There is no doubt that the 125cc water-cooled Rotax Max TAG (Touch and Go - electric start) categories have taken over as the most popular classes in the UK from the more traditional 100cc air-cooled two-stroke that is Formula TKM. Drivers can start racing in Rotax MiniMax or Junior TKM at age 11, then move into the more powerful Junior Max at age 13. If they are a bit bigger in size they can easily change from Junior TKM to Intermediate. Being a ‘TAG’ class, the Rotax have a press button start whereas the TKM have to be either lifted and pushed, or use an optional plug in portable electric start box. Rotax are more expensive initially but the engine runs longer between rebuilds, so the running cost can be less. The TKM’s are at the economy end for initial purchase with strict price controls. Top speeds in the junior classes vary from 55 to 75mph. The best advice here, as in all classes, is to visit your local circuit to see what is popular in your area.
Boys and girls can start racing karts at the age of 8 in one of the Cadet classes, although some tracks will allow youngsters to practice from the age of 7. They can continue until the end of the year of their 13th birthday, although they may be getting too heavy by then and so can move into certain Junior classes from the age of 11. The three Cadet classes are described below and all are permitted to race together. All have a centrifugal clutch and a recoil starting cord. The special minikarts used are registered with prices controlled to an agreed maximum. Top speed is about 50mph. BRDC Stars of Tomorrow holds the British Cadet Championship whilst the Super One Series has the ABkC series. WTP has its own Little Green Man championship.
Uses a 60cc sealed 2-stroke Comer engine so engine rebuilds have to be carried out by an approved service agent. Because this is the class used for the premier championships, it is run by most clubs.
Honda Cadet uses a 4-stroke Gx160 engine which no longer has to be sealed. The long life engines are very low-cost but have to conform to a technical specification. Most but not all clubs will accept these karts and it has a national ABkC championship in the Super One.
WTP Cadet is a different model of 60cc 2-stroke with the latest B5 engine having an electric push-button start. This is commonly known as TAG - for Touch-and-Go. Like Comers the engines are sealed and have a log-book. Check to see if it is raced at your local club.
To race a kart you must wear approved protective clothing
Other essentials you will need
MiniMax (11-16 yrs) is the lowest powered class of the Rotax family, and uses a very restricted 125cc 2-stroke TAG engine. All Rotax engines are sealed and have a log-book showing the service history.
By taking the restrictor out of a MiniMax it is converted to a Junior Max (age 13-16 yrs). It is one of the most powerful junior classes, with top speed about 70 mph.
Junior TKM (11-16 yrs) is a popular traditional kart class using a BT-82 piston-port engine to a strict non-tuning regime. The junior engines have a restrictor between the carburettor and the engine to limit the power. There is a class called Junior Intermediate for the bigger or heavier drivers who must weigh a minimum of 62kg, and here the restrictor is slightly larger so the two classes are equal in performance.
There are other 4-stroke classes for Junior and Seniors which run at certain clubs only e.g. Honda classes and World Formula (senior only).
The premier championship class for 13-16 yrs (12 for experienced drivers). Also raced at European and world class level. Not a class to start in.
Tal-Ko, who make the TKM engines, also make a 200cc long-life 4-stroke. There are classes for them in the Super One Series, but not raced at all clubs. For 11-16 yrs with a senior equivalent.
