Racing For Rotary expands at new location
The Rotary Club of Newton Conover has partnered with Little Mountain Kart Club and the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds to expand Racing For Rotary, familyoriented kart races.
Friends, Jonathan Setzer, operator of Little Mountain Kart Club and Rotarian, Scott Gilleland, owner of The Untouchables, made a proposal to the Rotary Club of Newton Conover in November to consider moving the races to the Hickory American Legion Fairground location. The kart races, previously held in Maiden, are the largest events held by the Rotary Club of Newton Conover.
“The news came this week that everything is set and ready to go by all parties involved,” shared Corky Upchurch, Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Newton Conover. “Thanks to Jonathan Setzer and JLS Machine, Inc., a new kart track will be built at the fairground location and ready for operation this spring. Our plan is to hold four kart events in 2024. Tentative dates are March 30, May 25, July 20, and October 12.“
“We are grateful to these Rotary supporters and those involved with the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds for being open and excited about this partnership. We believe this will be a great offering for Catawba County and surrounding areas,” shared Siobhan Loendorf, President of the Rotary Club of Newton Conover. “This new location will allow the Club to expand services such as food and parking and accommodate more kart entries and spectators.”
Racing For Rotary is a familyfriendly event that offers kart races for all series of drivers while raising money for local non-profits in Catawba County. Jonathan and Marie Setzer, operators of Little Mountain Kart Club, are passionate about backyard kart racing and about giving back to the community; they approached the Rotary Club of Newton Conover in 2021 about the program. Marie Setzer
is a member of the Rotary Club of Newton Conover. Racing for Rotary has invested more than $25,500 back into the community over the past three years. Some of the organizations supported are: Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center, Eastern Catawba County Cooperative Christian Ministry, Fostering Hope, Women’s Resource Center, Carolina Caring, The Corner Table, The Salvation Army, etc.
Previous races included all classes open tire, Predator, Briggs LO 206, Stock Appearing, Clone, Champ, Box Stock, and Kids Class. Plans are being secured for the offerings of the four races in 2024. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Information will be updated on the Rotary website (https:// www.newtonconoverrotary. org) and Facebook page as it occurs.
The Rotary Club of Newton Conover was chartered in 1949 and is celebrating 75 years of service in 2024. The club’s mission is “Be recognized as a Vibrant Club Working Together to Make a Lasting Impact on the Lives of Others.” Currently, the Rotary Club of Newton Conover has approximately 40 active members. For additional information, contact Joy Cline, jcline@bolickfoundation.org.