Why 55" over 50" rear track

Joe Vancura · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2002 7:33 pm Post subject: Why 55" over 50" rear track

I am coming back to clutch karts from shifters this year.My supercan Kt100 setups on my Brava1 always worked within the old 50" rear track limit.I noticed that when the rules allowed 55" track everyone seemed to run the new width.This seems like a major change.What is the advantage in the extra width,and why would everyone throw their old setups out the window?I know if I use my base setup of 49 1/2" that my kart will be real close to being good every day(within 3/8" rear track)We run YGC or MG yellow tires.

Bill D Talley · Joined: 08 Oct 2001 Posts: 314

I don't think it's any big deal about the 55" rule. I just think that karts are wider now and have been designed to work with the extra width. Also, if you run at 54-55" the rear of the kart will remain more free, if the kart is loose, try removing front grip such as positive caster and positive camber. Your kart may work great at 50" but if you get much below 53" on a modern kart, you are going in the wrong direction.

I'm sure there will be more input on this topic and I'm interested to read the comments. Some of the older karters will probably know why everything used to be 50"

Bill Talley
SpeedLab Inc.

Pete Ryan · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 6:00 am Post subject: Why 55" over 50" rear track

it is mainly a change in chassis design, i have a 99 topkart and it handles great at 50" and horrible at 55", then there are people at the track on 00, and 01 fullertons that are at 55" and on YGA's in the middle of the summer while im running YGC's. your chassis might handle better and 55" but it might not, so just try it out and find where it handles best.

John Denman · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2002 8:40 am Post subject: Why 55" over 50" rear track

Technology evolves, but as in nature does not mean extinction of the earlier species.

Tires got stickier. Chassis got stiffer. Axles got stiffer. Seats became more pliable with struts to the bearing cassettes. Motors became more powerful. Some classes got heavier. Front brakes were added to some classes.

All these factors combined to widen the rear axle width for some setups beyond what fits in the ordinary pick-up truck, although some of these pick-up truck beds got wider too.

Use what works best for your kart. Chances are some karts with 48" widths will be just as competitive as others optimized at 55".

[ January 07, 2002: Message edited by: John Denman ]