[Ric mcDade]

Ace, good question. There are a few orgs that say “no mirrors”. They are afraid of using them for blocking I think. I for one, wish we had them. When you come up on a slower car, use the last second of draft, then pull out. It would be nice to know, no one is there. Which org are you going to running with?

[Ace Rossi]

I guess I’m planning on WKA since i see them running Roebling Road which is closest to me

[Brian Wilhelm]

I personally don’t like to see mirrors on a kart. Generally, the driver spends too much time watching them. With a large overtake speed in a different class, I just don’t want a driver trying to anticipate which side I’m going to pass them on.

[Greg Lindahl]

I have one on the right side that works pretty well.  Really need a left one to allow for a clear view.

They are a safety item for me; I can tell if someone is coming up on the side and hasn’t entered my peripheral vision.  Helmet openings often block some peripheral vision and add to the potential issue of turn in on an overtaking kart.

Also, it’s helpful to know where you are in the “big” picture of your race.  If someone is back there it is nice to know.  Many drivers have lost races because they continue pushing when there’s no reason to.

Information is good…

[Ace Rossi]

So to answer, are they legal or not? Is it posted in the rules because I can’t seem to find it!

thanks

[Greg Wright]

To my knowledge mirrors are or at least were deemed illegal by most organizations.

I have however raced against folks with mirrors installed and found it a great way to screw with them. Pop up in the left mirror, pop up in the right mirror, wave at them when you see them looking in the mirror etc.

[Jeff Wesell]

From what I recall and have on reference here at the shop in past WKA Rule Books:

310.1 Rear View Mirrors
Are allowed provided they are mounted securely and safely to the kart and do not present a hazard to other vehicles.  They are not to be used as an aggressive device to facilitate blocking.

*I’ll do some additional searching Ace, so don’t hold me to it as the RR Rules Sheets I have here (for general reference) are from 2012.  I can check my “current” 2014 WKA copy when I get home.

 

[Ace Rossi]

Thanks Jeff

[George Petry]

I remember some folks would attach them to the back of there gloves.

[johnny brooks]

310.1 is still the same in the 2014 WKA Tech Manual….

allowed….mounted securely to kart.

The mirror worn on the hand is NOT legal.

[Martin A. Secrest]

Resist the urge to use them. They will more likely cause you harm than good. This was my conclusion after many years of laydown RR.

[John Ferreira]

Interesting Replies.

They are allowed in WKA racing as stated above. At one time, they were mandatory per IKF rules for road racing. The purpose was for mixed class racing, that did have a speed difference, it gave the slower classed competitor a better chance of seeing an oncoming competitor. THAT SAID, we always told the drivers in the slower classes, to “maintain your racing line”. The responsibility of a clean pass is on the competitor doing the overtaking.

Brian …. I am sure you scare the heck out of some competitors when you come scooting along …

(:-)

John

 

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