TAG weights

Jose Rodo · Joined: 19 Aug 2002 Posts: 530

And why do the local guys have to put up with the ridiculous 385 or 395#.

Why can't they lower to a more realistic weight and keep the younger and lighter guys to put 20#+- of balast and have the heavier guys being 20#+- over to a lets say 365# or 370#.

Rob Martin · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:17 pm Post subject:

TAG is NOT geared toward developing young driving talent destined to race F1 or Indy.

TAG is for average guys (and girls) looking to have some economical fun, high-performance thrills, and still be able to go to work on Monday.

Just take a look at the average parent of the younger drivers at the track and you'll get a good idea of the demographic actively involved in the TAG class.

If you restrict the weight you will restrict the number of potential racers and potential disposable income being spent on the sport. This is bad for every level of karting from the racer to the shop and track owners.

If you still choose to argue for a change, get some actual numbers to back up your claims.

Survey the karts participating in TAG during the entire season and present your data to the powers that be before next years rules are set.
Be sure you include the actual driver weight, weight added, and motor package installed.

A 140lbs driver lobbying for a reduction is just as credible as a 220lbs driver arguing for an increase. Although both drivers are approx 40lbs from the national average, neither deserve special consideration. An average driver weight of 180lbs + or - 10 lbs will likely encompass more than 80% of the drivers currently participating in TAG.

Joseph H.,
I don't think you should talk about cake to the average TAG driver. We may start a push to increase the weights even further.

Anyway, why do you assume a large driver is any stronger than a small driver. I think you will find that most light drivers have a much higher horsepower to weight ratio.

joseph hollinger · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 1:41 pm Post subject:

Bob Ogden · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 2:03 pm Post subject:

Prairie City had their first club race of the year on Sunday. Below is the TaG entries from that race out of 120 total entries. 14% of entries were from TaG, 65% of Tag were in the masters class at +20 pounds.
In addition two of the Supersportsman Heavy guys said they will be in TaG by mid season. Neither one are lightweights.

Rotax Max 365#, Parilla, BM JAG 370#, Sonik, Comer 375#, Itelsistem 400# (Masters +20#)

TAG International 365/370/375/400 16-Up 6 entries
Tag Masters 385/390/395/420 35-Up 11 entries

Bob Francis · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 8:14 pm Post subject:

well kids it looks like the dyno results are in and skusa and tagusa have decided the weights. all ican say is at least they dropped the Rotax weight back to were it is in RMC and thats a plus. but the results are still overall a little heavier than i would like but all in all i am pleased. thats all i have on this till next year. seeya
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B.Francis,

Jose Rodo · Joined: 19 Aug 2002 Posts: 530

Is TAGUSA applying the same weights as SKUSA?

Is the local tracks respecting these weights? Because some tracks on the east coast already had their weights set from the old rules.

Now I'm kind of happy, because I only have to put 25# for senior.

Bob Francis · Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2004 9:37 pm Post subject:

this is what TAGUSA said:From TAG USATM and SKUSA

FEBRUARY 4, 2004 - In a joint effort TAG USATM and SKUSA have reached an agreement to consolidate their technical efforts, led by Marty Casey, SKUSA's National Technical Director. SKUSA will continue with its TAG SKUSA technical program development, and will work directly with TAG USATM to ensure TAG engine and technical rules will mirror each other. Both TAG SKUSA and TAG USATM are pleased that they are able to carry on Tom Argy's vision of TAG in North America.
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B.Francis,

Ray Drinkwine · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 25

Rob, if TAG is supposed to just be a beginers class and just for fun, why is there so much intrest by so many, and why is it open to Super A licensed drivers?

Allie Vaughan · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 7:04 am Post subject:

I'm 14. I'm a girl. I lift my own kart on and off the stand when ever needed not to mention it has an added 25 pounds of lead bolted to the seat.

Ray Drinkwine · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 25

Allie, my daughter is 11 and drives a jr1 kart and has a hard time lifting her kart if no one is around to help us. As you have to add more weight you will begin to dread it, then you will understand!!

Rob Martin · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 3:21 pm Post subject:

Allie Vaughan · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 4:39 pm Post subject:

Ray,
Lifting your own kart can be a hassle (my dad helps me as well) but your daughter will adjust to the weight the more she lifts her kart. At first i nearly passed out trying to lift my Kart off and particularly on the stand. Now it is just as easy as tying my shoes.

John Denman · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2004 4:50 pm Post subject:

Matt Nardo · Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 3

Ray,

I see you going off about weights on the shifter forum as well. Why are you so eager to put an average sized male at a dissadvantage? If anything someone as tiny as you has an advantage because you can put the ballast anywhere it would do the most good. Do you have little mans disease? Maybe there should be a petit class in Tag which would be perfect for you, and you wouldn't have to worry about all those overweight, out of shape individuals who have no business karting in the first place. Once again the average adult male is roughly 185 lbs, not 150.

Ronald Leornard · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 24

I believe the reason for the weights being so high is for SKUSA to lower weights in the future for engines that are not performing as well as expected in the test sessions. I think if SKUSA sees motors at a disadvantage this allows them to make up for any error in testing. It is always better to take off weight then to add weight. This is not necessarily an amature class, if it was, the Promoto would not have it.