8/11/05
EVANS CLARIFIES STARS TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Seattle, Washington — In an effort to keep the Snap-On Stars of Karting presented by the IRL competitors on top of the latest specs and rules, Scott Evans, the National Technical Director has issued this communiqué, written in plain English, will help to explain changes and adjustments necessary in their program. Each competitor is strongly urged to read this and the accompanying Technical Update carefully to ensure compliance. As an organization Stars must be agile and proactive and by using these tech releases they can ensure the fairest grounds.
“The first matter I would like to address is the intake silencer (AKA: airbox) revisions. You will note that we have quantified what will be allowed in regards to the Freeline-manufactured boot connection as well as clarified airbox filtering and configuration requirements. We feel this is necessary to formally document what has been heretofore a hazy area. The primary point that is to be read here is that all intake silencers in the parc ferme classes must be utilized as homologated with noted exceptions for ICC, ICA and JICA and/or as-registered for 80 Junior. Please notice the distinction between “homologated” and “registered”. The newer silencers with internal filtering are homologated. The old-style, (primarily) blue Freeline airboxes allowable only in 80 Junior are registered. The FIA lists of acceptable silencers are attached for easy reference.
We had a couple of post-facto decisions lately that competitors need to be aware of. First, was in regard to a Freeline airbox utilized with a KG boot connector. This is a classic case of violating homologation protocol as it was not homologated in this state and this represents a “condition of difference” that constitutes a non-permissible modification. The allowance of oil and/or non-volatile grease to the silencer internals and sealing tape externally is in response to the filtering issues we discussed earlier. Please review carefully what is allowed in the Technical Update so as to not be caught out. Review any questionable areas with me on Thursday or Friday of the event or by email.
The second after-the-fact decision affects the Cadet class and involves an exclusion reversal from the Shawano East Divisional. The exhaust mounting face for the cylinder was previously specified to be “as-cast”. This has been changed to “as-produced” with a reference value for exhaust tract length added. The cylinder production changed recently and we excluded one driver based on the wording current at the time. The update is to prevent this occurrence again.
In an earlier communiqué, I encouraged you to put a little thinking into your chain guard set up. While I have seen some improvements, a lot are still lacking. For shifters, some type of temperature resistant material seems to be the only reliable solution with the proximity of the pipe. Please, shifters get some sheet aluminum if your plastic set up is not holding up to the heat. Make sure spraying oil to the rear is not possible. With specific reference to the ICA class, we will be requiring proof of full-coverage drive sprocket chain guards in scrutineering at Iron Rock for the Finale. We have been admittedly lax in enforcing this rule but plan to immediately change our ways. Our recent trip to Europe revealed every Formula A kart with full coverage guards. Exposed engine sprockets are simply too dangerous to continue tolerating. We thank you in advance for your efforts and encourage you to contact a kart shop near you for this item. If you bring your ICA chassis without engine to scrutineering, bring your full coverage chain guard with you for possession verification.
We recently became aware of an important issue in the JICA class. When a hole is drilled or cut in the right side pod for engine starter access, the side bumpers or nerf bars must remain unaltered. In particular with the new Freeline bars, it is possible to alter the bars with the cutting tool and this is not permitted. Please check your starter hole and make sure the bar is untouched. For JICA using the KG Stilo side pods, make sure the port covering is in place on the left side; removed on the right (engine) side is permissible.
We take this opportunity to announce a significant change in Stars’ 2006 class structure. After a long run, supported by its faithful, we announce the end of 80 Shifter Junior support in 2006. We are buoyed by the success of the JICA program and hope all the shifter kids will come over to this popular package. We have continued to champion the 80 Junior class since program inception but feel it is now in the best interest of the program to focus all of the juniors into one class. We look forward to fields of 50-60 JICA karts - with possible heat races and LCQs - and continue to focus on the marketing of this class and its drivers with incentives and rewards packages that can support a young driver’s goals for success. Several of the top JICA chassis manufacturers are sending their top Snap-on Stars of Karting pilots from this season to compete in the 2006 Winter Cup in Lonato, Italy. It is support from the industry such as this, as well as a common elite junior formula, that we believe makes the JICA format so exciting as we head into 2006 and beyond. An interesting engine formula change due in 2007 promises even more cost-effectiveness and control of performance levels for this popular class.
The perfect feeder for JICA is the Cadet class. Our youngest drivers should know that we will continue to support the class, mostly in its current form at least through 2006. There are some interesting things happening in the Cadet category and we intend to explore some of them with more modern and safer chassis, driver’s gear and controls. Some European federations have some interesting ideas and an alliance there has some intriguing possibilities however we remain committed to our agreement with the Comer K80 engine formula through 2006. We are pleased with the support the Cadet class has shown and want to show our intent to encourage more development in this important class.
For the Finale at Iron Rock, the quantity of tires utilized for this one race weekend will be as follows: two sets for all parc ferme classes used at will subject to restrictions stated below; one set for all other classes. The restrictions on free will use of these tires in ICC and ICA is – first - that there can never be more than one set of tires be brought onto the grid from parc ferme, and second, parc ferme tires are not available for use in any practice, warm up or break in sessions that may be scheduled. You must use practice tires for these sessions and applies to all parc ferme classes.
We have noticed a disturbing trend that needs to be addressed. On a number of occasions, competitors have taken the track for Friday practice without submitting to scrutineering first. It is in the Competition Regulations that all karts must be submitted for scrutineering prior to taking the track. This will be dealt with in the following manner: Any chassis that has not been through scrutineering for that event and is found to have taken the track will be assessed a US $100 fine, payable prior to taking the track again.
One further advance notice regards the chassis homologation program offered by Stars of Karting. Since program inception, we have offered all chassis manufacturers of acceptable production levels the chance to homologate and participate in our program. This has been well-received and utilized primarily by American manufacturers with limited European participation. This next year is a CIK-FIA chassis homologation period. Mr. Vincent Caro of the CIK told us that he has sent out invitations to American manufacturers to join in the homologation process. After some deal of discussion, it has been decided to end the Stars’ chassis homologation program. Currently valid Stars-homologated chassis (2003-2005) will be accepted through 2006 after which time their validity will expire. No further homologations through Stars will be accepted. Any interested manufacturers are encouraged to contact Stars or ACCUS immediately for FIA homologation applications.”
For more information, see www.starsofkarting.com.
