Welcome to the new website for the Pacific Karting Club

 In November of 1959 the Hawaii chapter of the Go-Kart Club of America was formed. Later that month the first Go-Kart race was held when 7 drivers raced on a temporary quarter-mile road course, set up in the parking lot of the Waikiki Shell. That same year Art Schaller, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant formed the Pacific Karting Club, one of the oldest racing organizations in the state and served as club President for 20 years. After passing on the Presidency to other members, Schaller still played an important part in promoting karting for another 13 years. During the early 60’s there were as many as 10 karting clubs and a hundred fifty drivers throughout Hawaii. Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the nation, jumped on kartings popularity by having a Fun-kart track on the Diamond Head side of the mall where drivers paid by the lap. The Pacific Karting Club has raced at many different locations since its birth like the old track at Barbers Point, Gibson’s Department store parking lot and Wheeler Air Field. There was also a 4-mile track on Fort Kamehameha between the Airport and Hickam Air Force Base. Races were held on Hickam Air Force Base from 1968 to 1971 and then moved to the new track at Barbers Point until 1999. In the mid 70’s club members would fly to Maui and race at the Kahului Shopping Center and the Maui Mall parking lot. In 2000 the Pacific Karting Club began racing on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor Naval base. During this season the Club had full day practice sessions and all day racing events once a month for 11 months, which included the Aloha State Games and the Annual Memo Gidley Karting Clinic, the Clubs signature event.  The racetrack itself had multi-configurations and Champ Car Super Star; Memo Gidley complimented the immense amount of grip. Due to development on Ford Island the Pacific Karting Club has had to look else where for a place to hold club events. The club has not found a place to call home yet, but is racing at HRP’s 0.75 road course.

Mission Statement:

The Pacific Karting Club’s mission is to encourage the interest, ownership and safe operation of “Go-karts.” To provide members an opportunity to engage in karting as a recreational activity; to provide for an organized body to supervise and monitor karting activities; to develop sportsmanship, skill and safe driving habits; and to encourage and develop mechanical understanding along with skills. (Article II)