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 Fridays at Oswego Speedway.
We race "yard carts" with limited-modified 5hp Briggs and Stratton flat-head motors.
 

Oswego Speedway Exhibition #3 / Ultimate Fighting Event 
Friday, July 7th 2006:
On Friday, July 7th 2006, the Galletta's Go-Kart Association ventured to the Oswego Speedway for another exhibition that had two 10-lap heats and a 20-lap feature with our "limited modification 5hp Yard Karts". Normally, with no points or money  involved, we just race loosely and in in a random order and just have fun for the hell of it. However, with the arrival of Mark Miller, Mike Billion, Shane Miller, and their OHV 5.5-6.5 clan, and the fact that they were allowed to run in our 5hp class, we knew that something was brewing based on what they have done in the past (see the rules section for past disputes we have had with this group and why). This week would be no exception, as it was scarred with controversy and fighting. Ed Meynes, Brian Bortel, and Matt Stevens all were directly involved with accidents with Mark Miller and Mike Billion, all for the top two spots. However, neither Mark nor Mike went to the back as Ed, Brian, and Matt rightly did. It became apparent to the drivers and several spectators that Mike and Mark, who started in the front, were both blocking and crashing into anybody who got close to them. This problem was worsened by the fact that the flagmen and track officials did not put Mike and Mark in the back, and that Jim Losurdo (who also came to Galletta's Speedway with Mark and Mike and who also would not go to the rear when he wrecked last season), was one of the flagmen, and admitted to us his belief that, "fighting is just a part of racing!" (Nice belief for a track official to have). This, in turn, led to bickering and fighting amongst the two groups at the race's conclusion, with some in Mark's group challenging some in the Galletta's group to fights, enticing them with name-calling. Kris Pitsley, Ken Pitsley, and Rob Jimenez had to be restrained and asked to leave the premises as they in particular were big players in the verbal threat game with Mark and his friends (some of whom we have never seen before). Chris called security to attention in order to attempt to bring peace to the arguments. Regardless, the Galletta's Racing Association will not race with Mark Miller and his friends/family's OHV karts anymore. They have proven time and time again to have zero respect for the rules, zero respect for other drivers and zero respect their equipment. A few members of Galletta's Racing Association may not even race at Oswego anymore due to the inability of the track officials to correct the order on restarts. More info to the Oswego Speedway's dirt track is found on their official site here. Now, onto Sunday's race at Galletta's Greenhouse....

Galletta's Speedway 2006 Race #5 results:
Sunday, 07/09/2006 (Two 10-lap Heats and 40-lap Feature) 

Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong on this full moon evening. Bumpy track, rookie driver spins & wrecks, broken karts, bum carbs... everything. But the event started relatively problem free...

 (LEFT) Heat #1 went to Eddie Meynes (in his Meynes #43) holding off a hard charging Matt Stevens (in his Galletta's #3), the exact vice versa of last week's heat. The two are very close in speed, and if Ed's kart can finish a feature, he should be able to get a win very soon. (RIGHT) Heat #2 went to Brian Bortel (in his #15), holding off Rob Jimenez (in the Ken Pitsley/Galletta's #5) followed by Chris "Crusher" Stevens (in his own, sick-running Galletta's #8) and Jason Mills (in his fast, but chain-blowing #38).

(LEFT) Opening lineup of the July 9th 40-lap race, with Brian Bortel and Wes "Ogre" Stevens (in the Galletta's #4) leading them off. Brian lost several positions on the first lap, which saw Ogre then take a commanding lead. When Ogre's carburetor started failing, Ed Meynes took the lead, but then broke a drive-wheel hub. Brian Bortel then re-passed Ogre with what Ogre argued to be an illegal "bump". Bortel then led from there and held off Matt Stevens (RIGHT) to score his 1st career win (other than a non-winner's event in 2005). Chris "Chrusher Comix" Stevens' #8 was slowed by a malfunctioning carb (broken cast and metal shard in the intake), and tried the brand-new Ken Pitsley/Galletta's co-creation #10. When the sprocket bent on that, Chris hopped into his sick #8 and managed to get 3rd in the war of attrition, passing Ogre in a battle of sick carbs. Brian, however, has been super-fast since Chris won him his newest engine on eBay, as has Ed Meynes with his ebay engine as well. Any more visiting drivers that want motors off eBay, contact Chris about him winning one for you (although paying upfront is highly recommended), or arrange to not bid against each other for motors.

July 9th, 2006 40-lap Feature Final order or finish:

[Heats won by Ed Meynes #43 and Brian Bortel #15.]

Oswego Speedway Exhibition #4
Friday, July 14th 2006:
On Friday, July 14th 2006, the majority of the Galletta's Go-Kart Association took the week off from racing at Oswego Speedway due partially to the lack of drivers available to race this week and partially incidents that took place last week (see above and also the the rules section for past disputes we have had with racing with a certain group of 5.5-6.5hp OHVs). But we were still well represented by Brian Bortel, who defeated Mark's OHV clan with his powerful new motor (that Chris won for him on eBay and Matt tuned up for him a few weeks back) making him undefeated in his last four races (two heats and two features at Oswego and Galletta's). More info to the Oswego Speedway's dirt track is found on their official site here. Again, Oswego Speedway races are not counted in our Galletta's Speedway point standings, seen below.

2006 Galletta's Go-Karts Point Standings
After 5 feature events from 6/11/2006 thru 7/9/2006:

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).

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!

Please visit Galletta's Speedway racer/co-founder/co-owner Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens's
free web comics websites (by clicking the pictures below):
Chrusher Comix:

Towner Comics:

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.

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!

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

Website, information, artwork, and photo captures by Christopher Galletta Stevens
and are all copyright © 1995-2006 Galletta's Go-Karts and Chris ChrusherComix.
Website designed by Christopher "ChrusherComix" Stevens

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