Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) District Two, Northeast Florida, teamed with Sweet Motorsports and the Florida Dirt Championship Series for Kart Racing in Jasper, Fla., on September 19.
Approximately 400 karts were registered for the day and night racing event. FDOT co-sponsored the event to promote traffic, bike and pedestrian safety. Additional photos are on Facebook.
Laura Lineweaver, director of the Florida Dirt Championship Series, commented about the significance of Florida Department of Transportation partnering with the Florida Dirt Championship Series, saying “To have the state of Florida behind us is incredible.”
Ron Tittle, FDOT District Two public information officer, provided comments to the racers during their drivers meeting, highlighting the Alert Today Alive Tomorrow display and campaign as well as providing key motorist, bike and pedestrian safety messages.
“This is our first time I think trying to partner with the kart racing community,” adds Tittle. “We were able to interact with racers, family members, race officials and the general public. It was encouraging to see young people take an interest to help provide informational materials and promote FDOT safety.”
Scott Sweet with Sweet Motorsports, was instrumental in partnering with FDOT District Two public information office to co-sponsor the race as an effort to promote safety on the roadways.
”Sweet Motorsports is excited about the opportunity to partner with FDOT,” explains Sweet. “I see this as a perfect fit to engage the racing community with FDOT’s message of motorist, bike and pedestrian safety.”
Tittle relates the focus of racers in their skills and driving awareness to the same requirements of safe driving on the roadways: winners focus and follow rules, whether on the track or on the open road.
Throughout the day informational materials were provided to the racing community attending the event, including announcements of FDOT’s involvement with the race event. Additionally, Florida’s 511 traveler information was highlighted.
FDOT continues to promote its Alert Today Florida ongoing campaign along with law enforcement such as Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol to help reduce traffic crashes, whether by motorists, cyclists or pedestrians.
“Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident” is a reminder for all roadway users to pay attention and follow the rules of the road.
The Florida Dirt Championship Series is a state level karting series in the State of Florida and has six races per year followed with an awards banquet. Ages for the karting series range from children to adult. The kart series participants expressed appreciation for FDOT’s involvement.
Information about the series is located at http://www.fldirtchampionshipseries.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/FL-Dirt-Championship-Series-1410406665845924/timeline/.
FDOT Northeast 