TAG weights

Dick George · Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:00 pm Post subject:

Andy,
You need a new scale, I wouldn't have guessed you at a pound over 300!

DG

I feel like the kid with the hose, you know if you soak you wife you're going to eat it, but you just can't help yourself!

Jose Rodo · Joined: 19 Aug 2002 Posts: 530

Kimi,

The reason for me to choose the Sonik is that I know very well the importer in NY, therefore I have great support. I think 370 or 375 would be the correct weight for an 27hp, 118cc motor and would fall to the majority of racers. Of course the 415-420 drivers would suffer Wink

Mike Walpole · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:19 am Post subject:

I wouldn't hold the current weights on the TAG USA website as gospel. My understanding is the motors are being dyno and track tested at this time and that the weights may (more likely 'will') change.

I heard via the grapevine initial dyno testing revealed that all the 8 TaG motors tested have very similar power curves and output. Very Happy

YMMV

We have 3 organizations in my area who are going to have some form of TaG class this year. Unfortunately, I believe all three organizations are going to have different rules and only one is planning to follow TaG USA. In the meantime, while TaG is appealing, I'd like to wait and see before I make an investment.

Ronald Leornard · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 24

Keep tuned the SKUSA weights will be released next week.

Jim Durrell · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:33 pm Post subject:

I believe that you will see the TAG USA specs coming at or near the same time.

Jim Durrell

:)

Chad Allen · Joined: 04 Sep 2002 Posts: 54 Location: Afghanistan,

We just scaled a Rotax/Trackmagic package yesterday. The kart itself weighed 170lbs. 365 - 170 = a 195lb driver. This seems way out of line for the lightest Tag package. I'm sorry, but 195 is not the average sized karter. Why are we making rules to accommodate the few to the detriment of the many. Having to tell a 165 pound guy that he has to add 30lbs of lead to his new kart just to make make weight is ridiculous, not to mention the 140lb kids coming into the class. 55lbs of lead is insane. Full size cars rarely use that much ballast. The weight scale SKUSA and TAG USA needs to be lowered by around 20lbs. SKUSA is still listening to feedback at criticizetherules@skusaonline.com
Average size drivers need to speak up.

Bob Ogden · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:50 pm Post subject:

Sorry, but for the target market, 190 for the driver isn't really out of line. If you want to run Rotax, go run the International at 355. Hell, if you're any good you may get a free trip to the Canary Islands.
You light weight guys have plenty of places to run. If you CHOSE to enter a class that you have to add more weight than you're comfortable adding, it was your choice. If you didn't do your research first, then shame on you.
There are a lot of 180-200 pounders out there that can't compete with or don't want to compete with lightweights, and TAG weights offer an opportunity for a level playing field for all.

Bob Francis · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:04 pm Post subject:

sounds strange but i have to agree with Chad on this one. sure there should be a place for big guys. ie, heavy, sumo, masters, whatever. but the standard karts are designed for guys 140-160 lbs and about 5'5" to 5'10". if you are bigger than that you can still do well but karting isn't the NFL and the HP these karts run isn't like NASCAR. the smaller guys will usually have an advantage. sorry thats the way it is, i think this sport should be able to be enjoyed by everybody but guys get a clue. weights at club level can be area and customer adjusted but a national series or a CIK series should use weights that are designed for that level of competition. thanks
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B.Francis,

Cooper Cook · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:16 pm Post subject:

Tag weights seem to high, I have a Trackmagic / Leopard I'am 38 years old and weight 165 lbs. I have to add 30lbs. result broken seat, It's just to much weight.

Bob Francis · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:57 pm Post subject:

the more i think about it i feel nobody in a class should drive a kart that weights more than they do but it happens. so at least we can really even think about the saftey issues here. now many times have we seen a 20 lb difference between heavy and light. if we are going to split a class make it more realistic at least 35 or 40lbs. and set the lighter weight for 140-160lb guys and the heavy for 180-200. that way it becomes a true divison and maybe people could be competitive in each grouping. well maybe that might not work because the organisers might loose revenue from people not running both light and heavy, but what the hell we could try it.
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B.Francis,

Bob Francis · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:00 pm Post subject:

and one more thing think about how much fun these would be to drive at say 330- 335 with the heavy class being at 385-390. that might work.
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B.Francis,

Ray Drinkwine · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 25

I weigh 140-150 during the racing season, I have to add 45-50lbs to make weight in Super G and this is supposed to be the light class? I guess I am to light to drive a shifter or I need to change my diet (Hello McDonalds). This year I was going to try TAG, but for masters they are talking about 395-400. How the Hell can you take a lighter kart and a lighter motor and expect 395-400lbs. So now us ligter drivers will have to drive with the kids and still add a ton of weight. These karts were not made to run at these kinds of weights, the only guys that want these weights are the heavy guys. I agree with Bob, make the heavy class heavy and the light class light!! I don't think you will see karts in europe weighing 400lbs! Lets see how fast we can go and show off our motorbuilders stuff not slow the karts down. I know I want to go faster! I can't remember the last time I saw a F-1 or Champ Car driver that was on the heavy side and that is what they compare a kart ride to.
LIGHTEN UP THE KARTS AND LET THEM GO!!! Let's be realistic for the light class 300-320. Oh yeah hows your back karts are heavy!

Jeff DeMello · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:54 pm Post subject:

Bob The average 12 to 15 yr old might weigh in at your numbers. I suggest that the lighter guys should run other light classes if you don't feel like adding weights to your kart. This TaG class is just what us older just for fun drivers want. Tis why I am buying a Tag engine..

Bob Francis · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:03 pm Post subject:

jeff i think thats wishful thinking, go to any karting event even at the club level and it looks like the karters have cornered the market on diving lead. i'm surprised they haven't had to increase production to supply the demand. we really need to address these issues of 260 lb karts, it's stupid and dangerous. Tag weights are not a big deal just put in more separation between light and heavy. if you cant make light run heavy or diet.
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B.Francis,

Rob Martin · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:37 pm Post subject:

Chad,
I think 170lbs for a Trackmagic with a Rotax is on the light side. (Although the Leopard package is a little lighter with all accessories installed)

My Rotax/Dragon was closer to 175 without fuel or safety gear.

In reality you are talking about 180-185 lb driver with gear, helmet, and fuel at the 365lbs weight.

Plus, your Trackmagic is likely a Dragon. The Dragon is not a 32mm tube frame and is lighter than many of the other chassis' used in the class due to smaller diameter primary tubing (especially with the torsion bars and 4th rail clamp removed). A 5lbs to 15lbs chassis weight difference is not uncommon. The new style bodywork is also measurably heavier (several pounds) on most chassis.

Use the weight difference to your advantage. Add a second master cylinder and rear caliper to your chassis to give yourself redundant brakes. You'll still have some options on weight placement to help balance the chassis that heavier drivers don't have.