CONT. 2026 INDUCTEE BIO'S

Mike Colver stands as one of the most respected and influential figures in the world of vintage go-kart racing, a true craftsman whose work left an indelible mark on the sport. As the founder and driving force behind Endurance Specialty Products (ESP), Mike built a reputation not just for performance, but for precision, durability, and uncompromising quality. His engines were not merely assembled—they were engineered masterpieces, revered by racers and collectors alike for their flawless execution both inside and out.

Among his most legendary contributions were the famed “K-Bombs,” his radical reimagining of the Komet K88 rotary valve engine. By shortening the stroke and enlarging the bore to an astonishing 56mm—pushing displacement to 119cc—Mike created engines capable of sustaining extraordinary RPMs. These innovations cemented his status as a pioneer, someone unafraid to push the limits of what Italian kart engines could achieve.  Mike quietly influenced generations of racers, always focused on craftsmanship over recognition.

On January 20, 2016 Mike passed away at the age of 75, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, the karting community lost one of its true legends. Yet Mike Colver’s legacy lives on—in the engines he built, the standards he set, and the countless racers who continue to feel the power of his work every time they fire up a machine touched by his hands. Today, we honor Mike Colver as a Hall of Fame inductee, celebrating a life devoted to speed, innovation, and excellence.

Jason Gibb’s career in karting is defined by excellence, innovation, and a lasting impact both on and off the track. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we recognize a competitor and leader whose influence has helped shape the sport at the highest levels.

As a driver, Jason proved himself among the elite, capturing six prestigious IKF Duffy Awards and five Tulsa Shootout Golden Drillers—two of the most coveted achievements in karting. His five Holiday Classic championships further highlight his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Early in his career, he established his talent by winning the 1988 Carlsbad Speedway Expert Class Championship, setting the stage for years of success.

But Jason’s contributions go far beyond his own accomplishments. In 2002, he was honored as IKF Volunteer of the Year, reflecting his dedication to giving back to the sport and supporting its growth. Through his company, Gibb Concepts Racing, Jason has played a pivotal role in developing winning equipment and mentoring racers. His impact was clearly demonstrated when his customers dominated the IKF Speedway Grand Nationals, winning 13 of 16 classes—a remarkable achievement that speaks to his knowledge, preparation, and commitment to excellence.

Jason Gibb represents the complete karting professional: a champion driver, a trusted mentor, and an innovator whose work continues to influence the sport.

For his achievements, his leadership, and his lasting contributions to karting, Jason Gibb is a proud and deserving inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Tonight, we gather to honor one of karting’s true greats—a competitor whose name became synonymous with excellence, versatility, and winning at the highest level. Rick Gifford’s legacy is etched deeply into the history of our sport, and it is with great pride that we welcome him into the Go Kart Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

Rick Gifford’s name stands among the elite in karting history—a driver whose remarkable talent helped define an era. Rising to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, he became one of the most decorated drivers the sport has ever seen. His incredible record of 13 U.S. National Championships speaks not only to his speed, but to a level of consistency and adaptability that few could rival. What truly set Rick apart was his ability to win across every major division of karting—a rare and extraordinary achievement that showcased his complete command of the craft.

Among the many highlights of his career, his victory at the prestigious Professional Karting Association event in Medford, Oregon in 1979 remains a defining moment. Whether competing on sprint tracks, road courses, or in top-tier national events, Rick proved time and again that he could meet—and exceed—any challenge placed before him.

Following his success in karting, Rick carried his talents into full-sized auto racing, competing in late model stock cars, sprint cars, and professional road racing, continuing to demonstrate the same determination and skill that made him a champion.

Rick Gifford passed away in 2021, but his impact has never faded. He remains a respected and beloved figure, especially within the vintage karting community, where his accomplishments continue to inspire new generations of racers.

Accepting this honor tonight on Rick’s behalf is his best friend, Kenny Jones—someone who knew him not just as a champion, but as a person. For his extraordinary achievements and lasting influence on the sport, it is our honor to induct Rick Gifford into the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Ben Ray Griffith’s name is woven into the very foundation of American karting. As we celebrate the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we honor a true pioneer whose vision, leadership, and passion helped shape the sport as we know it today.

As a co-founder of the World Karting Association, Ben Ray played a critical role in organizing and growing karting during its formative years. His efforts helped bring structure, credibility, and opportunity to a rapidly expanding sport, laying the groundwork for generations of racers to follow. His contributions were so significant that he was rightfully inducted into the WKA Hall of Fame in 1988.

Beyond administration, Ben Ray was a central figure in the karting community through Griffith Specialties in Virginia—one of the premier kart shops of its time. His shop became a hub for racers, a place where knowledge was shared, equipment was perfected, and lifelong connections were made.

But perhaps his greatest legacy is the family he built around the sport. Alongside his wife Audrey, also a WKA Hall of Fame inductee, Ben Ray established a racing tradition that has spanned four generations. His sons, Aaron and Dennis, carried that legacy forward with decades of success, and today, the Griffith Racing Team continues to compete and win at the national level.

Ben Ray Griffith’s influence is not just found in history books—it lives on every time a kart takes the track.

Ben is unable to be here tonight, his induction award will be presented to him by Hall of Fame member Randy Kugler later this month.

For his pioneering spirit, his leadership, and the enduring legacy he created, Ben Ray Griffith is a proud member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Tonight, we take a step back to the very roots of American karting—to a time defined by creativity, experimentation, and the pioneering spirit that built the foundation of the sport we celebrate today. It is from that remarkable era that the name Don Jensen emerges, a true innovator whose contributions helped shape karting in its earliest and most formative years.

 In the early 1960s, at the height of karting’s first great boom, Don Jensen stood at the forefront as both a competitor and an innovator. As the creator of the legendary Titan karts in Hayward, California, he introduced designs that were far ahead of their time. Lightweight all-aluminum frames, dual side-mounted fuel tanks, and forward-thinking engineering made Titan karts not only competitive, but revolutionary. Today, those machines are regarded as priceless pieces of karting history.

As the owner of East Bay Cycles, Don’s influence extended beyond his own creations. He played a role in shaping the future of motorsports by employing a young Irv Kanemoto—also a member of the Class of 2026—who would go on to become one of the most legendary tuners in racing history. It’s just one example of how far-reaching Don’s legacy truly is.

But Don Jensen was more than a builder—he was a racer and a pioneer. As karting evolved, he helped lead the transition into enduro racing, embracing longer, more demanding competitions that required both speed and endurance. His talents reached beyond karting as well, where he earned a reputation as a master machinist and engine builder, crafting innovative components and competing across multiple forms of racing.

Though he cannot be here tonight, Don shared that he wishes he could travel to join us and is truly honored to be inducted into the Go Kart Hall of Fame. His career represents the ingenuity, determination, and passion that defined karting’s earliest days—and his legacy continues to inspire the vintage karting community to this day.

For his contributions as a racer, innovator, and pioneer, it is our great honor to induct Don Jensen into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Julie Kuntze’s impact on karting proves that the true builders of the sport are not always measured by laps led or races won, but by the strength of the foundation they create for others.

While Julie competed in select events—often in Powder Puff Derbies and special races—she was always a contender when she took to the track. But her greatest contributions came off the track, where she became one of the most influential figures in organized karting during a critical time of growth.

As President of the Southern California Karting (SCK) organization from the mid-1970s through the 1990s, Julie helped lead what was widely recognized as the premier enduro karting club of its era. Under her leadership, SCK events regularly drew 300 to 350 entries on a weekend, setting the standard for large-scale karting competition.

Julie had a unique ability to make the sport more accessible. She was known for helping new racers navigate the complexities of karting—connecting them with the right people, the right information, and the right opportunities to succeed. At a time when getting started could be overwhelming, Julie made it easier.

She also brought innovation and organization to race operations. Her pre-entry system, where pit passes were mailed in advance, dramatically streamlined race day logistics—allowing racers to spend less time in line and more time doing what they came to do: race.

Julie Kuntze’s legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and service to the karting community. Tonight, accepting this honor on her behalf is her grandson, Scott.

It is our privilege to welcome Julie Kuntze into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Irv Kanemoto’s story is one of brilliance, innovation, and a lifelong pursuit of speed that began in the world of karting. While he would go on to become one of the most legendary motorcycle tuners in history, his foundation—his craft, his instincts, and his reputation—were all forged in go-kart racing.

Irv is unable to be with us tonight, but he wants everyone to know how honored he is to be inducted into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Long before world championships and global recognition, Irv made his mark as a master engine builder in karting. Working with high-performance two-stroke engines, he developed an uncanny ability to extract both power and reliability—skills that quickly set him apart. On the karting scene, he built a reputation for precision, creativity, and results, becoming one of the early innovators in engine tuning.

Those same skills carried him to the highest levels of motorsports. Transitioning into professional motorcycle racing, Irv became one of the most respected crew chiefs and tuners the sport has ever seen. From building dominant Kawasaki machines for riders like Gary Nixon to achieving multiple 500cc World Championships with legends such as Eddie Lawson, Freddie Spencer, and Luca Cadalora, his impact on racing is immeasurable.

But it all started in karting.

Irv Kanemoto represents the bridge between grassroots racing and the global stage—a reminder of how this sport develops not just drivers, but some of the greatest minds in motorsports history.

For his pioneering work, his technical mastery, and the legacy that began in karting and reached the pinnacle of world racing, Irv Kanemoto is a truly deserving inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Rick Keller’s name is synonymous with dedication, leadership, and passion within the vintage karting community, especially throughout the Northeast. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we honor a man whose efforts have helped preserve the sport’s rich history while moving it forward.

As Series Coordinator for the Northeast Vintage Kart Promoter’s Cup Series, Rick has brought racers together, created opportunities for competition, and kept karting’s early legacy alive for new generations. He’s also a competitor, regularly racing both vintage and modern karts at tracks across the region.

Equally important is his role as a mentor, guiding countless drivers with knowledge and encouragement.

Though unable to be here tonight, Rick shares his gratitude. For his contributions and passion, Rick Keller is a proud Hall of Fame inductee.

Leroy Wilkerson’s journey in karting is a story rooted in family, fueled by passion, and defined by decades of dedication to the sport. His introduction to karting came in the mid-1960s, growing up around his parents’ equipment sales and service business, where minibikes and go-karts quickly became more than just inventory—they became a way of life. What began as informal gatherings and spirited driving sessions in a local parking lot soon turned into something much bigger.

At just 10 years old, Leroy experienced his first taste of competition at an exhibition event in Houston’s Gulfgate Mall parking lot. Driving his older brother’s twin-engine Dart Kart powered by West Bend 820s, he stunned spectators and competitors alike. Weighing only 60 pounds, he dominated the field and became the highlight of the event—a moment that ignited a lifelong passion.

That passion was soon matched by opportunity when his father established Airline Kart Track, the first kart racing facility in Houston. The track became the center of Leroy’s world, where weekends were spent operating the facility, racing, and hosting events. It was there that he logged thousands of laps, developing the instincts and racecraft that would define his career. Under his father’s guidance—often starting races from the back—Leroy learned how to fight through the field, building the foundation of a relentless and strategic driving style.

By age 12, Leroy was already competing on the national stage, finishing third at the IKF Nationals in Camden against some of the best junior drivers in the country. Though a technical failure ultimately denied him the victory, it served as an early lesson in the unforgiving nature of motorsports. Undeterred, he went on to capture multiple state championships in Junior classes before advancing to the Senior ranks, where he continued to excel across multiple divisions.

Leroy’s national breakthrough came in 1975 with a championship victory at Quincy, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Throughout his career, he set numerous class and overall track records, many of which stood for decades—a testament to his skill and consistency.

Karting also played a pivotal role in Leroy’s personal life. Through the sport, he met his future wife, whose family was also deeply involved in racing. What began as shared time at the track grew into a lifelong partnership, one he considers his greatest victory.

After stepping away from the sport to focus on family and business, Leroy returned with the emergence of shifter karts. His competitive fire reignited, leading to success once again at the local, state, national, and international levels. Highlights of this chapter include victories at Quincy In The Park, three international wins in Monterrey, Mexico, and two IKF Road Race National titles in the shifter class—achievements that capped an already remarkable career.

From a young boy circling a parking lot to a champion competing on the world stage, Leroy Wilkerson’s legacy is one of perseverance, passion, and profound impact on the sport of karting. His contributions, both on and off the track, have left a lasting mark, making him a truly deserving inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame. Lets welcome Leroy to the stage.

Andy Thompson’s name represents dedication, passion, and a lifelong commitment to the sport of karting. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we recognize an individual whose impact has been felt both on and off the track.

Throughout his career, Andy has been known as a competitor who brought determination and consistency every time he raced. In 1980, Andy participated in statewide events to qualify for the nationals in Quincy, IL. He won the Junior 1 National Championship on his 16th birthday on August 22nd, 1980. The following weekend, he competed in his first race as an adult in Kerman, CA, where he won on his debut using an open motor. This was in preparation for competing in his first Pro Race the following weekend, where he qualified 2nd to Scott Pruett and won once again in his Pro debut. Andy was the first and youngest ever to win all three main events in his pro debut. Andy continued to race a twin Yamaha for a few more years before retiring from karting in 1984.His ability to compete at a high level, adapt to the ever-changing landscape of karting, and earn the respect of his peers speaks volumes about his talent and character.

For his contributions, his sportsmanship, and his dedication to the sport, Andy Thompson is a proud and deserving inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Andys son Sean is here to present his award, Please welcome Andy Thompson to the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Doug Milliken’s story is one of excellence, discipline, and achievement—both on and off the racetrack. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame, we honor a man whose accomplishments in karting and beyond reflect a lifetime of dedication, skill, and perseverance.

In the world of enduro karting, Doug was nothing short of dominant. A four-time IKF National Champion and the 1975 IKF Grand National Champion, he built a record that speaks for itself. Over the course of 22 National and Winternational events, Doug won 10 championships and never finished lower than second place—an extraordinary level of consistency that few in the history of the sport have ever matched. In 1972, he was also awarded the prestigious Jim Clark Memorial Award, recognizing not only his excellence on the track, but his sportsmanship and character.

But Doug’s accomplishments extend far beyond karting. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, he served his country during the Vietnam War, earning honors including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross. After his military service, he went on to build a distinguished career in engineering—designing products at McCulloch and later becoming Manager of Motorsports Engineering at Garrett/Honeywell, where he contributed to advancements at the highest levels of motorsports.

Doug Milliken represents the very best of karting—a champion competitor, a respected professional, and a person of integrity.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Doug Milliken to the stage to accept his induction into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

The McDonald name represents family, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion that helped shape the early days of American karting. Tonight, we honor not just one individual, but a family legacy—Don, Dave, and Jerry McDonald—whose contributions to the sport have stood the test of time.

Don McDonald was a key figure in the evolution of enduro karting. Starting his racing career at just 15 years old in sprint karts before moving into stock cars, Don returned to racing in 1975 and quickly made his mark in long-distance kart competition. Competing at some of the most iconic tracks in the country—Daytona, Mid-Ohio, Talladega, and Road America—he consistently ran at the front, earning 15 top-five finishes during a highly competitive era.

But Don’s influence went far beyond the driver’s seat. He was a true innovator and mentor, playing a significant role in the development of the “rear tank” enduro kart alongside other pioneers of the time. His work helped push the sport forward, contributing to the evolution of safer, more competitive, and more refined kart designs.

Racing was a family affair. Alongside his brothers Dave and Jerry, the McDonald name became well known in karting circles, particularly in the Sacramento area through their involvement with BMB Metal Products. Dave would go on to achieve national champion status, while Jerry played an integral role in the family’s racing efforts and success.

Together, the McDonald brothers represent a legacy built on competition, craftsmanship, and brotherhood—a legacy that still resonates in the vintage karting community today.

Accepting this honor tonight on behalf of the McDonald family is Don McDonald.

Please join me in welcoming Don to the stage as we induct Don, Dave, and Jerry McDonald into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Tonight, we honor a man whose name is synonymous with the very soul of karting—a racer, innovator, and enduring presence whose career has spanned more than seven decades. The Go Kart Hall of Fame “lifetime Achievement” Award not only recognizes race results but a lifetime of contribution to the sport of karting.

Junior Neal is not just a champion—he is a living link to the origins of our sport.

From the early days of karting to the modern era, Junior has done it all. A multi-time National Champion, he competed at the highest levels during karting’s golden years, going wheel-to-wheel with legends like Lake Speed and Lynn Haddock. Whether at Daytona Kart Week, the U.S. Open, or countless other major events, Junior wasn’t just in the field—he was at the front.

In 1990, his contributions were recognized with induction into the World Karting Association Hall of Fame. In 2024, he became part of the inaugural class of the Go Kart Hall of Fame. And yet, even those honors don’t fully capture what makes Junior Neal so special.

At 90 years old, he was still on the grid—still competing, still tuning, still sharing his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. As a tuner and chassis expert, his understanding of the sport is unmatched. At Vintage Karting Association events, he continues to bring history to life, racing the same style of lay-down enduro karts that helped define an era.

Junior Neal is more than a racer—he is a teacher, a storyteller, and a bridge between generations.

For a lifetime of achievement, for a passion that has never faded, and for a legacy that continues to inspire us all, it is our great honor to present Junior Neal with the 2026 Go Kart Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award. Lets give Junior a West Coast welcome.

John “Johnny” Meyers grew up in karting—not just around it, but inside it. Raised in the Meyers Speed Shop alongside his father, Hall of Famer Walt Meyers, John learned early that racing wasn’t just about driving—it was about understanding the machine, respecting the craft, and mastering the art of competition. 

By the age of 11, John had already announced himself to the karting world, capturing his first IKF Junior Grand National Championship in Quincy, Illinois—then repeating the feat the very next year. At just 12 years old, he had accumulated more championship points than any driver in American karting, a remarkable achievement that set the tone for a career defined by excellence. 

Over the next decade, John added multiple IKF National Championships, numerous California State titles, and hundreds of race wins to his résumé. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. His 1985 IKF Grand National victory—won while enduring intense pain from oral surgery—perfectly captured who he was as a competitor: tough, focused, and unrelenting. He set fast time, started on pole, and led wire-to-wire against the best in the country. 

John’s influence didn’t end when he stepped away from competition. He went on to mentor over 100 drivers, passing along not just driving techniques, but a deeper understanding of what it means to race.

For his championships, his craftsmanship, and the generations he helped shape, Johnny Meyers is a proud member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026. John, Come on up and accept your well deserved award. 

Matt Reed’s name is one that stands proudly among the talented competitors of karting’s golden era. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026, we recognize a racer whose skill, determination, and success on the national stage earned him a place among the sport’s best.

Hailing from Bakersfield, California, Matt quickly established himself as a formidable competitor within the International Kart Federation. Competing against some of the toughest fields in the country, he demonstrated both speed and consistency at the highest levels of competition.

His defining moment came in 1982, when he captured the IKF 2-Cycle Sprint Grand National Championship in the Junior II class—one of the most competitive divisions in karting. That victory cemented his status as a national champion and showcased his ability to perform under pressure on the sport’s biggest stage. Even before that breakthrough, Matt had already proven his potential with a strong 4th-place finish at the 1980 Grand Nationals, signaling the rise of a future champion.

Matt Reed represents the dedication and competitive spirit that define karting—earning success through hard work, talent, and perseverance.

For his accomplishments and his place among the top competitors of his era, Please welcome Matt Reed is a proud and deserving inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Scott Salyer’s name is one that resonates with dedication, competitiveness, and a lifelong passion for racing. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame, we recognize a driver who made his mark during a highly competitive era of karting and carried that passion well beyond his early years in the sport.

Competing throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Scott established himself as a formidable presence in the International Kart Federation. Racing out of Corcoran, California, he went head-to-head with many of the top drivers of his time at IKF Grand Nationals and major events across the country. His persistence and skill ultimately led him to achieve the status of a National Champion—an accomplishment that reflects both talent and determination.

Scott’s love for racing was deeply rooted. Coming from a family that shared a passion for speed and competition—highlighted by their connection to the Indianapolis 500—he grew up immersed in the racing world. That foundation helped shape not only his success on the track, but also his appreciation for the sport and its history.

What makes Scott’s story even more special is his longevity. He continued racing well into adulthood, proving that the love of karting doesn’t fade—it only grows stronger.

Scott Salyer represents the spirit of karting: competitive, passionate, and committed to the sport for a lifetime.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Scott Salyer to the podium to accept his induction into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Rod Tull’s name stands strong among the competitors who defined karting’s golden era—a time when talent, determination, and versatility set the best apart. As a member of the Go Kart Hall of Fame, we honor a racer whose achievements across multiple disciplines earned him lasting respect in the sport.

Competing throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Rod was a standout on the IKF circuit, representing Ontario, California at the highest levels of competition. He proved himself time and again at the IKF Grand Nationals, capturing a victory in Junior 2, a runner-up finish in Junior 1, and later earning top finishes in highly competitive classes including Expert III and the 100cc McCulloch divisions.

Rod’s talent wasn’t limited to one form of racing—he was a consistent force in sprint, speedway, and enduro competition, showcasing a rare versatility that defined the best drivers of his era. Racing at iconic tracks like Willow Springs and competing alongside names like Mark Dismore and Kurt Burris, Rod helped push the level of competition and contributed to the growth of karting in the United States.

Rod Tull represents the spirit of a true racer—competitive, adaptable, and dedicated to excellence.

For his accomplishments and his lasting impact on the sport, Rod Tull is a proud inductee into the Go Kart Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

Joe Hovorka’s career in karting is a powerful example of passion, performance, and longevity at the highest level of the sport. As a proud member of the legendary Emmick Go Kart Racing Team, Joe has been part of one of karting’s most iconic programs—one that helped define excellence for generations of racers.

Joe’s ability behind the wheel has always set him apart. At Daytona Speed Weeks in 2023, in the 125 Sprint Shifter class, he delivered a performance that perfectly captured what makes a champion. After a restart, Joe battled at the front with Skitchy Barnes, the two working together lap after lap. Then, under a yellow, Joe made his move—taking the lead and never looking back. With precision, control, and determination, he pulled away from the field and took the checkered flag by more than 25 seconds. It was a dominant drive that showcased both his talent and racecraft.

Through his time with Emmick, Joe has been part of a legacy that shaped karting history. But what makes his story even more remarkable is that it’s still being written. While many step away from competition, Joe continues to race today, inspiring those around him with his dedication and love for the sport.

Joe Hovorka represents the true spirit of karting—commitment, competitiveness, and lifelong passion.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Joe Hovorka to the stage to accept his award and induction into the Go Kart Hall of Fame.

Rich Van Fossen has spent decades carving out his place in karting through determination, skill, and a true racer’s spirit. A familiar name on the California racing scene, Rich built his reputation competing in Stock Appearing and dirt oval classes, including strong performances at events like the Stockton Challenge. Known for his aggressive yet controlled driving style, he was never afraid to make the outside move and fight for the lead. Karting has always been a family affair, often racing side-by-side with his son Jason. Tonight, continuing that tradition, please welcome Jason Van Fossen to introduce his father, Rich Van Fossen.