Rotax in Superkarting

What's the deal with Rotax Max in Superkarting? What's the max's place and what do you really need to do with a max to make the switch to long circuit racing rather than sprint? What about a licence, restrictions and what are the costs associated with running as a superkart? I'll answer these questions and if you have anymore don't hesitate to email me on the address listed on this site. I'm very proud to be apart of and promote, the SUPERKART CLUB OF NSW.

SUPERKARTS

Here in NSW, the Superkart Club Of NSW runs events at Eastern Creek International (full circuit), Oran Park ( full circuit and Sth), Wakefield Park (full circuit). Various classes from the premier 250 international, 250 National, 125 gearbox, 80 gearbox and the Rotax Max. Its a race in a race format, with the higher gearbox classes out front, it leaves major room for the maxes to have their battle on these fast, wide, flowing tracks. At Eastern Creek, it doesn't get any better than drifting wide onto the straight, reaching upwards of 170 klms p/hr past the grandstand and flat stick around the sweeper heading for the tight turn 2. Oran Park, another crackerjack circuit, perfect for a max; especially the Sth circuit where often the Max is only a few seconds slower than its big brother the 250 Inter. Wakefield, another fantastic track, coming into the fishhook at around 140 ks, getting the braking right for that left hander, fantastic stuff. Travel If you wish, Phillip Island, Winton, Sandown, just a taste of the V8 circuits out there that Superkarts run on.

In NSW, we pride ourselves on a family friendly environment. Wives, girlfriends, kids, mums and dad, all welcome. The club, at most, events provide an all you can eat/drink kitchen for a very reasonable fee. Lets remember we're here for fun and enjoyment. We race hard and we want to win. But we race safely, with virtually non existent contact, everybody wants to go home in one piece. The comradery between competitors is tremendous. Here, if you break down, others chip in to get you back out there, they'll lend parts, its nothing to see 5 guys working on a kart that's broken down.

If you'd like to look at an event click on the NSW racing calendar and check for the next event. Eastern Creek is normally FREE entry and for the others email me or the club and we'll try to arrange free passes.

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO YOUR MAX

Quite simply, very little. Here in NSW if you are interested and don't have a max I recommend a look at EBay. Or shop wise, I couldn't go past Karting World at Camden, or Gold kart at Homebush. Both these shops have fantastic service and are there to help. If you have a MAX or once you do, you need a rear LED light ( about $25.00). That's in case it rains. Then you need to change to applicable sprockets. I run a 16 tooth front, then vary between a 70-77 rear, depending on the track. You'll need an external cut off switch indicated with an appropriate sticker, just move your current one. A few parts will need tie wiring, but that's about it. The Superkart Club Of NSW scrutineer will give advice to any member who's a little lost on this. You must run a minimum combined kart/driver weight of 160 kgs. That's about it. As for the body kit, its your choice if you want to run with one. Looks great, but you're not guaranteed to win just because you run one. Check the Superkart Drivers page for Rotax drivers and check Nat soft for results, you'll see many times a guy running a standard kart has won. So you have, the standard option. You can kit it, like mine, its an arrow ax8 with a HYPERRACER body kit, Then you could go the genuine Hyper if you wish.

LICENCE

For the majority of events a CAMS racing licence is required. Cost is approx $300.00 per year.

To get this you'll need to join a Superkart Club. In NSW membership is currently $110.00 per year. You need a medical, then sit an on line test. Once this is done you have an O.L.T ( observed licence test). This is where the officials of the meeting watch you in qualifying at your 1st race meeting. So long as you circulate, don't bang into people or spin, you'll receive a pass. The above isn't a difficult process, A recent member of NSW did all this in 3 days to participate in our last race meeting. If you're unsure if Superkarting is really what you want to do, rather than spend the money getting your licence etc, you can, after consultation with the NSW Superkart Club, try a NO licence at events at Wakefield Park. The yearly AASA licence for Wakefield is $60.00, yes $60.00 and is valid for 12 months which allows you to run races and practice days held at the circuit involving Superkarts.

RESTRICTIONS

The only current restriction in Superkarting is you must be over 16 to run in NSW. NSW Superkarts is working on changing this and hope to fall into line with the other states in the not too distant future. THAT IS IT... What's that you ask, you've never had a max before or you've only run minimal sprint meetings. No problem, lack of experience is not a problem in SUPERKARTING. Come join the party!! But remember lack of experience is no excuse for erratic driving or using others as brake markers. This style of driving is frowned upon by stewards and repeated touching will most probably have a driver called to the tower to explain their conduct.

COSTS

A rough budget to race 12 months in a MAX in NSW is around $2500-$3000. This takes into account everything from membership, licence, entry fees, tyres, fuel, parts and anything I've forgotten! It doesn't take into account accident damage, but accidents are so rare because of the driving style. As you could imagine none of us would run with the big nose cones or side pods if they were getting replaced after each meeting. NSW Superkarts run roughly 7-8 meetings per year. Superkarts were even a support category at the v8 Supercar event at Eastern Creek in March 08. The max was a part of this show ( click here for report on this round and loads of pics). The entry fees vary from $220 upwards, but remember, you should go home in 1 piece. tyres will last a good 3-4 rounds. ( Maxxis hg3 or Dunlop is a popular choice to run). If you bring 20 litres of fuel, you'll go home with some. Take your kart home, clean it up, clean the power valve/air box, charge the battery and lock it up till next time.

I've attempted above to give some insight into running a Rotax Max in Superkarting. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me and fire away.

THANKS FOR READING

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