History

Claudio Valiante purchased his first kart for son, Michael Valiante, 30 years ago, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The two raced at their local track, Westwood, where their weekend hobby quickly developed into a lifelong passion.

Claudio began importing karts, engines and spare parts from his home country Italy. Claudio and wife Beverley owned an European car repair shop that eventually transformed into a full service kart shop. By Michael's teen years, his older sister Claudia started karting and the entire family would be seen travelling across United States competing at all levels of karting. Michael's amazing raw talent was showcased as he took home prestigious titles. Throughout the years, Claudio's dream of building his own kart track grew stronger. The kart shop was now considered one of the largest in North America and it only made sense to make its flagshop location trackside. In 2009 he came across a pristine piece of land just south of the Sumas Abbotsford Border. It didn’t take long for Claudio to make his dream into reality.

Today Sumas International Motorsport Academy is one of the finest karting facilities in North America. Although the track is a labor of love, Claudio is full of pride from what he and his family have accomplished. The Valiantes hope to share their love of karting with both the Whatcom County community and their native Canadian friends.