WKA: Pit Board 2008-03-10

WKA Announces Its Position on ROK TT Specifications and Clarifies TAG and Spec 125 Sprint Air Box Rules

03.10.08 -- On October 25, 2007 WKA published the list of the engines approved for the Manufacturer's Cup TAG class and the kart/driver weights at which they would compete. That announcement included the statement that, "The weights and engine specifications will be reviewed after the second Manufacturer's Cup event of the 2008 season. WKA will make every effort to level the playing field among engine manufacturers. Performance differences among the various manufacturers will be adjusted by kart weight or restrictions to the engine or exhaust system."

After completing the first two Manufacturer's Cup events, there remains a great deal of controversy regarding one of the new TAG engines approved for the class: the Rok TT. Although the Rok TT has not been a major factor at the first two WKA events, it has dominated the field at several non-WKA sanctioned events, and some of the other sanctioning bodies have proposed significant changes to the engine to restrict its performance. As a result of the significant variation between the finishes at WKA events and those at other association events, WKA will continue with the current engine and kart/driver weights and will monitor performance on a race by race basis before proposing any weight or engine specification changes. TAG is one of the Manufacturer's Cup's largest and most successful classes, and WKA is reluctant to take any action that would upset the parity and stability in this class.

Another issue in the Manufacturer's Cup TAG and National Road Race Series Spec 125 Sprint classes is the legality of air boxes. Apparently there was some confusion at the February 29 to March 2 Manufacturer's Cup event at Lowes. As a reminder, here are the specifications that apply to both classes.

609.3 AIR BOX: Must be equipped with either (1) any air box originally supplied with any WKA approved TAG engine or (2) any CIK Registered 22 mm TWO TUBE air box (2004 and earlier). (See rule 551.2.2) (Exception: Rotax Max FR 125 must use the stock air box.) The new CIK Homologated (2005 and later) air boxes such as the KG and Freeline are not legal.

Dyno and track testing have shown that there is no performance improvement in the CIK Homologated air boxes. However, there have been requests to make the CIK Homologated air boxes legal due to their apparent improved air filtration and noise reduction capability. The 2-cycle Tech and Manufacturer's Cup Committees will consider this request in their next meetings.

About the World Karting Association

Based in Concord, N.C., the World Karting Association remains the largest sanctioning body for karting in North America. WKA provides every venue of karting including Speedway, Sprint, and Road Racing as well as 2-cycle and 4-cycle. WKA is honored to be the karting representative to ACCUS and the CIK-FIA. Branded as the "Foundation of Motorsports" WKA enjoys its 36th year of operations. For more information on WKA, log on to www.WorldKarting.com

-credit: wkapitboard