[Howie Idelson]

Tom Nields. Go back and look at what he did. Won in every discipline of the sport at the highest level and against a lot of the people on the list -driving, then went on to do the same as an engine builder. There’s no one on the list that has as much cred.

[Howie Idelson]

I love this. Something we’ve needed for a long time. When I started (long ago) We had a similar innovation it was called “no bodywork”. It was completely self policing and the consequences were road rash and broken bones. The racing was still just as competitive but the respect was massive.  I’m in 100%!

[Howie Idelson]

Drop down front bumper and rules that enforce it.

 

[Howie Idelson]

Yes! Sorry I was in Japan for the past week. Didn’t check here.

[Howie Idelson]

These days? Beat the other 3 guys in your class. Sorry – bitter old guy.

[Howie Idelson]

Yes. The improvement was made the same year and has worked with good success in improving driver conduct and the quality of racing. I would be happy to see it implemented here un the US.

[Howie Idelson]

Get all the stuff from HPD. They’re good with ordering over the phone. The little screw does nothing. Just don’t break the tab off or it’s a dq.

[Howie Idelson]

Brand new roller only. We believe it’s the best kid kart chassis and the results seem to back it up.

 

[Howie Idelson]

Gotta light em up if you wanna go fast

 

[Howie Idelson]

It’s a good move by SKUSA. Claiming rules work. Stops the chatter and speculation about motor cheating. You think they’re doing something, step up and buy that motor. There most likely won’t be many takers once the rule is in place though – because, the rule is in place. The Stock Moto and X30 as well as Mini Swift motor situation in SKUSA is pretty even compared to, say Rotax, where Money wins.

[Howie Idelson]

Yay! Imagine if Rotax did that…

[Howie Idelson]

http://www.oneracegear.com/

Check them out. They make amazing custom suits for super reasonable pricing. (less expensive than MIR or FreeM) All custom fit to your specs. Here’s my 43lb son in his suits. Very complex to make and fit right and they always deliver. Oh, and made right here in the USA. Indy to be exact.

 

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[Howie Idelson]

I hear you Rob. Our little SoCal monthly club events get a few to come out too. LAKC feels like a National every month.

[Howie Idelson]

Thanks for clearing that up Rob. Bummer that karting has become such a land grab for such a small island. We’re all in it together and when these splits happen we all loose. EKN is still my first click when I want my karting fix.

[Howie Idelson]

Here’s a great example of a misguided business choice. Having a show on TV where your logo or product is passively shown like this is an incredible gift. This is a karting show about the sport where your products are used. Any endemic brand shown here has the possibility of hundreds of thousands of impressions if not more every week.  The vast majority of the viewing audience is outside the sport. They don’t care about the things “karters” see that everyone is picking apart. In fact they just might be your next customer.

[Howie Idelson]

Before you do anything to the motor, try adding a second throttle pedal return spring. It’s common for new shifter drivers to bounce the pedal and adding a spring will help.

[Howie Idelson]

As the weeks and the show goes on, I’m convinced that this show, single handedly is the best public introduction to the world of karting the US has ever seen. I have had more people from outside the sport ask questions then ever before. Non of them even mention the parental drama – they just want to know how to get involved or tell me how cool they think it is. People need to calm the f**k down on here about how it’s not a good representation of OUR sport or the continuity issues. It IS a true representation of our sport. All of it? No but a lot of it, yes. And, if you’re in the karting business, you have been given a huge gift. If you can’t see it – that’s your sword to fall on.

[Howie Idelson]

CalSpeed did an amazing job. If you didn’t know that there was drama you wouldn’t have noticed anything. Many of the same personal working the event and it went really smoothly. The pits were packed as usual and the event staff were great even with the rain. Hats off to CalSpeed for picking up the pieces and kicking butt.

[Howie Idelson]

 

 

[Howie Idelson]

Weather you like it or not, This show is good for the sport. It’s introducing people to karting and letting them see what it looks like. I think it’s easy to underestimate that people form their own opinions and take what they want from the show. If it grabs someone’s interest and it’s something they might like to investigate further, they’ll imagine themselves doing it their own way. Since we’re all karters on here it’s easy to pick apart the small continuity details. People who aren’t karters will never see them. The people who I’ve spoken to from outside the sport who have seen it all have been intrigued. They’ve sought me out to ask questions. They’re generally interested in a sport that they’ve never had any exposure to. The show has drawn them in. I’ve been around karting my whole life. This is some of the best exposure I have ever seen for our sport. That’s my opinion.

[Howie Idelson]

Finally, some juicy stuff to argue about on here.

[Howie Idelson]

The heat used in powder coating is too low to affect the structure of the material. Go forth and powdercoat. Mask anything with tight tolerances.

[Howie Idelson]

I just bought the new Molecule kart cleaner. I don’t think I will be using any other product from now on.

[Howie Idelson]

Also, try and involve your son in the mechanical aspect of the kart. Between sessions, try and have him help make changes or even just wipe it down. Good chance to bond and learn.

[Howie Idelson]

TJ is right the radio is not legal in competition – However, it is legal for every other on track practice session and is one of the most powerful training tools if used correctly and by someone that hopefully has some kart racing experience.

I see many dads coaching (and I use the term loosely) their kids and they’ve never even say in a racing vehicle of any kind. Needless to say, they’re the ones screaming at the kid over the radio the whole way round the track.

If I may suggest,

1) Buy these radios- http://www.cardosystems.com/motorcycles/scala-rider-g9x-powerset/1

2) get some tips from some with experience in coaching with a radio on how to speak to your kid over them.

3) Most important. Make it fun

[Author]

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