Re: Associated threads:
1) FKS Cadets – PFI – B-Final Red Flag Incident - 21/7/09
2) ZIP Nosecone – Let’s Do Something – 23/7/09
3) Good news on the nosecone – 24/7/09
4) Your present ‘driver’s association’ – 24/7/09
5) Cadet Front Fairings Update – MSA/FIA/ZIP Meeting – 5/08/09
Since my son Tom’s accident in Formula Kart Stars and news of similar recent incidents, the ZIP Storm front fairing has been alleged to be a safety risk by many in the sport. In some cases it has been alleged that impact with a ZIP Storm front fairing was a contributory factor in the increase of karts turning over after impact with it, due to its design. Although this could not be proven to be the primary cause of Tom’s incident due to the poor quality of the video footage, our subsequent risk analysis left us with enough doubt to pursue an alternative front fairing for his kart in readiness for his return to competitive racing last weekend.
We have now found an alternative front fairing that presents a reduced “ramp” effect by having distinct vertical surfaces at the front and corners and we ran it successfully in the Hoddesdon Kart Club round on 4th October, with positive approval from the MSA scrutineering officials on the day. We believe that running the alternative front fairing potentially makes it safer for Tom and should also help reduce the risk to his fellow competitors in any frontal collisions.
This modification was achieved using standard “off-the-shelf” parts, the fairing is a Righetti Ridolfi Cadet Spoiler, a pair of quick release spoiler clamps and a narrow aluminium bumper clamp, total cost to us was £53.42 inc VAT & Carriage from Dartford Karting. However, we have managed to negotiate a deal with Dartford Karting due to the safety aspect of this modification and they have kindly offered this kit at £35 +VAT & Carriage to anyone quoting “Tom Harris Racing” on their order and if you make up your order to £50 or over, carriage is free. You have a colour choice of the Cadet Spoiler and the narrow aluminium bumper clamp so be sure to specify on your order. Our contact at Dartford Karting for this offer is Hayley on 01322 292212.
Fitting to the existing 3 fixing metalwork on the ZIP Storm is possible with a few modifications. We removed the fixing bracket from the upper metalwork with a hacksaw and ground the weld down to regain a circular profile to tubing. For the lower metalwork we again removed the existing centre bracket and shaped as before, then we ground down the existing ZIP fairing fixing tubes but flattened down the top sections so as not to remove that and weaken the structure. Alternatively, for those not wishing to modify the more expensive ZIP lower metalwork, we have identified a fabricator who can produce a replacement lower section if there is enough demand. Then fit the front fairing between the two front metalwork tubes and install the two quick release clamps between the fairing mounts and the aluminium bumper clamp in the middle – job done!
For images of the fitment, see our photo gallery (using the “gallery” button, then select bottom left section on Page 1 entitled “Front Fairing Oct09”) on www.tomharrisracing.com showing details of how we fitted it to our ZIP Storm chassis.
Regards
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