Hopefully that's a provocative but not (too) misleading title :)
In light of the fact that KF2 have not formed sufficient numbers to run at Round 4 of the Australian Karting Championships in Newcastle, I think we need to have a discussion about it.
1. Is there a way we can encourage Australia's top class drivers to join KF2?
2. X30 is quite close to KF2 in terms of speed (same tyres, same chassis, just slightly less power) and people have previously suggested we should run X30 as the premier class in place of KF2. Should we seriously consider this as an option?
Would this put our drivers at a disadvantage when moving to KF classes on the world stage because they wouldn't be experienced with the KF engine?
This would allow a senior to enter the sport with an X30 in restricted and work his way all the way to the "top" national class without having to change chassis or engine. (though I understand you can already do this with the KA100 engine)
I don't know what the answer is. I'm just trying to fuel a discussion. :)
Comments9
Patrick, how many do you envisage moving to the world stage?
arter on August 27, 2015 at 15:25
That depends on how effective the path of progression is in Australia ;)
There are 2 kf2 championship series running.......which is the most important ...........
Vortex DVS
As of next year KF is gone at international level. The new motors are called "OK" - seriously. They are 125cc, no clutch, no electric start. They have a decompression valve in the head which makes them easy to push start.
No idea how this will fit into Australian racing.
Should be able to pick up a second hand kf engine for about the same as a second hand KT100s soon!!!
Which is what could have been accomplished with yamaha engines. Mike Best said:
As of next year KF is gone at international level. The new motors are called "OK" - seriously. They are 125cc, no clutch, no electric start. They have a decompression valve in the head which makes them easy to push start.
No idea how this will fit into Australian racing.
Unfortunately , the format and rules have been changed (in Australia) for CIK (not so much Kz) and no longer represent what CIK Racing is all about , so it's days maybe numbered .
Patrick, I raced KF2 for a couple of years. In 2013 we had good numbers, 20+ at most rounds, before numbers dwindled in '14, to a point where 'Ring in's' were called upon for the last race or two.KF2 was never destined to be a big class in Australia, partly because of the way it was introduce, partly because it was never promoted as the pinnacle of karting like the Formula A days, of which they are an evolution. KZ2 holds that mantle.The engines are expensive (especially when you funnel all engines through one supplier, when the manufacturer doesn't even make the engines any more, and you can't buy from overseas like KZ2). The engines are expensive to run. The engines are complicated. They are dull to watch because they're too heavy.In 2015 KA opened up the engine regulations to the three main engine manufacturers and you could import any engine for competition. Unfortunately they needed to do that at the start of the 2010 homologation, they missed the boat and the class suffered for it.Another big factor (IMO) is the series has changed from previous years. In the CIK Stars of Karting series, there were TWO senior classes that were featured (KF & KZ), one senior support class, and the junior categories. In 2015 there were FIVE senior classes, all vying for the same level of prestige, a National Championship. Of course the expensive, boring, complicated class was going to suffer. KZ is an exception because it has flair, it is different, they are awe inspiring to drive and inspire people to say "I want to race one of those!". KF did none of those. Formula A/F100 did do that, just look at the amount of 90's karts being restored (I doubt I'll be restoring a KF in 15 years, I will be hunting for a Vortex Formula A engine though!)