Been meaning to write this one for a while. I know the Indiekart series at Hooton has been a fine example of how a well-supported race series can thrive, but for various reasons I actually think the MSA has good points that heavily outweigh the bad, and want to support the idea of sports being run by some form of national association.
I'm also a big fan of Formula TKM. For an enthusiastic home mechanic like me it's ideal. I can keep purchase and running costs of engines to a very small fraction of the equivalent Rotax, the restrictor and weight formula works well, the tyres last reasonably, and somehow I'm 2 seconds a lap quicker on the new wets than I was on the old ones. And I think the kart is nicer to drive on them. Over the last couple of years I've put a little money and a lot of effort into getting me and the kart(s) to work together, and I've really enjoyed doing so.
I've heard from various places that MSA racing is a thing of the past, that Formula TKM has never recovered from CIK chassis being allowed in, or tyre changes, or TAG. That it's just not the same anymore... Well no it isn't, but some clubs have thriving grids for TKM, and it seems a shame that since Indiekart appeared at Hooton the grids have slowly been going the same way as Formula Blue. The formula is to my mind still a good one, presenting a pretty reasonable challenge to get on the pace, and some really enjoyable racing. Unfortunately last round that was enjoyable racing against the back end of the Rotax Max grid, and the lack of 10 horses is a tricky thing to overcome.
I know Russ is keen for me to join the Indiekart drivers for a round or 2 this year, and I'd love to, but not if I end up ringing the death knell of MSA TKM at Hooton. I've heard that people with TKM karts aren't racing because the grids are too small. Bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy, that one. Entry fees too steep compared with Indiekart? A tenner difference, once a month. I can find that in my race budget! Scrutineering too strict? I'll race against someone 30 kg lighter than me, possibly with a tuned engine, but I won't expect to win. I like the more level playing field of having some rules.
There might be 5 TKM at the July MSA meeting if everyone shows, but there will be at least 2 (because I'm repairing another competitor's kart and he's not having it back when it's mended unless he promises to do Hooton...) Here are a few good reasons why license holding TKM owners should consider joining us:
ChKRC have NEVER cancelled a class or a meeting because too few drivers have entered - that commitment means TKM CAN continue at Hooton if WE WANT IT TO (gone a bit Itpro there, but for good reason).
TKM is still THE entry level club formula, and is the best value for money racing you'll get.
If you're a Super 1 driver, you can show us how it's done (Ryan's lap record is on the old side now, 36.90 - 10/07/2011)
If you're a novice or recent red plate there's probably still someone there similar to your pace, but more than that you'll get help rather than hindrance. Even at my most novice-like people helped me go quicker.
AND the next meet is the perfect timely shakedown for the TKM Festival in August...
I know this forum being what it is, there might be a tendency to belittle an effort to keep something alive, even if it's something that's worth keeping. But PLEASE have a think about supporting an effort to keep TKM Extreme alive at Hooton. Financial times are pretty tight for most to consider a move to Rotax, but more than that, TKM is a great formula as well as giving a lot of enjoyment for the cost.
Liam Humberstone, TKM 36, doing the rest of the season at Hooton...
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MSA TKM Extreme at Hooton Park by 'Liam' << You are here!
