May 2011 - International Kart Federation

The “Duffy”Karting’s Highest AwardEach year, hundreds of karters from all of theUSA participate in the IKF Grand Nationals in hopesof winning their class and becoming an IKF GrandNational Champion. Along with this prestigious title,each driver is competing for the most covetedaward in karting, the “Duffy.”Prior to 1976, each Grand National Championreceived a TV set or a plaque as their award. At the1976 April Meeting of the I.K.F. Board of Directors,Administrative Director Bob Graham presented theBoard Members with a model of the 12 inch bronzestatuette that was to be mounted on a 6 inch woodenbase. The designer of this model was Pete Millar.The Board Members agreed that karting neededa “grand prize” to present to each Grand NationalChampion; something that was out of the ordinary andunique as most karters received many trophies eachyear for participating in local or regional events. Thevote was taken and the statuette was presented, for thefirst time, at the 1976 I.K.F. Grand Nationals.From 1976 to 1981, it was known as the “Joe Karter”award. At the January 1981 Board Meeting, PresidentJohn Strauser called for the Board’s vote to honor aman who, just the month before, had retired fromI.K.F. and karting. This well know gentleman had beenactive in karting as a driver, mechanic, Board Member,past President several times of the I.K.F., and was theCo-Founder of organized karting and the Go-Kart Clubof America, which evolved into the International KartFederation. His name, Frank “Duffy” Livingstone.President Strauser made the announcementthat henceforth the statuette was to beknown as the “Duffy.”2011 IKF GRAND NATIONALSROAD RACEJune 15-18, 2011Eagles Canyon Raceway,Decatur, TXSWRA4-CYCLESPRINTJune 29-July 2, 2011Shasta Kart Track,Redding, CAShasta Kart Club4-CYCLESPEEDWAYJuly 10-16, 2011University Plains Speedway,Brookings, SDSouth Dakota Kart Club2-CYCLESPEEDWAY-MIDGETJuly 31-August 4, 2011Delaware Speedway,Delaware, IATri County Karters2-CYCLESPRINTAugust 25-28, 2011CalSpeed, Fontana, CAEP1K ProMotion4 KARTER NEWS - may 2011