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Provisional 2009 Ulster Cup / NIKA SR's
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Interested in starting karting? If you are between 11 and 16 then Junior TKM is a good class to learn the skill. Not only are the engines and chassis cheap to buy second hand but they are simple to run and maintain. If you are over 16 then Senior TKM uses the same engine and chassis as the junior class but with the engine un-restricted. You could use the kart to race both junior and senior on the same day! It's only a two minute job to remove the restrictor. If you would like to hire a chassis or an engine or need set-up advice, engine or carburetor rebuilds or you just need someone to give a hand on race day then give me a call on 02838882690 or e-mail rutherdale@btinternet.com General Information Kart racing is less expensive, but just as skilful and exciting as car racing, and can be pursued from age 8 upwards. It is controlled by the RAC MSA to basically the same rules as car racing, and most of the current top F1 drivers acquired and developed their skills and race craft through karting. The safety rules are also similar, with drivers wearing approved Helmets, Racesuits, Boots and Gloves. The two most obvious differences are that the drivers are not surrounded by bodywork, and Karts have no suspension units, but rather depend on the frame of the kart to provide some twisting and bending movement to assist the dry slick tyres or wet grooved tyres to grip. Karts are all rear wheel drive with no differential and one brake disc on the rear axle, and driving them to their limit is a fine judgment of feel to get maximum cornering without spinning or leaving the track. How do I start Karting?
The following will give you an indication of the major differences between classes (Note: Novices in each class have Black number plates and start at the back of each race grid.) Cadets Age – 8 to 12. Use a Comer 2 stroke or Honda four stroke. This is the starter class for all junior karting all over Great Britain and Ireland. Black numbers on Yellow background. Minimum weight of kart and driver must be 95kg. Minimax Age 11-16. 125cc water-cooled 2 stroke engine with push button electric start. This is a restricted version of the junior Max engine and is very popular at present. The engine is sealed and very reliable. Junior Max Age 13-16. 125cc water-cooled 2 stroke engine with electric start. Most popular junior class. White numbers on Red. Minimum weight – 140kg. Junior TKM Age – 11 to 16. 100cc TKM air-cooled engine with a 19mm air restrictor fitted to the intake so the power is controlled and the racing is therefore close. White numbers on Blue. Minimum weight – 125kg. Intermediate
TKM Age – 11 to 16. Same engine as above, but with a larger 20.5mm air restrictor to give heavier young people similar performance as Junior TKM. Black numbers on White. Minimum weight – 135kg. Senior
TKM Age – 16 upward. 115cc engines, with NO restrictor. Cheap class to start in and learn the driving skills required in karting. White numbers on Red. Minimum weight – 145kg. Rotax
Max Age – 16 upward. Similar to Rotax Junior, but fitted with a Power Valve and more highly tuned to give around 26hp. This is the fastest non-gearbox class. White numbers on Blue. Minimum weight – 160kg. Honda
Senior (Pro-Karts) Age – 16 upward. Use two four-stroke Honda engines of 5.5hp each. They provide the cheapest form of competitive and close racing. Red numbers on White. Minimum weight – 172kg. It
is normally best to start out on a second hand kart as they are cheaper and the
previous owners may be able to give you some helpful tips.
You are now ready to begin racing
IF YOU WANT FURTHER INFORMATION
ON KARTING, COME TO ANY RACE MEETING AND SPEAK TO AN OFFICIAL OR E-MAIL THE ADDRESS
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