I bought one of these this weekend. To fit a 2011/12 Tony kart required a new (2015?) upper rail as the older one is not wide enough. It became instantly apparent that the upper and lower rail have to be perfectly parallel as the original one was slightly bowed after 5 years of use.
The black hard plastic 'device' is approx. 60 mm wide between the upper and lower bars, and approx. 61mm wide at the point the bumper would be pushed back and be a failure. There are 4 of these 'lugs' 22 mm wide.The over center clamps need to be of superior quality. The Tony Kart original clamps are probably good enough. Plain pattern ones are not.
Of the 4 lugs I measured with a vernier caliper no lug had the same dimensions.
The 2 over center clamps would need to be done up tightly to stop the bumper moving back too easily, and as such I would believe it would be unlikely you could kick a failed bumper back into position and it stay there. The would imagine the bumper will rattle about in the failed position and I would expect it would be apparent to the driver.
It was not possible to fit this device for racing this weekend due to the bowed lower front bar. I would suggest that if you want to go MSA racing this coming year you get one ASAP as it requires precise fitting to avoid un-intentional fails and subsequent 10 place penalties.
I also see this could be responsible for many people leaving MSA racing. Tracks with tight hairpins and or large curbs will not be movable bumper friendly.
Possible need for regulation to stop any overtaking after the chequered flag etc. etc.
Karting is complicated enough without this considerable challenge. Unfortunately the 1 class that needs this if needed, is the Cadet classes.
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