Trackmagic Racing Karts

THE STORY

Trackmagic was founded in 1991 by Fausto Vitello. The early Trackmagic chassis were designed and manufactured at Fausto’s San Francisco shop and initially used weldments purchased from G.W. Nelson Manufacturing (Invader) until they designed their own. Because of this, the very early Trackmagic chassis’s can be mis-identified as Invader karts, but closer inspection reveals a completely different chassis design. From 1997 to 2006 the American made Trackmagic went on to win many championships, including the 1999 SKUSA Supernationals and was a major force in shifter kart racing, beating the top European chassis and teams who had decades of experience. Unfortunately, on April 22, 2006, Fausto Vitello passed away and Trackmagic began a slow decline. 

 In 2008 Trackmagic was purchased by Andrew Alfonso and the new flagship chassis, the Hornet, was outsourced to and built by Intrepid of Italy. The primary reason for outsourcing was due to the liquidation sale of all Trackmagic tooling and fabrication equipment after Vitello’s death and the high cost of replacement tooling and personnel to run it.  

 As with any company, profitability must be priority one to survive. It has been questioned by many if Trackmagic was ever a profitable company, since Fausto had made millions from his highly profitable skateboard truck company and Thrasher magazine, he had plenty of money to pour into Trackmagic without having to worry about losses. Trackmagic became not only a fantastic kart chassis but with the hiring of the best drivers and using marketing skills gained from years of promoting his products to the skateboarding subculture, Vitello was able to create and promote an image and a highly recognized brand for his company, (the skull & tophat) which had a strong appeal to the karting culture of the time.  I believe that no matter what, Trackmagic would have survived and continued to be a major force in karting with Fausto at the helm. 

 In 2009 Trackmagic was sold yet again,  Mike Pickman took the helm and plans were made to have karts (the CR-1) manufactured by Wild kart of Italy. Unfortunately, after a lot of fluff and puff, PR, and marketing announcements, Trackmagic faded off into the dustbin of karting history.