New to Racing...

[Kevin Guthrie]

Hey All,

My son and I have been karting for quite awhile, but have never raced. We are hoping to come out on the 9th with our MS Kart/KT100 kart and at least to attempt to run. I have a couple of questions,

- Is it worth showing up if we won't pass tech for the Formula Y/C class? We probably won't make weight and I'm not sure we'll have the pipe in time.

- About how much does a kart like ours weigh dry? I've heard anywhere from 150 to 225 pounds. My son is around 160, so that means I either have to add a lot or none at all.

- If I am able to get the pipe in time, will we be allowed to run if we are way under weight?

Thanks in advance, I'm sure there will be other questions as I try and prep the kart this weekend.

[David Chong]

The kart weighs about 150 lbs. At 160 lbs driver weight, you would need to add approximately 45# of lead plus a full fuel tank to make weight for Formula Y. It sounds like you don't have a Y pipe, either. Why not just run in the Super Sportsman class instead? The weight is 340 pounds, so you would be adding around 10# to the kart. That's much more reasonable. Also, the 4-hole can is cheap if not free - there are tons sitting around in the garages of local drivers.

Show up with a 4 hole can and race against 10 other drivers on May 9th.

Alternately, if you are committed to run in Formula Y, just show up and run. No harm in coming out - we let everyone run, you just don't get points if you get DQ'ed. There is a group of 3 people running the Y pipe and they have a great time.

One last point: if you are going to run the Y pipe, BE SURE that your motor has been built for Y. A motor that is set up for superbox will have a tighter squish in the head. If you rev it out with a Y pipe, you will hit the piston and explode the motor. Not pretty. A Superbox motor must be rebuilt to run Formula Y.

Regards,
David

[Kevin Guthrie]

Hey thanks for your response. I didn't realize that you restarted the Super Sportsman class. I also didn't realize that you can't just bolt a pipe on a Superbox motor to run Formula Y... thanks! I guess we're good to go, except for the weight... I'll have to work on that one.

I was following the Formula Y rules posted on SDKA's website, are there similar rules somewhere for Super Sportsman?

[David Chong]

You got it, bud. Please post here using your real name, as mentioned in the official forum rules. It helps this forum be a more friendly place, and a natural extension of the cameraderie we share at the track. Follow the steps in the post below to get your name updated:
thedigdug.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=749

You can find all of the Super Sportsman Class info on these forums, too. Check out this link and please add your info as a new Super Sportsman class racer:
thedigdug.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Tech&action=display&thread=818&page=1

I have several painted and drilled weights that you can have for a dollar a pound. Based upon what you've said, I think a single 10# weight will do. I will bring it to the track. Bring a good sized bolt, washers, and two nuts to the track. The weight has to be double nutted. Use the same diameter bolt you use for your seat mounts, but it should be about 4" - 4.25" long. I have the hardware if you need it.

I think you'll love the Superbox class in the SDKA. All but like 2 of us are totally new to karting this year. I'm doing my best to support everyone and make sure we are all ready each race, but I'm still learning, too. We're all out there on old/used equipment and having a blast.

Welcome,
David

[Bill Walsh]

I just finished my third race day. I feel pretty good about my performances so far. I have finished all my races and have even scored points. I have made some mistakes, but that is why we wear the "X", right? My question is, am I ready to remove the "X"? Any comments or suggestions?

My real problem is, all I think about now, is karting. What do you do about that!!!! I am all ready looking forward to June 20th.
Thinking about what I can do to be faster. I have got to tell you, I am having a lot of fun. Thanks SDKA. See you at the races.

Thanks, Bill Walsh 4x Formula Y/C

[David Chong]

Nice Bill! We are going to have to start calling you Awesome Bill.

You can take the X off the kart and helmet now. Leave it on your registration form so that the points all go to you for the championship.

We are going to head up to Apex for a little fun in a couple weeks; you are welcome to join us up there! Email me, I have a few resources that I use for tuning the kart. Remind me what chassis you have?

David

[billcox]

Bill: Read Policy 200.4.6) of the SDKA By-Laws & Policies before removing the "X". It's not an automatic as David claims.

[David Chong]

Careful misquoting me, Bill. I didn't say it's automatic. You do have to get the race director's approval, but without exception he has been removing the requirement after 3 races. Bill's on-track performance (I run with him) is very competent, and given that his experience level is equal to or greater than some other drivers who have also lost their X, there's little doubt that he'll be a regular driver next race.

[mikecampbell]

Oops! Easy David.

[David Chong]

We missed you, Mike! Hope all is well with you.

[mikecampbell]

Thanks David. I really missed being there. How was the new track and how did the day go?