16th Annual Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 Start

THE 16th ANNUAL GALLETTA’S KARTING KLASSIC 200!

Posted on October 9th, 2011 by ChrusherComix Studios

Galletta's Go-Kart Klassic History - THE World Championship of Gas Flathead Karting!

Our 16th Annual Galletta’s Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 –
Saturday, October 8th, 2011:

200-LAP OSWEGO KARTING - SATURDAY,OCTOBER 8th, 2011: A grueling 200 laps. But yours truly - webmaster Chris Stevens - broke a 10-year dry-spell and won his first Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic since 2001! It was not easy, as he time trialed 5th, and had to come from the back of the field twice when he blew a tire in 2nd early, then clobbered a tree in 2nd late. But everything fell his way when the leader of almost the entire race, Matt Stevens, decided to refuel, putting Chris in the lead with barely enough fumes to get him the win. Several competitors didn't finish the marathon event, and the closeness of competition made this the HARDEST Klassic to date, with tough competition form first to last, including 2010 defending Klassic Champ Kyle Reuter (who lost a tire in 2nd himself). Now I need some sleep, son, so be back LATAH'! Complete race videos on DVD only $5 each disc and will be ready shortly.

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 8th, 2011: A grueling 200 laps. But yours truly – webmaster Chris Stevens – broke a 10-year dry-spell by winning his first Galletta’s Greenhouse Karting Klassic since 2001 (while running almost on fumes)! It was not easy, as he time trialed 5th, and had to come from the back of the field twice when he blew a tire in 2nd early, then clobbered a tree in 2nd late. But everything fell his way when the leader of the first 157 laps of the race, 16th Annual Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 Start16th Annual Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 StartMatt Stevens, decided to refuel putting Chris in the lead with barely sputtering off enough fumes to get him the win with Matt all over him. Several competitors didn’t finish the marathon event, and the closeness of competition made this the HARDEST Klassic to date, with tough competition from first to last, including 2010 defending Klassic Champ Kyle Reuter (who lost a front wheel while in 2nd himself, crashed into the buckwheat in turn 2 and retired). For most of the first 100 laps, Kyle pressured Matt to set a fast pace, which in the end was the deciding factor that forced Matt to refuel with 43 laps to go, which put Chris – who made it back to 2nd for a third time in the race – in the lead. Chris actually benefited from blowing a tire early and conserving gas in the rear during the 2nd 4th of the race, which led to him having enough gas to take the checker, the first time the Galletta’s #8 kart won a Klassic – Chris’ previous Klassic wins came in the Galletta’s #2 (1999) and Galletta’s #5 (2000 & 2001). Chris has had several close calls in those last ten years (many 2nd and 3rd places, and a few bad luck breaks while up front in position to win). Outstanding show from start to finish with some close racing and a few exciting accidents to keep you viewers satisfied. Complete race videos on DVD only $5 each disc (or $10 per 3-disc set) and will be ready shortly. Meanwhile, here is a recap of the 2011 season thus far.


DVD Transferred YouTube Video

Posted on October 15th, 2011 by ChrusherComix Studios

YouTube video to this race is currently being produced and is forthcoming here. All picture captures & video clips are directly taken from our weekly DVDs, which are almost always available to buy the day after the race. It’s best to pre-order them so I can have them ready on race day for you.

200-LAP OSWEGO KARTING VIDEOS

Above is this race’s DVD menu. For a DVD copy of this race, please e-mail or call Chris Stevens and ask for this week’s race. The 2011 Klassic 200 is a 3-disc set that is contained within 2011 Season Volumes 13, 14 and 15 (Volume 13 contains 1st/2nd turn Tower angle of the Time Trials, Starting Lineup Announcements, 3rd/4th turn camera angle of the 200-Lapper, and the Victory Lane Snapshots. Volume 14 contains the National Anthem (however, a camera connection error unfortunately ruined this chapter), the center-track angle of the time-trials, the 1 &2 Turn Tower angle of the 200-Lapper, and a bonus start/finish line static view of the 200-lapper in low-quality. Volume 15 contains a higher-quality view of the complete race from the static Start/Finish Line camera view – great for scoring and time-trailing since we don’t have AMB scoring). Around 5 hours of original material from 3 cameras in all three discs. Each disc is chock full of between 1 to 3 hours of racing in the highest-possible DVD resolution with Dolby Stereo 2.0 with Pro-Logic Surround Sound, predominantly from multiple camera angles, multiple microphones, and are only $5 each (discounts available for multiple copies or regular kart Galletta-Kart renters). We accept PayPal or cash, and can either ship or arrange for pickup.

16th Annual Klassic Time Trial Session Results

Posted on October 15th, 2011 by ChrusherComix Studios

Unlike the regular season, where the 30-50 lap feature starts are handicapped via inverting wins and points, the 200-lapper is different. A marathon and not a sprint, the results of the time trial session determine the double-file 2011 Klassic Starting Grid. The best time is taken from two laps in each a starter and backup kart. Time trials are scored point-wise as a heat race.

1st:

Matt Stevens

Starter Kart:
Galletta’s #33
15.96 | 15.76
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #3*
16.28 | 16.22
Click to enlarge Matt's picture! 2nd:

Randy Platt

Starter Kart:
Platt-Num #187
16.04 | 16.03
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #2
16.48 | 16.03
Click to enlarge Randy's picture!
3rd:

Kyle Reuter

Starter Kart:
Nason #35
16.04 | 16.41
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #0
16.14 | 16.46
Click to enlarge Kyle's picture! 4th:

Joe Sereno

Starter Kart:
Galletta’s #5
16.41 | 16.05
Backup Kart:
Chrusher.com #74
19.21 | –.–
Click to enlarge Joe's picture!
5th:

Chris Stevens

Starter Kart:
Galletta’s #8
16.17 | 16.63
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #4*
16.44 | 16.39
Click to enlarge Chris' picture! 6th:

Kelly Miller

Starter Kart:
Galletta’s #9
17.01 | 16.64
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #1
16.38 | 16.27
Click to enlarge Kelly's picture!
7th:

Justin Galletta

Starter Kart:
Galletta’s #7
16.31 | 16.48
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #6
17.28 | 17.22
Click to enlarge Justin's picture! 8th:

Tim Galletta

Starter Kart:
Galletta #54
16.41 | 16.37
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #1
17.18 | 17.00
Click to enlarge Timmy's picture!
9th:

Melissa Stevens

Starter Kart:
Scissors-N-Fur #19
16.46 | 16.45
Backup Kart:
Scissors-n-Fur #80*
16.42 | 16.50
Click to enlarge Melissa's picture! 10th:
Brian Galletta

Starter Kart:
Platt-Num #28
16.58 | 16.76
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #1
–.– | –.–
Click to enlarge Brian's picture!
11th:

Ken Lindsley III

Starter Kart:
Lindsley #14
16.71 | 16.64
Backup Kart:
Galletta’s #1
17.11 | 16.82
Click to enlarge Kenny's picture! 12th:

Jerry Galletta

Did Not Start:
Galletta #54
36.42 | 24.50

Did Not Start:
Galletta’s #0
–.– | –.–
Click to enlarge Jerry's picture!
13th:
RaYzor Castaldo

Did Not Start:
Galletta’s #6
–.– | –.– (Spins)
Did Not Start:
Galletta’s #2
–.– | –.–
Click to enlarge Ray's picture! Open Karts:
Galletta’s #0Galletta’s #1
Galletta’s #2
Galletta’s #3*
Galletta’s #4*
Galletta’s #6
Chrusher.com #74
Scissors-n-Fur #80*
STARTER WES STEVENS: Click to enlarge picture!

Special rules and notes for the 2011 Klassic: The following rules are added to our preexisting regular rules and specs found on our rules page. Each driver is timed for two green flag time trial laps per kart entered. When enough karts are available (this year we have 8 open karts), each driver may enter two karts (one starter and one backup) and take the best time from either kart and enter either kart. Each driver is afforded 5-minute kart-repair time-outs (3 for drivers who scored in all races during the 2011 Season, 2 for drivers who were scored with at least 2 feature races during the 2011 season, 1 for drivers who enter the Klassic with had no prior races all season, and 0 for 1st-time rookies with no prior experience or races at all). Each driver may use any time-outs they have for minor repairs to their starter kart (no point penalty). Each driver must stay with their starter kart unless a significant mechanical failure prevents it, where they have the choice of entering a backup kart if one is available. Each driver is allowed one refuel the first caution after lap 140, and must go to the rear of the pack when they do so (if all refuel, nobody loses a position). Preventative measures such as nut/bolt checking and chain lubing is allowed on track during a red-flag caution break, any other kart work is considered a pit-stop and driver will have to go to the rear of the field. If entering a backup kart, exact fuel level must be transferred from starter to backup, and driver will receive a -20 point penalty for the change. Each green lap led is +1 point, and each green flag lap in 2nd or 3rd is +0.5 point. Each lap in the top 3 under yellow will be scored +0.5 point. Drivers do not go a lap down under caution, but must go around the track and go to the rear of the field to make up for this. If a driver finishes the race using no time-outs, they will receive +10 bonus points. If a driver finishes the race without refueling, they receive +10 bonus points. If a lead lap kart puts a kart a lap down, they are scored a lap down and remain in position unless (a) they re-pass the kart(s) that lapped them (b) the kart(s) that lapped them wrecks, or (c) the kart(s) that lapped them gives the lapped driver a courtesy pass and allows them to go back to the rear of the field back in the lead lap. * = Kart owner has personal backup to use or grant permission for others to use (if you own more than one kart, it is yours to qualify and use, all others are open for anybody).

Race Results

Posted on October 16th, 2011 by ChrusherComix Studios

200-LAP FEATURE EVENT:

16th Annual Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 Start

The 16th Annual Galletta’s Greenhouse Karting Club Klassic 200 Championship is the longest-running, largest and most affordable kart class racing in the biggest lap total making it the ONLY true championship of karting in Central New York – don’t let pricey 3-8 kiddie-karts going 40-50 laps on an overpriced/overhyped kiddie kart track let you think you’ve won anything other than winning the track some extra money and yourself a swelled head. We did both and there is no comparison – we race for fun and race on talent, not just a few laps on an expensive track and not on the amount of bucks spent on prefabricated equipment which gives a false sense of bravado. This is racing at it’s purest form, with equalized karts making drivers skills shine, and where it is the most fun (if you don’t believe us, we dare you to try it if you have the guts. We know, however, that those who do kart locally and choose to not race with us are in it for politicking, and therefore not interested in trying pure racing like we are). The race began following a yummy “Cheeseburger Picnic” cookout on an absolutely beautiful Saturday afternoon October 8th, 2011. With sun and temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, we couldn’t have asked for a better day for a 200-lap go-kart race.

200-LAP OSWEGO KARTING RACE - 16th ANnual Oswego Championship 2011

Lady and gentlemen, start your engines! Eleven drivers start, two additional drivers qualified with time trials but elected not to run, and eight karts sat idle without drivers (three guaranteed backups and five open backups).

200-LAP OSWEGO KARTING - The starting grid of the 16th Annual Klassic, and our largest field since the 2006 edition of the event. Much like the Oswego Speedway Supermodified Classic 200 that our championship race is based after, each driver's goal for the 1st 100-120 laps is to conserve gas while keeping the vehicle safe, operational and in position to win late. Easier said than done, and it adds drama that a regular-length race cannot do. You just can't slap an extra ten laps to your regular race, throw a bunch of trophies in and call your dozen-or-more mini-races a "Classic" by the time of year and location. There has to be a reason to call it that.

The starting grid of the 16th Annual Klassic, and our largest field since the 2006 edition of the event. Much like the Oswego Speedway Supermodified Classic 200 that our championship race is based after, each driver’s goal for the 1st 100-120 laps is to conserve gas while keeping the vehicle safe, operational and in position to win late. Easier said than done, and it adds drama that a regular-length race cannot do. You just can’t slap an extra ten laps to your regular race, throw a bunch of trophies in and call your dozen-or-more mini-races a “Classic” by the time of year and location. There has to be a reason to call it that. We’re not cattle to be herded on and off the track, are we they?

Much like the Oswego Speedway Supermodified Classic 200 that our championship race is based after, your goal for the 1st 100-120 laps is to keep the vehicle safe and operational and in position to win late. Off the start, Kyle Reuter tried to catch the front row by surprise and get into the lead like he did in last year's Klassic. A good plan, but this year both Matt and Randy Platt had visions of leading, and wheels scrubbed down the front stretch with Matt storming off to a fast lead. Then, Lap 2 saw Randy spin out in turn 2.

Off the start, 2010 Defending Klassic Champ Kyle Reuter tried to catch the front row by surprise and get into the lead, much like he did in last year’s Klassic. A good plan, but this year both Matt and Randy Platt had visions of leading, and wheels scrubbed down the front stretch with Matt storming off to a fast lead. Then, Lap 2 saw Randy spin out in turn 2.

This set up the top three for the first fifth of the race - Matt Stevens, Chris Stevens, and Kyle Reuter. Not surprisingly, Matt, Chris and Kyle are the only three active drivers who have ever won the annual event (the only other is retired and in the flag stand), and know how tough it is to get passes out there and how important positioning will be.

This set up the top three for the first fifth of the race – Matt Stevens, Chris Stevens, and Kyle Reuter. Not surprisingly, Matt, Chris and Kyle are the only three active drivers who have ever won the annual event (the only other is retired and in the flag stand), and know how tough it is to get passes out there and how important positioning will be.

Chris and Kyle are trying to duplicate their strategy from last year, but Matt Stevens has completely changed his philosophy. In the first fifteen Galletta's Klassics, Matt has taken it very easy early on, fading to either mid or rear of the field, conserving gas and saving the kart before turning it on late. Knowing how our competition is stiffer than it has ever been (our speeds closer than ever, every driver is seasoned and talented, and passes are extremely hard earned) and his need for bonus leader laps (his brother Chris beat him in the 2010 Track Championship by one half point by staying up front for the majority of the 2010 Klassic and earning so many bonus points) his strategy has now changed to trying to lead. And by the pace he's setting, it looks like trying to lead all 200 laps, a feat never accomplished before in the event's prior 15 year history!

Chris and Kyle are trying to duplicate their strategy from last year, but Matt Stevens has completely changed his philosophy. In the first fifteen Galletta’s Klassics, Matt has taken it very easy early on, fading to either mid or rear of the field, conserving gas and saving the kart before turning it on late. Knowing how our competition is stiffer than it has ever been (our speeds closer than ever, every driver is seasoned and talented, and passes are extremely hard earned) and his need for bonus leader laps (his brother Chris beat him in the 2010 Track Championship by one half point by staying up front for the majority of the 2010 Klassic and earning so many bonus points) his strategy has now changed to trying to lead. And by the pace he’s setting, it looks like trying to lead all 200 laps, a feat never accomplished before in the event’s prior 15 year history!

Guest-star Supermodified driver "Machine Gun" Kelly Miller entered his second Galletta's Klassic, first since 2006. Here he and Kenny Lindsley III, driving the former Larry Phillips #04 re-numbered #14, get together in the early going. Larry sadly sold his kart due to a bad back preventing him from entering regular competition, but Kenny, fresh out of the Marines, plans to race full time.

Guest-star Supermodified driver “Machine Gun” Kelly Miller entered his second Galletta’s Klassic; first since 2006. Kelly raved about the improvements we’ve done in the past few years alone, especially in terms of the competitiveness, and how the karts are so close in speed, the drivers are all experienced, and thus passing is so difficult. Here he and Kenny Lindsley III, driving the (former Larry Phillips #04 renumbered) #14, get together in the early going as they battled it out in mid-pack trying to move up. Larry sadly sold his kart due to a bad back preventing him from entering regular competition, but Kenny, fresh out of the Marines, plans to race full time, which was one of the deciding factors what made Larry part with it. And although Kenny has raced with us since 2007, due to his service in the Marine Corps. preventing him, this is in his first Klassic. He was plagued with a wearing, smoking motor most of the day, however.

Chris Stevens blew his drive-wheel tire and had to call a time-out for a tire change. (At Galletta's, because we are NOT a pay spectator track and we do NOT have pit crews, we borrow something from other sports - a time-out - and allow drivers to earn them during the regular season and use them get back into the race. Something we have done since day one (they used to be unlimted, but we were forced to revise the rule to prevent everybody from stopping the race every break, we have only 3 per season for drivers who have raced all season, two for drivers who race at least a part of the season, and one for all else. Most drivers carry them over into the Klassic, as did Chris and Matt who used none all season). This breakdown changed the top three a bit and moved impressive first-season driver Justin Galletta into the top three point positions, who was then passed by his brother and equally impressive firts-season driver Joe Sereno.

Chris Stevens blew his drive wheel tire and had to call a time-out for a tire change. (At Galletta’s, because we are NOT a pay spectator track and we do NOT have pit crews, we borrow something from other sports – a time-out – and allow drivers to earn them during the regular season and use them get back into the race. Something we have done since day one (they used to be unlimited, but we were forced to revise the rule to prevent everybody from stopping the race every break, we have only 3 per season for drivers who have raced all season, two for drivers who race at least a part of the season, and one for all else. Most drivers carry them over into the Klassic, as did Chris and Matt who used none all season). This breakdown changed the top three a bit and moved impressive first-season driver Justin Galletta into the top three point positions, who was then passed by his brother and equally impressive 1st-season driver Joe Sereno. The breakdown also enabled Chris to something key — conserve his fuel instead of setting a fast, fuel-burning pace trying to stay in the top 3 for the whole race.

Although Matt was setting a fast pace in the lead, close battles for 2nd place developed between Kyle Reuter, Joe Sereno and Justin Galletta. When wheels brushed, the field checked up, and poor Ken Lindsley caught a wheel and got airborne. With his feather-topped helmet, it looked like a rooster flying! As you can see from the sparks, the drive system got bent significantly when the #14 landed, which took Kenny out of the Klassic. He ddi not use a time-out and fixed it during the race, but being many laps down, he kept it parked and helped in the pit garage and flag stand.

Although Matt was setting a fast pace in the lead, close battles for 2nd and 3rd place developed between Kyle Reuter, Joe Sereno and Justin Galletta. When wheels brushed in this 3-way battle for 2nd, the field checked up, and poor Ken Lindsley caught a wheel and got airborne. With his feather-topped helmet, Kenny looked like a rooster flying! As you can see from the sparks, the drive system got bent significantly when the #14 landed, which took Kenny out of the Klassic. He appeared to be okay, albeit temporarily dazed and stunned a bit (possibly concussed), and thus did not use a time-out and fixed it during the race, but being many laps down, he kept it parked and helped in the pit garage and flag stand. [NOTE: Apparently, the accident badly scared the somewhat diminutive Kenny, as he never raced again after the incident, sold his kart at the start of the 2012 season, and was quite direct in his disdain for our resident big track guest star driver.]

Oswego, NY - Kyle Reuter was in the top-3 all day, buyt lost a tire and retired. (Galletta's 16th Annual 200-Lap Klassic)

Kyle Reuter was running in the top three all day long in the Nason Motorsports #35. The kart owner and usual driver AJ Nason has been in Georgia with family for most of the year, but left his kart up at Galletta’s available for renting if someone wanted to give it a shot. Matt had worked out the carb problems and all year it sat waiting to be run until Reuter climbed aboard and showed everyone just how fast it was (the kart and motor had won features with different drivers in the past couple years, but oddly nobody wanted to drive it). That was, it WAS fast until a front wheel fell off and he crashed in turn 2. “I was really upset because I had at least a top 3 out of her,” Kyle said. “It felt great all race and then that happened. It was a hard hit because the kart shot to the left hard after losing the wheel but I’m fine.” Kyle, frustrated with the kart’s breakdown, elected not to use a repair time-out or a backup kart as he had to get up early for work and run testing.

On a restart, we had an incident that almost took Matt out of his dominance of 1st place! His #33's rear bumper became entangled with the front bumper of the #5 driven by Joe Sereno. Locked up the entire back straight, the field was checked up in the back turn.

On a restart, we had an incident that almost took Matt out of his dominance of 1st place! His #33’s rear bumper became entangled with the front bumper of the #5 driven by Joe Sereno. Locked up the entire back straight, the field was checked up in the back turn.

Everyone got through without significant contact except Joe and Kelly Miller, who entangled and Joe's spin brought out the caution. Matt was saved by barely wrenching free, but the benefactor of this was Chris Stevens, who slipped from 6th to 2nd in a half lap in the low groove while everyone was held up high, and very nearly got Matt for 1st too!

Everyone got through without significant contact except Joe and Kelly Miller, who entangled and Joe’s spin brought out the caution. Matt was saved by barely wrenching free, but the benefactor of this was Chris Stevens, who slipped from 6th to 2nd in a half lap in the low groove while everyone was held up high, and very nearly got Matt for 1st too!

OSWEGO KARTS - The undisputed winningest karters in Oswego County battle it out again! (1th Annual Galletta's 200-Lap Klassic).

Now although 2nd place is obviously the 2nd best place to be in any given race, there has been misfortune to everybody who has spent a decent amount of time in it. For the 2nd time in the race, Chris was on Matt’s tail and making him earn those lead lap points, pressuring him lap by lap.

But bad luck stuck Chris again, as he drifted a tad too high in turn 2 and smashed the outside tire wall, spinning him back into the track. Chris, a little shaken up from the wallop and pissed off at the fact that every time he gets in range to win a Klassic, something unfortunate happens. When is the bad luck streak going to end?

But bad luck stuck Chris again, as he drifted a tad too high in turn 2 and smashed the outside tire wall, spinning him back into the track. Chris, a little shaken up from the wallop and pissed off at the fact that every time he gets in range to win a Klassic, something unfortunate happens. When is the bad luck streak going to end?

Melissa Stevens and Tim Galletta wreck, while Chris Stevens and Joe Sereno escape unharmed.

Melissa Stevens had an unfortunate break early on. In the first half of the race, the motor on her Scissors-n-Fur #19 blew, and she was forced to drive her backup, the Scissors-n-Fur #80, seen in the above picture. Unfortunately, here she got tangled into the rear of Randy Platt and got out of shape. Then while correcting, the #80 was hit from behind by Tim Galletta. The wreck took poor Tim out of the Klassic with a seriously bent up front end alignment/broken axle. Tim has been a strong regular season competitor with six feature wins in his first three seasons, but has had nothing but bad luck in the Klassic, unable to finish all 200 laps in one yet. Joe and Chris were able to escape the wreck without incident.

Justin Galletta then had command of 2nd place and started pressuring Matt. But the bad luck of 2nd place continued, as he started to slow badly, likely having feul pickup problems, enabling Randy and Chris to get by him. After slowing to the point of going a lap down, he pulled it into the pits and decided to rest his back.

Justin Galletta then had command of 2nd place and started pressuring Matt. But the bad luck of 2nd place continued, as he started to slow badly, likely having feul pickup problems, enabling Randy and Chris to get by him. After slowing to the point of going a lap down, he pulled it into the pits and decided to rest his back.

Randy Platt was then in 2nd and bad luck was calling for the spot again. Every bit as fast as Matt and pressured by an equally fast Chris, the Great Bobandi slipped a bit too high in turns 3 & 4, ennabling Chris to get under him to get into 2nd place for the 3rd time during the race. Then, a caution brought us to the first yellow flag after 140 lap point. With Chris' gas conservation in the early portion of the race, he had far more than the rest of the field. Joe Sereno, Melissa Stevens, Randy Platt all decided to refuel, setting up the gamble for Matt - stay in the lead with a low tank or feruel and challenge Chris into running dry. He elected to refuel, putting Chris in the lead as the only person on the track who did not refuel.

Randy Platt was then in 2nd and bad luck was calling for the spot again. Every bit as fast as Matt and pressured by an equally fast Chris, the Great Bobandi slipped a bit too high in turns 3 & 4, enabling Chris to get under him to get into 2nd place for the 3rd time during the race. Then, a caution brought us to the first yellow flag after 140 lap point. With Chris’ gas conservation in the early portion of the race, he had far more than the rest of the field. Joe Sereno, Melissa Stevens, Randy Platt all decided to refuel, setting up the gamble for Matt – stay in the lead with a low tank or refuel and challenge Chris into running dry. He elected to refuel, putting Chris in the lead as the only person on the track who did not refuel.

After the #187 and #33 refueled, Matt challenged Chris for the remainder of the way, showing him a few wheels With a new motor block and Chris' experience, he held Matt off and in fact pulled a way from him a couple of times. But some fuel pickup problems eventually did develop, and when Joe Sereno dropped out when he wrecked trying to pick up his cigarettes, it set up one final restart with a handful of laps to go.

After the #187 and #33 refueled, Matt challenged Chris for the remainder of the way, showing him a few wheels With a new motor block and Chris’ experience, he held Matt off and in fact pulled a way from him a couple of times. But some fuel pickup problems eventually did develop, and when Joe Sereno dropped out when he wrecked trying to pick up his cigarettes, it set up one final restart with a handful of laps to go.

But the Galletta's #8 and driver could not be denied, and the dry spell finally ran out for Chris! A decade-long "close but no cigar" bad luck streak: Broken drivewheel axle and ripped pull-cord while leading in 2002, foot slipped off the gas pedal while leading late in 2003, top time-trialer dropped by a faulty valve guide in 2004, caught in an accident and then lost a chain while competing for the win in 2005, sputtering carb while leading in 2006, leaking head gasket up front but unable to challenge for the lead in both 2007 and 2008 (while also getting a flat drivewheel and then being off-balance for most of the show with terrible stagger), losing a clutch bolt while in 2nd to sputtering leader in 2009, and finally being taken out from behind while in 2nd behind a sputtering leader by his own brother in 2010). Chris Stevens held on to win his first Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic since a three win streak from 1999, 2000 and 2001!

But the Galletta’s #8 and driver could not be denied, and the dry spell finally ran out for Chris! A decade-long “close but no cigar” bad luck streak: Broken drive wheel axle and ripped pull-cord while leading in 2002, foot slipped off the gas pedal while leading late in 2003, top time-trialer dropped by a faulty valve guide in 2004, caught in an accident and then lost a chain while competing for the win in2005, sputtering carb while leading in 2006, leaking head gasket up front but unable to challenge for the lead in both 2007 and 2008(while also getting a flat drive wheel and then being off-balance for most of the show with terrible stagger), losing a clutch bolt while in 2nd to sputtering leader in 2009, and finally being taken out from behind while in 2nd behind a sputtering leader by his own brother in 2010). Chris Stevens held on to win his first Galletta’s Greenhouse Karting Klassic since a three win streak from 19992000 and 2001!

16th Annual Galletta’s Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 Final Order of Finish
(212 Laps Under Green + 30 Under Yellow = 242 Total):
Pos. | Driver (Karts driven) |
212 laps

  1. Chris Stevens (Galletta’s Greenhouse #8) | t | t | nr | 46 green laps led | = 675 pts.
  2. Matt Stevens (Galletta’s Greenhouse #33) | r | 166 green laps led = 718 pts.
  3. Randy Platt (Platt-num #187) | t | r = 577.5 pts.211 laps / -1 lap down
  4. Melissa Stevens ([started] Scissors N Fur #19; [finished] #80) | r | kc = 452 pts.207 laps / -5 laps down
  5. Joe Sereno (Galletta’s Greenhouse #5) [DNF-C] {R} | r | t = 508.5 pts.166 laps / -46 laps down
  6. Justin Galletta (Galletta’s Greenhouse #7) [DNF-M/C] {R} = 492 pts.145 laps / -67 laps down
  7. Tim Galletta (Galletta Racing #54) [DNF-M] t = 430 pts.124 laps / -88 laps down
  8. Kelly Miller (Galletta’s Greenhouse #9) [DNF-C] = 414 pts.118 / -94 laps down
  9. Kyle Reuter (Galletta’s/Nason Motorsports #35) [DNF-M/C] = 461 pts.89 laps / -123 laps down
  10. Kenny Lindsley III (Lindsley #14) [DNF-M] = 361 pts.72 laps / -140 laps down
  11. Brian Galletta (Platt-num #287) [DNF-C] | t = 342 pts.0 laps / -212 laps down
  12. Jerry Galletta (Galletta Racing #54) [DNS] {NR} = 320 pts.
  13. RaYzor Castaldo (Galletta’s Greenhouse #6) [DNS] = 300 pts.
    KEY:
    DNF-M = Did Not Finish – Mechanical Problems
    DNF-C = Did Not Finish – Choice; Elected to drop out
    DNS = Qualified but Did Not Start (Elected to not start)
    t = Timeout used (earned during season)
    r = Refueled
    nr = Distance with No Refuel (+20 pts.)
    np = No Pit (+20 pts.)
    kc – Kart Change (-40 points)
    {NR} = 1st Time on track / Newbie; Inexperienced Rookie
    {R} = 1st Season Driver
    Green laps led = +1 pt. bonus each
    Yellow laps led = +0.5 pt. bonus each
    Lap in 2nd or 3rd (green or yellow) = +0.5 bonus pt. each
    Time trial order = Scored as a heat


    BONUS: MAKE-UP RACE POINTS:
    1st. Randy Platt (Platitude #187) Race on 10/30/2011 credited for 8th in both the7/17/2011 Twin-30s
    2nd. Brian Galletta (Plattitude #287) Race on 10/30/2011 credited for 10th in both the7/3/2011 Twin-35s

Chris said, “The #8 was loose in the time trials. The rear kept kicking out from me, and we (Randy Platt and himself) did a tire pressure adjustment seconds before pulling the kart on the track for the start. After that, it was hooked all day and went wherever I wanted it to. It probably hasn’t felt that good since the 2007 Oswego Speedway Dirt Classic when I was absolutely hooked as well – but that setup was even harder because the track is so small and almost no banking, which means you need low-end power and bite more than anything, where here you need more top-end speed to go high, power low if you need to get a pass, and handling. That #8 is a strange kart, where it is real easy to miss the setup, and we got it today. The motor block we just got to replace the other one on it is a beast, now I want to just save that for big shows, haha. And while I wanted to stay up front in the top-three, that flat drive tire saved me a ton of gas when I coasted for a good chunk of the race. That right there was a blessing in disguise and why I was the only one who went the distance without a refill. I’d like to thank Matt for his hard work on all the karts, including mine, and Randy Platt who worked his butt off alongside Matt getting all those karts all ready and all so close in speed. It was not easy moving up and I needed a lot of luck and good choices to get out of wrecks to get up there three times. Of course, as always I thank God for His protection for all of the drivers out there, and speaking of them, I’d like to thank all the guys who came out and raced – this is the premiere dirt karting race in probably the State–as I know of none that run 200 laps, especially not on a track this big–so winning it is an accomplishment that only four people have done in it’s 16 year history, and I love and respect all the people who race it with us. We don’t race for stickers, trophies, or a little spending money, we race for the prestige. It was a great day all around! The #8 was built in 2004 and it finally broke that decade-long curse for me, wahoo!”

Matt was happy with a great show and a good run, but he still wasn’t totally thrilled. “I think I could’ve made it the distance with one tank. I was almost willing to gamble, and although I may have started sputtering I bet that I would’ve been able to make it. But I played it safe. If I ran out with a couple laps to go, I would’ve lost more than one spot. Refueling made it so I only lost one spot.” Matt added that he was, “also thinking of the points for the track title and not just the Klassic win.” And he won it… by TWO POINTS, barely preventing a clean season title sweep by his brother!

GALLETTA’S GREENHOUSE ANNUAL KARTING KLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY:

Year / Laps
Rule Changes

Page

Klassic Winner / Kart / Track Champion

1996:
1st Annual Klassic 70

(Box Stock 5hp motors: 1996-2005)
1996 Season & Klassic!
Winner: Matt Stevens (1st)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (1st)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (1st)
1997:
2nd Annual Klassic 75
Winner: Matt Stevens (2nd)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (2nd)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (2nd)
1998:
3rd Annual Klassic 80
Winner: Matt Stevens (3rd)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (3rd)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (3rd)
1999:
4th Annual Klassic 80
Chris STevens sins his 1st Klassic in 1999 in the Galletta's #2 !
Winner: Chris Stevens (1st)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #2 (1st)
Track Champion: Chris Stevens (1st)
2000:
7th Annual Klassic 80
Winner: Chris Stevens (2nd)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #2 (2nd)
Track Champion: Chris Stevens (2nd)
2001:
6th Annual Klassic 80
Winner: Chris Stevens (3rd)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #5 (1st)

Track Champion: Chris Stevens (3rd)
2002:
7th Annual Klassic 80
Winner: Matt Stevens (4th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (4th)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (4th)
2003:
8th Annual Klassic 100
Winner: Matt Stevens (5th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (5th)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (5th)
2004:
9th Annual Klassic 100
(125 w/cautions)

(5.5hps allowed for heavies; none showed for Klassic)
Winner: Matt Stevens (6th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (6th)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (6th)
2005:
10th Annual Klassic 135

(Shaved Heads instituted, 5.5hps barred before Klassic due to illegally using 6.5hps)
Winner: Matt Stevens (7th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #3 (7th)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (7th)
2006:
11th Annual Klassic 150

Winner: Wesley Stevens (1st)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #4 (1st)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (8th)
2007:
12th Annual Klassic 175
(200 w/cautions; 
Race cams for heavier drivers instituted)

Winner: Matt Stevens (8th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #33 (1st)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (9th)

2008: 

13th Annual Klassic 200
(Race cams for all drivers instituted due to Oswego’s operator forcing us to [then barring us]. Slicks instituted)
Winner: Matt Stevens (9th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #33 (2nd)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (10th)

2009:
14th Annual Klassic 200

(Minimum weight & superior cam gearing for heavies rules instituted)
Winner: Matt Stevens (10th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #33 (3rd)
Track Champion: Chris Stevens (4th)
2010: 
15th Annual Klassic 200

Winner: Kyle Reuter (1st)
Kart(s): Galletta’s #1 [start]/Galletta’s #0 [finish] (1st)
Track Champion: Chris Stevens (5th)
2011:
16th Annual Klassic 200
16th Annual Galletta's Greenhouse Karting Klassic 200 Start
Winner: Chris Stevens (4th)
Kart: Galletta’s Greenhouse #8 (1st)
Track Champion: Matt Stevens (11th)

2011 Point Standings after 10/8/2011’s KLASSIC Event

For the Galletta’s Karting Club’s World Championship of 1WD Gas Flatheads held on Galletta’s Greenhouse Backyard Karting Speedway for the 2011 season to date. Our complete All-Time Points Standings from 2000-to-‘the-last-completed-season’ are found on this webpage, our division’s complete 2006-08 standings on Oswego Speedway’s lil’ Kartway on this page, and our 2000-to-‘the-last-completed-season’ wins are on this page. At season’s end, the current totals will be added into the All-Time points.

Pos.

Name (Go-Karts Piloted)
[Most drivers have clickable Driver Profiles]

Total Points (Place)

Average Points Per Feature

2011
Events

2011
Features

2011
Heat Wins

2011 Feature Wins

Career Feature Wins (2000-up)

Years Pro at GKC

1st

Matt Stevens ProfileMaster Matt Stevens
(Galletta’s #33, 3, 80)

2011 Track Champion

2,963.0

141.10

16

21

1

6

104

16th

2nd

Chris StevensChris “Chrusher” Stevens
(Galletta’s #4, 8)

2011 Klassic Champion

2,961.0

141.00

16

21

0

4*

58

16th

3rd

Timmy Galletta (in Galletta's #9)Tim Galletta
(Galletta #54, Galletta’s #6, 9)

2,644.5

125.93

16

21

1

3

6

3rd

4th

Melissa Gabel Stevens profileMelissa Stevens
(Scissors ‘n Fur #19, 80, Galletta’s #7)

2,576.5

122.69

16

21

0

2

6

5th

5th

Justin Galletta in the Galletta's Greenhouse #7 (2011)Justin Galletta
(Galletta’s #7, 6, 9)
@@@

2,574.0

122.57

13

21

0

1

1

1st

6th

Joe Sereno in the Galletta's #5 (2011)Joe Sereno
(Galletta’s #5, 1, 2, 9)

2,569.5

122.36

16

21

2

1

1

1st

7th

Randy "Bobandi" Platt in Platt-num #28 (2011)Randy “Bobandi” Platt
(Platt-num #187, 28, Galletta’s #2, 0) @@@@

1,851.5

132.25

8

14

4

2

5

3rd

8th

Brian Galletta - one of the original GKC members!Brian Galletta
(Platt-num 28, 187, Galletta’s #1, 7, 9)
@@@@@@

1,294.5

99.58

7

13

1

0

2

5th

9th

Jeff Tetro (Galletta's #9 - 7/2010 Pic)Jeff Tetro
(Galletta’s #9, 0) @@@@

941.5

94.15

4

10

2

2

3

3rd

10th

Ken Lindsley III in Galletta's #0 on 8 29 2011Kenny Lindsley III
(Lindsley #14,
Galletta’s #0, 2)
@@@
752.0
78.20
2
5
0
0
0
3rd

11th

Kyle Reuter driver bioKyle Reuter
(Nason #35,
Galletta’s #1, 0)
@

602.0

200.67

2

3

0

0

4

4th

12th

Kelly Miller in Galletta's #9 (2011 Klassic)Kelly Miller
(Galletta’s #9, 1)

414.0

414.00

1

1

0

0

0

4th

13th

Jason Platt in the Galletta's #2 (2011)Jason Platt
(Galletta’s #2)
@

367.5

91.88

3

4

2

0

0

(R)

14th

Chris Doviak - Galletta's #1 (7/3/2011)Chris Doviak
(Galletta’s #1, 9) @@

328.0

65.60

1

3

0

0

0

(R)

15th

Gerald Galletta in Galletta's #54 (Klassic 2011)Jerry Galletta
(Galletta #54)

320.0

320.00

1

1

0

0

0

(R)

16th

Mr. RaYzor (Last Name Witheld via request) with Galletta's #2RaYzor Castaldo
(Galletta’s #6, 1)

300.0

300.00

1

1

0

0

0

2nd

17th

AJ Nason in Racin' Nason #35 (2011)Arnold “AJ” Nason
(Nason #35, Galletta’s #1)

283.0

94.33

2

3

1

0

1

2nd

18th

Chase Sereno in Galletta's #6Chase Sereno
(Galletta’s #6, 9)
@
283.0
94.33
2
3
0
0
0
(R)

19th

Michael A. Howell (AKA MC) in Galletta's #0 KartMike “mc” Howell
(Galletta’s #6)
@
199.5
99.75
1
2
1
0
0
2nd

20th

Rob Clarke in Galletta's #2Rob Clarke
(Galletta’s #2)
@
194.0
97.00
1
2
0
0
0
2nd

21st

Hal Borland in Galletta's Greenhouse #6 (8/22/2011)Harold “Hal” Borland
(Galletta’s #6) @

177.0

59.00

1

3

0

0

0

(R)

22nd

Ken Lindsley Jr. in Galletta's #1 on 8 29 2011Ken Lindsley Jr.
(Galletta’s #1)
@@
143.0
71.50
1
2
0
0
0
3rd

23rd

Nicholas Kazmierski in the Galletta's Greenhouse #2 (9/11/2011)Nicholas Kazmierski
(Galletta’s #2) @

125.0

62.50

1

2

0

0

0

(R)

24th

Josh Hartley in the Galletta's Greenhouse #9 kart (9/11/2011)Josh Hartley
(Galletta’s #9) @

120.0

60.00

1

2

0

0

0

(R)

25th

Andrew Pullen in Galletta's #1 (7/5/2011)Andrew Pullen
(Galletta’s #1) @

80.0

80.00

1

1

0

0

0

(R)

Key:
@ = Used Make-Up Retcon Races (Heat race scored as if raced in the back of a previously missed feature)
T = Used Time-Outs (3 per driver per season; 5-10 minute break blocks)
L = Raced Light in handicap kart; Point penalty & warning only, no harsh DQs.
(R) = Rookie (Inexperienced beginner with less than 1 full season at Galletta’s)
 
* = Includes 2011 Klassic Victory

Notes:
Scoring: Point scoring scale is found on our scoring page in addition to our rules page, heats are bonus points, and more bonus points are awarded for each lap run in 1st place (1 point per lap) and 2nd & 3rd place (0.5 points per lap) for regular-season feature races and Klassic 200 (not for heats and Fall Bonus Races).
Starts: Regular season race starts are handicapped via inverting (a) feature wins and (b) points-per-race. 2nd of a Twin-30 start is inverted from the 1st finish, minus winners are still inverted . Klassic is started via time-trials.

VISIT THE 2000-2010 GALLETTA’S WINS & POINTS STANDINGS, TALLIED AFTER EACH COMPLETED SEASON

<- Last Race
A F**-Up 45 (I saw Brian go FLYING!)
9/17/2011
F***ed-Up 45

Next Race->
To Be Announced:

Either Fall Bonus Point Challenge Races (check back)
or
2012 Season Opener – 1st Sunday in June 2012

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