The driver is the key and given two identical sets of kit, the better driver should win. Engines do vary but for the extra cash you are looking at the odd tenth or two per lap and that is only a real benefit when the driver can put in lap after lap consistently. Look at some of the results sheets on this site and it is very common for the winner not to have the fastest lap. Also take the fastest lap for each driver and compare that to the `time behind' at the end of the race - for many it will be far more than ten times (for a 10 lap heat)the difference in fastest lap times. You also see the difference in driving ability when it starts to get wet and the advantage of raw power diminishes. The top drivers also have the feel for their engine/carb balance. You can a `blip' on the power curve and the driver will feel that and maybe just richen the carb slightly to sort it out. Plus they will be giving great feedback in the paddock to ensure the kart is set up as close as possible for optimum performance for that driver. Once you have got the best from the driver - feedback, best lines, optimum breaking points etc then the difference in engines may be worth the extra money if you are chasing a championship. But you also need to pay attention to the detail for the rest of the kit - do you check the chassis regularly to make sure it is straight? Buying the `monster' engines has to be done with great care as there are loads of stories about a top driver's best engine being sold to several different people. Always try before you buy. Even for top drivers it does make a difference `knowing' your equipment. Just look at the results of the Stars exchange this year when three of the top USA drivers came to Shenington and three of ours went over there. In both cases the equipment was unfamiliar and probably of decent quality but not the best. In both cases the results were below normal expectations so even the top drivers need time to get the best from the equipment.
|
|