Share |
Galletta's All-Time Points.
Oswego All-Time Points.
Please support this website by checking out our advertisers:
Welcome! We are a Karting Club that invented and races extremely affordable 5hp, Single Wheel Drive "Gas stocker" karts for a Points championship every summer at Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Speedway and a Gas Stocker division at Oswego Speedway's Clay Kartway. We also record weekly dirt karting classes in the Oswego area and make them available on DVD! Join us racing by either building your own or renting one of our team backup karts. Or just watch in person, or by buying our DVDs. Please read on and learn more about our extremely affordable brand of highly competitive racing!
Why spend $3,000-$7,000 on a go-kart when you can spend $300-$700 on one and have the same exact fun racing in a competitive points series? Especially in this economy! Race a Galletta's Gas Stocker race kart for a fraction of the cost and all of the excitement - AND keep your hard earned-money!
WHAT IS A GALLETTA'S GAS STOCKER KART?
A Galletta's Go-Kart, AKA a Single-Wheel-Drive "Gas Stocker" racing kart is a revolutionary way of karting. Many people see a karting (or carting) race and think of exceedingly fast WKA-type methanol karts that cost thousands of dollars and can go 50-90MPH, or the cheaper "clone" series, which only saves money on an engine, as it still forces you to purchase a costly chassis and strict rules of "organized racing." Or they think of a couple hundred dollar "Yard Kart" which is designed specifically for kids to drive around a yard or dirt trail at 15-25MPH, and not built for racing. But a Galletta's Gas Stocker is something completely different and unique. Almost a hybrid blend of the two - an affordable and versatile racing kart! How? Being homemade and with simple set of rules (designed to eliminate typically expensive WKA-type racing parts and methanol) that, because it is built to do so, can navigate slightly bumpier terrain than a methanol kart, run on gas,
go 40-
50MPH due to strict limits on expensive racing carburetors, AND be set up for racing purposes. With all due respect, although the WKA-type karts are fast, they have a LOT of money invested into such a small vehicle and can be expensive to field a competitive one. It goes the same way in bigger auto-racing classes too. Richer teams always have a leg up. But this isn't how we want to race, and we have never raced that way in our racing club's nearly two decade history. We want affordability AND fair competition by making every single part affordable. Hence, we invented the Single-Wheel-Drive Gas Stocker. What is it? Here are some outlines:
Our unique One-Wheel-Drive system separates us from all other racing classes. It is the reason why we turn right instead of left. We do it for three reasons (1) it is far more affordable and easy to maintain than 2-Wheel-Drive setups, (2) our home track at Galletta's has a slight incline and sharp turns that favors turning right over left, and (3) a 1-WD kart corners better turning right than a 2-WD kart corners turning left. While some may think turning right is the "wrong way" or that we are "retards" for racing that way (quotes are not our words, but theirs), but the people who say these simpleton things need only to think of road course races and then apologize to handicapped people. After all, when we see grown men spend $3,000-$7,000 on a go-kart and mock us for spending $300-$700 and getting all the same exact race results for a fraction of the investment, we believe that the people who say such things about us should seriously consider themselves a part of the group that they mocked, and should grow up. Here is a close-up of our system, which is similar in design to a yard kart - and the reason we have erroneously been called "yard karts" before - but far more durable than a typical yard kart:
Gearing (Clutch, sprocket, chain): Unlike super-tuned and precise WKA-esque flat karts which race on asphalt or high-grade clay that only well-funded speedways can afford to utilize, racing on backyard speedways like Galletta's means your kart must be more durable, yet can still race on smooth surfaces as well. We use 40/41 chain with a 10-tooth clutch and 60-tooth sprocket. This is the best gear for our home track at Galletta's, and most of us keep that same gearing for when we have traveled to away tracks, or else changing several karts over twice a week every week (which we used to do) would get quite tedious. We don't use traditional and mass-produced racing sprockets because they are too fragile to be used on most backyard speedways like Galletta's. Odd that some flat-kart classes have looked down on us in the past, as our karts are more durable, more affordable, completely original, and every bit as competitive as "cookie-cutter" karts that cost four to ten times as much just to even field let alone field competitively. See our website for more details.
At Galletta's Backyard Karting Club, we self-police. Chris and Matt have had an agreement since childhood to race fair and even. From 1990-2005, our motors were 100% box stock flathead motors. We are all family and friends, and all honest sportsmen. We do not cheat, and in our 15 years of racing, we have never once needed to tear-down or tech one motor. and we have only had a couple of isolated instances of dishonest drivers who tried racing "race-tuned OHV" motors in our "stock flathead motor" races. Because of this, we expanded to shaved or milled heads between 2005-07, and then adapted race cams in 2008-up. Over the years we have developed the following motor rules, which we now hold firm with these rules to keep costs and speeds down, and they are extremely easy to follow and afford.:
Galletta’s Gas Stocker Karting Club's Engine Rules:
(as of 1/1/2009 for the 2009-2010 seasons)
MOTOR BLOCK:
- Briggs & Stratton “New style” 1990s-and-up style Flathead motor Box stock block. No porting or reinforcements allowed to the block without approval of all active regular Galletta's karters or as described: Bores are allowed, (A) a bore for renewed life and (B) is approved by all regular competitors. (C) You may go in every block and clean out the casting obstructions and imperfections out with a Dremel tool. Honing is allowed. No Galletta’s Team Karts have blocks altered in any other way. Obviously, overriding the governor is allowed. It's essential in a race.
CARBURETOR & GAS TANK:
- Briggs & Stratton Box Stock 1990s-and-up style carburetor and tank. The jet is box stock/standard and fixed. Absolutely ZERO alterations allowed. Drilled carbs are banned. Raptor or other racing carbs are banned due to expense. (This rule makes for a VERY even race.) There will be NO exceptions to this rule, as it is the best way to maintain speeds AND KEEP COSTS DOWN. If your carb does not work, take it to Matt and see if he can fix it. If it does not work, then we will look into finding you one that does work, or how to fix it. Most "slow" stock Briggs 5hps are due to bad, clogged or miscast carbs. Let Matt help you in getting them run. Some may not want to race because of this reason. But this is how we keep prices down and speeds regulated. Therefore it is essential. We will allow a heavier driver (a man in excess of 270 lbs.) use of a raptor carb and tank on a trial-basis.
RODS:
- Rods must be:
- (a) Box-Stock with vinyl dippers, OR
- (b) a Briggs & Stratton Raptor III Rod (for durability/engine safety) are allowed. Box-Stock oil dippers are banned due to durability issues. Billet rods are discouraged due to cost, but not banned. No Galletta's team karts use them.
- Anything else must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners.
Air Breathers:
- (A) Briggs & Stratton Box stock air breathers. Drilled air holes allowed.
- (B) Racing breathers discouraged, especially for drivers under 200 lbs.. No Galletta's team karts have them. You may use them if nobody else minds, but we do not enforce or ban any.
Cams:
- Cams must be "NON-SLAPPER" Cams. All cams must be approved and voted upon by all of the active drivers, and any driver in the top-20 all-time who intends to race anymore. Cams that are currently in use:
- (A) Briggs & Stratton Box stock cam allowed.
- (B) Dyno 94-SS “hot stocker” cam is allowed.
- (C) Dyno 98-3 cam is allowed (and proven to help our heavier drivers over 200 lbs.).
- (D) We might experiment with others. Anything else must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners, and if approved via a vote of ALL active drivers and kart owners, possibly tested , and if approved, then then implemented into the rules. Heavier drivers are allowed more horsepower to compensate, but this general rule must be kept within reason. For example, if a 280 lbs. man with little race experience is passing and pulling away from 180 lb. man with 20+ years of racing experience, then we all know that this is overkill and needs to be regulated.
- (E) If your cam is a "slapper" cam that needs block reinforcement, then you use at at your own risk.
Coil:
- Briggs & Stratton box stock coil. No Galletta’s team karts contain hot coils. Anything else must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners.
Flywheel:
- Briggs & Stratton box stock flywheel. No Galletta’s team karts have 3-4hp flywheels. Anything else must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners.
Crank:
- Briggs & Stratton box stock crankshaft allowed. Single or dual bearing allowed. Most of our Galletta's Team Karts are standard, no bearings. We have no ruling for or against crankshaft types, but all changes must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners.
Piston/Rings
- Briggs & Stratton Piston allowed. Pistons/rings should be box stock standard. Boring/replacements allowed after excessive wear. (.10, .20. .30 are only allowed as the motor wears, as each motor has a life cycle.) We have no firm rules in this department, but no secrets; all changes must be explained and approved by all active regular drivers and kart owners.
- Heads
Heads must start as a Briggs & Stratton box stock 5hp or 4hp head, and…
- (A) Head may be shaved for extra horsepower. All Galletta's Karts have hand-shaved heads via sandpaper and drills, shaving it very deep and porting the head. We allow this because it is an exceedingly cheap way to increase horsepower. Professionally machined heads are discouraged due to cost. Matt will assist all head shaves for free, or do one exactly the same as all 12 Galletta's Team Karts and visitors if you pay him for his labor. As with all things in our racing club, if you try something different, you must have it approved by all regular drivers.
Banned Parts:
- All Raptor parts (except for Raptor III rods) and equivalent expensive after-market racing counterparts are illegal under Galletta’s rules. The engine rules are meant to be “box stock.” If you think that is lame and want to pour thousands of dollars into your engine, then there are plenty of karting classes for you. Our #1 rule is to go as fast as we can as affordably as we can. We succeed at that, and believe nobody does it better for equal or lesser cost.
- Weights:
From 2000-2008, we did not have an official weight requirement, though we experimented, we could not make an official rule because being forced to race bigger motors at Oswego Kartway (and we tried to stay light to compete). In the past, the average driver weight was between 140-190 lbs., and the karts were between 145-165 lbs., and we'd try to keep heavier drivers with lighter karts and vice versa and hence it averages out fairly close. But with heavier drivers (mainly those over 200 lbs.), for the 2009 season and beyond, we institute special rules and at least a median weight requirement and no longer race against bigger motors in our point system. Between 2007-08 we allowed heavier drivers headers and certain race cams, and we've considered raptor carbs for drivers over 260 lbs., but since they are expensive, we will decide against them unless the heavyweight driver needs them to compete and it is approved by all active drivers. We are open to active drivers voting rules in and out, and run with what the majority decides. Discuss it with us anytime.
-Chassis/Frames:
At Galletta's, we use (as explained above) a single-wheel-drive setup that turn right (clockwise) on dirt oval kart tracks. They don't sell pre-fabricated racing chassis like that; Another oddity that makes us unique is that all of the karts in our class are homemade, hand built (or rebuilt from a yard kart or racing kart) chassis. We have no "cookie cutter" frames in our class whatsoever, although some of our drivers have pre-built frames, all are completely re-built for racing in our class. It's a build-it-and-race-it type rule. We are open-wheel only, which forces each driver to race cleaner to avoid accidents; no bump-and-grind type racing in our class; you pass clean or you lose. Bumpers and nerf bars are not banned, but nor are they mandatory.Rules are subject to change, and do so with both a majority vote of active regular drivers and the suggestion of track operators. More in our extended rules & racing etiquette section.
GALLETTA'S
KARTING CLUB 1996-2009 RACE ARCHIVE & DVDs:
We also have two ALL-TIME POINTS series at two tracks in Central New York.
Galletta's Backyard Kart Speedway All-Time Points and Oswego Kartway Gas Stocker All-Time Points!
THE GALLETTA'S KARTING
SPEEDWAY ALL-TIME POINT STANDINGS:
Through the 2000, 2001,
2002, 2003,
2004, 2005,
2006, 2007,
2008 and 2009
seasons (up to 11/8/2009).
Although Galletta's Backyard
Karting Speedway has held races since the early 1990s, our "official"
points series begins from 2000-up.
Place
Name (Karts Piloted)
Note: Pictures with colored borders have profiles
All karts are Galletta-type 5hp Flathead Gas Stockers unless otherwise noted.
Some are unauthorized/un-inspected 5.5hp-.6.5hp+ OHV; noted in red/italics.Total Points (2000-up)
Average Points Per Feature
EventFeature Events
EnteredFeature Wins
* = Ties
<=Non-WinnerKlassic
Wins
(1996-
up)Feature Win %
1
"Mighty" Matt Stevens
(Galletta's #33, 3, 6, 1, 7, 0, 2, 4, 9)
Track Champion 1996-98, 2002-0825,734.5
115.92
222
94*
10
42%
2
Chris "Chrusher" Stevens
(Galletta's #8, 5, 4, 2, 1, 0, 3, 7, 6, 10)
Track Champion 1999-2001, 2009 (OHV -4)24,276.5
109.85
221
53**
3
24%
3
Wes "Ogre" Stevens
(Galletta's #4, 2, 5, 6, 0, 05)
[Retired from full-time racing in 2007]15,371.0
84.92
181
20
1
11%
All-Time Visiting / Non-Founding Driver Point Standings:
4
Gary Miller Sr.
(Miller #24, 24a, Galletta's #0, 1, 9)
2005 Co-Rookie of the Year7,292.5
108.84
67
5<
0
7%
5
Melissa (Gabel) Stevens
(Galletta's #80, 3, 19, 4, 2)6,394.5
127.89
50
3
0
6%
6
Flippin' Fred Collins "The Werewolf" (Galletta's #2, 7, 9)
$ = Owed6,116.5
105.46
58
2
0
3%
7
Dick Dann
(Dann #86, 68/02, Galletta's #07, 1, 4)
2006 Rookie of the Year5,517.0
119.93
46
4
0
9%
8
Rapid Russ Hockey
(Hockey #00, Galletta's #0, 9, 4, 7, 6, 1)
2008-09 Visiting Points Champion5,496.5
157.04
35
3
0
9%
9
Jason "The Hammer" Mills
(Galletta's #6, 0, 2, 1, 7, Mills #38)
$ = Owed5,494.5
93.13
59
3
0
5%
10
Rob Jimenez
(Galletta's #5, #0, #7, Pitsley #05, 10)
2005 Co-Rookie of the Year
2005-06 Visiting Points Champion5,141.0
122.40
42
1
0
2%
11
Wavin' Nick Dann
(Dann #68/02, 86,
Galletta's #7, 0, 6, 1, 5,10, 05)5,018.5
114.06
44
2
0
5%
12
Buddy Cottom
(Galletta's #7, 6, 1, 5, 4)4,727.0
163.00
29
3
0
10%
13
Fast Ed Maynes
(Maynes #18/43, 9, Galletta's #2, 10)
2004 Co-Rookie of the Year
2004 Overall Visiting Points Champion4,660.0
108.37
43
6
0
14%
14
Oscar "The Breaker" Berry
(Berry #11, 11M, Galletta's #10, 7, 3)3,241.5
111.78
29
0
0
0%
15
Ballin' Kyle Reuter
(Galletta's #5, 0, 7, 1, 24, 10, 6, Reuter #9)
2007 Rookie of the Year
2007 Visiting Points Champion2,778.5
154.36
18
3
0
17%
16
Josh Schute
(Galletta's #7, #6, #5, Pitsley #05)
$ = Owed2,652.5
110.52
24
2<
0
8%
17
Mike "MC" Howell
(Galletta's #0, 6, 9, 5, 2)
$ = Owed2,555.0
150.29
17
0
0
0%
18
Barrelin' Brian Bortel
(Galletta's #0, 5, 6, Bortel #15)2,433.5
93.59
26
2<
0
8%
19
Larry Phillips
(Phillips #04, Galletta's #9, 7, Hockey #00)
2008 Rookie of the Year2,366.5
107.57
22
1
0
5%
20
Mark Miller
(Miller 6.5hp OHV #007, Galletta's #7) (Races in modified OHV: -21)2,158.0
93.82
23
6
0
26%
21
"Bowser" Brian Galletta
(Galletta's #7, 1, 5, 4)
1999 Rookie of the Year
1999-01 & 2003 Visitors Champion2,046.0
63.94
32
2<
0
6%
22
Flyin' Ryan Coleman
(Galletta's #9, 7, 0, 24)1,918.5
147.58
13
3
0
23%
23
Gary Miller Jr.
(Miller #24, Galletta's #6)1,756.5
146.38
12
1
0
8%
24
Mike Billion
(Billion #57)
(Races in OHV -15)1,594.0
106.27
15
1
0
7%
25
Kelly Miller
(Galletta's #0, 9, 2, 7, 4, 1)1,434.5
95.63
15
0
0
0%
26
Kenny Meynes
(Maynes #20, #18, Galletta's #1, 2, 7)1,346.0
103.54
13
0
0
0%
27
Adam Barlow
(Galletta's #1, 7, 0)1,336.5
83.53
16
0
0
0%
28
Tom Culeton " Fast-Flippin'Tommy Gun" (Galletta's #2)
2002 Rookie of the Year
2002 Visitor's Champion1,273.5
67.03
19
4
0
21%
29
Jesse Vivlemore
(Galletta's #0, 5, 6, 5, 1, 3, 01)
1994 Rookie of the Year1,250.0
73.23
17
0
0
0%
30
Tim Galletta
(Galletta's #7, 9, 2)
2009 Rookie of the Year1,186.0
169.43
8
0
0
0%
31
The late Dan Murdock
(Galletta's #1)
2004 Co-Rookie of the Year
2004 Visiting Summer Points Champion1,106.5
73.77
15
2
0
13%
32
Missy Berry
(Berry #11m, Galletta's #10, 2)979.5
97.95
10
0
0
0%
33
George Russell
(Galletta's #2, 1, 0)876.0
175.20
5
0
0
0%
34
Billy Kuykendell
(Galletta's #6, #1, Pitsley #05)
$ = Owed834.0
119.14
7
1*
0
14%
35
"Win-Or-Bust" Neil Gosch
(Gosch #44, Galletta's #?)
(Races in OHV -10)821.0
68.42
12
1
0
8%
36
(Galletta's #7, #1, #0) (OHV -1)792.0
79.20
10
0
0
0%
37
Kenny Lindsley III
(Galletta's #2, #1, #0)790.5
98.81
8
0
0
0%
38
Eddie Scruton
(Scruton #12, Galletta's #6, 1)785.0
112.14
7
0
0
0%
39
"DJ" David Barnes
(Galletta's #7, 2)767.0
51.13
15
0
0
0%
40
Rick Maynes
(Maynes #9, Galletta's #1)712.5
89.06
8
0
0
0%
41
Shadoe Russell
(Russell #26, Galletta's #1, 2)673.0
134.60
5
0
0
0%
42
Shane Miller
(Miller #32, Galletta's #?)
(Races in OHV -7)667.5
38.50
9
0
0
0%
44
Bob Piazza
(Piazza #11)598.0
85.43
7
0
0
0%
45
John "JP" Stepien
(Galletta's #0)587.5
146.88
4
0
0
0%
46
Ken Lindsley II
(Galletta's #7, #2, #9)578.5
96.42
6
0
0
0%
47
Duke Patterson
(Galletta's #1, #0)568.0
142.00
4
0
0
0%
48
Matthew Fry
(Galletta's #2)
2003 Co-Rookie of the Year544.5
108.90
5
1
0
20%
49
(Galletta's #5, 1)527.5
48.00
11
0
0
0%
53
Sean Stevens
(Galletta's #7, 1, 6)461.0
51.22
9
0
0
0%
54
Richard Hockey
(Galletta's #9)449.0
224.50
2
0
0
0%
55
Chris Stockham
(Galletta's #5, 1, 9)441.0
441.00
1
0
0
0%
56
Kevin Galletta
(Galletta's #9, 0)417.0
104.25
4
0
0
0%
58
Mike Phinney
(Galletta's #6, 9)404.0
404.00
1
0
0
0%
59
JD Davis
(Miller #24)390.0
390.00
1
0
0
0%
60
Collin Miller
(Galletta's #0)370.0
370.00
1
0
0
0%
61
Dan Alnutt
(Galletta's #1, 6)362.5
60.42
6
0
0
0%
65
(Galletta's #5, 0, 6, 7)324.5
40.56
8
0
0
0%
66
Cameron Rowe
(Galletta's #2, 6)
2001 Rookie of the Year319.5
39.90
8
1>
0
13%
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE, AND EDITED TO SOME OF OUR REGULAR AND CURRENT DRIVERS. FOR THE FULL LIST, VISIT THE PAGES CALLED:Galletta's Backyard Kart Speedway All-Time Points and/or Oswego Kartway Gas Stocker All-Time Points!
Key:
* = Includes a "tie" for Feature Win.
< = Includes "Non-Winner's Only" Feature Win.
^ = Includes rain-shortened Feature Win.
> = Includes a 1/2-lap shortened Feature Win.
Red = Majority of races in larger/illegal/since outlawed "OHV" motor + mods. All others in FH 5hp.
Pictures = Raced in at least one race recently, or a videotaped event (like the Galletta's Klassic).
Profiles = Regular Drivers and Klassic Competitors have driver profiles (Click on highlighted pictures).
# = Honorary points for racing in the 1990s.
All-Time Wins-Only Listing is found here.Between 2000-2009, approximately:
(1) 201 different drivers have raced in 228 features races (between 30-200 laps each).
(2) Out of those 201, 28 different drivers have won out of 228 features at Galletta's.
Motor types at Galletta's Karting Track and SWD 5hp Gas Stocker Event:
- Any motor type can race in their own class if they have enough karts with equal motors to support. However, at Galletta's Karting Speedway, we only have one regular motor class - the Briggs & Stratton 5hp Flathead Gas Stocker stated above.
- All OHV (Over Head Valve) motors, or WKA-rules methanol motors are both illegal to run against Gas Stocker Flathead motors under Galletta’s Karting rules under the same scoring system and same checkered flag, though they may run their own division on the same tracks (and do at Oswego Kartway), or even race the same race but score them separately and each motor class gets its own winner.QUESTION: I have a different brand of Gas Stocker Motor (a different company, different horsepower rating, ect.), and I'd like to race with you guys on your track and/or tracks that you travel to. What can be done?:
We have nothing against anybody who prefers a different type of motor. Our particular favorite, the Briggs & Stratton 5 horsepower flathead, is no longer being produced. The Overhead Valve motor is what most companies produce. This is completely understandable if you want to buy a brand-new motor, as we stick to mostly slightly-used Briggs 5hp FHs. The answer is yes you can race with us with a different motor. However, you will not be counted in our particular Galletta's points system. A separate scoring system can be arranged for you with similar or identical principles, but the main Galletta's point scoring system is under the above listed Galletta's Gas Stocker motor rules until otherwise noted. However, any motor used must stick to identical principles: It must stay stock parts, modifications must have a strict limit set, it must run on pump gas, and it should remain in the spirit of equalized competition. For example: If you take a different motor and you are much slower than the average Galletta's 5hp kart, then you need to get the motor up to par. If you take a different type of motor and you are a beginner and you are blowing away 15-to-20-year karting veterans in Galletta's 5hp kart, then perhaps you overdid it and your horsepower rating is a bit too much. If you take a different motor and you are right in the thick of the pack competing with everybody and any wins are hard-earned and highly competitive, then we got it just right. Either way, if speeds can be equalized, and the motor brands aren't forced to compete for the same points and the same checker, then they can be allowed to compete on the same track. We've tried this before to some success, although it needs fine tuning. We have also tried competing against each other, and this absolutely cannot work, as it breeds hard feelings and creates an atmosphere ripe for cheating. This is one of the things that the Galletta's Kart Club is very stern about. (1) No fighting, (2) no cheating, (3) no intentional or grossly negligent wrecking, and (4) affordable / equalized / tough competition. That's what all racing should be, but it is what was guarantee.
Regardless, we occasionally encounter arrogant snobs, rude ignoramuses, and mindless bashers online and at tracks who race WKA-type methanol karts and look down upon us. We hear it all the time when they say, "They go the wrong way" or the ignorant "But they're just yard karts!" and (yes, we've seen and heard it) accusing us of being retarded. The reasons why are mostly due to disrespect and a lack of understanding about this class which we invented in the early 1990s and what we are trying to do. A grass roots racing division built from scratch, our karts are purposefully set with rules to keep the karts affordable, safe, and highly competitive. In addition, with our "gas stocker" rules, we can get MANY more laps off one tank of gas than they can get with a tank of methanol. This means, like The Tortoise and the Hare, a WKA kart could win a sprint race any day, but a Gas Stocker would win a marathon every time, proven with our Annual Galletta's Klassic, which has been 100, 150, 175, and 200 laps over the past few seasons. Our class offers diversity and originality. Other classes... well, honestly, they all look alike, other than colors and numbers. When it comes down to it, our class offers more winners, closer competition, and often times better overall shows than the other classes, proven by countless DVDs that were produced in 2007 and 2008 of our karts on the same tracks as our more expensive counterparts, putting on equal-to-better shows (higher kart counts, closer racing, and more photo finishes) for a fraction of the cost. Also, drivers in our class also do well in every other class they try. And real racers race anything, not just the most expensive thing money can buy. If you disagree, you are living proof to all of those 'dumb-redneck-racer-fan' jokes that so many people tell. And we always note that the mockers are either people on the outside looking in, or just jealous losers. So before you mock, learn a little something, and give it a try. You might win, you might lose, but you will respect what we do at the end of the day.
And for all of the extra cost of a WKA kart, watch us race on the same track as them, and with an unbiased opinion, tell us who gets the most competitive racing and the most speed out of their dollar? The answer will be obvious to all but the actual WKA-driver or their immediate friends and family. Our races are usually more competitive, can race 3-wide far more often, can corner better because of our single-wheel-drive setup, and are only around one second slower than most methanol karts on a small track such as Oswego Kartway (except maybe the WKA Medium weight division).
You are talking hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper, and just for a little extra speed out of a kart. We aren't bashing the more expensive forms of racing, but we are using some apologetics; in other words, defending our brand of racing with facts and evidence against those who do not understand what we do and look down upon us (and we have seen and heard it countless times). Especially when the veterans and inventors of the Galletta's Kart Racing club have nearly 20 years of karting experience and a huge win percentage on two tracks to prove their skills, including never losing a points standings or championship on two tracks every single year.
Someone once asked us on the Oswego Kartway webboard: Why all the hate? Why you don't want to institute rules to make your class more competitive and allow 6.5hp OHV motors to run with your 5hp FH motors?
Galletta's HAS rules, as seen above and on this webpage, and has ALWAYS had rules. However, from 1990-2004, our rules were even more easily defined before outside groups started altering them. In that period, we had ONLY BOX STOCK 5 HORSEPOWER FLATHEAD ENGINES that ran on GASOLINE. ONLY. We also experimented with weight, but we never stuck with it because most of our races were close and highly competitive, with the more experienced drivers scoring more wins than the rookies and first-timers (seems like common sense, right?). We now have new rules with a minimum weight. Why different now you ask? *Sigh* Time for another history lesson:
As stated, once we are all box stock gas 5hps. Then, in 2004-2005, a few guys came along and invaded our track with 5.5hp OHV (and 6.5hp OHVs pretending to be 5.5hps). On a trial basis, we allowed them, as it meant 12-16 kart races instead of our usual 7-12 karts. However, we noted that nobody in a 5hp could compete with that extra 1.5hp (unless the bigger motored karts broke, or made "rookie" mistakes that the lighter and more experienced 5hps could capitalize upon). To answer, we altered our rules (majority vote of all active 5hp drivers) and allowed the smaller 5hp motors to shave (or mill) their heads, which then started a 1-upsmanship war between the two motor classes. To keep our class affordable and stock, we stopped racing the two different motors together, and invited the others back with 5hp-only and a weight rule, or still race on our track in their own OHV class separately. Since we held to our existing rules and requested that they race 5hp flatheads only against us, they stopped racing at our track and dubbed themselves, "The Outlaws." We had no hard feelings against them, just used different motors.
However, there are a handful of people-most importantly the Oswego Kartway Track Operator-who believe that a 6.5hp "Outlaw-type" motor and a 5hp "Galletta-type" kart can compete together, simply because they both turn right and aren't governed by WKA rules. When Oswego Kartway opened in 2006 and we started racing there, track officials have repeatedly tried to change our karting club's rules via forcing us to race against the bigger 6.5hps or not race at all. For short periods in 2006, 2007 and 2008, the engines appeared to be mildly equalized to the outside observer. But it wasn't truly, as the "too-much-horsepower" vs. "too-light" over and over again; the war going back and forth but never utterly equalized nor fair for all drivers involved. However, the 1-upmasnhip games resumed AGAIN, and now neither OHV or Flathead motor clubs are box stock as originally intended. They are now all tweener engines somewhere between 'box stock' and 'racing.' A no-man's land where it is difficult to find newcomers to join unless we help them set their motors up (which we do to anybody who asks). Again... it was a fight between the two divisions, with one saying, "The Galletta's karts are way too light!" and the other saying, "The Outlaw karts have way too much horsepower!" In mid-2008, the decision was made to split the classes after it was revealed by multiple sources that the "Outlaws" were using "Animal" parts and fuel additives, which is utterly overkill because the flatheads do not use Raptor parts (except for the rod), and no additives. Weight or no weight, it was too much, especially mixed with unsportsmanlike conduct such as post-race mockery as added insult to injury. Though both sides agreed to this split, the Outlaw class proceeded to mock the Galletta class, even when they raced in separate races.
On one final occasion in 2008, we took a cue from the WKA Jr. 1 and Jr. 2 classes at Oswego when we tried to mix the classes under the condition that each class would race on the same track at the same time, but two different point series and two different winners (OHV Outlaw and Flathead Galletta's), . However, the Outlaws then voted the Galletta's class out of even this compromise, and then resumed their mocking of the Galletta's class in person and also (rather cowardly so) as anonymous posters on the Oswego Kartway forums. The Outlaw Class has since apologized and we have accepted. We harbor no hard feelings, and would love for them to race on our track in a separate series. Our problem no longer is with these guys... it is with one very stubborn man who controls the fate of Oswego Speedway's small dirt track.
However, Oswego Kartway track operators seem to again try to force the two motor types together for 2009. Why? WKA doesn't allow flatheads (Raptors) to race OHVs (Animals), so why Oswego Kartway does is irrational and illogical. We've tried it in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, and it didn't work once, so why still try? Because the two classes got comparable time trial times and there aren't enough "Outlaws" to make the minimum? Again, it is heavy and powerful vs. light and quick. On the same track, they don't mix fairly, and one side always has the 1-up. The same tired old argument again and again. "Too light" vs. "Too much horsepower." Because Matt wins too much and he's one of the lightest guys? Well, the minimum weight rule should solve that, right? It's also highly illogical and hypocritical that now the same track is making "box stock" clone motor classes when the same officials forced us to stray from our original box stock rules by forcing us to race bigger motors!
So, in fairness, we'll call it as we see it: OK... we'll race against 6.5hps Outlaws the same day that we see WKA Champs race WKA Medium and/or Heavy flat-karts all race together. Or "Opens" vs. WKA Champs. Or Jr. 1, Jr. 2. and Jr. Champs all run the same time. Or, when we see no other 1-3 kart classes out there. Otherwise, it is what it is... discrimination against our karting league, which has brought 6-12 paying customer karters to your track every single week since 2006. Does the truth hurt? The only mistake that we ever did was to allow bigger motors to race with us. It stops now. We didn't even have a problem with racing at the same time but scoring separately, but no more different motors going head-to-head.
The history lesson is ended, and as a final solution, all active Galletta's drivers have elected to solidify and stick to our rules as seen above. In short, it is: 1-WD, Pump gas only, Raptor rods, shaved heads, 100% Box Stock 90s-style carbs, and certain pre-approved Dyno Cams. In addition, for 2009, we will have a minimum weight rule (the best medium weight between all driver/kart combos will be the absolute minimum weight allowed, and any below it will result in a disqualification, above it will be allowed headers). We planned to institute one in 2007 and 2008, but forced to run against 6.5hps, our lighter weight was our only saving grace against such power differential. No more "horsepower" vs. "light" duels. The Galletta's Karting Club is equal-motor 5hp exclusive with a minimum weight rule, and it doesn't race on any track that discriminates against us and forces us to race bigger motors, or (laughably) weighs down people every time they win. Period.
(...and I bet the people who needed to read it just conveniently glazed over it, and keep trying to force us to race against bigger motors. We'll see.)
Yep. We saw: Since then, the irrational and belligerent Oswego Kartway track operator since banned our kart class for some very weak and refuted reasons. The whole story is covered on these message board pages. It is really unfortunate that the Oswego Speedway has such an irate person controlling one of its operations. He is representing them poorly. (And to those who call us cry-babies, nutjobs, mommies-boys, and whiners, in addition to breaking our skulls with sharpened shovels, then please say that to our faces or continue hiding under rocks.)
The Oswego Gas Stocker Kart Club races at Galletta's Greenhouse
Kartway & Oswego Speedway Kartway.
We race weekly all summer at Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Speedway (a not-for-profit, race-at-your-own-risk, recreational-use backyard dirt oval track), and Oswego Kartway, a small clay oval located in back of its parent track, the famed paved oval (and Home of the Supermodifieds), Oswego Speedway. Take a look at our two-track total in points for the 2008 season between May and September!
The Galletta's Go-Karting Club was founded by brothers Matt and Chris Stevens in the early 1990s when they modified yard karts for racing purposes. They are the inventors of "clockwise 5hp flathead gas stocker kart" racing, and have a 13-kart race team that includes several backup karts available to be rented and raced at both Galletta's and Oswego Speedway all summer. Invented with specifically "gas stock 5hp motor" rules so that a person doesn't have to spend thousands of dollars to race in extremely competitive racing events, the class grows in talent and competition every single year. Join us by building your own kart for around $500 or rent one of our team karts on Summer Thursdays or Summer Sundays in Oswego, NY!
Here is a DVD cover sample to the Galletta's/Oswego Dirt Karting 2008 Volume #13 DVD. All karting classes (WKA Junior, Medium, Heavy, Gas 5hp Flathead Galletta's, Gas 6.5hp OHV Outlaws, Open, and Caged-Champ Karts) are in every volume.
Due to the fact that the karts are so affordable and the oldest veterans have been racing for nearly two decades, it is one of the most difficult karting divisions to win at, but yet you can be instantly competitive for just a couple hundred dollars IF you're a good driver. You can't outspend your opponent due to our gas-powered stock-only rule, so you must out-race them and out-setup them. In fact, nobody has ever defeated Matt & Chris in the open challenge: race a stock 5hp flathead and stop them from scoring 1st & 2nd in a points season. Though hundreds of people have tried in hundreds of races since the early 1990s, Chris and Matt have scored 1 & 2 every year. But it's not just them you have to race. Our regular drivers are all talented and experienced. You can prove your skills against the winningest karters in the local area AND you won't even have to spend a lot of money to get started! We dare you to try! Make your own or rent one of our racing team karts. Sound like fun? Read on, explore the website, and join us!
More Galletta's Go-Karting flips, crashes and tight racing carting highlights on:
YouTube And the complete and high quality races found on this site and YouTube can be purchased in our Galletta's Go-Kart DVD store!
Comments, questions, and additional info with Galletta's Kart Club drivers and officials can be found on our new message boards. ->Galletta's is a backyard karting track that does not charge anybody to watch or race (though we ask for clay donations). If you want to rent a fast Galletta's 5hp Gas Stocker Kart on Oswego's dirt karting tracks, then inquire! There's always at least one or more karts open and waiting to be raced! Bring your own 5hp gas stocker kart or rent one of ours and join us! We usually run 8-12 kart races weekly, but we'd love to have more on both tracks that we race at, so we ask for more people joining us. Experienced drivers or beginners? It doesn't matter, you can race! Interested? Call us up! Plus, everybody is getting tuned up for the Oswego Speedway Classic weekend at Oswego Kartway. Did you ever think that you could be racing at the famed Speedway on Classic weekend? You can, and for VERY affordably. Rent one of our karts for $20 a week (averaging around 100-130 laps of action on two different Oswego tracks), or we'll help you buy or create your own for just a few hundred dollars. Call us up or email us and find out more details.
Want to join us? We invite drivers (either people to rent our karts and/or with their own 5hp karts) to join us and race at Oswego and Galletta's. We have our own motor class at Oswego now, but still need regular drivers to fill the karts. If anybody is interested in filling a kart on Thursdays at Oswego, or Sundays at Galletta's ($15 for a 10 lap heat and at least 45-lap feature, $10 for just renting at Oswego, and $20 to rent one at both Galletta's and Oswego), just contact us. At Galletta's, it is free to bring your own kart (though we accept $3-5 clay donations).
Click Here for Facts, Questions & Answers.
Click here for Basic rules, regulations, and prices.
Our karting club's home track is located in back of:
Galletta's Greenhouses
60 County Route 20
Oswego, NY 13126-6512
(315) 343-0879 or (315) 343-4281
Need directions? Here they are!
Website by ChrusherComix Studios - Graphic Art, Comics, and Website Design:
Galletta's Greenhouse & Karting Team
60 County Route 20
Oswego, NY, USA
13126-6512
Telephone:
(315) 343-0879
or
(315) 343-4281
(Ask for Matt or Chris only!)
Directions
Galletta's on:
YouTube
2008 DVD store
2007 DVD store
2006 DVD store
Racer and website designer Chris ChrusherComix's other websites:
Chris' Graphic Novel:
Chris' Comic Book:
Chris' Comic Strip:
Chris' Children's Book:
Our Greenhouse:
Galletta's & Oswego Stock Karting Clubs
Melissa G's
Scissors N' Fur
Galletta's Go-Karts on
Photobucket
Other racing websites:
Oswego Speedway
Where we've attended countless races and race dirt go-karts in the Summer:
VOTE FOR CHRIS' SITE:
Super Mario Kart Xtreme game
All pictures & text © copyright 2004-2010 Galletta's Stock Karting Club & Chris ChrusherComix (unless noted).
Website designed and maintained by Chris ChrusherComix. All content is his, and nobody else's at Galletta's (unless noted).
Chris ChrusherComix is available for commissioned website design and graphic artwork at low-prices.
This website is best viewed under 1024 x 728 screen resolution