious about competing, come to nearly every race, and we have enough drivers and spectators putting enough money into a points fund, we will have year-end prizes. This is our intention, but it needs the support of more people. More likely, we will have a visitors-only points fund, as the home team (Matt, Chris, and Wes) have the most experience, attend every race, and are usually running in the top 5 of every race and only the most experienced drivers can compete with them on a regular basis.

What are the racing rules?: We have standard general racing rules that most racetracks follow in order to keep the racing as safe, fair, and as competitive as possible. Basic rules at most tracks will almost all be exactly the same here, but hard ramming and intentional bumping is not permitted at all, though straight bumper-to-bumper contact is allowed (usually only in the straights) provided that it does not cause an accident. We're not NASCAR, and any bump that causes an accident will be penalized (rear of the field). You will be asked to sign a waiver that frees the track owners of responsibility to any injuries sustained while racing on our property. Our track is recreational, race-at-your-own-risk-only and we do not have nor offer insurance for racers. If you are racing hazardously, you will be asked to leave. In over ten years of racing, we've never had a serious injury (just some scrapes and bruises at most) because we have safety standards and frown upon rough racing. Safety first on our track. For an expanded/more complete list of rules, here is the rules, regulations, and driver agreement section of the website, which is updated as needed.

Is there a weight limit with the drivers and karts?: There is no weight limit for our drivers. However, weight does play a role in your ability to win. If you weigh between 120lbs. and 200lbs. you should be both physically strong enough and physically light enough to be competitive immediately, and - with a little patience and experience - good enough to win a race. We have had many different winners within this weight range, and the past track champions ranged between 135lbs.-160lbs., which would make your potential optimal. However, if you weigh more than 200lbs., you will have likely trouble winning with most of our rental karts, but you can still have fun racing and will be able to make a lighter frame to be more competitive. In some sports, size is good. In small-engine racing and horse racing for example, it's often a hindrance. We are developing and allowing lighter frames for heavier drivers, which may remedy this minor problem, but bigger motors for heavier drivers proved to be too problematic with everybody racing 5hps getting angry about the fairness of allowing some people to compete bigger motors, as it defeats the purpose of equal competition.)

You race 5hps now? Why not 5.5hp or 6.5hp or more anymore?: We were temporarily allowing 5.5hp motors for some of the heavier competitors until some of them began to cheat and race larger motors with the stickers removed (a 6.5hp OHV or 7.5hp OHV is nearly identical to a 5.5hp OHV Briggs to the naked eye), as well as allegedly illegally modifying them with expensive racing modifications and parts. Hence, to keep the competition equal AND affordable, we have instituted a 5hp-only rule until further notice. This may change in the future depending on engine and part availability. However, we are considering different classes for 5.5hp and up. This will depend on the amount of people we could get for each class and amount of people volunteering to work on the track. However, the track karts are all equally-matched 5hp engines, and that is our featured class.

News: We race a class of 5hp karts at the dirt track in back of the Home of the Supermodifieds, Oswego Speedway and possibly on other local go-kart tracks. This website in particular is currently devoted to the racing on this particular track, but this may change depending on our points system and schedule. You can contact us with offers and ideas.

Can I see your races?: Yes. We have DVDs and VHS tapes of our races if you wish to see them. Contact us if interested in either racing or buying a DVD for $5-10 each (one to four races on any given disc with competitive action and spectacular accidents!) Contact Christopher "ChrusherComix" for info and pricing.

Can I email the track owners?: Yes. You can contact Matt or Chris, brothers/owners/racers. Matt is the head mechanic, so inquire with him for questions go-kart specifications.

Can I get updates and communicate with all of the drivers?: To receive updates about the races, the website, or just to e-mail fellow drivers and friends at our track, just join our free Galletta's Go-Karts e-mail group, with any email account and you'll be connected to Chris, Matt and all of the other drivers, friends and spectators who have joined! It's moderated & 100% Spam free!

DVD is available for $5.: Galletta's Go-Karts DVDs feature at least two heats and feature, and occasionally multiple features from two cameras in the pits and the race-tower. Only $5 each, $3 each for racers & track helpers, or free via trade for your own tape/DVD of the races!

DVDs are available for $5 each via money order, cash, check, or paypal/credit card
The more you buy, the cheaper they will be for everybody:
 

Website, information, artwork, and photo captures by Christopher Galletta-Stevens (AKA ChrusherComix)
and are all copyright © 1995-2006 Galletta's Go-Karts and Chris ChrusherComix. Cameras operated by Uncle Gene Galletta and Rungnapha "Au" Stevens, and captures are all optimized for the website by Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens for free, so please give your thanks and buy a DVD! Website designed/maintained/updated by Christopher "ChrusherComix" Galletta Stevens.

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