Solving the Tire Problem,

Well.

When I began karting three years ago, I never imagined the sport would be facing decline. Tire battles have always existed in motorsports, but the real questions now are bigger: How do we make racing affordable, competitive, and accessible for newcomers? Why are local tracks closing while large payouts continue to dominate headlines?

For many racers, myself included, the dream is standing on stage with a big check in hand—earned by competing against the best. But is that dream realistic for small teams, or is it just an illusion? We invest time, money, and energy chasing success, sometimes losing sight of the simple joy that first drew us to karting.

The solution, I believe, is separation—creating clear and structured levels within karting. Every sport has a professional tier. For us, 'Pro' should mean more than paying a higher entry fee. That distinction leads directly into addressing the tire issue.

Most racers agree: the Maxxis HT3 is the premier tire for performance. Yet we also need a practical weekend tire, and here opinions divide. With options like the ST3, HBM Reaper, AJC, and Vega, the choice is always a compromise—you can’t have speed, durability, and affordability all in one.

My proposal is to establish a true Pro Karting Series, showcasing the best drivers exclusively on HT3s. The HT3 would serve as the official stage tire—available only at the track and used solely in these premier events. This approach elevates professionalism, creates visibility for sponsors, and allows fans to follow top drivers with clarity. Questions remain about structure—such as which classes qualify, who sets the standards, and how tracks benefit—but the vision offers a clear direction forward.

Amateurs remain the foundation of karting. For them, affordability must be the priority. Regional series should continue using their preferred brands—whether Vega, Reaper, or ST3. The only limitation would be keeping Pros out of amateur divisions, except for occasional local fun races. A new 'Semi-Pro' tier could provide a bridge by allowing a true “Semi-Pro” on HT3 within each state amateur series.

Naturally, implementing this vision would require a sanctioning body to ensure fairness and consistency. But the guiding principle is simple: streamline local events, reduce unnecessary classes, maintain affordable tires, and strengthen the grassroots. Like a pyramid, karting can only rise as high as its base is strong.

At its heart, karting has always been about family, friends, and the thrill of racing in backyards or small local tracks—not 12-hour marathons, but short, memorable evenings once or twice a month. The local racer embodies this spirit. State racers, more committed, aspire to climb higher but need opportunities and visibility. Regional series like Vega Karting Series or Velocita Southern Thunder Dirt Tour can provide that stage with controlled tires. The Pro ranks, meanwhile, should consist of the dedicated few competing for major payouts, broadcast for fans to follow. That structure turns the dream of racing professionally into something real—no longer a pipe dream, but an attainable goal.

The state racers are a little more dedicated, he/she’s dreaming of running with the PRO’s but just does not have the budget, they needs to be discovered and earn there way into the PRO’s. He can do this through series like the Vega Karting Series or The Velocita Southern Thunder Dirt Tour on a controlled (respective tire). He/She enjoys traveling and runs a similar program to what we, Degenerate Garage, does now.

For many racers, myself included, the dream is standing on stage with a big check in hand—earned by competing against the best. But is that dream realistic for small teams, or is it just an illusion? We invest time, money, and energy chasing success, sometimes losing sight of the simple joy that first drew us to karting.

NB