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Huh, that’s strange. The blistered tires I’ve seen have always looked like the picture my dad posted of Greg’s, or the left front tire in that video of Matt, where the rubber rolls off to the side.
So I retract my previous statement. Can’t tell well enough from the picture – could be blistered, could just be worn out.
I never had good luck with velcro (either standard or industrial grade), damn thing always fell off. We always just drill a couple small holes and use zip ties. Just cut the tie and turn the sensor around if needed.
The important thing is the sensor needs a clear line of sight to the side. Depending on what type of driver’s fairing you have, you might be able to mount the sensor on the underside and still get a clear line, or you may have to mount it on top.
@lprins wrote:
This is what Tyler’s front right looked like after the last club race main at IMI. Is this tire wear or did it blister or both? I bought these from Barry before the 2nd IMI race this season. I thought that these would last close to all season on a lighter JR2 kart.
That’s just a worn out tire with the cords starting to show through. No blistering as far as I can see.
@Larry Natzke wrote:
Are certain tracks harder on the ribs than others? For example Bandimere vs. the Track. Most of my seat time has been at Bandi.
No ribs issues at the Track so far.Yeah, Bandi is a little bumpier, especially if you’re hitting some of the curbs, so it definitely beats on you. The Track is smoother and less brutal, as is IMI.
Disclaimer: I have not used the software you’re asking about.
However, Kirk is absolutely right – there are way too many variables at play for a computer program to be able to tell you how to set up your kart. Driver, frame design, engine package, track surface, conditions, and characteristics, etc. all will affect your kart setup. The basic principles are generally pretty universal (ie, a softer axle decreases rear grip, etc.), but your specific setup will depend on all the factors above.
Here’s an example. My brother and I both raced in TaG Senior a couple years ago. We had identical equipment: KGB chassis with Rotax engines, and we were running on the same tracks at the same time. We usually ran within a tenth of each other in terms of lap times. But, we almost always had different chassis setups. Why? Because we have different driving styles. Both were equally fast, but what worked for him didn’t work for me, and vice versa.
I briefly mentioned track characteristics. Grand Junction is a great example of a track that requires special setup considerations. It has a long, gently curving back straightaway. It’s tricky to get the kart set up such that the kart will get on three wheels through this corner and roll freely, yet still handle favorably on the rest of the circuit. If you can’t get the kart on three wheels through that long corner, it robs tons of horsepower. This is the type of thing a software program probably won’t consider.
I think you have the right idea by focusing on driving first. Until you can drive fairly smoothly and consistently, chassis setup isn’t super important (unless it’s really, really bad). Once you’re ready to start experimenting with chassis setup, head out to the track and just start changing things. Move the front wheels, just to see what happens. Change caster. Change axles. Change hubs. The goal isn’t to improve the handling, just to figure out how each adjustment changes the way the kart reacts. Over time, you’ll develop the ability to diagnose handling problems in greater and greater detail. For example, a kart that’s loose in the rear due to an overstuck front end feels different than a kart that’s loose because the rear is simply too loose, but it’s a subtle feeling.
Here’s an article we wrote several years ago that might be useful to you.
http://www.shockwavekarting.com/tech/article2.html
I haven’t read the whole thing, but I’ve seen some excerpts from Memo Gidley’s book that Kirk mentioned and was reasonably impressed with what I saw.Full set of metric tools – allen wrenchs, open ends, sockets. Spare 5 & 6mm allens and 10 & 13mm open ends. Long socket extensions for removing wheel nuts.
Flat screwdrivers, including small ones for changing jets. Phillips screwdriver if any of your hose clamps need them.
Dykes for cutting zip-ties, some pliers and such (especially needle nose)
rubber mallet
tire pressure gauge
axle removal tool (or a lot of patience)
Rotax clutch and piston stop tools (I think I remember seeing a rotax engine on the picture of your new kart)
Tire changing tools, including bead breaker
Spare nuts and bolts, zip-ties, etc.
You’ll add more to your toolbox over time, of course, but that’s the basics.
@Mike Jansen wrote:
@Kirk_Deason wrote:
Jansen..what is that white flag at the end of your post? I don’t speak French…
that’s my “I surrender to the avatar” flag…
You give up so soon. There’s many untapped, yet classic potentials out there, such as:
@Kurt Freiburg wrote:
Jeff – It’s a possiblity. Do you get to set the rules during business hours when the other principals are away?
I always set the rules! The only problem is the principals keep setting rules that supersede them…. 😮
And anyway, I was just kidding.
Mostly.
I like IPAs. 😉
@Kurt Freiburg wrote:
Plus I need to get an idea of how much beer to bring :cheers:
You should bring beer to me since I’ll be staying at the shop.
Something that may help you a bit is the TaG USA website, which explains what engines are allowed to run in what classes: http://www.tagracing.net/rules.html
I can tell you this much: your new avatar has damaged my vision enough that I’m definitely going to be slower than I should be the next time I’m in a kart.
@Kirk_Deason wrote:
Jansen..good luck with the little blue pill people. Rick is right…don’t mix it with your new thong *shudder*.
I imagine that would be painful for Mike in particular.
@jj wrote:
They teach “American English” here which is significantly different from “Brittish English”.
Well, actually I’m not sure they really teach much American English either :idn:
U mean eye half 2 rite out every word? Its 2 hard 2 rite write on a txt msg.
@Greg Welch wrote:
I agree with Larry in that your starting to be too nice. I think you are going to have even more fun next year than this year and we can’t have that. Someone needs to start the meaningless bickering again before everyone realizes that racing is only about fun.
Your mother was a hampster and your father smelt of elderberries!!!
Wait… you’re my brother…. so that means…. dammit.
