[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

http://www.neshifterkartseries.com/

There you go, get in touch.  Good group of guys.

They share our WKC road race event at Summit Point, ,WV, Shenandoah circuit each year.  That’s on May 2-3, 2015.

Hope the info helps,

Clark Sr.

 

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

There really is no true open shifter class.

There are ICC’s (also referred to as KZ’s as I recall) which are purpose built kart engines from Italy, from a variety of manufacturers, which also run to controlled specs, on race gas.  There are also modified moto’s like the Honda CR125.  Modifications could include open porting, ignition, carb, pipe, etc, also on race gas.  These two engine types typically run together as one class.

I’m not that familiar with SKUSA rules, but you could look at the WKA Tech Manual, in the Sprint Road Race section, under CIK or WKA 125 Shifter.  That will give you an idea.

Generally open/KZ shifters are not that popular in the US.  However the Northeast Shifter Kart Series gets a good number of them, but I believe they are mainly ICC’s.

Maybe one of the NESKS guys could chime in hear with more details.

Hope that helps.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

NO!  The Honda is cheaper to operate/maintain,  more fun to drive, much easier to get parts for, shop are much more likely to know how to rebuild them AND they are faster!  Period.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Road race with WKA and WKC, Stock Leopards for both my son and I.

Local sprint racing with a ProGas Animal Sportsman for my 8 year old grandson, and a LO206 for my son.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Sean, just a couple things.  There is no need to start the motor that soon before the start.  15-20 seconds is plenty.  DO NOT keep blipping the throttle!!!  Just give it enough to keep it running- that’s it!  One hard start a day!  In other words, take it real easy on it leaving the pits for practice, and only hammer it at the starts of the race.  After each event (we actually do it each day) remove the drum, sand the shoes and clean them and the drum with brake clean.  grease the bearing and you’re good to good.

Have fun,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

We use “Xeramic”, “Ceramic Synthetic Chain Spray”, and it is messy!!  And we lub the chain EVERY time the kart comes off the track.  Whether it’s a 5 minute practice or a 30 minute race- every time.  If your chain starts to look dry, you’ve waited too long to add some lub.  Oily and messy is fine, it helps your chain and gears live.  We get the stuff from Russell Karting.

Clark.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

All true.  I ran nearly all the races held at Watkins Glen, and I suppose we really didn’t think about it.  Or if we did, our little brains just wouldn’t allow us to comprehend the consequences!!!  I remember a fellow racer running through the “catch fences”.  That will give you an idea how long ago that was!!  I believe that was a WKA National too.

In this day and age, I can’t imagine WKA or any other org would ever sanction an event there do to the safety  issues.   I also can’t imagine what the rental fee would be per day!!!!!!!!!!!!  Wow.

But of course a sprint track is another deal.  They do have plenty of room there, but they need to know the interest is there as well.  It’s nice to hope.

Clark Sr.

 

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

My guess would be yes.  World class facilities will draw existing racers and get non racers thinking about it.  We live in Southeastern Pa, so the Glen is only about a 3 and a half hour drive for us.  Not something we would do every weekend, but certainly 3 or 4 times a year.

As you know there are several kart tracks in NY, Pa, and NJ.  I’m curious to how some of those karter respond.

I would be nice to think it might happen.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

DRT, Russell, CPI, Comet, etc, etc. They all should have them. Two piece are stand.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Joe, our local sprint track is just starting a 206 class, but it’s been a bit slow getting folks interested.  It’s also a very small track with only about 50 or so entries per week for ALL classes.  And right now there are only two 206’s.

As a note, my son and I come from a road race Stock Honda and Leopard background (and still do), and by comparison, the LO206 is SOOOO incredibly SIMPLE!!!!  And inexpensive!  I mean, why everyone doesn’t have one is beyond me.

My question is, for those with successful 206 programs, what tends to be the most popular chassis type?  The one other competitor runs a typical narrow American made chassis with the semi reclining seat.  Where we run an old 07′ Intrepid Explorer Pro shifter chassis (had one sitting around)!  It’s 32 mm, so it’s WAY too much chassis for 9 HP, considering it was made for 40!!!

Anyway, what chassis’ do you folks find to be popular for your sprint programs?

Have a good day folks,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

We always use a large rubber mallet.  You’ll have to hit them harder then you’d think.  Just keep measuring as you go.

In years past, we’ve also used bumper jacks, which seem to work pretty well.  But we definitely prefer the mallet method.

Have fun, and don’t over think it.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

 

Try DRT, Russell, Komet, TS, etc

Yes, they are available.

 

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Wow!  I’d stop by your local track and speak with some of the other 206 competitors and run your story by them.  Something just doesn’t seem right there.  That seems like one of the all time best snake oil sales jobs I’ve ever heard.

Keep us informed if you don’t mind.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

It doesn’t sound like there’s anything wrong with it!!!  A wet pipe, wet and dark plug are all indications of it being WAY TOO rich!  Dry pipe, dry plug, with a light brown color is about what you’re looking for.  Open the high needle a bit more then check it again (1/8 turn or so).  If it’s wet and dark again, turn it back in to one turn.  Try going 7/8 or 15/16 turns on the high and keep an eye on the plug.

Leopards tend to be very forgiving.  They run pretty well a little rich.  If however the plug starts to look grayish white, it may be a bit too lean.  Also as a quick check, pull the pipe off and look in the header.  It should be a VERY light shade of tan to almost white.  The plug, pipe and top of the piston tells the story.  Light tan is what you’re looking for.

Have fun with it,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Motul at 8 oz/gl.  It’s one of the WKA approved oils, and is what many Leopard owners use in road racing.

Hope that helps,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

You’re kidding right ??!! Go see your doctor before you race again !!! Don’t endanger yourself or others.

 

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Alan, start with 19/23 and take it from there. Hope that helps,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Brian Fisher at DRT Racing.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

1963, North Hills Raceway, Phoenixville, Pa.  63′ Dart A-Bone with a MC 40. (dual carbs on gas).  I was 14.  Since then, everything from a Briggs flat head to a CR250 Anderson super kart.  Currently road race with the WKC/WKA in Stock Leopard.  I was getting a little old for Stock Honda anymore, so I went back to the Leopard and had a ball.

Let’s see, starting out.  My 7 year old Grandson is following his Dad and I into kart racing this year.  He’ll be running a Pro Gas Animal (stock Briggs Animal, controlled cam on gas- imagine that!!??)  Someone with no racing experience, I think the LO206 is the way to go.  Very low maintenance, and just learn how to race.  Someone with racing experience, go with a Tag.  Rotax, Leopard, whatever.  More experience, Stock Honda.  But whatever you get, make sure it’s a popular class where you intend to race!

I actually think I’ll be putting a LO206 on an 07′ Intrepid shifter chassis to do a little local club racing where ever my Grandson races.

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Clean everything before you mount it.  The cup, and inside and out of the rubber boot.  Isopropyl alcohol, acetone or even brake clean works well.  Pivot the actual airbox around on the boot until it touches the seat or something.  That will prevent it from vibrating around unsupported.

That should do it,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

We usually sell them before they’re  junk.  But my son converted an old shifter chassis into a bomb proof yard kart, with a Honda 4 stoke on it.  Can’t break a racing chassis in the back yard!!  I almost feel sorry for it, but it does NOT break—and you can get parts for it!

The Play Station/IRacing seat idea has some merit.  But even a bare frame isn’t light or easy to store.  I think some of the purpose built game chairs might be a better buy, AND they’re all ready to go.

Just sayen’

Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

You’ll notice a little < on the side wall.  We run them in that direction, but I’ve also heard from a reputable source that that’s BS.  We do it anyway.

On a HOT day, you can cook them in one round of practice.  What we do is run old tires until the last practice session, them run the new ones for a few laps and let them cool.  If you’re talking about Summit this weekend, you don’t have to worry about over heating them!!!  To say the least.  Just run them.  They’ll be fine.  Just don’t kill them in the first round of practice.

Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Joining WKA now would be fine.  You’ll likely get the “new” tech manual in Nov or Dec anyway for the 2014 season which starts in Dec 2013 at Daytona.  You could request a 2013 tech manual and go through it while you wait for the new one.  And besides the changes from year to year aren’t that big anyway.  Especially for someone new who just needs to get an idea of what’s going on.

Give the WKA office a call.  You might be able to request the manual while waiting for your membership stuff to arrive.

Welcome to karting by the way,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Shayan, on the 1 &2 thing, this refers to WKA Road racing.  Where Stock Leopard Final #1 races Saturday and #2 races Sunday, that’s the only difference.  Same karts, same drivers, same rules.  It just gives those drivers a class to run each day without changing anything.  Same with Stock Honda, Unlimited, etc.  And as Brian noted above, in the Tag classes (where stock Leopards are legal) they attempt to equalize the various  Tag engines by differing the weights.  In Stock Leopard, only stock Leopards are legal, and a nice class to start in.

Stock Leopard is an entry level class in WKA Road Racing, so no previous racing experience “should” be required.  Unlike many other classes which do require so level of experience.  Eg:  Stock Honda, Unlimited, Controlled, etc.  But even in entry level classes, you’ll need to apply for a road race license through WKA.

Join WKA, make sure you request a current Tech Manual and read through it.  Get back to us (or WKA, or your local WKA affiliate club) with any questions you might have.

Have fun,

Clark Sr.

[Clark Gaynor Sr.]

Two small wires run to the coil.  One is a ground, the other a female slip on connector.  Check both, but especially the female.   The wire breaks or the connector gets corroded.  At some point, that like wire will bite you in the butt.  Ask me how I know that!!??

Good luck.

Clark Sr.

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