DALLAS -- The inaugural season of the Southeast Karting Challenge (SEKC) is just around the corner with the opening event schedule for April 13-15 at the new NOLA Motorsports Park outside the New Orleans area. With the final items left to address before the program launches, series officials are happy to announce the latest news and prizes confirmed for 2012. Thanks to the many sponsors and support by the facilities evolved, the Southeast Karting Challenge will award one paid entry to the Rotax Grand Nationals to a driver in each of the seven Rotax Max Challenge classes.

As one of the newest United States Rotax Max Challenge (USRMC) series, properly Rotax licensed drivers competing in the seven categories offered by the Southeast Karting Challenge will earn a ‘punch’ for each round completed toward qualifying to compete at the United States Rotax Grand Nationals on August 7-11 at the Michiana Raceway Park in South Bend, Indiana. With six races scheduled for the inaugural season of the SEKC, ‘Rotaxians’ will earn more than the minimum four ‘punches’ to compete at the national championship event. To reward those drivers competing in all six Southeast Karting Challenge rounds, the series will draw at random one name to earn a paid entry for the Rotax Grand Nationals during the finale weekend at the Dallas Karting Complex.

The series gets underway on April 13-15 - originally schedule for the first weekend in April but moved due to the NCAA Final Four conflict. Two rounds of the six-race championship set the tone for the 2012 season, beginning at the new NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans. The multi-purpose motorsports complex opened its kart track in late 2011 and has been busy hosting multiple track days along with arrive-and-drive events. The SEKC opener will be the facilities first major karting event. In addition to the seven Rotax divisions, other classes will be included in the 2012 program ranging from Kid Karts, Junior and Senior Briggs, Yamaha Pipe, and three categories for Stock Honda packages. Local option classes will be added to each event as the series progresses. Rounds three and four will take the series to the MSR Houston on May 18-20 with the final two set for the Dallas Karting Complex on June 15-17.

Just recently announced, NOLA Motorsports Park will be hosting a ‘CRG Factory Support Day’ on Thursday, April 12. Karters will have the opportunity to sample the full line of CRG chassis models, all powered by Rotax engines while taking in feedback from CRG factory engine and chassis mechanics on hand. Those already driving a CRG kart are encouraged to bring their own kart and work with the CRG team to better your setups. Anyone registered for the SEKC will have the day free of charge to get in some extra seat time and sample CRG’s newest product line. Limited spots are available and those interested are asked to contact Garett Potter of NOLA via email garett@nolamotor.com or 504-273-6747.

A number of companies are supporting the Southeast Karting Challenge, including; Red Bull, Precision Karting Technologies, Southern Karting Specialties (SKS), Dal-Tile, Ribtect, BB&T, GoRotax.com, MG Tires and eKartingNews.com. Those interested in becoming part of the SEKC for 2012 are encouraged to email info@southeastkartingchallenge.com for more information.

Pre-registration form for rounds one and two at NOLA is now available on the SEKC website (http://southeastkartingchallenge.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/SEKC_ENTRY.pdf). The deadline for pre-entry is April 7 at 10pm. The host hotels for the NOLA event include the Candlewood Suite and Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, both located in Avondale. For more information, visit www.southeastkartingchallenge.com and be sure to follow Facebook.com/southeastkartingchallenge