Sorry everybody (Rodney),
The Blog link is actually http://blog.california4strokeracing.com
there is NO www. (my mistake 😳 )
As far as the “KF” engines, those are just another evolution towards four strokes. Those motors were designed to last longer like them, and be temporary replacements for the late 70’s and 80’s technology that was turned water cooled, and ran as kart motors for another 20 years. I remember when I was the first Leopard racing in Colorado in early 2003. Some people wondered why I was trying to race in a Rotax owned class, “what is the point of TaG when there is already Rotax”? I wondered if the motor would catch on against nothing but those Rotax engines, and a tiny handfull of Bilands. By the end of the year there were a bunch of motors. I have seen no KF engines in the US ever (running) and no one wants to support them at a local level in the States. Let Stars do whatever the hell they please, it doesn’t bother me, it will phase out eventually as technology proliferates.
The CIK was supposed to go 4 stroke (back 2002-2003 I think was when they were forced not to) by 2007-2008 but the two stroke manufacturers threatened boycott. Soon enough there will be enough four-stroke manufacturers to warrant a larger market, but that also comes with evolution. I remember Brad’s first Vampire in 2006 before I left (a prototype), a year later there were 10+ running. I now happen to believe the Vampire to be the Crown Jewel of Karting Motors. Those who own them might agree with me I also remember 27 Pro ICC/Moto at GJ in 04 when ICC was the smoking deal. Anybody remember the year later? It was well under half I believe.
TaG Sr in CO also was much larger (2004) it too has dwindled. The same things have happened in the two states I have lived in since with their race classes, Arizona and California. The only thing going out here that caters to the Spec Honda and the TaG/ICC karter on a larger not-just-club-racing level is ProKart Challenge.
I am not trying to hijack the Idea of Spec Honda, because like TaG in 2003, and the Spec Honda thing (building for years, got popular in 05) is here to stay for the next few years (5-10 years possibly) while karting is at its present phase, but it will not stay that way permanently. Technology has a way of changing things I have noticed. Spec Honda combines the best of Honda’s two stroke technology, and Karting’s best new ideas of an affordable structure-which leads to a very cost effective, efficient class. But again, technology changes things; when Honda stops making the parts, two-strokes get harassed more at the racing level, and people branch out more to the different and sometimes overwhelming karting markets, the classes will change with them.
Right now, TaG is the popular cost effective class, but the class will continue to evolve on all levels; which includes two strokes, and four strokes (believe me the quality and technology of the IAME is way too late 1980s, the Sonik is a grenade, as was the Comer, The new ROK is too fast for the Leopard, but the Rotax is a great motor however). I see the 4 Stroke concept rooting here on the west coast, and in the Rocky Mountain region, and changing karting over the next generation of its evolution in technology.
Again these are my opinions, and mine only
Anybody wanting to say anything POSITIVE!!! about the four stroke program is heavily encouraged by me :usa: to post their ideas on my blog site.
again http://blog.california4strokeracing.com
I would love to hear what you have to say
Marc-Cal-4R