For anyone who hasn't seen the email, there are a few changes for cadet 9 club/zone competition for next year:
- No Mychrons/data loggers permitted at all
- No magnesium wheels
- Only a #97 jet permitted
- Only 72, 74, 76 and 78 sprockets permitted
- Axle length between 920 and 960mm
- Axle diameter 30mm only, with max 4mm wall
These restrictions don't apply for state/national rounds.
Thoughts?
Comments12
I think they missed the most obvious thing for Cadets (both 9 & 12) ......... change the tyres to a type that has less grip, and lasts longer.
As a dad with a kid starting in cadet 9, this sounds like it will simplify things a bit. The track time required to sort out technical details (when I know nothing to start with) is a bit daunting. At least a few variables are out now.
I''m not sure about the logger though, I was intending to get one to avoid the need to have a stopwatch. It turns out I am not very reliable at pressing the button every lap!
Cheers Ben
I'm only 10 months ahead of you Ben and I know exactly what you mean. Unfortunately, I've already got a mychron, a pack of different jets, about 20 sprockets and 2 sets of mag wheels! Although they all came with the used kart, so I guess I didn't spend up big on them.Harder tyres would have been a nice change, but I think they are still on contract for another year or two.
I think they went too far with the data logger. They should have banned G-Force sensors, brake & throttle position sensors, GPS, EGT, and wheel speed sensors. They could have left the basics..... i.e. revs, CHT & lap times.
I bought a basic Alfano in 2001. My son is now using the same unit in Cadet 12. They're not that expensive, a last a long time.
The big costs are tyres and engines (both to purchase and rebuild). KA have done nothing to address the biggest costs. In my opinion this is a BIG fail.
I can't see any of these changes bringing more cadets on to the track.
November 18, 2017 at 14:58
The data logger needs to stay, rpm and temperature readings are critical to engine life
Aren't they somewhat limited on changes to tyres and engines because they are still under contract?
I can't figure why they are focused on Cadet 9 as the entry level to karting. I see a lot of people starting karting in 12's, juniors or even seniors. Why not make those other classes "simpler and more affordable" as well.
Dash's are cheap second hand and the lap timer provide motivation/feedback to the driver. Even a new mychron 5 isn't that expensive in the scheme of things, and can be carried from kart to kart.
The jet restriction is hardly a cost thing.
To me the jet restriction (and rear axle) is just removing variables to make life easier for the new karter/parent. Perhaps the lap computer restriction is supposed to allow more focus on just driving and enjoying? However my lad is always keen to know his times.
Cheers Ben
Chris Barry said:
I can't figure why they are focused on Cadet 9 as the entry level to karting. I see a lot of people starting karting in 12's, juniors or even seniors. Why not make those other classes "simpler and more affordable" as well.
Dash's are cheap second hand and the lap timer provide motivation/feedback to the driver. Even a new mychron 5 isn't that expensive in the scheme of things, and can be carried from kart to kart.
The jet restriction is hardly a cost thing.
For juniors and seniors, the new 4-stroke class seems to deliver on that. Cheap engines, low maintenance and hard tyres.
I'm pretty sure that the people who have already purchased dash/loggers are still going to use them in practice/testing and remove them for racing.
If the cost of entry is a priority its a real shame that we can't get the Mini Rok motors at comparable prices to other markets.
In the US, the retail price is $1450 USD or $1916 AUD at today's exchange rate.
https://cometkartsales.com/Vortex-Mini-Rok-Engine.html
November 19, 2017 at 20:21
The tyre contract is a bit baffling to me. Im sure the manufacturer doesnt care what compond the tyre is as long as they sell tyres.
Hahahaha....................the new timing system which cost $400,000 will tell you his times................of course, u will need a lap-top or mobile device worth at least as much as a mychron to see them...................my head hurts......
Ben Coleman said:
To me the jet restriction (and rear axle) is just removing variables to make life easier for the new karter/parent. Perhaps the lap computer restriction is supposed to allow more focus on just driving and enjoying? However my lad is always keen to know his times.
Cheers Ben