The History of Italian Motors USA



Italian Motors was founded in May of 1976, when Claudio and Beverley decided to open their own European auto repair service. Italian Motors was thought to be a fitting name given Claudio’s Italian heritage, and the business was formed with three employees: Claudio, Bev, and Milani. 

What began as a service shop soon grew into a large parts supplier, then into a car importership featuring such brands as Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Innocenti, Lada and Yugo. With the continual expansion of the business, Italian Motors quickly outgrew its original shop. The solution was to build a new facility and to transform the old one into an office and showroom. 


Claudio had long possessed a passion for racing, and competed regularly at Westwood in vintage car events. Italian Motors entered the karting fray and became the North American importer for the Tibi Kart in 1993. Two years later, IM decided to import the Italkart brand. Since then, the Italkart has enjoyed continued development with the IM team earning numerous titles in North American karting.

 

Claudio’s son, Michael, took an interest in racing at an early age and began his career in 1986 at the age of seven. Michael was not alone in his karting pursuits. His sister, Claudia, started racing at age 13 after a leg injury ended her dreams of becoming a ballerina. 

 

The growth of the IM business continues unabated. In the year 2000, an expansion to a second Italian Motors and most recently the SIMA Kart Racing Facility both which are located just across the border in Sumas, WA.

Currently, Italian Motors USA is one of the largest karting supply shops and one of the most successful race teams in North America. Its repeated successes at the track have drawn drivers from across the continent to seek out IM’s coaching and mechanical services. Now located in a 20,000 square foot facility in Sumas, Washington and having a full karting facility at their disposal, Italian Motors USA enters 2011 by solidifying identity's with new products, full time karting facility, training programs and supporting growth throughout the karting industry.  

 
 Italian Motors USA is located at Sumas International Motorsports Academy (pictured below).  For more information on the Sima Kart Racing Facility, schools, rental's, track day's and much more visit www.simaracing.com