Personally, the reason why I think Blue (and with it, the NKRA) died in the North is down to the teams and traders.
Although it could be argued that Ron didn't do himself any favours, the fact that the northern karting scene at the time was dominated by 2 teams in particular who had close links with major Rotax engine builders, plus better discount rates on JAG spares, meant they were able to make more money and win more races by running Rotax instead of Blue. Even 5 years ago, the guys running these awnings where pushing there customers onto MAX motors "Oh these blue engines are so unreliable but don't worry, we can get a pukka MAX engine from Cream/Grice/Ogden which won't break down" (obviously they forgot to tell them about the crappy carb and driving experience that comes with it!)
Ironic thing is most of the drivers who "voted with their feet" back then and went MAX left karting a year or so later disillusioned with the whole thing!
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