e-KMI.com, the e-zine for the karting industry


CLICK HERE
 

International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide
International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide


Kart Expo International
ExhibitorInformation and Show Directions

 

 FYI
04-10-05

    HEADLINES:

    CASEY RESIGNS TAG POSITION
    Federal Way, Washington — Effective immediately, the Technical Director for TAG USA, Marty Casey, has chosen to step down from this position. Casey had been working with the organization for the past two years, assisting in all aspects of research, documentation and rules-writing.

    “Effective today I will be stepping down from my position with TAG USA, as my volunteer days are over and I will be focusing on my son’s racing and getting back to an income that can support it!”, said Casey. “ I have several commitments throughout 2005 that I’m excited to be a part of, and I will continue to work with the Pro Kart Challenge in Southern California, the Cascade Regional Series in the Pacific Northwest, and the KartSport Grand Prix at the end of April. The TAG program is a big step in the right direction for karting at the grass roots and regional levels, and I hope it will continue to grow and help karting become a house hold name.”

     

    TAG RESPONDS TO CASEY RESIGNATION
    Antioch, Illinois — David Larson, President of TAG Racing International and TAG USA responded to Marty Casey’s recent decision to leave the TAG program.

    "We at TAG Racing International wish to thank Marty Casey for all of his help, hard work and dedication to the TAG concept. We applaud his devotion, tireless efforts and perseverance in pursuit of the TAG concept with little or no recompense," said Larson. "This includes the endless hours of work to help develop the TAG technical specifications that we have in place today. Marty has been an invaluable asset to TAG USA and will be missed as our technical director. We wish him the best in his future endeavors."

    *Once again Marty -- THANK YOU !!!

    Larson went on to comment, "With Marty’s departure, we at TAG Racing International and TAG USA will continue to provide the rules and technical guidelines in a timely manner. Our technical liaisons will continue to provide any and all information to us in order to facilitate any changes necessary to keep the TAG concept moving forward. And, we are in constant contact with all the karting sanctioning bodies in an effort to keep rule changes to a minimum."

    In the future, rule changes will have a cooling off period and intended changes will be posted on the www.tagracing.net website prior to actual implementation. While proposals are on the website we will welcome constructive comments.

    The only changes that will be placed in immediate effect will be safety related.

    Recent weight changes are under evaluation and may be revised to reflect the original 2005 weights, that announcement should be confirmed next week.

    We at Tag USA apologize in advance for any confusion these recent postings may have caused as we wish to maintain stability within the TAG program.

    When it comes to TAG questions and concerns for any and all TAG USA or TAG International general rules, qualifying series information, engine and technical concerns or membership we can be contacted at info@tagracing.net or gempro001@aol.com, Attn: Dave Larson. Or call us at (847) 395-2398. We will try our best to answer your questions in a timely manner and keep you up-to-date with any and all changes in TAG criteria.

     

    TAG CLARIFIES RULE SITUATION
    Antioch, Illinois — “As stated in our press release dated April 8, and after collaboration with all of the sanctioning bodies, we at TAG Racing International and TAG USA have come to the conclusion that the decision to revert to the 2004 weights were based on national level driver weights and do not reflect the average weights of the sport and club level drivers across the country,” said David Larson, president of TAG Racing International and TAG USA. “With that in mind, we at TAG Racing International have come to he decision to return to the 2005 weights as published. These weights will remain in effect for the balance of the 2005 season.”

    Larson continued, “The 2004 lower weight does not reflect the entire nations actual average weight at sport and club drivers level. Marty Casey, the recently departed tech director, agrees that we moved too fast to follow suit to one organization and that he based his decision on some flawed information from other sources with out consulting all of the other organizations.”

    Effective immediately:

    The original 2005 TAG weights are in effect.

    The Sonik TX & VX minimum exhaust dimensions will also be in effect for all divisions.

    Sonik TX & VX - A new minimum exhaust system length is now effective immediately. The new minimum length is 10 3/4" as measured from the inside of the spring tab ring on the header to the weld at the end of the first divergent cone (the first cone in the pipe). The length must also be at least 17" as measured from the backside of the header flange at the cylinder, around the right side of the header, connector, and pipe to the first weld at the end of the divergent cone. This change requires the use of a section of flexible connector pipe approximately 3 1/4" long. The header must remain stock. The length of the header is 16cm (6.3") from the outside of the flange at the cylinder to the end of the header.

    Tag USA apologizes in advance for any confusion these recent postings may have caused as it wishes to maintain stability within the TAG program.
    Questions and concerns for any and all TAG USA or TAG International general rules, qualifying series information, engine and technical concerns or membership, contact info@tagracing.net or gempro001@aol.com, Attn: Dave Larson. Or you may call them at (847) 395-2398. They will try their best to answer your questions in a timely manner and keep you up-to-date with any and all changes in TAG criteria.

     

    WKA SPEAKS OUT ON TAG
    Concord, North Carolina — In light of the recent developments with TAG USA, the World Karting Association felt compelled to communicate its position on the TaG engine rules and regulations.

    Within the last couple of weeks, WKA have spoken with officials from IKF, SKUSA, K.A.R.T. and TAG USA. All parties contacted agree we must remain committed to a common set of rules for the TAG class engines.

    These four organizations will continue with the plans already in place to continue this commitment. Representatives of the organizations will meet in the next two weeks by teleconference. The objectives will be to reach agreement on how they will:

    - Work together
    - Share information
    - Approve changes
    - Maintain and update the engine specifications
    - Discriminate rules updates
    - Continue to strive for a common set of rules

    WKA will have samples of ten of the TAG engines at the Manufacturer's Cup race at BeaverRun on April 22 to 24. Technical officials of all of the other organizations have been invited to attend and view these examples of completely stock engines.

    LATEST DECISION OF THE WORLD MOTOR SPORTS COUNCIL OF THE FIA REGARDING KARTING
    Paris, France — During its meeting on March 30 in Paris, the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA made the following decisions regarding karting:

    SPORTS REGULATIONS
    The Sporting Regulations governing the future World Cup for the ICA category to be organized as from 2006 within the framework of the CIK/FIA World Karting Championship have been approved. Eligible drivers will be the finalists of CIK/FIA continental championships for the ICA category, the top 15 classified in the CIK/FIA Viking Trophy for the ICA category, as well as the top 3 classified in the Zine Championships recognized by the CIK/FIA and the top 3 classified in national championships organized for the ICA category.

    The method of calculation of the final classification of the CIK/FIA European Championships held over several events (Formula A, Super-ICC, ICC and SuperKart) is modified with immediate application: 80% of the results 9 rounded up or down to the nearest figure) will henceforth be taken into consideration for the drawing up of the final classification, instead of the rule retaining 50% of the results + 1 event. In other words, for the final classifications of the European Formula A, ICC and SuperKart Championships, the 5 best results (out of six, the maximum possible number of results) of each driver will be retained; in Super-ICC, the 3 best results (out of a possible 4) will be retained.

    As regards Drivers’ international licenses, a grade D will be introduced as from 2006 for specific events (generally World Formula and endurance races) held for equipment with a power of less than 15-HP. As for the minimum age required for the granting of grades C-Junior and B international licenses, it will no longer be strictly based on the date of the applicant’s 13th or 15th birthday, it will also be based on the following criterion: reaching one’s 13th or 15th birthday during the first six months of the competition year. This rule will be introduced on January 1, 2006.

    TECHNICAL REGULATIONS
    The decisions regarding the Technical Regulations mainly concern the continuation of the work on the specifications of the future “long life” 125cc 2-Stroke engines. As a reminder, these engines will be introduced in 2007 and will be available in three sporting versions from a basic engine.

    It has been decided that it will be allowed to fit on the basic engine a “power valve” (exhaust valve) which must be homologated and meet the following characteristics: pneumatic opening and mechanical closing, without any electronic connections.

    It has also been decided that all ignition systems would be homologated according to a fitting, a method of attachment, a functional and a marking which will be standardized and described in the Homologation Regulations. These systems shall integrate an engine rev limiter specific for each category (12,000 rpm maximum for Juniors, 14,000 rpm maximum for both the basic engine and ICA, and 15,500 t/min maximum for Formula A).

    With the aim of controlling the equipment, which will henceforth be limited in quantity for each event (1 chassis, 2 engines and 2 sets of tires in 2005), a system of bar code identification will be implemented in the CIK/FIA Championships, Cups and Trophies. Chassis and engines will be marked with tamperproof foil stickers comprising of bar codes, alphanumeric codes and holograms. Tires will be marked with bar codes applied by the tire manufacturers at the vulcanization stage.

    INTERNATIONAL KARTING SERIES APPROVED BY THE FIA
    The World Council has approved the following international Karting series:
    International Superracekart Series (long circuits)
    Kart-GP (4-stroke engines)

    The details of the changed rules and of the new regulations will soon be available on www.cikfia.com and in the periodical Bulletin of the CIK.

     

    BORDEAUX DYNO CAMS HOSTING ROUND 2 OF THE B&S SPEEDWAY DIRT SERIES
    Concord, North Carolina — World Karting Association dirt racers are heading to Southern Pitt Raceway in Ayden, North Carolina April 15 – 17 for the Bordeaux Dyno Cams Nationals.

    Karters across the nation are in great anticipation for the second round of the Briggs & Stratton Dirt Series. Due to inclement conditions at Daytona KartWeek, the first day of racing was cancelled and rain out points were issued, therefore, for many racers this is their first chance to compete in the 2005 season. With Southern Pitt Raceway and Bordeaux Dyno Cams hosting the nationals, there is no doubt this event will draw not only the best in the nation, but will also provide the best racing any driver and spectator could ask for.

    “Since getting with Chris and Lori Stancil last year to host the second race of the biggest series in WKA, the level of anticipation has been at an all time high. From day one, this family has handled everything thrown at them with all the professionalism and character in the world. There is no doubt in my mind this will be one of the most successful dirt nationals in the history of WKA.” – Buddy Long, Director of Operations

    In recent news, there have been some revisions made to parking and provisionals. Please read below for further details:

    Competitor Parking Revision - With the increased sizes of karting rigs year after year, a set limit has been placed on the size of trailers for future events. The standard fee of $35 will still be intact for trailers measuring 40 feet or less. However, trailers measuring between 40 and 50 feet will be charged an additional $1 per foot. Anything measuring 50 feet or more will constitute a charge for an additional parking space.

    Provisional Status Update For Southern Pitt - Due to a loss of one racing day at the recent APS Dirt World Championships at Daytona Municipal Stadium, the status on provisionals for the upcoming Bordeaux Dyno Cams Nationals at Southern Pitt Raceway has changed.

    For more information, call WKA at 704-455-1606.

     

    KARTERS DOMINATE TOYOTA ATLANTIC; KATHERINE LEGGE WINS ON STREETS OF LONG BEACH
    Long Beach, California — An epic battle on the streets of Long Beach on April 10, ended with a history-making win for rookie and former kart racer Katherine Legge (#12 PKV Racing) as the talented British female racer captured the checkered flag in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama season opener on Sunday.

    Legge, a 24-year-old who hails from Northampton, England, started seventh in her Atlantic debut but she rose quickly through the field and took advantage of a late technical problem by race leader Rocky Moran Jr. (#5 King Taco/Trench Shoring) to seize her first series win. With the victory, Legge becomes the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America.

    “What a fantastic race and I’m just so happy for my team. They did an unbelievable job,” said Legge, who joined Polestar Racing Group in March. “I don’t think this has quite sunk in yet.”

    The win by Legge capped a brilliant race by the 19-car Toyota Atlantic field, comprised mainly of rookie drivers. Legge’s Polestar teammate Antoine Bessette (#3 Unik Auto Design) started from the pole in the 32-lap Imperial Capital Bank Challenge for the Toyota Atlantic Championship (tape-delayed broadcast on SPEED Channel - Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. ET). Bessette was able to stay clear of an incident at the green flag that involved Andreas Wirth (#8 KBE/Profine/Wurges Windows and Doors), who started second, and Tonis Kasemets (#6 Flexovit Abrasives/MK ind./TMI/Redline Oil), who lined up sixth at the start. Wirth was forced to retire as a result of the contact while Kasemets lasted 15 laps before his day was done.

    Moran, the California native who made his fifth career Atlantic start at Long Beach Sunday, moved up from fifth position to the second place by the eighth lap. Despite running a C2 class entry that features pre-existing Atlantic equipment, Moran ran up front with the championship-class competitors all weekend.

    Legge and Brazilian rookie Fernando Rees (#10 Bahia/Natal/Santa Catarina) got together in Turn 1 on the 12th lap and Rees, who started third, got the worst of the exchange as he was forced to park his car as a result of the contact. Legge continued on, although it appeared that her car suffered slight damage. The Polestar team hoped that Legge’s machine wasn’t too negatively affected as they had spent much of the night fixing the car after the young Brit hit the wall during Saturday qualifying.

    Everything turned out to be fine on Legge’s entry as she settled into an entertaining and tight chase up front with Bessette and Moran. All three drivers took turns leading the race in the final seven laps. With just three laps remaining, Moran was out front but facing heavy pressure from both Legge and Bessette. A mechanical problem forced Moran into the runoff area in Turn 1 as his dream day ended in heartbreak, just a few miles short of his third career series victory.

    Legge was there to pounce after Moran’s misfortune but she continued to feel the heat from her teammate. Bessette kept closing on his Polestar partner but with a nifty bit of driving Legge managed to fight back the charge, winning by just .507 over the St. Bruno, Quebec racer at the finish line.

    European racer Charles Zwolsman (#11 Condor Motorsports) completed an emotional rollercoaster of a weekend by finishing on the podium in his series debut. Zwolsman’s car failed post-qualifying technical inspection Saturday after he
    appeared to capture the pole position in his first Atlantic race. After starting from the back of the field due to the infraction, Zwolsman ran an incredible race, moving steadily up through the field to finish third for Condor Motorsports.

    Established sports car veteran Chris Dyson (#16 Thetford/Norcold) also turned in a good performance as he carded a fourth-place finish is his first Atlantic street race. Local driver Justin Sofio (#15 Bare Elegance/Valley Ball) won the C2 class for the second straight year as we wound up fifth overall. Sofio, who hails from nearby Arleta, California, led all eight C2 entries this weekend.

    Dan Cobb (#9 Camelot Construction) also had a strong debut, finishing sixth overall and second in the C2 category. In the seventh position, Dan Selznick (#49 The Room Store) recorded his best career Atlantic result while rookie Kyle Kelley (#24 UP Racing.com/Pauline's Antiques/Toyota of Huntington Beach/T. Christy) made his first series start and wound up eighth for McAtee Motorsports. Rookie Mark Ishikakawa (#71 Bay TSP) crossed the line ninth as Ishikawa Racing made its maiden Atlantic voyage and Moran wound up 10th in the final rundown.

    Legge will carry a slim one-point lead in the championship over Bessette (32-31) into the second round of the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by Yokohama. The Atlantics return to the track May 20-22 in Monterrey, Mexico at the Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix.

    END


     
     


Kart Marketing Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

Copyright

Back to Home Page

Neatconcept, Inc