I was interested to note the various class entry numbers at Shenington at the weekend, and the apparent decline of the Rotax grids – a total of just 36 runners across mini, junior and max.
Comparing this with the Feb entries over the past 8 years the average entry for Rotax has been around 80, with a whopping 113 in Feb 2008. Another comparator is that Rotax numbers have exceeded those of TKM every year for the past 8 year, with the exception of this weekend when it was 84 vs 36 in favour of TKM – a big swing.
Decline or blip? I don’t see it is a Super 1 practice effect – mini and junior academy run at Sheni in March, and Rotax numbers at Rowrah recently weren’t exactly bumper.
It would be good to hear peoples’ opinions. I suspect that the introduction of X30 and KGP at club level is bound to have an effect and perhaps will mean that Rotax is no longer a default choice for some.
Gainers? Probably junior TKM in the short term as it is likely to be seen as a safe haven with the critical mass to be sustainable for the foreseeable future. Longer term? Maybe X30 or KGP, but will clearly need to see the take-up when the season gets into full swing.
Numbers, including TKM for comparison:
Mini Junior Max Tot Rotax 2014 11 13 12 36 2013 26 33 24 83 2012 18 30 31 79 2011 32 30 29 91 2010 23 30 22 75 2009 25 25 28 78 (March) 2008 29 36 48 113 2007 16 20 26 62 JTKM TKM Ext TKM Club Total TKM 2014 42 18 24 84 2013 39 11 10 60 2012 43 17 14 74 2011 27 22 12 61 2010 30 25 55 2009 29 27 56 (March) 2008 21 30 51 2007 27 24 51
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