Brief update on FJ spec motor proposal

Danny Kao · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 192

Robbie, Weight penalty could go either way. Wink

Whatever it is we will present the case and make it fair for everyone.

BTW, what you did with the letter is perfect! Regardless what has been discuss on the forum, the letter will guarantee a discussion in the KAC meeting and thank you for that.

Robbie Nelson · Joined: 26 May 2008 Posts: 131

Andrew Peppler · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 90

I'm on board with the change to a spec engine now, my only hope is that my son can use his current engine for the next couple years still since it was purchased last spring. I don't feel like 2013 is the right time, especially if the final proposal doesn't get approval until the June timeframe. I'll write a letter for support of 2014 at the earliest.
In my situation, we will be keeping the KT100 for sprint racing so I'll have to add another kart chassis when this comes into effect. I really don't have any room for another kart and I chose the KT100 simply so we can use the same kart/engine package for the track and autocross and we wouldn't have to buy 2 karts/engines. Again, thats just my situation and I know everyone's situation is different.
Thanks for all the work by the KAC for trying to make this the best outcome and to grow the junior membership. The throttle restrictor instead of the intake restrictor is an awesome idea for sure.

Matt Miskoe · Joined: 27 Dec 2011 Posts: 12

Danny Kao · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 192

Dale Seeley · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:10 am Post subject:

I am beginning to find humor in the discussion.

The pretenses that the class is just supposed to be fun for the kids, an opportunity for them to learn to control a vehicle and and the nuances of autocross, that it's not a competitive class, and that the rules are just there for safety have finally fallen.

Of course, it took the risk of losing the competitive advantage that money spent on hot engines brought, but whatever the reason, I applaud all of the dads who can finally admit in public that the money spent on race engines is more important than the experience. You are finally part of the karting fold, and have earned your status as Cadet Dads.

Now can we get to the business of making it a real Solo class with a real champion at Nationals? Laughing

Andrew Peppler · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 90

I was just saying that I now agree with the single engine, but just be careful on implementing it within 6 to 8 months before the 2013 season. I still feel that in fjb several engines can get it done, including the modified (within rules) raptor and hopefully the throttle restrictor WF makes that just as competitive. It would be fun to see all 3 engines do well at tours this year! Who knows, maybe the new WF will be the motor "to have" if you are looking to win nationals?!? We are looking to have fun and try to hang in the mix while still learning!

Larry MacLeod · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:16 pm Post subject:

And from the other point of view...
(and yes, I've written my letter(s) to the SEB)

I want my kid to enjoy the experience. I want him to make friends, learn the skills, and focus on improving every time out. For us, its not about winning, its about meeting goals and having a good time.

FJ in solo exists so competing adults can make it complete a family outing. If you think otherwise, you're fooling yourself. Solo without FJ is just another solo event, but there is no event at all if the parents couldn't play. Parents who want their kid to be the next Lewis Hamilton can spend their life savings pushing their kids into wheel to wheel racing. Solo isn't their game. They may stop by from time to time to brag and boast and win some trophies, but they don't stick around forever.

In my family, we have a KT because its what is available from my engine builder. I'm a regional/divisional and National competitor (attended 9 Solo Nationals in the last 13 years). But I feel like the rules are being changed to accommodate the non-FJ solo people (whiners) who don't like 2-stroke engines and to accommodate the few people who live near in an active BWF region. It doesn't seem to be moving toward the real best interest of the families that play in this sport. The best option is just that, OPTIONS. We're losing that by going with a spec engine.

To be honest, I don't know if I can bring my kid to Nationals events anymore. I'm not buying a BWF unless I think its cheaper/easier to own than my KT (and right now its NOT).

If we (my son and I) come to Nationals in 2012, I'll probably be the only one competing. But if my teenager isn't happy with that, then I might not make it at all. That's something our family will have to decide.

I guess in the end, I'm not a "Cadet Dad", I'm just a dad.
_________________
F125 #196
Old Birel/ hodgepodge Honda CR125
Lefty Funk
Detroit Region

Mike Herrick · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 7:48 pm Post subject:

When speaking with the Briggs rep, was there any discussion about what gearing should be used? I know there was mention of 17/63 in this thread, but are there thoughts about what may be the best range with the new restrictor?

I, for one, would be glad to see a spec engine for JB to take engine selection out of the equation so we can focus on working on the driver. Isn't that really what the junior program is all about anyway?

Mike

Brian Garfield · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:02 pm Post subject:

It's about driver right now, people just have an illusion otherwise.

Mike Herrick · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 9:14 pm Post subject:

I agree, but this would eliminate the illusion and allow everyone to focus on what is really important.

Brad Fish · Joined: 03 Oct 2008 Posts: 45

Do most JB'rs who autocross, only autocross?
There's a huge impact to those of us who have kids that sprint race the same karts that they autocross.

My son is about 50% autocross and 50% sprint racing. My concern with the WF is that he will be the only kid at the local sprint track running that set up.

So, I either let him sprint race in a class by himself with the WF or I have to have a second kart with a different engine package.
That sucks huge either way.

Brian Garfield · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 8:35 am Post subject:

Hey Brad, unfortunately, that's the way the SEB thinks, and not enough people have ever written letters to the contrary. I'm sure most of the kids autocrossing are doing just that. However, I think the number that do both is a lot higher than the SEB/KAC thinks.

While the BWF is a perfect motor for SCCA Solo and as a spec motor, it's not run in many places in the country. Heck, just try searching for used ones and you'll see it's not NEARLY as common as the KT100, Rotax, or Comer. It's not even as common as some of the 2 stroke Jr. TAG motors.

We personally have gotten out of Sprint racing in favor of a car now, so it doesn't affect us. But, it does suck for any dual-sport families that don't live in Canada or California (where the BWF is prevalent).

I can tell you, I've been searching for used BWF's for months now and I've either found highly modified ones (for circle track/midget racing) or ones that are as much as new ones. I've seen a couple for $5-600 that I though were questionable and they weren't complete. Bottom line, you're better off buying new for $1k. Oh, and don't forget the extra $2-300 to get set up on your chassis (mount, split gears, battery and cables, any mods needing to be made to the chassis).

While I think this motor is great and does serve the technical purpose very well, it's not cheap, it doesn't just mount on any chassis easily, and they're not that common.

Brian