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JJ-
In my case, it was the first race of the 2005 season at GJMS. The other person who described a similar experience was the following race at Bandi. I’ve not heard of problems since then on the Rotax boards, but that’s probably because Rotax changed oils.
Last season we ran Motul for Rotax Max Challenge races (as spec’d by the RMC) and VP RS-7 for CSC races. (So aside from protection issues, it’s also a nuisance to have to have two different fuel mixes from weekend to weekend.) However, we generally ran more oil than Rotax calls for as extra insurance. That is, while Rotax officially calls for 50:1, we’d generally run more like 44:1, and even 35:1 for really hot days. I don’t know if that really helped, but it seemed like prudent insurance.
As for warranty coverage, Doug or one of the other Rotax service centers can give the authoritative answer on whether Motul is required in order for the warranty to be effective.
JJ,
It’s the VP RS-7 that seemed to develop problems after it was reformulated (see Doug’s prior note). We had a lower end failure for no good reason using it two seasons ago at GJMS, and the next race another person reported a similar failure at Bandi. It was then that I heard of other failures, at the national level. That’s why Rotax changed to the Motul oil this year (they actually dropped the RS-7 in 2005 and spec’d Motorex oil, which also seems very good, but is very difficult to find and even pricier than the others). I’ve heard of no problems related to the Motul, other than that it tends to separately a bit more easily and thus the fuel should be well-shaken before use.
Now understand that lots of people have been using RS-7 without problems, so it’s not a guaranteed road to engine failure by any means. But there have been enough problems reported that I don’t see any reason to stick with it. Curt has a point about sponsorship, but I’ve not heard any stories of the VP distributors lavishing cash on the series. (Maybe they have and I just don’t know about it….)
And it makes even less sense for TaG Junior. Rotaxes (in Junior configuration) were at a disadvantage at last year’s weights, and now they’re adding 10 pounds to the Rotax Jr. and keeping the Leopard at the same weight??? You’d have to be crazy to race a Rotax in the Junior class!
I agree. The question is, can we switch from VP RS-7 to Motul 800 for the synthetic tech oil? VP is hard to find, and has that reputation for causing lower-end failures, so why not switch?
Yes, we had one of those bottom end failures (at GJMS, prior season). How about we switch to the Motul for next season–I’ve heard no complaints about it, and it’s not so hard to find.
So if June 10 is a CSC race at GJMS, does this mean the CSC schedule is complete??
(Sorry, Angie, but enquiring minds just can’t be patient!)
Jim,
Are you sure about the AMB trade-in program? I heard that it used to be a good deal, but that now they charge nearly as much as a new one. Apparently to push the new transponder model….
(As I understand it, the new model and the old are equally effective, but the new one has a more secure mounting method).
We’re incredibly lucky to have 5 tracks in the state–let’s use ’em. CRE maynot be quite as wide as some of the other tracks, but it’s smooth, technical, and has good runout areas. The hairpin can be tricky and demand courtesy, but there are other passing areas. And if George can get the extension in by next season, so much the better.
We too have enjoyed Steamboat, and would like to head back. GGP was also fun, though I really didn’t like having those curbs on the fastest part of the course. But with only 5 races, I’d imagine there will be plenty of interest in racing both locations even if they’re not part of the CSC series.
It’s time to race CRE as part of the CSC! :cheers:
My guess is that the likelihood of having reasonable weather is somewhat higher at GJMS than at TTAC. :idn: But the problem may be getting across the passes in the middle of winter…. The deciding factor may be that Brian seems willing to put the effort into making it happen.
What I heard at the meeting was that Jr 1 for next season would include both the Honda and K80, though I wasn’t clear if they would directly compete. (I recall no discussion as to whether or on what basis they were assumed to be at the same level of performance). And that in 2008, the K80 would be dropped and the only Jr 1 motor would be the Honda. I don’t believe there was any discussion of weights with either motor.
We’re no longer in the Jr 1 class, so I wasn’t paying as close attention as I would have in past years; if I mis-heard (or mis-remember) something, I’m sure Angie will clear things up.
Ian,
I agree that it was a good meeting–civil, productive and a good start. Thanks to George for calling for the meeting, to Curt for organizing it, to Rusty for arranging (and paying for) the room, to the moderators and facilitators, and to all those who attended with an open mind and a spirit of improving the Colorado racing scene. It’s too bad that more racers didn’t attend, but those who did show up formed a solid basis for input and discussion.
Let’s keep up the process. I heard a commitment to get the initial decisions out to the membership ASAP, and to finalize rules and schedules before Christmas. That would be great (and by December 10th would be even better!)
I hope we can also get a commitment not to be making changes in the schedule once it’s set. (Maybe a draft version for comments and then a final schedule to be posted 10 days later?)
There was also a discussion about how rules are bound to change. Agreed, but if they do change after the official rule book comes out, can we have a commitment that any updates will be posted on the CSC website, at which time they become “official?”
Don,
I think last year was cheaper because there was a pizza bar option for kids. A nice idea, but they might actually eat better this year! 😛
Larry and Tim,
Thanks for the reality check–you’re both absolutely right! Race after race, no matter the outcome, it was great to see the camaraderie among all the TAG Jr. racers. Tough competitors on the track, and friends in the pits–we can learn some lessons from them! Sometimes when Lady Luck wasn’t smiling upon us, I have to admit that Pat took it better than I. But what better way to be spending time with our sons and daughters than all these weekends together. I know you and Clara will have an experience that most of us can only imagine over the next few months–have a great adventure!!
