Just had some thoughts / ideas following a look at the historic kart club….
Would a Classic TKM BT82 series have any potential in today’s karting market?
There must be dozens of early TKM chassis out there in peoples garages not able to race anywhere, but would people be interested in a classic series?
I found an old 2003 MSA karting yearbook, which shows a 1990/1991 homologation and a 1994 homologation which under current 2011 TKM rules are not eligible to race.
My thoughts would be to run two classes, one for each homologation, with side pods and bumpers as per period. Keep wheel widths and axle sizes as per homologation period.
Engines would be the 100cc only, and a fixed gearing to limit maximum revs to say ~15k rpm. Not a big reduction in revs but say 1000-2000rpm off maximum to extend the engine life. The use the period air boxes should be used but might be difficult if they are becoming rare/damaged.
Tyres would be limited to one set per meeting maximum, and run with the pre 2010 Maxxis SLC ‘narrow’ tyres. Basically keep costs low with the thought that ‘old’ slicks are ~£15 a set!
As brake callipers are safety critical, and possibly harder/impossible to get a hold of period spares, then there should the option to use a modern calliper/system.
A minimum weight would be applied with something sensible depending upon chassis ages, but close to era senior weight limits. Say 160kg with driver in full kit, as most people would be fully grown adults now!
Minimum racing age would be 16+, with the aim of the series to be owner/driver out of the boot of there car or small trailer. No professional teams.
With the engine, weight and tyre rules the aim would be a lap time around Whilton Mill International at about 50secs per lap. A few seconds slower than the latest extreme engined karts with wider tyres.
Would there be a prospect for racing a series like this in the coming year or two?
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Classic TKM BT82 series by 'TonyS80' << You are here!
