Lots of good points here, and it’s too late and I’m too tired to add much. Except for two things:
1) The age range of 7 – 11 is HUGE from a developmental perspective (ask your pediatrician if you don’t believe me). And kids vary a lot in terms of how fast they develop during those four years. Some kids can handle the speed at the lower end of that range, but many can’t (safely). Besides, why do some parents get so hung up with power? Kids should be learning technique, and less power forces them to be smooth to be fast.
2) Let’s not forget that not all Junior 1s come up from the KK class. Kids who have learned technique in KK may be able to handle more speed/power a lot faster than those who have not. If we want to grow karting, we NEED to have a class for newbies. IMHO, the MiniMax ain’t it (and I’m a big supporter of the Mini–for kids who have come up from the lower powered classes).
That’s why I think we need something between the KK class and the Mini Max. Don suggests the restricted Gazelle might fit the bill. I thought it was higher HP, but from what he says, that might be a good solution. Personally, I have nothing against a restricted Animal either, but then I don’t know much about it.
Good discussion–this is the foundation of our sport, so more good ideas and civil discussion can only help for next season. :cheers: