RMax + Road Racing

erik nystuen · Joined: 06 Mar 2002 Posts: 319

Anyone out there modify/allow, use front wheel brakes in Road racing?
Just curious, and was wondering what kind of issues it might bring up.

I find that on Sprint tracks I seem to have to adjust (add spacers) quite often to keep the pads close and the pedal travel short.

I probably need to change fluid, read the other post on that and put it on my to do list.

I haven’t gone through a full set of pads yet but getting close. I have 400 or so practice laps on a 3/8-mile track.

Reason for thinking about front brakes. I seem to need more distance to slow down than what I would if I had front brakes. And I would like to try Road racing, but don't think that I have adequate braking for it.

Let me know if I'm way off here and just need to get new pads and change fluid.

Thanks in advance

Charles Pou · Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2002 3:45 pm Post subject: RMax + Road Racing

Erik, my experience is you need less brakes roadracing than sprint racing. IMHO rear brakes only are more than adequate for roadracing the RMax.

You're going faster, but not braking as much/ as hard. Plus, the brakes have lots of time to cool down between hard applications.

My experience on sprint tracks is just the opposite. The RMax is really hard on rear brakes only on a short track. :-)

erik nystuen · Joined: 06 Mar 2002 Posts: 319

Thanks for your insight Charles. Much apreciated.

steve sharp(old) · Joined: 30 May 2002 Posts: 24

I've built several Rotax karts for road racing with front brakes. If you are racing at a track like Sears Point (aka Infinion raceway)... then front brakes will pay huge dividends.... the deepest kart into 11 on the last lap will probably win the drag race to the flag.

IKF requires a secondary braking system on all karts over 100cc in Road Racing... many add a second rear caliper that is adjusted so far out it does not work... yet it meets the rules. I went the FWB route on my customer's karts for safety and the advantages on track. When they sprint race thy just unhook the bias bar to the fronts and off they go!

Steve Sharp

Keith Smith · Joined: 11 Jul 2002 Posts: 24 Location: Chico, Ca

If interested I have a set of front brakes off my Rotax. I used them twice and haven't road raced since. They are what Steve Sharp was referring to, he built my Kart. They are an advantage, as well as a safety piece. E-mail me if interested @ KS71z28@aol.com

Keith Smith · Joined: 11 Jul 2002 Posts: 24 Location: Chico, Ca

If interested I have a set of front brakes off my Rotax. I used them twice and haven't road raced since. They are what Steve Sharp was referring to, he built my Kart. They are an advantage, as well as a safety piece. E-mail me if interested @ KS71z28@aol.com

Jay Sharpe · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2002 2:13 am Post subject: RMax + Road Racing

I think someone should check on rules. The Max road race rules say no front brakes. Although I have raced at Thunder Hill with guys with front brakes. I don't care about running the Rotax challenge series, but I do think some rules should be ironed out before the IKF nationals get here next year. I'm less worried about brakes as I am with an aero fairing like Trackmagics or CKS. I think it would be great to include a rules package that would cover things like brakes, fairings, tires, etc. so when the nationals get here we are all on the same page. Anyone from NCK that has been racing Rotax want to put something togeather that we can send to IKF? I would be glad to help. Oh and the next time we get a start like our second one at T-hill, I'm just gonn plow the starter!

Nick Weil · Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2002 7:53 am Post subject: RMax + Road Racing

Per the Rotax Max Road Race rules:

3. A second, independent rear brake caliper and master cylinder are RECOMMENDED. Front braking systems are prohibited.

This only means one thing really. If you were running in a series that allowed front brakes, that series would not qualify you to advance the Rotax Max Road Race Nationals, if in fact there were such a thing ;D

There are very few tracks here in the SouthEast where the fron brakes would provide an advantage anyhow. But the added security of a secondary system is definitely a plus.

Nick
www.speedquestkarting.com

Jeff Edwards · Joined: 10 Sep 2001 Posts: 193

The IKF made an exception to the dual braking system rule earlier this year (January?), They exempted the Rotax Max from this requirement for over 100cc motors, but put in a provision that the rule was to be reviewed after one year.

I've run with both and either works. It's a matter of driving style, your kart setup and personal preference.

Jeff