Erie, PA (May 5, 2025) – Following the successful launch of the EXGEL Driver Exchange Program in 2024, which created once-in-a-lifetime racing opportunities for top US and Japanese karting talents at iconic circuits like Suzuka and New Castle, EXGEL Motorsports has announced Cooper O’Clair (Senior MAX) as the recipient for the 2025 return of the program. O’Clair's remarkable Sunday performance at the recent Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) USA West event, organized by Race Rotax, in Glendale, Arizona, earned him this career-propelling invitation to compete in Round 5 of the EXGEL MAX CHAMP series at the world-class Suzuka Circuit South Course in July. O’Clair’s consistent and determined performance impressed the EXGEL Driver Exchange scout, Alessandro Bressan of 1AIM, and the EXGEL team is looking forward to welcoming O’Clair to their program which is sure to be an unforgettable opportunity to compete in the EXGEL MAX CHAMP Round 5 on July 12 - 13, 2025.This experience promises invaluable exposure to a new racing environment and further development on an international stage. O’Clair’s karting journey began in 2018 at the age of 10, and his dedication and skill over the course of his karting career has secured him several podiums, including four tickets to compete at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals. With his recent performance at the recent RMC USA West event, O’Clair will make his fifth trip to the Rotax Grand Finals as he looks to gain a result in the prestigious final event that will be indicative of his hard work and talent.
J3 Competition Inc. (J3C), an American karting leader in the distribution of products and event promotion, most notably with the distribution of the BRP-Rotax portfolio including Rotax Engines, MOJO, and XPS, and Rotax MAX Challenge USA events , alongside its proprietary chassis brand COMPKART , will look to the future after twenty years of success with a new and exciting vision. Set for a new stage of growth, J3 Competition will now be named KSG (Karting Solutions Group). A renewed organizational chart will increase the company’s resources to further improve the North American karting market under the new banner. Karting Solutions Group will build upon the established success of J3C and its existing product lines while exploring new, innovative product offerings. With the rebrand, KSG will now provide elite industry business consulting to competitors, businesses, and track owners. Its main business operations will continue from its existing location in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA. With this renewed forward momentum, KSG will maintain the current leadership structure. John Giacomelli will continue overseeing the management of the BRP-Rotax business vertical, while Jim Giacomelli will continue managing the COMPKART chassis line. The business’s strong commitment to its vendors and clients will remain unchanged, with no disruption to general day-to-day operations. The successful global results and activities of the J3C Race Department will continue under the name COMPKART Race Team, as previously announced in the 2024 press release. With an elevated continuation of day-to-day business functions, Justin Stefani will transition to a technical consultant role within the organization, supporting continued growth and maintaining the efficient and streamlined development of the business. Since its inception, the company has experienced growth in several exciting sectors and achieved remarkable successes both on and off the racetrack, which the team will continue to build upon in its new, elevated state. With planned infrastructure improvements and enhanced customer service platforms, coupled with increased distribution and product availability, the future looks brighter than ever.
