Bob started racing in Camden, Ohio at G & J Kartway. He was lucky enough to meet the Whaling’s from PKP/Yellowfin.. Mr. & Mrs. Whaling have always been tremendously kind to Bob as well as our whole family. Francis… he’s great. Bob felt really felt good working with them.

The past couple years Bob has had to take time off from much karting because of a new job. Lately, Bob has been racing online using a cockpit and playing PS3 Grand Turismo prologue.

Cas did a few Novice races. Em has expressed interest in racing. Tege is a little more timid, but maybe in time he’ll want too.. then again, if not, we’ll put him to work as “Pit Crew”. We suspect Ry will like it though. Me? Maybe they’ll eventually talk me in to a few practice laps.

Looking for more information about karting in the Ohio Valley? First, take a visit to PKP/Yellowfin and visit Francis and his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Whaling. You’ll be hard pressed to find a nicer more knowledgeable group of people to help you with your karting needs, whether you are a beginner or you’ve “been around the track”. Visit them and tell them Bob and Judi said hi!

NEXT, Take a look at Ohio Valley Karting Association (OVKA) (there politics are taxing (as in wearing) but you’ll find a good group of people to race with) which home base is Camden Ohio. Or if you are closer to the middle of Ohio, take a look at the Mid State Ohio Kart Club (MSOKC) located in Circleville Ohio. Or if indoor karting is more your style (or you just want an alternative for the winter months) there is always Ohio Indoor Kart Series (OIKS) there home base is the O’Neill Building at the Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds). Northeast Ohio Karting Association operates a 825 foot paved oval for karts located near Mogadore, Ohio. In Thompson Ohio, there is , Championship Kart Racing Association, a club of karters who’s home track is the sprint asphalt road course at Thompson Kart Raceway. If you are looking for a karting forum for the Ohio Valley, look at Ohio Kart Racers Forum.

Last year, Bob took up Karting. In time, Cassie started going to all the races… early mornings (so unlike her!), long days and sometimes little action. But she started learning a lot, met some great people and decided she wanted to get in on the action too.

Today, Francis (from PKP/Yellowfin) and Bob got Cassie out in her kart, which she refers to as “The Monster” – it’s big and heavy enough! I came along with Emily, Tege and Ry in tow for cheering and picture taking.

Here’s Cassie getting the gear on (rib vest and driving suit):

And helmet too….

Getting some pointers from her buddy Francis:

Stalled it out once, and here’s the guys – Bob with the starter:

View from the Flag Stand – one I won’t get very often:

Wow!

In the end, she was rained out. A cold wind blew up and with it a big thunderstorm. Ah, well… there will be other days.

Today, while the guys from Rainbow Playset’s where here putting up our swingset, I walked around with sleep Ry….. He loves this little red car. It was probably one of “the” best purchases we made when Tege was little.

Ry was soooooo sleepy:

In all the work we did this past weekend, we also fixed several fence areas around our yard so we could open the dog pen and let the dogs roam the yard. It worked out great and the dogs are loving the extra freedom. But, we needed their old “pen” area mowed down really well… so here’s Bob and one of his toys. Bob… he’s in to things with wheels and speed. :) Here he is on his fast mower. This thing flies!

I think he much prefers the speed of this one much better though:

Picture above is courtesy of Francis Whaling and his mom, owners of PKP/Yellowfin. They’ve been a wonderful help to Bob in karting the past year. Here’s Francis ready to have his own fun on the track: