Graham,
When I started karting as a "mature driver" the research I undertook identified that there were too many classes. In the 12 years since the number of classes has increased further all authorised by the MSA.
Some have come and as good as gone (World Formula & Billand for example) while others started strong, as good as died out and returned with a vengeance (Honda Cadet). Meanwhile competitor numbers (MSA or otherwise) have reduced and the remaining classes, as identified in the article, have been diluted. For any class to have a chance of continuance never mind growth it requires core, club following to feed national series. Faced with the choice of several cadet classes for novices it easy to see how novice dad and lad teams can be confused and be influenced by what is most popular at the circuit near them without knowing how or if this was the "national" class choice.
The MSA must have some of the blame sitting with them. Rather than retain a set number of classes across the varying age categories (say on a one in one out basis) they accepted the applications for all these additional classes despite their knowledge that licence holders were reducing. The whole class structure needs to be simplified and rationalise the numbers. The immediate impact might see further reduction in numbers, however, long term karting as a sport has a chance to be vibrant.
So two or perhaps three classes per age category begin budget, intermediate and expensive as potential operating/running cost could be the parameters with tyres and engine sealing/regulations to match (ie the more expensive the more sophisticated/detailed the regs should be).
Do I think anything will change? no - commercial pressure is already too ingrained in the sport. Do I think there is room for an Elite Class like KF and does it matter that they do not have club following - yes and no respectively given that this would appear to be the favoured international class. But should KF be the recognised MSA national class - I don't think it matters but rather than differentiate between a Super 1 Rotax of MSA KF national championship simple give them the same billing.
Regards
Graeme
It would appear, however,
|
|
