Where can I race Rotax near Chicago?

[rooby]

I'm kinda new to go-kart racing and I wanted to start racing in Rotax. Where can I find a series to race in? Where can I buy a Rotax kart? Is Rotax better than TAG?

[Martin Lenick]

Have you thought about a mix of the two, DD2?
Here comes the "Rick & Phil" show.:lol:

[rooby]

What's DD2? Is that a different kind of go-kart?

[Martin Lenick]

I faltered and broke my "never respond to an anonymous letter" philosophy. Phil and/or Rick , can you please respond to Rooby "don't take your love to town" ?

From my favorite web-site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby,_Don't_Take_Your_Love_to_Town

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I'm kinda new to go-kart racing and I wanted to start racing in Rotax. Where can I find a series to race in? Where can I buy a Rotax kart? Is Rotax better than TAG?

In 2007 two Rotax series held races at Concept Haulers Motor Speedway (CHMS), Norway IL, Road America Kart Club (RAKC) Elkhart Lake WI, Badger Kart Club (BKC) Dousman WI and at USA International Speedway (USAIR) Shawano WI, another series ran a few races. Other than USAIR which had about 10 Rotax races, only a couple Rotax races were at these other tracks.

However, in 2008, BKC, USAIR and hopefully CHMS will host a full Rotax series providing they get the participation.

There is also some discussion with the owners at the Autobahn Country Club to host a series there.

2008 will be a good year for you to jump aboard the Rotax band wagon as there is a good chance the Grand Nationals will be held in the Mid-West. Also, RIGP is seriously considering adding one or two Rotax classes in 2008....Seniors, Masters or DD2's.

As far as which is better, Rotax or TAG (TAG USA class) it depends on what you mean by better.

The Rotax cost a little more new than say the popular Leopard and is not as quick on a sprint track. However, the Rotax is a lot less expensive to maintain. You also have an opportunity to qualify for the Grand Nationals which is an annual race where drivers from across the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Jamaica, compete for a chance to go to the World Finals. I believe it's 44 countries that compete in the World Finals and it is held in a different country each year. Usually the top 3 in each class at the GN gets either a full or partial paid ticket.

[Martin Lenick]

Thanks, Phil. Boy, won't I be embarrassed if Rooby is a real name?:confused:

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

What's DD2? Is that a different kind of go-kart?

The DD2, 'direct drive 2 speed', is the top class in the Rotax series. It is basically the FR125 motor with a redesigned cylinder to make more hp (approx 34hp) with a 2 speed gearbox. The rear axle goes through the gearbox so no chain no mess. You shift using paddles on the steering wheel.

The down side to the DD2 vs the single speed Rotax:

It is heavier so it gives up a little cornering speed in the tight stuff to the single speed. It is also requires more precise chassis tuning to handle well.

You're limited to how far back you can go with the seat. If you're under 6' 2" you should be fine.

On the plus side:

With no chain throwing lube all over the kart, clean up is a breeze.

The stock gear set will run CHMS, USAIR, RAKC and BKC. I've also been to other tracks that the stock gear set works just fine.

At CHMS, on the back straight you can pass TAG karts like they're standing still and also outbrake them in the hairpin.....top speed and stopping power....best combination in a race kart :evil_lol:

I am curious, how old are you and how much karting/racing experience do you have? Are you looking to race locally for fun or do you want to develop your skills and race at higher levels?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

Thanks, Phil. Boy, won't I be embarrassed if Rooby is a real name?:confused:

You embarrassed? That'll be the day :evil_lol:

[rooby]

I am curious, how old are you and how much karting/racing experience do you have? Are you looking to race locally for fun or do you want to develop your skills and race at higher levels?

I'm 27 and I autocross.

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I'm 27 and I autocross.

Your age qualifies you for two Rotax classes, Senior and DD2. If you're 190lbs with all safety gear except helmet, you can race in the Masters class all the way up to the Grand Nationals. You would not be allowed to race in the Masters class in the World Finals until you turn 32.

Are you planning on doing this for fun? or you going as far as your skill level will take you?

[rooby]

I weigh 170lbs. I want to go as far as I can. What about shifters go-karts? Which one is faster?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I weigh 170lbs. I want to go as far as I can. What about shifters go-karts? Which one is faster?

The shifter is faster than a DD2 all things being equal, but a new driver like yourself may turn quicker lap times in the DD2 just because it is easier to handle.

On the other side of the coin, an experienced driver can turn quicker lap times in a DD2 than a new comer in a shifter.

Personal preference will determine which kart is more fun to drive. If you like banging gears, there's nothing like a six speed shifter.

[Rick]

However, in 2008, BKC, USAIR and hopefully CHMS will host a full Rotax series providing they get the participation.

A full Rotax series?! Where did you hear about this?

2008 will be a good year for you to jump aboard the Rotax band wagon as there is a good chance the Grand Nationals will be held in the Mid-West. Also, RIGP is seriously considering adding one or two Rotax classes in 2008....Seniors, Masters or DD2's.

That would be great if it was held in the Midwest. Which track do you think it will be held at?

[rooby]

I did a search on the Rotax website and the only Rotax series in IL is the Masters Pro. Is it one series per state? Which track does the Masters Pro rotax race at?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

A full Rotax series?! Where did you hear about this?



That would be great if it was held in the Midwest. Which track do you think it will be held at?

Heard it over my cell phone :evil_lol:

I don't know which one it will be held at and don't really care. I like racing at all of these tracks and I believe the Rotax classes do well at all of them except SBRP. The DD2 doesn't really get a chance to maximize the 2nd gear at that track. Looking at it from my view I would vote for CHMS because it's my home track, plus less travel expense. From the racers view for competition and fun to drive I'd go with NCMP 1st and USAIR 2nd.

I hope CHMS get it though because it brings in a lot of revenue to the track and I believe Les would put the money to good use. Maybe some covered bleachers for spectators in turn one? More corners workers?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

I did a search on the Rotax website and the only Rotax series in IL is the Masters Pro. Is it one series per state? Which track does the Masters Pro rotax race at?

Some states have more than one series. It depends on participation. The increased interest in Rotax in the Mid-West is the reason more series will be available in 2008.

The Masters Pro Series have raced at USAIR, RAKC and CHMS in the past.

In 2008 the tracks being considered are USAIR, RAKC, CHMS, ACC, NCMP and RIGP.

[rooby]

How many people race in the Masters Pro Series? Do you have to be a pro to race in that series? I'm only a beginner.

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

How many people race in the Masters Pro Series? Do you have to be a pro to race in that series? I'm only a beginner.

We usually get 6 to 8 guys. This past year we scheduled our races with another series and had an average of 14 at each of those races. We plan to do the same again this year. We also picked up three new members in the DD2 class and one ICC shifter.

The 'Pro' in the series name is there because we race for cash prizes. However the Rotax classes do not.

If you are completely new to karting you will need to go through an evaluation session with one of our instructors before you're allowed to enter a race. If you need coaching we have classes available. Most of our members were brand new to karting but not new to racing so they are usually good to go after one school and a couple days of lapping sessions. All the guys are very helpful and will help you with chassis/motor tuning and driving tips.

[rooby]

How many people usually race in the Rotax and shifter classes? What is ICC?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

How many people usually race in the Rotax and shifter classes? What is ICC?

It's about even 3 or 4 shifters and the same for DD2's. They are run together and scored seperately.

ICC is the European version of a 125 shifter. Unlike the Honda CR125 which is a motorcycle engined adapted to a kart, the ICC is purpose built for a kart so the carb is in front of the engine and the exhaust comes out the back like it's suppose to.

[rooby]

4 seems kind of low. Isn't there a series with more people racing in it?

[MPIGP - Phillip Gordon]

4 seems kind of low. Isn't there a series with more people racing in it?

NCMP is the closest sprint track that pulls in a good number of shifters (around 15). For DD2's USAIR gets around 8. The Masters Pro Series is planning on having both of those tracks on the schedule in '08.

Due to the low number of authorized service centers, Rotax has been growing slowly in this area. However, with the increasing publicity of the series and more top drivers making the switch, you will see bigger numbers in 2008. There are 2 kart shops in this area working with me to bring back the shifter class at CHMS. So far we have 6 shifters and hope to add more to the program over the winter.

CES is run by one of the best race directors in karting, Dave Larson. He teams up with a couple other clubs to put on his races at road courses such as Gingerman in MI, BFR in S. Beloit IL (close to Rockford IL) Grattan in Belden MI etc. They pull in over 50 shifters at their events. We also plan to run a couple of his races in 2008.

[Rick]

4 seems kind of low. Isn't there a series with more people racing in it?

You can race at CHMS!! --> http://www.concepthaulersmotorspeedway.com

They are "whole-heartedly" supporting Rotax in 2008. They also have a strong TAG and HPV class. Shifters are effectively non-existant (on race day) at CHMS.