J3 answers questions on one of the hottest topics in the paddock — COMPKART

You most likely recognize the name J3 Competition from their presence in national level kart racing in North America, or from their customer support on products like OTK, Unipro, MIR, SKF, and many others. J3 formed in late 2004 under the leadership of Jim Giacomelli, John Giacomelli, and Justin Stefani. All three were accomplished drivers in the 90’s and early 2000’s and part of their own successful businesses prior to forming the J3 brand. The 2005 season was their first as a new company, competing in the highly competitive Stars of Karting series — so jumping into the deep end isn’t new to them.

Flash forward 10 years of success both on and off the track and J3 will embark on a new endeavor, in the deepest water yet. It was announced three weeks ago that the former OTK brand ambassador had brought to market their own proprietary chassis line, COMPKART.

COMPKART is the “ultimate vision” for J3, an idea that started many years ago and has been strategically developed over those years to where they are excited to finally bring it to market. We sat down with J3 in Las Vegas, where they debuted the new frame and branding at the SuperNationals, to discuss what it has taken to develop their own homologated chassis.

Kart360: We discussed about 3 years ago the interest of having a proprietary chassis line. What made J3 finally pull the trigger?

Well, we’ve spent about two-three years developing and sampling many of our proprietary items, for instance; axles, hubs, stub axles, wheels, etc. As we have stated we didn’t wake up three months ago with an exciting idea and look around and say “Let’s DO IT!”

Planning and developing a foundation first has always been a key component in how we operate our business. So, a chassis line and a project of this magnitude takes time and it’s not something where you select which color you want out of a catalogue, for some people maybe that is there business model? For us, it’s complex and the vision and plan is much more far reaching than colors and stickers. The timing with several internal factors coupled with 2015 being a homologation year, made the decision for launch date fairly straightforward.

Kart360: How would J3 Competition sum up the development of the COMPKART?

Well, it was definitely a long process for the entire company, but a very thorough one, that’s for certain. We utilized our driver Alessandro Bressan to carry out the on track testing and of course we utilized a multitude of data points and preset processes to achieve the COMPKART. Having utilized multiple track conditions along with several tire compounds, we are very satisfied with the product we created with COMPKART.

Kart360: You’ve created a business relationship with BirelART and Ronni Sala to manufacture the COMPKART chassis line. What made the decision to choose BirelART to manufacture the chassis over others like CRG, Parolin, and Emme?
We have definitely created a business relationship with BIRELART; they are the manufacturer of our proprietary chassis line as we will still continue with many of our existing components and products. The decision for the manufacturer of our chassis line, COMPKART involved many deciding factors. Their production capabilities coupled with the latest machining and techniques were critical factors in us being able to achieve the performance and consistency within many areas of our products. They also do not produce a plethora of chassis brands, which gives us the ability to really create and design the chassis we want now and in the future while mitigating conflicts of interest.

Also, the general working relationship required for business to be successful comes heavily from a personal interaction side as well. Our chosen manufacturer and their staff have created a very positive environment, so this too must be underscored. In the end, these maybe only a few of the factors, but they simply fit the outline best for our company to carry out the objectives we aim to achieve.

Kart360: Development wise, who is in control? Are you able to make as many changes to the chassis design as possible or does the COMPKART brand have a tight development window controlled by the manufacturer?

It must be understood that J3 Competition Inc. is the parent company controlling the brand COMPKART, which it owns solely along with the homologation rights. Therefore, working with our valued manufacturer we are in control of everything, of course through the homologation we have to keep the chassis dimensions and tubing diameter size within the tolerance, but in terms of changing components, tubing, yes this is all up to COMPKART.

For instance, the COMPKART is equipped with many unique items to itself and these are noticed from the very first days of availability in December. So, it’s safe to say that we have already produced the product at a starting point from a performance, branding, and control standpoint that is 100% COMPKART.

Kart360: Will J3 continue to carry OTK products or is J3 going to become completely COMPKART?

We have spent the last 10 years being the OTK leader in North America; of course this will now change. After successfully distributing and reselling the brand we will indeed no longer carry the product, however, we will work to service our clientele the best possible way(s) during this transition, however, many clients chose the mark for their spare parts already.

Our Race Department and the competition side of our business will also be 100% COMPKART focused moving forward starting in Las Vegas there will be no mistaking – COMPKART, period.

Kart360: You debuted the kart in Las Vegas at SuperNationals XVIII with drivers Alessandro Bressan in KZ2, Leonardo Nienkotter in TaG Masters, and Braden Eves in TaG Junior. Was it the plan to (A) debut the kart in Las Vegas, and (B) have a small but potent group of drivers? Also, will the team see an expanded schedule in 2015?
It made sense for us to focus on the branding and PR side of the COMPKART launch in Las Vegas and initially we did plan to have a small lineup, but we were not sure with the Homologation if this would be possible from a timing standpoint. Once we knew it was possible around the beginning of November, then we pushed forward with the correct mix of drivers who could showcase the COMPKART properly.

2015 season will provide a wide range of events across several tire/engine platforms, so this will be a busy season for our us. We will have some new drivers and an exciting line up in the coming month for the new season as well.

Kart360: Why did you choose the homologation process being the only chassis in the USA with that distinction?

The homologation process and the decision to move in this direction were simple for us. First, if you want to compete in any internationally sanctioned event (i.e. Florida Winter Tour) your chassis must be homologated. Some businesses have a chassis produced by an existing manufacturer and have the color painted to their liking, but in the end this is kind of the short way around the situation. To be officially compliant international events, a chassis’s homologation number must also match the ‘brands’ name, so that is one side.

Secondly, when the commitment to homologate is made, it is immediately shown to the industry as well as existing and future clients that the seriousness in which we are working. Again homologation allows us to develop our product further, control our interests along with our client base and not be impeded upon in due time. Therefore, we can now seamlessly work on our objectives with refined control, in the end this is the right direction for our company.

Kart360: The move to homologate makes complete sense for your goals for this kart. We applaud you guys for taking that step. Everything we’ve heard so far from our viewership about this new endeavor has been positive and certainly you’ve heard the same. That leads us to the next and final question: if our viewers are curious, how should potential customers communicate with J3 to inquire further or make that order? We understand you have a new website in the works as well…

Indeed we have a new website, so please give us until early-middle of January for our first phase on this launch.. Once we have this launched all our viewers and customers will enjoy the ease of technical, educational, and product information, readily at their fingertips. A little later in the summer of 2015 our complete B2B and B2C online store will be available as well, which is something that will be very exciting for everyone.

Until all of this releases, our viewers, onlookers, and clients can continue knowing that when they contact J3 Competition they will receive the utmost professional and knowledgeable staff working tirelessly to service their requests. Please continue to reach us via phone or email five days a week at the following contacts:

Phone – 814-864-1846

Sales – Sales@J3COmpetition.com : John@J3Competiiton.com

Technical & Production – Technical@J3Competition.com

Race Team – Technical@J3Competition.com

Credit – Kart360 & Shoefner Films