found this on karting 1 forum,
We have listened very carefully to the comments we have received from both current competitors, manufacturers and potential new drivers. And at this point we would like to publicly thank all those drivers who have taken the time to write to us with their thoughts.
The clearest message received is to keep the class simple in technology and providing maximum racing for your money. Those key points have always been central to us in guiding the classes.
Inevitably the potential changes we detail here will not please everyone because in reality people want different things. But we hope everyone will see that they will allow potential for growth, simplify technical checking and open up the market-place.
These changes are currently draft proposals on which we’d like to hear further comment. They are not set in stone but we will make final decisions shortly. We also include the reasoning behind our suggestions and welcome your thoughts. They are:
Proposal 1
Drop the requirement for homologated karts but specifically lay down criteria which must still be adhered to. Rear axles to be 30mm with only two bearings, castor/camber if fitted must be converted/fitted with central non adjusting bushes, torsion bars not permitted and must be removed if in original model. Allow free ride height at front and back, and do not allow front wheel brakes. To summarise, allow all karts in providing they conform to the same basic simple TKM chassis rules that all homologated karts run to. Price ceiling to still remain but at a more realistic level taking into account recent component price increases.
Reasoning
With the demise of UK chassis manufacturers over the last two homologation periods causing a considerable reduction in the number of companies homologating, it is often hard to find second-hand karts that comply and of decent condition. The choice to the customer has been severely restricted during this process. The need for the TKM Homologated karts only cuts out the use of many inexpensive international style karts available to buy second-hand. By opening this facility we allow many more drivers to simply switch class without having to buy a complete new outfit. This is vital for the continued growth and success of TKM. As less manufacturers homologate, this route is simply not sustainable and with the 1998 homologated list of karts being removed as eligible to race in TKM from Jan 1st 2010 due to 12 year homologation period ending, even less karts will be available for the TKM classes.
It should also be remembered that international style karts are usually larger and heavier and designed to run on much softer tyres with bigger engine so a TKM class designed kart should normally still be the quickest chassis.
Proposal 2
We will introduce two further weight/power categories into the Junior 2-stroke class. A new 122kg category with a smaller carb restrictor and a top weight of 148kg with no restrictor.
Reasoning
We want to make it easy for young lighter-weight drivers to be able to switch from Cadet to TKM without huge amounts of lead. At the top end there are drivers at adult size so it is sensible and fair to give them this opportunity.
Proposal 3
We replace the existing TKM Extreme Heavy class with a new senior sub-class that is in existence purely for clubs to make use of if they have a localised need. The new sub-class will be called TKM Extreme Clubman and will have a class weight of 166kg and is open to larger drivers and/or those over 40 years of age.
Reasoning
A simple sub class to allow clubs to provide this facility if they so need which allows more mature/larger drivers to race separately away from the fast and hectic young guns in TKM Extreme.
Proposal 4
We are studying the Extreme class drivers to see whether we should increase the weight by 4kg to 152kg
Reasoning
The ever increasing size of drivers and general increased weight of karts with latest style heavy bodywork including the TAG option engine. We are losing some drivers from the Extreme class and from karting simply because they cannot make the weight! They want to stay in TKM because it is a very competitive close class, but cannot simply because they weigh in at the national average of around 80 Kg without race gear!
Proposal 5
We are evaluating a new era of Maxxis tyres which we are considering for use in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke Senior classes. These tyres give a little more grip than the current green labels used in 2-stroke and have a modern construction. They are still a long life tyre. We fully expect lap times to be reduced even after the proposed weight increase of 4 Kilos.
Reasoning
There is a request for faster lap times for senior 2-strokes which these tyres will give but will still want to match that with long life durability. It therefore seems logical to put both Senior 2 & 4 stroke classes on the same tyre.
Proposal 6
We will offer a two weight/restrictor size scale for the Junior 4-strokes to give an easier spread of weight across the age range covered. The existing one remains with no changes at 140Kg with 19mm restrictor but add in one at 146Kg with a slightly bigger restrictor.
Reasoning
This has worked well in the 2-stroke class and seems a logical and very low cost way of equalising performance across the wide range of sizes and weights encountered in the class.
Alan Turney Grahame Butterworth
Managing Director Class Co-ordinator
Talko-Racing Formula TKM
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Formula TKM Potential Proposed Changes for 2010 by 'winger93' << You are here!
