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Based on the pictures, the package looks like it was very well built. If it was cleaned up and rebuilt, it would be competitive in the open shifter class as is in the hands of a skilled driver. It’s not worth much simply because it’s older, but it can still scare the crap out of someone!
If the engine was built, it can not be converted back to pass stock class tech regulations without spending a ton of money. But you can convert it back to a stock piston/head combination and that will save you a ton of money. The CKT has an open shifter class. This is where they put the older moto engines and the ICC engines. It’s a good place for those engines that can no longer pass the SKUSA tech rules but a guy still wants to race.
We used to be on the DFM factory team. They were imported by a guy in Evergreen and sold through Shifter Kart City. When JB moved his shop to Bandimere, he changed the name to Action Karting. The motor on that kart is most likely a built Honda. That means the head has been altered to take the Honda RS piston and a spacer has been added under the cylinder to correct the port height. At the same time, I would bet that the reed cage and intake manifold were changed out to straight parts rather than angled like stock.
If I’m correct, I would convert it back to stock top end. All you need is a new head and a stock piston and ring. It’s real simple to do. If you want to drag it out to IMI this weekend I can point you in the right direction. I will be doing tech for the CKT and would be happy to help. As far as the Tony kart, Greg at Unser is the man to get you setup.
Sticky tires cover up a lot of sins. A hard tire like the Duros reward precise driving. There is more grip in them you may first think. Most guys over turn the kart when entering a corner and with Duros, that will kick the rear loose. Your steering inputs have to be gentler and more precise.
Tire pressure is the key. You can actually over stick the kart with very high pressures. Best way to learn the tire is to play with pressures (higher than MG reds) and quit sawing the wheel.
Before it closed, we raced Second Creek with SKUSA. We ran the full track. The 125 shifters were hitting close to 130 mph in the draft. The 60cc shifters were as quick around the track as a F Ford. A friend who raced a Corvette came out to watch. It blew him away how quick the karts were. All the shifters were quicker than his car.
The issue would be that there is not a lot of demand for Duros tires. They last so darn long! Yes there is the initial demand at the start of the season, but you won’t need another pair until next year. For most racers, it’s a one time purchase every year unlike other tires used in other classes.
The CKT runs two open classes. One for shifters and one of tag engines. The only thing we ask is that you use unaltered fuel as fuel additives can be dangerous to your fellow competitors.
The best thing you can do is buy local and buy from someone who will be at the tracks where you race. Buy a complete package. Then you won’t have to worry if this or that fits.
Remember that most LO206 racers do nothing more than oil the chain and put gas in them. The only thing you can tune is needle clip and the idle screw. Everything else is stock. Again the local shop will be able to guide you as to what works at the tracks you drive. An out of town seller can’t give you that. Yes you may pay a few pennies more but the service and questions you have will more than offset any additional cost.
Just watching the video, the new cylinder is for Junior and below. The wiring harness is a good thing as the current EVO has issues. The ignition ECU has been a tech issue and quality issues. So a change there would be a good thing. As before, I would expect Rotax to offer an upgrade kit for existing engines. I have no insight, just going off past experience with Rotax.
Having two tight turns create closer racing. Last CKT kid kart race used the east loop. The kids actually had a race because the two tight turn closed up the field. The LO206 adults should be a blast to watch. The loop back on the front straight is a very hard corner. Off chamber and falling away. Wish I could come and watch.
Unlike the old days, with the new EVO kits there not much to tuning a Rotax carb. Main jet is it. All you need to know is the density altitude.
No one in the metro area knows Rotax better than Greg at Unser Performance. His drivers pretty much dominate the Rotax classes here. He has all the Rotax parts you will need.
In my position, I see all the racers when they come off the track. I have to say that I think the LO206 adults have more fun than I can remember of any race group I’ve seen. No matter how far back in the pack, there are high fives and back slapping from one and all. My impression is they just want to race someone. Winning and outright speed are not the issue, it’s the wheel to wheel action they crave. The fact that the motor requires no tuning and the chassis requires minimal tuning just adds to the excitement. I saw 10 year old chassis right in the middle of the battles.
Most of these guys have to go to work on Monday and the LO 206 on a hard tire doesn’t beat them up. No sore ribs come Monday morning. With the duro tire, you only need one set for the year. The motor lasts all year with only regular oil changes. I don’t know how you could make racing any cheaper yet so equal. It is exactly the right class for the adults who want to race but not spend much money. A big wallet is of no use in this class.
The racing is a joy to watch. There are packs of 3-4 racers all over the track. Passing is constant, often 2 or 3 times per lap, side by side through multiple corners the norm. Sometimes 3 wide. Kind of makes me wish I was racing and not watching.
Before the ready access to accurate timing at the club level, pea pick and 3 heats was the norm. The argument against is that with the fast drivers back in the pack, the potential for wrecks is increased as they try to get through. The counter to that is they also have more experience and they can pass safely.
With timing and scoring, at first I really liked it. Since we were usually in the front, it meant that after the first few turns, we were out in front and away from all the mayhem. Over time we realized how boring it was. We only had a race to turn one and then it was only about catching lapped traffic at some point late in the race. We had lost the fun of racing. Later in the boys career, we would often purposefully start in the back. The bigger the field the better. Did we usually win, no. Most of the time we could only get up to 2nd or 3rd but we would pass 10 to 15 karts in the process.
My point is this, if winning is important, qualifying will make sure the fastest racers have the best chance of winning. If racing is important, then pea pick gives you 3 races instead of 2 and it is guaranteed that you will pass someone or be passed. Usually involving a lot of someones. At the end of the day, the fastest racers usually win. They will just have had to work a lot harder than win the race to turn one.
