Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Terry Grau · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 12 Location: Evergreen. CO

According to the RMC news a "Buffet Masters" class is being considered as a regional only class.
I'm all for a heavier/older class since, I would have to cut of a leg to get down to 355 pounds for the RMC.
But 410 pounds equates to roughly a 240 pound driver, which sounds to me to be way too heavy.
I would rather run in the back of the RMC at 20 pounds over the 355 than add 35-40 pounds of lead to my kart to meet the 410 weight.
What is your opinion?

Rob Hogenmiller · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 850

I agree 240 seems a bit high. More like 215 would be nice I would think. Anyone else?

Nick Weil · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2001 6:27 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

C'mon... How hard would it be to hit three more buffets a week between now and January boys? I thought you guys said you were dedicated to karting.

Actually, I would like to see the 'Homer Simpson' class. That sounds more like a 250+ lb. weight. Then make the 'Buffet Masters' around 200-215. Who could forget the 'Fat Bastard' class (Kilts and bagpipes not included) for a weight of 285+. And then of course, the 'Mini-Me' class for those that maybe be 'spare tire' challenged and have a personal weight of 130-145.

Nick

Terry Grau · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 12 Location: Evergreen. CO

Nick,
The point is that a heavier class in Max will probably happen, regardless of the pro/con of more classes in karting and I think it would be worthwhile to have some input from Max owners as to how heavy that class should be.
I would expect that RMC and any other regional only class would run together for the forseeable future,therefore having little effect on the proliferation of classes issue.
Like I said, I'm not going to grow 40 pounds to run in "Buffet Masters", but I wouldn't mind an old fart class at the regional level.
Terry

Jon Andrews · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2001 8:07 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

I totally agree. 410lbs is way too heavy. Since a ready to race Max kart is about 175lbs a total weight of 385-390lbs would be a realistic figure (210-215lb for driver and safety gear).

What's the chances of getting this changed for 2002?

Jon.

Nick Weil · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2001 9:41 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Terry,

I am just playing with you guys. I love anything that gets more Rotax's on the track. By no means am I complaining about too many weight classes. I want the racing to be as competitive as possible for everyone. The guy who wins the race should know he won by skill, not becuase he is the lightest. Af far as the old fart class goes, you should keep in mind that part of the Max Challenge already has the over 35 guys in mind. At every level (local, regional, and national) the best finisher over 35 years automatically advances. Our 1st place finisher William Peetz who is I believe 36 would have advanced even witha 4th place in points...

Nick

John Desouza · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 220 Location: Afghanistan,

Terry,

Being in the "Mini-Me" bracket now I currently have to add 35-40 lbs now to make the 355. What is it about adding the weight that you don't like? Just curious.

And yes I really do weigh 140.

JD

Glenn Holland · Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2001 7:11 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Don't get me started. It's absurd that we have yet another class in karting because essentially people here in America want to be out of shape and still perform on an 'equal' level in a sport. In all other sports, being out of shape is a disadvantage and that person has to either live with it or do something about it.

Now, I know there are guys who are in great shape and weigh more than 235 pounds. I'm sorry about that. Shaquille O'Neal may be a great undiscovered driving talent, but that's just not his destiny.

If they changed the main class to 370, that would put all but a very small percentage of drivers in the competitive window if they chose to push away from the table a little more often. I don't like the idea of strapping even more weight to my kart, but I'd be willing to in order to save this sport from one of its biggest problems: too many classes.

I told you...

Glenn

Terry Grau · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 12 Location: Evergreen. CO

quote:
Originally posted by John Desouza:
Terry,

Being in the "Mini-Me" bracket now I currently have to add 35-40 lbs now to make the 355. What is it about adding the weight that you don't like? Just curious.

John,
I just do not feel there would be much performance left at 410 pounds.
Terry

JD

John Desouza · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 220 Location: Afghanistan,

quote:
Originally posted by Rob Hogenmiller:
Also comparing karting to other sports in general isn't really realistic. I mean really how good of shape do you have to be in to drive a kart, with a ShifterKart I might buy that you have to be in just a little better than average shape.

Where does karting fall on the level of work out. I wonder. I think Soccer and Motocross have flipped flop every year it seems like. I'd have to guess on the amount of calories you burn and the muscle energy expanded karting would be towards the bottom half of sports.

I think this is a reason why you see guys saying hey I don't need to be in shape to win so why should I get in shape, I mean the things got a motor right? If I wanted to get in shape I'd become a Tri-Athlete not a karter.

Rob,

I disagree. I'm not saying we're soccer players or anything but you can't tell me some level of fitness isn't required?

At 34 yrs old I have do an hour of cardio each morning to keep my gut in check. On more than one occasion I have felt the effects of a long day when the temp has been around 90+ and we have an extended feature.

I have seen guys fade at the end of some long hot days. I fully believe some cardio and upper body work is an advantage in our sport.

JD

Rob Hogenmiller · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 850

John, I agree working out definitely makes you more competitive, but it's your arm strength, lung capacity and endurance that will be in question, Not your physical stature when it comes to karting.

I see plenty individuals that work out for hours at the gym, have great muscle strength and cardio vascular capabilities, but don't eat healthy so they are overweight. They are in good physical conditioning but not in physical stature.

The problem I have with saying that karters should be Physically fit to race karts is that Karting's first priority should be Safety and then FUN. I don't feel every person needs to be trim and fit race karts.

If the in shape guys have to add some weight(like I would) to keep the classes larger(fun) I agree with Glenn we should do it.

This is in regards to the Rotax Max class. I do feel differently about the Shifter classes like SuperPro where weights should be kept within reason. Same with the Stars Of Tomorrow Rotax stuff I feel that should be within reason.

In general though the Rotax is supposed to be geared to bringing in new blood to the sport, especially in the 30-40 range. It hasn't been fully marketed here in America like they said it was going to be, but it has brought in new people thats for sure.

Rob Linders · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 725

Rob,

I agree with you. I would have to add additional weight as well, but you hit the "nail on the head" when you said this class is marketed towards 30-40 year olds. I'm 37 and weigh 185-190lbs. When I was in college I weighed 150, so obviously I could get in better shape, but haven't chosen too.

I currently race in Yamaha can and have thought about going to Rotax. I have friends that would consider this as well and most of those guys are over 220lbs.

Good Idea,

Rob

Terry Grau · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 12 Location: Evergreen. CO

DO you guys really believe than the Max would still be fun at 410 pounds?

If a heavier class is going to be run I would hate to see it go all the way up to 410. How many 240 pound drivers do we need to accomadate?

Agreed that the better shape you are in the more competitive you can be, but total body weight is not directly related to physical condition, particularly sitting down.

Let's get some more Max owners to "weight in" on what the weight should be for a regional only Max Heavy class, so SSC can be better informed about what the competitors want.
Terry

PS I get wiped out at 6000 feet elevation and 90+ degrees but so do the pro's if they don't take the proper precautions. You lowlanders don't know how easy you've got it.

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

I think weights should be determined by taking the average of the participants (or surveying a bunch of people who think they might like to race in it in the case of new classes) I don't think either extreme of weight should be the main priority. I also think classes should only be divided along weight lines if they become unmanageably big, as long as there is somewhere for heavy guys to race ie. Yammie Heavy or 165 Nat or whatever.

Never mind you seniors, it's the Junior class weight thats the bloody joke!

Rob Hogenmiller · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 850

Glenn makes a good point. Although I don't think the Rotax is where you will find the elite drivers. It's the Elite drivers who should be in shape. It's not necessary for the average karter to be in shape. There are quite a few sports where guys compete out of shape(size wise). Look at Pro Football there are a lot of guys there that have some big OLE gutts, Pro Baseball has quite a few pitchers/1st baseman that carry a big Belly too, Paul Tracy hasn't been so slim in the years past, Tony Stewart wasn't to trim in Nascar either. Don't see many in the other sports not being overweight though. Oh ya Sumu Wrestling almost forgot about that one.

I certainly wouldn't have any problem adding weight though to keep it all in one class. That SEEMS like a GREAT idea to me. I'll drive the kart at 410 I don't care. But the guy who weighs 245lbs needs to help me lift it, only stipulation (J/K).

Also comparing karting to other sports in general isn't really realistic. I mean really how good of shape do you have to be in to drive a kart, with a ShifterKart I might buy that you have to be in just a little better than average shape.

Where does karting fall on the level of work out. I wonder. I think Soccer and Motocross have flipped flop every year it seems like. I'd have to guess on the amount of calories you burn and the muscle energy expanded karting would be towards the bottom half of sports.

I think this is a reason why you see guys saying hey I don't need to be in shape to win so why should I get in shape, I mean the things got a motor right? If I wanted to get in shape I'd become a Tri-Athlete not a karter.

Well now that I've ranted. I really do think you should keep in shape. It's good for your life expentancy, but if you want a heads up race, I'm game to throw the weight on and have a bigger class (no pun intended).

[ August 24, 2001: Message edited by: Rob Hogenmiller ]