Memo Gidley tests Yamaha F200 engine

Memo Gidley Tests Yamaha YF200-R1 for Upcoming Book

For the next book in his continuing series of karting books, "Memo Gidley's Secrets of Speed", Gidley used the F200 class's most popular motor, the Yamaha YF200-R1. Along with co-author Jeff Grist, Gidley has composed a number of informative books on karting.

Gidley spent several days testing the YF200-R1 on his Trackmagic 4-cycle chassis at Moran Raceway in Beaumont, CA. Gidley, who's an avid shifter driver, had very positive comments about his first ride in the F200:

"I got my start in racing with the KT100 in both sportsman and pipe configurations. Although a great class, I spent most of my time working on the motors and clutches to keep competitive... something that the average recreational driver never had time to do. The Yamaha F200 is an awesome package because it has the speed of the old KT100cc motor with something that is user friendly, low maintenance, and inexpensive to buy. And even more important to me, it is fun to drive and it sounds cool. I hope more manufacturers get involved in this class."

Mike Burris was excited to have a driver as accomplished as Gidley evaluating the F200 package:

"The F200 class has really started to come into it's own on the oval tracks and Memo's enthusiasm and interest gives us a real boost in our efforts to establish this format in sprint karting. In 2005 we'll have F200 sprint programs in place at Mark Dismore's New Castle Motor Sports Park as we'll as in the SIRA, one of the premier sprint clubs in the U.S. With that, and some serious interest from the Quarter Midget sector the future looks very bright for the F200's!"

The F200 class was the concept of, among others, of long time karting legend and pioneer Mike Burris. F200 is based on overhead valve, 200cc 4- cycle engines, and a simple easy-to-follow rulebook. The F200s run on pump gasoline, and require much less maintenance than a flathead 4-cycle class engine. Approved F200 class engines include: the Yamaha YF200 R1, Briggs Animal, Kohler C6 XKE, Tecumseh OHH 5.5 and Honda GX200.

For more information on adding an F200 class to your club, go to www.speedway-karting.com.

For information on the Yamaha YF200R1 contact Burris Racing at yf200r1@burrisracing.com.

-br-