I really enjoy watching these “Tomversations” as some people call them.

In a sport that has so many rote, stale Press Releases that come off fake, if they reveal anything at all. It’s refreshing seeing them speak their mind and not hold back, even if you don’t agree with everything they say.

But damn, this one was even more intriguing than usual. Especially starting at the 8th minute when they dive into the deal with Stock Honda, and how their numbers aren’t what they normally are. (Pretty obvious to see.) Best thing about that part was admitting that the concept of Stock Honda has strayed far off from what was originally intended. It’s resembling the old Built Moto days with competitors constantly stretching their motors for more HP, and breaking them.

Then they hint at the possibility at a new shifter engine package: KZ? But they kind of criticized that package in the interview, when everyone was running the class years ago, and engine builders were commanding top $$ for highly worked on motors (which ironically, heralded in Stock Moto into karting).

Vortex Rok? Would SKUSA introduce a competing brand to their series, when they’re an IAME importer? So IAME then?

If they moved away from Hondas one day, I’d prefer to see them go back to a KZ format, rather another Spec engine for shifters. But he also mentioned that the engine, whatever is picked, has to be “perfect”, and “it has to be the right motor”. Sounds more like it would be one motor package…if they ever do change.

Near the end of the video, and Mike above alluded to. Tom stating that “…Things are going to change.”, “we’re in an expansion mode”, and “we’re going to hire some key people”. This wouldn’t seem like such a big deal if the USPKS didn’t post an ominous tweet yesterday and tagged “SKUSA” on it, same day the interview was released. They both run IAME…

And Ortenberger teased about the possibility of expanding, and new regional series… tied to the above?

Then there were all the great bits throughout the video with them being frank and honest about certain things in karting right now:

-On how it’s gotten so expensive and Kutscher admitting he’d probably buy a boat before buying a kart right now, because he can “…see all the stuff going on” .

-That the growth of the sport would come with growing the club level. (Which is true)

-How we, “…are worse than a bunch of old ladies at a knitting session, yapping about who did who…” (very true).

-Best line might have been the part where he admitted that “…the American racing scene is pretty weak” right now (very, VERY, true). In a sport full of slick-talking salesmen talking about how rosy everything is and “future stars of motorsport”, this is exactly what I’m referring to when I say the video is a refreshing watch among the sea of PR blurbs.