October 17 - 19, 2003 Las Vegas,NV

This year, the IGPA went all out to make the 2003 World Finals the best-ever entertainment-packed weekend for the Go-Ped racing community.

The 3-day event started off with the Racer Appreciation Party on Friday night hosted by the IGPA, Get-a-Ped, and Beam Bouncers. Jim of Get-a-Ped put on a beautiful laser light show with custom laser designs bouncing around the theater, while Tim Patmont "put the needle to the record" producing the musical accompaniment, all while the new video "American Pedding" looped on big screens. Thank you Jim and Tim for this excellent kick-off party!

During 2003, the IGPA expanded sanctioned racing across the country. Winners from the National (Western states), Rocky Mountains and Virginia Beach series automatically qualified to compete against each other for World Titles. It was great to meet Rusty Latimer from Colorado and Bob Barbato from Virginia Beach who have courageously taken on the hard work of running the Go-Ped races in their regions. We were thrilled to see racers from 23 States and foreign countries such as England and South Africa competing at the Worlds this year.

This year, the World Finals was a stand-alone event producing World Champions notwithstanding series point totals. The incomparable Kevin Kiraly is the 2003 1st Place Overall Pro World Champion. 2nd Place goes to Brandon Currie, 3rd to Brian Combee, Jason Silveira took 4th and Willie "Hollywood" Handy is 5th Place Overall World Champion.

A new record in Pro Freestyle was set at this event, Chris Call pulled off the most amazing 55-foot BACKFLIP over the Robo Ramp!!

One race that can't go unmentioned was the impromptu "Celebrity Race" - all the oldies but goodies including all the IGPA Board of Directors, Steve Patmont, Ray Kite, Larry Iseli, Trevor Simpson, Dave Wasson, Troy Givens, Dennis Corbett, Larry Holtmeir, and Don Burrow. Larry Iseli got the hole shot, but these guys cheated so bad and racked up so many errors that officiators Tim Patmont and Blaze Smith, had to flash all the flags at once! But, for those who didn't mind the blatant track-cutting and intentional bumping, there was elation!

Special thanks to PMW Customer Service Rep Ashley Jones, and new Minden HR Rep, Crystal Hardcastle for running the Go-Booth! If you didn't get a chance to buy a World Finals Event Program or Event T-shirt, they'll soon be available on www.igpa.net.

Also, many thanks to PMW Shipper, Brian Todd, for his hard work manning the IROCs. PMW's Database Administrator, Dave Adragna, "The Tick", is always a blast on the mic.

The World Finals was summed up on Sunday night with a dazzling Awards Ceremony in the Theater room at Sunset Station. Thanks to IGPA's webmaster, Seth Gartin, we were treated to an inspiring musical slide show of the season's racing photos.

In addition to the $10,000 in trophies that were awarded to racers, some very deserving individuals were also recognized. The Gorringe Family was inducted into the Go-Ped® Hall of Fame for their outstanding commitment and contributions to Go-Ped® racing. Engine Trix mechanic, Kelly Loud, was awarded the Dan Stapely Award for his excellent sportsmanship. Sam Townsend won the IGPA Lifetime member award for his contributions to the sport of Go-Ped® racing.
The loudest ovation of the evening, however, was for Ray Kite, IGPA's Tech inspector, when Director Ron Fortenbury attested to Ray's undeniable integrity and value to the IGPA. Go-Ped® racing wouldn't be what it is today without these incredible people.

As always, many great memories were created at this year's World Finals. We at PMW and IGPA wish to thank each and every one of you for the memories, the passion, friendship, commitment and contribution to Go-Ped® racing.

And for the memories that can't be mentioned, just remember, "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!" No worries. Till next year, everyone!

Please check out all the World Finals photos at www.igpa.net

Related Link(s): IGPA goped.com

Related Link(s): PMW Products Page: GoShop

19th Annual Governor's Industry Appreciation Award

What a warm prestigous welcome to the Silver State by our new Governor Kenny Guinn. Patmont Motor Werks was reconized for our recent move to the State at the 19th Annual Governor's Industry Appreciation Award held 9th October 2003 at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks,NV.

One of Nevada's top missions is to strengthen the economic base by attracting new industry and helping existing businesses grow. This year we were recognzied as a primary company that has fueled the continued overall economic growth. Other companies also recognized include: Cellular Warehouse, Cisco Systems, Harley-Davidson Financial, Intuit, Starbucks Manufacturing corp. to name a few all recognized for placing faith in Nevada as the right location for conducting business.

A quote from Steve Patmont 2003 "God bless America...but Thank God for Nevada"

Related Link(s): goped.com, Northern Nevada Development Authority - NNDA,

Paris, France

Jet Fun Production, Distributor of the Go-Ped® scooters in France, with PMW and Go-Ped® Europa's support, represented the California Go-Ped® brand for the second time at the World renown "Mondial Du Deux Roues" (World of Two-Wheels) Trade Show in Paris.

This year, the trade show welcomed 415,000 visitors and 2200 journalists over an 11 day period, from September 25 to October 5, 2003. Over 1000 brands, coming from 33 countries were exhibited, which confirmed the importance of the World of Two Wheels Trade Show as an essential market place and international showroom for Motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle manufacturers.

Once again, California Go-Ped® received great feedback from French and European consumers, all amazed at the diversification of the line since the last appearance at the show in 2001 and the launch of the Go-Bike, which promises to be a high seller for commuters in Europe.

Marc Sanson, Jet Fun's Director, explains: "This show was another great success. It enabled California Go-Ped® to further strengthen its position on the growing scooter market in France and showcase the variety of its product line from scooters, to parts, accessories and other brand extensions, which other companies do not offer. Also, we were able to successfully stand out with the very modern and well designed booth, consistent with the appeal of the Go-Ped® brand."

Jet Fun Production is already finalizing the details of their next Trade Show, during which they will represent the California Go-Ped® brand:The 43rd Paris Boat and Watersport Show on December 6-15, 2003.
Naturally, we are looking forward to going back to the next World of Two Wheels Show in September 2005.

Related Link(s): goped.com