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 with all affordable stock parts.
 

2006 Harborfest Championship Go-Kart race:
Will occur on Sunday, July 30th. All are invited to watch or, if a rental kart is available, you are invited to race.

SUNDAY, JULY 23rd, 2006 UPDATE:
Sorry for the slow update, folks. I was mad at Matt for taking my proven fast motor off and giving me a new but untested Fun Power motor for the race while he put his old trusty I/C motor that he's won all his Championships with. It didn't seem too bad in the heat, as I won it, but in the feature it had no power and I got my @$$ handed to me by getting wrecked yet again (two or three times) and having no engine power (AND a gummed-up carb) to make any comebacks, he won and extended his already large lead in the points. This makes it unlikely that anybody will catch him in the points now, and also made me a grump and unwilling to do the points and update the site for now. Add to that, Gary Miller stuck me with a $112 bill as I won a BRAND-NEW and UNUSED Briggs motor for him and he didn't want to pay Matt for the tune-up (which his whiney-@$$ needs because he's a freaking baby and a quitter to boot). So, in general, I am pissed at Matt for screwing me in the race and Gary for sticking me with the bill. Thank them next time you see 'em!

Galletta's Go-Kart Speedway 2006 Race #6 results:
Sunday, July 16th, 2006 (Two 10-lap Heats and 40-lap Feature) 

Race Index:
2006 #7
2006 #6
2006 #5
2006 #4
2006 #3
2006 #2
2006 #1
2005 Final
2004 Final
1995-2003 N/A

The racing got off to a great start on a warm and muggy evening at Galletta's. The track was ready to roll early, and although the track was a little loose, we had very few problems as all of the drivers were experienced enough to cause too many unforced error accidents. The previous week saw Matt Stevens (founder/champion racer/head mechanic of Galletta's Go-Karts) get shorted around $50-60 in rental fees. This is particularly disgusting considering all the time that Matt puts into the karts and track, and repairing the karts usually comes out of his wallet with or without rental money. From now on, rental fees are given only to Chris Stevens (yours truly) Matt Stevens, and/or Wes "Ogre" Stevens. Kris Pitsley is no longer in charge of collecting rental/entrance fees. Now to the action...


 (LEFT) Heat #1 was led off by Dick Dann (in his son Nick's #02), Fast Freddy Collins (in the Galletta's #2) and Barrelin' Brian Bortel (in his own #15). Brian wrecked into Fred to bring out the caution on lap one via wrecking, and Fred hopped into the Galletta's #7 as the #2 needed some repairs. (RIGHT) Wesley "Ogre" Stevens took Heat #1 in his Galletta's #4 followed by Bortel, Chris "ChrusherComix" Stevens (in his Galletta's #8) and the Werewolf Wildman Freddy.

(LEFT) Heat #2 was led off by Rick Meynes (in his Meynes #9), Jason Mills (in his own #38), Robbie Jimenez (in the Galletta's/Pitsley #5) and Gary Miller (in his own #24). The racing was fast and furious in this heat, which saw two-wide racing sometimes four karts deep and saw Ed Meynes (in his Meynes #43) and Gary Miller get together on one occasion for a yellow. (RIGHT) Jason Mills took the lead early on and won the heat nearly half a straight in front of second place Matt Stevens (in his Galletta's #3). Probably the most competitive heat we've had this year from top to bottom.

(LEFT) The sixth feature of the 2006 racing season started off with Rick Meynes and Dick Dann taking them away. The battles were fast and furious throughout, extremely close and competitive from start to finish. Rick Meynes and Jason Mills however, both dropped out with nagging/reoccurring chain/sprocket problems. Robbie Jimenez was the dominant factor early on, as he took the lead and led 32 laps before carb troubles parked the #5 late. Ed Meynes (in his freshly painted "hot pink" #43) then inherited the lead as Rob hopped into his backup, the Pitsley #05. (RIGHT) However, late in the race, Barrelin' Brian Bortel caused a massive pileup on a restart, when he plowed then-2nd place Chris "Chrusher" Stevens (in the Pitsley/Galletta's #10 because a tire blew on his #8), spinning the both of them in front of oncoming traffic. Several karts were involved in the incident, which was entirely Bortel's fault. Chris had warned Brian on a previous restart that he had witnessed Brian wrecking Fred two times and nearly wrecked Dick Dann and Matt Stevens on separate occasions. The warning was that if Brian didn't keep his kart in line and was involved in one more tangle, he would be disqualified. Well, that was the one tangle, and Brian lost three positions via disqualification, scoring him in back of Chris and Fred, both of whom he wrecked. (NOTE: If you cannot see the above flash file, then please view this animated GIF instead).

(LEFT) A snapshot of the actual cause of the accident. (RIGHT) Eddie Meynes controlled the rest of the race, as nobody really could get close to him after the following restarts. Matt Stevens (who already jumped into the Galletta's #1 after his Galletta's #3 was parked with a leaking head gasket) held 2nd late, but a slow-leaking drive-wheel tire slowed him enough for Gary Miller (in the Galletta's #0 because his own #24 has been sub par of late) and Ogre to get him late. Other than Brian's accident, the race was a great one! Some say that hot pink will now be en vogue due to Ed's 1-for-1 victory in it!

July 14th, 2006 40-lap Feature Final order or finish:

[* = Brian Bortel lost three points positions due to causing multiple accidents
(unintentional, but still negligent contact causing other karts to wreck). He finished 5th on track.]

VIEW THE DVD! DVD is available for $5.
All pics are internet-reduced, low-resolution screenshots from the DVD.
Below are screenshots of the menu & Ed's hot pink paintjob (It'll sizzle your retinas on your big screen TV)!

Galletta's Go-Karts 2006 Volume 5 DVD includes the entire July 16th, 2006 event
(Two heats and Feature from two cameras in the pits and the race-tower).
Only $5 (or trade for other camera angles of our racing here or Oswego)!

2006 Galletta's Go-Karts Point Standings
After 6 feature events from 6/11/2006 thru 7/16/2006:

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).

Oswego Speedway Exhibition:
Friday, July 14th 2006:
All but two of the 2006 Galletta's Go-Kart racing Association skipped the Friday night racing at the Oswego Speedway's dirt track. But Barrelin' Brian Bortel represented us very well, as he raced with outlawed Mark Miller's OHV Clan and defeated them in both the heat and the feature, giving him four straight wins in two heats and two features at Galletta's (see last week's review) and Oswego. We plan to be back next week if we can arrange for enough drivers and transportation to go, but some will not race there anymore due to the OHV clan because they do not obey rules. Also, we have been told that Kris Pitsley, the mother of racer racer Rob Jimenez, cannot go back to Oswego's track until she pays up past dues to the track and stops fighting. For more info on that track, check out their official site here.

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, which is updated as needed.

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/maintained/updated by Christopher "ChrusherComix" Galletta Stevens

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