DOUG STOKES INDUCTED INTO THE GO KART HALL OF FAME

A long-time member of the LA Car editorial staff, Doug Stokes is recognized for his years as the Executive Director of the International Kart Federation at the 2025 Go Kart Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Rancho Cordova, CA.

“Doug’s contribution to Karting during his five years (1979-84) as the executive director of the International Kart Federation was a strong one.” said Hall of Fame founder Tim Meyer. “During that time Stokes also functioned as the editor and correspondent for the organization’s monthly membership publication Karter News.” Meyer added.

By Guest Author: Rhonda Mims-Brown

Tue, May 20, 2025 01:00 AM PST

Featured Image: LA Car's Doug Stokes is inducted into the Go Kart Hall of Fame for his years as the Executive Director of the International Kart Federation (Stokes/LA Car).

Stokes was already becoming somewhat well-known in the racing world when he took the job with IKF and was instrumental in expanding the general public’s knowledge, understanding, and interest in Karting.

Karting back in the day — *Above: Karting during the days when Doug Stokes was the Executive Director of the International Kart Foundation (Stokes photograph).*

In accepting the award, Doug said: “We made some good connections, for example. A partnership with Bridgestone Kart Tires running invitational IKF/WKA events as part of the Formula One races at the Long Beach Grand Prix and Watkins Glen in upstate New York” (With a very young Michael Andretti competing in the race through some of Stokes’ behind the scene efforts). “The recognition for Karting was strong, we came of age.” he remembered.

“We really made a lot of new friends for the sport during those years,” said Stokes. “I really need to thank all of our great friends across the country who showed the world that Karting was every bit as serious a training ground for future champions as it was a fun thing to do.

Lastly, really want to acknowledge this honor and share it with all the dedicated people who served as IKF Board members along with the (small-but-mighty) office staff while I worked there. Thank you all for your confidence and wisdom, this award is for all of us and for Karting.”

Doug Stokes back in the karting days — Above: Can you find Doug Stokes in the picture? The other gentleman is Lake Chambers Speed, a world kart champion (France 1978) and co-inductee to the 2025 Kart Hall of Fame. Circa: Back when Doug was running the International Kart Federation (Stokes photograph).

Stokes joins former Kart racer/professional drivers Lake Speed, Mickey Rupp, and Scott Pruett (class of 2024) in the Hall, along with the “fathers of Karting” Duffy Livingstone, Art Ingels, and Lou Borelli.

To see the complete list of inductees for 2025, go to gokarthalloffame.com.