Proper Karting

Awesome Golf GTi Online Game

2009-05-14T15:29:00.002Z

To celebrate the release of their new Golf GTi, VW have put together a nifty little racing game you can play online, where high scorers go through to a prize draw to win a new Golf GTi for 3 months.

The game itself can be found here GTI Project website

It's based on a Scalextric track and the key to being quick is knowing when to lift and getting early on the power. We've had a few blasts but haven't managed to complete a full lap just yet, but hopefully you will see Karting1 on the high score board soon enough :)

Drive Fast With Kart Data Mychron 4

2008-09-28T15:13:00.005Z

Check out these karting data tips to maximise speed in your driving, and kart set up

Advanced Braking can Gain You a Few Tenths......PER CORNER!

Invisible Secrets of How Throttle Control Magically Makes You Faster

Finding Three tenths in One Corner - Rye House Test MyChron 4 with GPS

The CIK Bows Down to Rotax Power!

2006-07-25T18:39:00.000Z

The CIK have lost there marbles and are changing Formula A into a class the more resembles Rotax MAX - Full Story Here.

Here is a pic I did to mark the announcement -

Street Karting - Holy Jesus!

2006-07-25T10:44:00.000Z

I have found I couple of vids on the web of guys racing karts on the STREETS! Nutters!

This video is filmed by a group of guys who seemed to have chanced upon a couple of loons driving their karts in the States. One is a Rotax (eerrr....), and the other one is a Jica, or EasyKart, I can't tell!

This video is of KartVader. Its been around for a few years but worth watching nonetheless. Kartvader drives a 125 ICC, or Stock Moto around the sreets of America with a helmet cam! FASTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!

It looks dangerous and I do not condone it, but I can't help thinking....I wanna do that aaaiiiii!!!!

New Karting1.co.uk Update!

2006-07-24T13:35:00.000Z

Check out Karting 1 for the latest updates which include -

Interview with Karting World Champion Oliver Oakes.

and a great competition!

Check out Karting 1

IndyCar Superstar Dan Wheldon Interviewed by Me for Karting1.co.uk!

2006-05-30T12:57:00.000Z

Yes, its true, this is for real! Check out my interview with karting legend, and international motor racing superstar Dan Wheldon, as we talk karting, and only karting. Click here to go to the interview!

I am not going to stop there though. I have some more badass interviews planned!

Another Racing Sim - This Time its a Karting Sim with VIDEO!

2006-05-19T16:05:00.000Z

I'm just getting over my baptism of fire with online racing sim Live for Speed, I have come across another one - rFactor.

But whats unique about this sim is that it allows computer code freaks to modify it and create add-ons. 'So what' your thinking. But some guy in the states has put in some stupidly long hours and computer time and is creating a series of proper karts (ICC, MAX etc...), on real tracks (Rock Island) to downlaod and race.

At this moment in time all I have is the link to the Kart Sim Forum which you can go to by clicking here, and a few pics. It has ton of information on the project. I have no idea how it handles. But the guy creating assures me it is pretty darn good! I can't wait to play it.

Check Karting1 for an exclusive feature on this exciting project!

Exclusive - Big Brother Contestant Sezer Yurtseven is an Ex-Karter?!?!?

2006-05-19T15:53:00.000Z

I have discovered that on the new series of Channel 4's Big Brother 2006 the contestant Sezer Yurtseven used to compete in karting. During a conversation with one on the other nutters in the Big Brother house he revealed he used to race karts with his dad.

He also showed knowledge of Formula Palmer Audi and other forms of motorsport. So he must be minted.

By the way I am no BB fanbay freak. I was just lucky enough to be up at 2am in the morning and flicking through the channels alright!

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

Live for Speed - PC Racing Sim That Makes Karters Drive Better And Keep Focused!

2006-05-15T13:02:00.000Z

I have recently been introduced to a fantasic driving sim called 'Live For Speed' (NOT Need for Speed). This game is an obscenely accurate driving sim, and hugely addictive.

This game is a project from 3 developers whose goal is to create the most realistic driving experience. The game is being released in 3 main installments S1, S2, and S3. The current version available is S2. This enables the developers to continue development, but still release the game. So technically the game isn't final just yet, but it is still fantastic none the less!

One of the things that is brilliant about this game is the way the Live for Speed community works. There are tons of leagues to compete in. What is even better is the size of the comunity of karters. One such community is the Live for Speed Karting League. Check out some of the skins they've come up with for the chosen car for the league (which has been set up to handle like a kart).

And don't think you can jump right in this game and be quick. Its hard!!! And needs some practise. But between race weekends this is perfect to keep your mind focused on racing. The competition is tough, and you can check out LFS World to keep up with the latest quick lap times.

You can downlaod the FREE demo from the Live for Speed site www.liveforspeed.net which includes 2 cars, 1 track, and online racing (you can race tons of proper quick drivers online for FREE). A Force Feedback wheeled is ideal, but you can still play the game with a mouse and keyboard.

With rumours that the developers are thinking about introducing karts (at last, an actual kart simulator from guys who know what they're doing) Live for Speed is a must for anyone who wants still stay focused betwen kart race meetings.

TKM Elite for 2007!

2006-05-11T20:54:00.000Z

2007 is a big year for Tal-Ko and its TKM class. Earlier this year Tal-Ko released a press release stating proposed changes to the current TKM chassis homologation. The press release stated they were open to comments from karters on the changes. Many have sent their comments in. But since the press release, Tal-Ko have stayed tight lipped about their plans on changes to the TKM class. This has led to rumours and other suggestions.

One of those suggestions, and now a rumour of real change is called TKM Elite(Actually my idea).

The suggestion is for Tal-Ko to change TKMs current tight chassis rules, and allow any chassis to be used in the class, aswell as using stickier tyres.

I think if the TKM engine worked on the new available karting kitand was fast then it could challenge Rotax dominance in the UK.

New Karting1.co.uk Podcast!

2006-03-06T15:00:00.000Z

Its been a few months people since I last posted, but here is some hot new karting news info.

Karting1.co.uk has now got a podcast. You can listen to me and Terence Dove talk karting. We are going to have interviews, hints and tips, features and loads more.

Listen to Episode 1 by clicking here.

The Deciding Factor When Buying a Chassis!

2005-12-14T22:12:00.000Z

You can spend ages deciding which chassis to buy. You usually have to consider which chassis offers better handling, greater durabilty, availability of spares blah blah blah!

It is clear to ProperKarting that there is only one factor that needs to be taken into account! Which manufacturer can supply you with those extra bonuses that you never expect.

ProperKarting has decided that there only two manufacturers that offer this - Intrepid and Birel!

Here is why -

Who cares if the chassis's are softer than blancmange? Pic by Kartpix.net

Who needs easily available spares? Pic by Kartpix.net

So which chassis are you going to buy for next year?

And also the question must be asked. Is Chris Walker from Kartpix.net GOD?

New Karting Website Launched

2005-12-01T00:53:00.000Z

Proper Karting is proud to announce the lauch of a new karting website called Karting1

The website will include all the hot topics in karting today, interviews with top drivers, and all the latest tips and tricks from karting experts.

How to Look Proper Good in a Kart!

2005-11-05T16:14:00.000Z

You cannot underestimate the importance of looking good in karting! But there is more to looking good than just having a cool visor. It’s the whole package! You have to consider many more things about your driving, and your team, before you can become the ultimate kart driver.

To look Proper good in a kart you have to consider the way the kart looks, the way you (the driver) looks, the way you drive, and what you team looks like!

The Kart

Kart Manufacturer

The first decision that must take when you want to look proper good in a kart is which kart manufacturer to go for. Now, many people say choosing a chassis is all about the way it drives etc... It isn't, it's all about how cool it looks. Let's be honest - 90% of new kart chassis's are all the same anyway. You will not be able to find significant differences between them that mean any advantage in time! So how do you know which chassis's are proper? Well most chassis's can look proper if you follow all the rules. But the best looking karts are Marenello, CRG, and Birel.

Tire Marks

Now you have got your new kart, it's time to decorate it a little. A pristine looking kart is all well and good, but to look proper good you have to add a little character in the shape of tire marks. You only need a little graze here and there. What this does is make you look like you don't care about a few nudges. And thus making you slightly intimidating. Now if you have too man marks, that shows that you are the one getting nudged, and that is bad! A few well controlled, and well placed ones can remove that!

If you don't have any marks, you look like a pussy! And that is bad also!

Rims

Very important! Silver Rims look bad. There is no escaping that. They can get dirty, and look cheap. The best rims are either black or gold! Black ones look better overall, as they don't ever look dirty, and they just look mean!

Cleansing

You do have to decorate your kart with tire marks, it is vital you keep you kart clean. If you sitting on the grid, and your kart looks dirty in any way, you look bad. You might think it is important to concentrate on setup etc... Yes that is true, but if you don't make sure your kart is nice and shiny all the time, then all the setup is worthless. You should be ashamed to win on a dirty kart. There is no glory in that!

Even Davide Fore (Karting World Champion) knows the importance of keeping his kart clean.

Brake Cleaner and Some Tissue are a Must for the Modern Karter!

Number Plates

For some reason or another black numbers on yellow plates just looks right. Maybe its because that what the premier classes run in Europe. I don't really know!
So when choosing the class you want to compete in make sure that they have the right coloured number plates!

It Just Looks Right!

Here are the class's you can run in the UK

Cadet
Formula A
Trackside Premier TaG
Mini MAX

Tyres

For some reason or another Dunlop tires looks brilliant. Maybe its because its a yellow logo on black tires, or the little D arrow logo on them. They just look right.

So when choosing tire manufacturer go for Dunlop. If not go for the manufacturer with a yellow, or white logo. Another other colour doesn't really stand out.

And that’s what looking flash is all about - Standing out!

Engine

Karting is brilliant. And one of the things that make karting brilliant is the sound of the engine. Unfortunately, Rotax has brought its drone to karting and is definitely not cool. So if you want to look proper in a kart, you need an engine that sounds proper. Obviously a Formula A motor is the pinnacle, but a Parilla Leopard, PRD Fireball, and TKM are worthy options.

Stickers

Here is a quote from Valentino Rossi -

'I love going into the pits at night a spending time on my own with my bike. Sometimes I like to check that everything is right where it should be. Including the stickers...'

Rossi clearly has an understanding about what looking good is all about, and how it makes him feel at one with his bike!

In the example he illustrates the importance of where the stickers are! So if you want to be the next World Champion you need to take into consideration where you stickers are.

My tips would to have them diagonal, and parallel with each other motorbike 'styley'!

Any larger stickers have to be considered carefully. Because over sized stickers can look naff.

You have to be subtle to achieve the right effect.

Matching Anodised Parts

It is important you achieve a sense of co-ordination with your kart it is vital that all your anodised (yes everything has to be anodised) parts are matching. One gold, with one blue one makes you look silly. They have to match

Its is essential you kart is co-ordinated!

Max Rear Width

Karters all around the world spend too much time messing about with rear end width. You must ignore them! A kart needs to have maximum rear width at all times in the dry. Its just looks better. When the rear is not a maximum the kart looks all poky and small, and little pathetic!

Max rear end width just looks proper good!

The Driver

No matter how good your kart looks, you have to consider yourself. The way you look, and the way you drive!

Posture

Before you even start driving, you need to consider your posture.

Have you ever watched a bunch of hire-karters driving round on lawnmowers? And when they turn, they lean in to a corner. Notice how stupid they look. You should not do that. You need to convey strength and confidence to your opponents and onlookers and this is where you posture is key. Have a look at how cool this driver looks

He is bolt upright, and attacking the corner. He's not leaning in, pulling the steering wheel, and looking like a retard. He looks confident.

And looking confident adds a whole lot to how people perceive the look of you kart.#

You can follow all my rules of looking flash, but if you drive like a fool, your kart will look stupid swell!

Proper Breaking

If you you are going to break, make sure you look good when doing it. And that means sideways action. Here's a photo from one of the masters Martyn Lyell.

So you don't want to do any softy soft braking. It makes you look gentle, and weak. And because of that you no longer carry the same confidence!

Visors

If you can get an Iridium visor, get one. They are worth every penny. If you can't get an iridium visor, a dark tinted one will do.

Never use a clear visor. And never use sunglasses under a clear visor, because then you'll let even worse!

Which one of these looks better?

It must be said, that I do use a clear visor. The reason is that I haven't got a proper visor yet. Yes I am ashamed to use it, but I will have a proper one soon.

Helmet Design

White helmets with a decent visor do look quite good. But if you are going to get your helmet done make sure it is unique! So that means no 'pre-designed' stock helmets. They look cheap!

Do or Die Driving

If you on not willing to go all in Poker, then there is no point of playing the game!

if you want to be respected, and look brilliant in a kart, you must be willing to put your entire chips in at any point. If you are not willing to risk the result, over a move you have no place in karting.

If you want to look like a God you must not caring about coming off, or spinning. You need to take every opportunity. Just look at the coolest Motorsport driver in the world at the moment, and his approach to racing - Valentino Rossi!

Remember the one who is just concerned about the result is the one who fears losing. And the one who fears losing will!

If you want to look badass, you need to drive like you don't care whether you win or lose! And with this attitude the opponents will naturally fear you!

Messing About With the Carb Looks Cool!

When you are watching a good driver, you'll sometimes notice him reaching down and fiddling with his/her carb. They don't know it, but it makes them look good. The reason for this is because it makes them look as if they know what they are doing in a kart. It gives of a form of confidence that can affect the onlooker, and the opponent.

So my tip is to know your carb, and if you don't, just pretend to fiddle with it when you get on the straight. It makes you look cool as well intimidating!

But do not at the carb to see where it is, and do not slow down to change it either! You'll look bad else!

Visor needs to open slightly

A slightly open visor shows that you are relaxed and confident. And again this adds to the whole picture of you looking proper good.

Be Individual

It is important you have something that is different than all the other drivers. Rossi has his weird celebrations, and pre race ritual. Some karters (pictured below) like to celebrate in strange ways.

He is the only Karter Ever to Win Standing Up!

But it is up to you to come up with something.

Visor stickers

Visors are too big. They look stupid. SO you need to shove a nice fat sticker on it to make it look god!

No Neck Brace

What would you think of Mike Tyson walked into the ring with a head guard on!

Neck braces make you look clumsy and weak in a kart. That’s the last thing you want. Don't wear one!

The actual safety of a neck brace is under question, and whether they work at all is inconclusive!

Rib Protector must be worn on the inside

you must wear your rib protector on the inside. If you wear it on the outside you look like a fool. It is like you are saying - look at me I need a rib protector because I have sensitive ribs. KEEP IT HIDDEN!!!!

The Team

It’s not just your on-tack image that you have to worry about! Your off-track one is important to. Remember, you spend most of your time in the pit-area

Well Dressed Mechanics

your mechanics must be as neat and tidy as you. This means proper aprons and gloves. If its possibility matching team clothes helps.

No cheap jeans, no white T-Shirts, and don't pull your trouser to high (Simon Cowell style).

Closed awning

If you have an awning keep it closed as much as possible. You need to be a mystery to other drivers.

Umbrella Girl

Well, no one else will have one!

Birel Clearly Understand the Fundementals of Looking Good as a Team!

A Brit 1-2 As Oakes Wins World Championship!

2005-09-25T19:11:00.000Z

Oliver Oakes has been crowned the new Karting World Champion at Braga!

Jon Lancaster took 2nd place making it a British 1-2!

The whole even was dominated by the British karters! Riki Christidoulou won 3 of the 4 heats he competed in!

Are you the King or Queen of Style Braking?

2005-09-02T12:22:00.000Z

Do you think you are the most stylish braker?

Pic by kartpics.co.uk

Well ProperKarting is running a competition to find the most stylish braker!

All you have to do to enter, is send me video of you do some proper braking that is no longer than 15 secs using the application below! Remember, be as stylish as possible. And yes, that does mean getting the back end out!

Enter your name, and e-mail address in the message box!

Rotax vs TaG! TaG Wins!

2005-08-15T21:48:00.000Z

2nd in Class for HSK Developments on the PRD Fireball!

Driven by Alan Dove (Fastest Lap: 43.28), Andy Rees-Reynolds (Fastest Lap: 43.29), and Steve Dickinson (Fastest Lap: 42.89) the HSK Sharper powered by a PRD Fireball finished the 3hr TaG Endurance race 2nd in class.

Me Driving. Pic by Fastroc.co.uk

The HSK Team battled against having the 'wrong' carb, losing several thousand revs, to get the HSK Sharper to the end of the race.

Me Blitzing the Field in the Wet on the HSK Sharper. Pic by Fastroc.co.uk

During the race it rained. The wet track gave the HSK Developments team the chance to show the field what we were made of.

'As the race progressed HSK Developments got progressively quicker and when we had a five minute downpour they were the quickest thing on the track' - Race Report by Neil Ashcroft.

Team Photo. Pic by Fastroc.co.uk

Thanks go to H, Budd, Alan Rees-Reynold, and Bob Dove!

Andy Driving. Pic by Fastroc.co.uk

Well done to Auction my Igloo in taking the overall victory on their Parilla Leopard.

'Auction My Igloo' Taking the Win! Pic by Fastroc.co.uk

P.F.I Kartmasters - How Karting Should Be!

2005-08-09T16:23:00.000Z

Brilliant facilities, brilliant atmosphere, brilliant karts, and bleedin' hell - the BIREL Girls!

The event looked awesome with the well presented karts, the fit Birel girls, and great facilities. P.F.I have done a brilliant job of making the TV Kartmasters the best karting event of the year!

This is the most tame picture of the girls I could find!

Karting in the UK has never looked so good!

Hopefully one day, every circuit in Britian can be as superb as P.F.I.

We love you P.F.I!

Matty Tipping - UK Karting Sensation!

2005-07-23T17:00:00.000Z

At the age of 13, Matty Tipping has set the British Karting scene alight in Junior Rotax MAX UK. His electric driving style has won him many fans from all quarters.

Matty got his first kart at the age a 3 which in his own words - 'enjoyed doing donuts on it'.It was a Briggs & Stratton engined Maco (pictured below). Matty's dad Chris recalls - 'It had no solid axle at the rear and therefore one wheel drive. It also had scrub brakes - not exactly a Terry Fullerton inspired design!'

At the age of 12, Matty's talent started to shine through as he took several wins in his Comer S60 and won the Tockworth "T" plate .

After a succession of wins in cadets, it was time to move up into Junior karting. MiniMax was the choice. He gained his first Rotax trophy by finishing in 2nd place at Rowrah against many 'Super 1 drivers'.

Junior Rotax Super 1 in 2005 was the natural progression for Matty and his father Chris. His season had started to build up huge momentum when he qualified 3rd for the A Final at PFI. But an unfortunate incident ruled Matty out of the race, for which he was in contention of winning.

Matty is known for his flamboyant driving and overtaking moves. But in his own words Matty describes himself as Mr Cool

'... with my driving style, I aim to drive fully chilled out, like nothing is really happening, and sometimes I have to change my driving style for different grip levels.'

Click here to check out some of Matty's superb driving on VIDEO

What does the 2006 hold for Matty Tipping?

'My aims for 2006, I'd like to be racing in Europe in JICA or MAX, but rather JICA, and just to have fun.'

Apart form being insanely quick, Tipping can boast to be the coolest looking driver out there. How does Matty think his exuberant visual style affects the other drivers?

Photo provided by Kartpix.net

'My opinion on what other drivers think of my visual appearance? Well, its good now I'm fast. Everybody knows who I am when I pass them.'

Matty's 2005 Super 1 season has gradually built momentum, but what does Matty think of his progression through this season?

'I haven't been nudged or fired since round 1 of Super One at Clay. That was probably because I was a new boy. I was fast at Shenington nobody knew why. I was not good at rowrah because it was wet. I wasn't very good at that stage in the wet. But now I was 1.5 seconds faster at PFI testing to a Strawbs driver when I was driving one handed to improve my steering skills!!.

I'm glad I'm noticeable, because when I'm quick people always come up to me and say you did well then to win that, or you drove well then mate, and if I had none of that, I wouldn't have the confidence I have now!.'

So, the future looks very bright for this young man. His superb driving, and flamboyant visual style has one him many fans, and he is sure to take his form across the waters, and show the European karters what its all about!!

Trackside Racing To Support TaG Karting!

2005-07-20T16:50:00.000Z

Stiddard Tackside Racing has announced that they will be allowing the introduction of a seprate TaG class for next year.

As part of the development of the class they will allow 125 TaG motors (PRD Fireball, Parilla Leopard etc...) to enter the current endurance races. The championships points at each round however will only be designated for the Rotax drivers.

Rotax drivers however do not have to fear, the TaG entries for this season will not be able to accumulate championship points.

Trackside will be showcasing the new TaG motors at the Stiddard Trackside MAX GP at Buckmore Park on August 14th.

Is British Karting Looking Up?

2005-07-06T18:38:00.000Z

The UK might not get many International karting events, or gain much International karting interest. But things seem to be looking up.

Our friends at Kartlink have announced that Tonykart drivers Marco Ardigo (It), Daniel Mancinelli (It) and James Calado (GB), Birel drivers Jon Lancaster (GB), and Sauro Cesseti (It), SodiKart driver Arnaud Kozlinski, Swiss Hutless driver Bas Lammers, and Marenello driver Jules Bianchi may be competing at this years TVKC Kartmasters, also know as the British Karting GP at the P.F International Kart Circuit in the Super Libre class.

PFI International Circuit will be the hosts for this years TV Kartmasters British Karting GP

Along with the rumours of Davide Fore's appearance this surely is the highlight of the UK Karting's calendar.

Is UK Karting Good Enough?

2005-06-14T21:35:00.000Z

Is karting in the UK as good as it can be? It's a question that is rarely discussed within the karting community. Does that mean that there is a no problem, or is everyone hiding from the idea that UK karting is not up to standard?

British kart drivers have always done relatively well at an International level. Ben Hanley, and Martin Plowman are couple of current examples of this. So, there is not much to say about the standard of drivers we produce in this country.

But it isn't the standard of driving we need to analyze, its the whole UK karting set up. Its about the standards of facilities, circuits, events, and karts.

Facilities

PF International Kart Circuit is the premier karting venue in the UK at the moment. That's not because of the actual circuit, it is because it has the finest karting facilities this country has to offer. PF International Kart Circuit has a clean, almost sterile, feel to it. And it is because of their facilities it was granted a license to hold the Rotax Euro Challenge.

The problem is this - PF International Kart Circuit is the only circuit that can boast having above average facilities. There is no other track in the UK that comes close to the standards of PF International Kart Circuit. Nearly every other circuit in the UK has grass instead of concrete for pit bays.

Many people believe this is not a real issue, but I disagree. This is where we are forced to start comparing ourselves with other countries. If any of you have had the chance experience karting in France, Italy, or Spain will know that they are leagues ahead of us when in come to the standards of the facilities. And why is this important? Well, when a track has decent, well run facilities a race weekend is so much more a 'pleasant' experience. Everything is easier and more fun to do.

So what can we do to improve our circuits? Is money the key? To be honest, I think it's an attitude thing more than anything. Italy, Spain, and France are no more richer than us, yet they can afford superb karting facilities. Why is this? Comments Please!

Circuits

The subject of circuits doesn't entirely relate to the facilities. For example, PF International has great facilities, but the circuit is not up to CIK A Homologation. Where as Three Sisters doesn't have the best facilities, but has a track that 'could possibly' gain a CIK A license status.

Now, why is this important? I believe every karter in this country should get the chance to drive at least one superb circuit. One that is going to blow you away. That is not say the UK doesn't have some great, and challenging circuits. But none of them match the quality of Granja Viana in Brazil, or Campillos in Spain.

What are the possibilities of the UK gaining a large quality kart circuit? Unfortunately the investment does not seem to be there at the moment.

Events

Until recently, it had been about 10+ years since the UK had held a Short Circuit International Karting event. This drought was ended by PF International's hosting of the Rotax Euro Challenge.

Drivers from all over the world will come to the UK to begin their careers in single seater racing. The UK is seen as a bed rock of the development of drivers into F1. So considering we have this status for single seater racing, why karting have a similar status. First of all their is no International events in this country to promote UK karting. Due to the lack of International events in the UK, karting in this country is not a priority of most international karters. Many good UK karters now go abroad to race, rather than staying in this country. Martin Plowman being one example.

The lack of International events does relate to the circuits, and facilities. And as I have explained, at the moment, there is not a track in the UK that can, or is willing to put on an International Short Circuit Karting event. (apart from PF International holding the Rotax Euro Challenge)

It has to be said that even though the UK is lacking in International events, it does have a wealth of superb National events, that contain quality competition. For example, Kartmasters, TKM Festival, 'soon to be' Rotax Festival, Super 1, F6, Stars of Tomorrow, etc...

Karts

This is an interesting one. The UK has two main sprint classes, TKM and Rotax. With Rotax being the dominant of the two. My view is that neither of these class's are of a suitable standard.

TKM's are a great little class. They offer cheap, and reliable racing. Unfortunately they are slower than the other class's, and aren't quite as pretty as the other karts. The below picture encaptulates Formula TKM. Ugly, slow, and slightly odd.

British Karting in 1 Picture

I don't believe that TKM offers a suitable karting experience.

Then there is Rotax. Fast, but ultimately not satisfying. The engines are not great, and they do not sound like proper karts. My previous article explains all about Rotax.

I believe a TaG class is the way forward. There are now cheaper, and more reliable engines on the market, but due to the nature of British karting they are not being allowed to race at all circuits. I believe people should be given the choice to race what they want, and when a monopoly like Rotax dominates, an injustice occurs.

So Is UK Karting Good Enough

In my opinion - It is not as good as it could be. Why?

The circuits are not quite up to a workable standard. As I have explained a decent facilitated circuit improves your racing weekend enormously. It also creates a good impression for any prospective karter visiting a circuit for the first time.

The lack of choice in karting is a problem. I believe if there is a chance you can have more choice, you should have it, and the proposed TaG class will allow anybody to race anybody, in what they like.

Due to the fact karting is seen as a stepping stone, rather than a stand alone motorsport in this country, it gets neglected. Not enough care goes into funding it, are therein a problem lies.

Its easy to compare karting in the UK to other countries. But I will state this - It doesn't matter how good karting is in France, there is still room for improvement in the UK. Its not a case of 'they' have better tracks, so we should to. Its a case of - we should have better circuits because we just should. Its our right!

I will write an article on How We can Improve UK Karting in the near future. Thanks for reading.

The End of Rotax?

2005-06-09T20:29:00.000Z

There is no doubt that Rotax is the dominant force in karting across the world. That's not bad for an engine thats supposed to be in a snow-mobile and not on a kart. But is it's time as the number 1 kart engine going to come to an end?

There are many 125cc long life kart engines on the market ranging from the Parilla 125cc Leopard, PRD 125cc Fireball ,VORTEX 125cc ROK etc... but do any of these pose a threat to the Rotax 'monopoly'?

Well, yes, to the monopoly anyway! It is no secret that the Rotax is a high maintanance engine, and as it is sealed, checking for internal problems can be a nuisance. The carb is difficult to set up and weather stations seem to be a necesity.

There are now many alternative motors on the market for you to choose from that rival the Rotax FR125 MAX. Lets look at two motors that could cause the Rotax FR125 MAX some trouble in the near future:

1. Parilla Leopard - A popular engine in France, and America. Engine life of up to 20+. Uses CIK 360 Tillotson. And retails at about £1200. Not sealed. Rebuild cost £200-400

2. PRD Fireball - Built in Taiwan. Engine life similar to Leopard. Uses CIK 360 Tillotson. And retails at £850. Not sealed. Rebuild cost £200-400

Both these engines offer performance that is the equivalent, if not better than the Rotax FR125 Max.

Also, these 'new' batch of engines are specifically designed for karts, unlike the Rotax FR125 Max. This results in them having a power band more related to the 100cc engines. The Rotax FR125 MAX is notorious for having a power band that is slow-fast-slow. They also offer the same ideal of near FA performance, but with lower cost and higher engine life. Also, the carbs that these engines use are better designed for karting and offer the oppurtunity for outside tuning while driving.

Across the world there are many classes. To accomidate all these engines a TaG (Touch and Go) class was introduced. Go to www.tagracing.net for more information, or check the UK 'TaG' equivilent at www.clubmankarting.co.uk. This class allows you to use any 125cc Touch and Go engine. And any engine performance differences are levelled by weight restrictions.

So why isn't there a TaG class in the UK? Why can we only race Rotax and not the other engines?

Unfortunatley the UK is one of the only countries that doesn't incorporate the TaG ideal. I will tackle this issue in a later article.

But is the dominance of Rotax coming to an end? Well, with the infux of cheaper and improved high performance long life engines, it is only time until the dominace of the Rotax FR125 MAX weakens.

Welcome to Proper Karting!

2005-06-09T17:55:00.000Z

Hello, and welcome.

This blog aims to provide all karters the oppurtunity to learn and discuss proper karting.

Good reading!

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1990-10-06T17:09:00.000Z