"Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place"

Drew Cleaver

Now that the 2001 season is sort of winding down and plans for 2002 are starting to pop up, I'm stuck on what to do.
I'm running 80cc Jr regionals right now which is real fun, but man does it cost a ton just to be competitive in regionals. I'm considering running Jr. Rotax if they have it next year do to it being SO MUCH cheaper that we could afford to run the best equipment and the national tour.
The Rotax appeals to me, as it's more of a European style of karting and for the fact that it's easier to shine in a spec class. My only worries are that there will be a lack of participation.
Anybody 12-17 want to run it? Do you know of somebody that's planning on running this class?

Thanks a lot and if anybody has any info available, that'd be great.

Drew Cleaver www.vmaxracing.cjb.net

Erik Frank

Drew,

I have the answer to your question:

Come roadracing with SWRA! Less politics, and more fun. And definately more speed!

-erik

[ September 23, 2001: Message edited by: Erik Frank ]

Rick Blood

Drew,
With the new rules in 80 jr. I think that the playing field will be leveled and the maintenance lowered. Once you have been gear banging, I don't know if you would enjoy a clutch kart. Besides, you already have all the 80 equipement. What you would lay out for a Rotax minus the value of your current stuff would buy a lot of parts for the 80.

Doug Welch

It looks like Greg welch, last years SuperNational 60 Novice winner will be running junior rotax in addition to PMT Junior.

Doug

John Denman

So many elements for a decision...

Erik has a good point about SWRA so, and we are going to run at least 3 regionals and the IKF Grands next year. Its not as technical as sprint, but requires more precision and adds the element of drafting. We still have a lot of sprint races on the 2002 calender.

Rotax Jr will definately reduce cost, but may take a little time to grow the field. What is the consensus among the Houston folks? Don't know of any interest in Denton yet but, but its about 2 months too early to tell.

The new 80 rules should reduce motor cost a good bit.

Drew, are you going to Lubbock? We are taking it as a drop.

Roger Miller

Whose "80 rules" or "80 Jr. rules" are we talking about that will "level the playing field" and "reduce the cost"
IKF, SKUSA, who?

Thanks

Drew Cleaver

Thanks for the opinions.

Road racing-No (Dad doesn't like the not being able to see and plus it won't get you far in a motorsports career)

SKUSA-too friggin' political, going down-hill, and those new rules will take about $200-$300 off a current motor package. Still a posibility to run it though.

Rotax is still my main indevor, just don't wanna make the decision and be competing against myself.

Thanks and any more opinions welcome,
Drew Cleaver www.vmaxracing.cjb.net

[ September 24, 2001: Message edited by: Drew Cleaver ]

John Denman

quote:
Originally posted by Roger Miller:
Whose "80 rules" or "80 Jr. rules" are we talking about that will "level the playing field" and "reduce the cost"
IKF, SKUSA, who?

Thanks

SKUSA has published the proposed rules at: http://www.skusaonline.com/news/01_02rules_draft_release.htm

The 80cc classes will have a 7.8cc minimum head volume to lower the compression, and the Jr class will require an OEM ignition to lower RPM. The net effect is longer component life and more uniform power across the class. It should not require any changes to porting, pipe, carb.

IKF has not made any mentions of similar changes. Current IKF Road Racing Rules for 80s are with OEM ignition, but Sprint allows PI.