KF Discussion Tangent

Tom Sekey · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 4:28 pm Post subject:

I don't think anyone wants to see something like KF fail in the USA. But if history tells you anything KF will struggle to get of the ground here. Any series out there could offer it if they want, but when knowone decides to enter it the class will die. Ask yourself why knowone wants to enter it? Ask someone you know why they wouldn't enter it. For me #1 is the cost of the engine and #2 no turnout in the class. But funny thing, there's no turnout because of the cost of the engine. The common man makes up most of a karting field. KF is to much for the common man. If I wanted to start a series and not loose money I would make classes that would draw a lot of entries. That means looking at what engine packages most people are currently running. Clone has propably out numbered KF 10:1 in growth for 2009. I bet it could even be 20:1. I'm sure KF motors are really good motors but thats not the issue. Clones are complete junk but anyone can afford them. Karting is a hobby not a career. Here in the good old USA affordable karting will always succeed over high end packages. I hope the TAG progaram can get prices under control. If PRD engines can cost $1300 than the other guys are simply ripping us off. The PRD is just as good a quality. They could change the port heights and ignition and turn a PRD into a Sonik that easy and not impact the price. I wish they would do that so it would work for a 200 driver.

Timbo540 ulmen · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 74

[quote="jeff grose"]Timbo

don't hold back tell, me how you really feel

OK Jeff, I for sure wont hold back!

VINCE SCHNEIDER · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 8:23 pm Post subject: Affordable is the key

I have to agree with Tom. If I am going to spend that much money on the KF engines, I might as well stay in the Stock Honda engine and rebuild it every 40-50 hours versus the constant rebuild on the KF's.

Economy right now just will not support these expensive races.

Renzo Gasch · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 136

Mark Ouimet · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:05 am Post subject: Re: Affordable is the key

Brian Seward · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 6:50 am Post subject:

I for one am interested in racing the KF format. However, it's just simply too expensive and makes little or no sense to spend $5k for an engine package to race 5-6 CKI races. Those races are expensive enough as it is and if it ends up like ICA or JICA, I'd be left holding yet another stockpile of boat anchors. There's nowhere else to run one. Plus, if you're serious you'll have at least two of them. $10k in engines...I think not. You can buy several Leopards or Rotaxes and lots of spares for $10k and race them everywhere.

We'll be racing CKI this year as long as they have the IAME classes. If not, we'll go elsewhere.

By the way, does anyone know for certain what the CKI class structure is going to be?

VINCE SCHNEIDER · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 8:49 am Post subject: KF classes

Mark, It is my understanding that these engines have to be rebuilt sooner than later.

I participate in club racing here at NCMP, and understanding that others want to compete on or in an international level class is up to the individual.

What is the cost of a KF Engine for the Pro class? How often do these engines need to be rebuilt? What is the cost of a KF engine rebuild? I would equate these cost to the average karter who is the main financial supports to the karting industry.

I am by no means telling others what to do with their money, the government does enough of that, but was merely expressing an opinion on equipment cost in general.

Let me know what you think.

Tom Sekey · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 1:58 pm Post subject:

Tom Sekey · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:08 pm Post subject:

Sorry for all the ranting. I just get the feeling there are those that think they are sooo good, well beyond the rest of us in karting. I never want to see karting seperated into class structure by income. Keep costs down and let anyone who thinks they are good enough try and qualify.