4 cycle sprint nats.

[Rob Dutton]

Didn't know what a LO206 was until I came across this thread.

I know this. I started racing clone last year (tri cities) and thought it was the greatest thing. I think what started out as 3 in 2010 went to 14 or so by the end of the year and in 2011 we had 24 a few times. The clones helped our club but if we ran a LO206 wouldn't of it helped other clubs, regionals, nationals, the karting industry as a whole?

I can say the clone price got me racing, but I'm so passionate about it I would've paid $500 for a spec briggs motor. And what?!??! I can use and build this into an animal if I wanted or sell it to someone who does?

Just getting into karting there's so much to learn. I see a few clubs that do really really well and then there's some .... that don't. I was frustrated I couldn't race anywhere else with my clone. Regionals? Nationals? Other clubs?

What a great idea this motor is. I hope someday it will be realized and maybe see LO206 at every club and every regional and national event.

Clones, Bummer man!

[John Pennington]

If I had the opportunity to run an LO206 anywhere near me I would buy one. Clones are a joke. Sadly I have 3 of those jokes as this event wants this flywheel and ruleset vs another event doing something altogether different.
The clone rules are so fragmented that it will never be possible to use one motor for multiple events.
There is a lot of merit to the LO206 motor. It really comes down to marketing better from Briggs to get people to change their mindset. At this point though a number of racers have allocated their money to the clones.

[John Matthews]

Briggs hasn't done a "bad" job with marketing, they're selling LO206 as quick as they can build it right now (I'm sure they can ramp up with market demand though). But, if you go over to the other forum you'll see a bunch of folks spreading lies about the package in an attempt to keep people from trying it. I've been in some of these discussions and it honestly sickens me when people are willing to slander companies, products, and people they don't even know to try and keep their cash cow alive. I don't know how else to put it, go to 4cycle yourself and do a search....

What's really needed though now is for racers to step up and tell the tracks what they want. Most tracks I've spoken to will allow LO206 to run with clones since the lap times wouldn't be that much different. With modern electronic scoring it's no problem to score them separately either. If you race a track that won't let you run the LO206 I'd ask them why? If you don't like their answer then walk away, track officials get to control their facilities but you don't have to let them control your racing budget.

This situation with multiple different "low cost" motors is exactly what I've been harping about for the past few years. I saw it with my customers who were racing flatheads before, every track decides on their own rules so you can't just race one package even though they're essentially the same. AKRA is now trying to remedy the situation but it's the proverbial "genie in a bottle." Once people get used to having "special" rules for their track so they can dominate over any newcomers it's a downward spiral towards the $1800 flathead all over again.

But, this time racers do have a choice that makes sense to many. Just buy the LO206 and show up with it. No track in this economy is going to send you away, and once the other racers see the alternative I think you'll have the class going just as quick as the clones came up. I think there may even be some shops that'll promise to buy your motor back after a few races if you decide it's not for you.

Cheers,
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

[mike clements]

I agree John. The "other" forum has no control over the liars and haters. Their remedy seems to be "Shoot the Messenger".

I really like the LO-206. But, I prefer the open modified Animals. I enjoy innovation in karts and engines. To me, the spec engine and tire classes should be used to help new racers become proficient at the sport. Once they become successful in the spec classes, I would like to see them step up to a class that encourages more innovation, open engines and open tires. That is where the engineers, designers, innovators, and really talented drivers blossum into the next generation of Indy car and NASCAR drivers and mechanics. JMO
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Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

[michael schorn]

Animal Limited Modified is back on the list of classes for 2012 IKF 4 Cycle Sprint Grand Nationals.
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OK everyone It's my opinion only, no one elses, and does not reflect any organization or office that I belong to or hold. Thank you for your support.
Portland Karting Association
Host 2013 IKF 4 Cycle Sprint
& Road Race Grand Nationals