tpphl, some people are getting out...... quite a few are actually. I just bought an oval chassis and am going to do some of that next year. Depending on the GC series i will be at them too. But i am downsizing my sprint operation.
What is unlevel about the field? I thought they were pretty good.
At the moment we just have some very good drivers and crew chiefs
to out think, and out drive. At the moment engines look to be about equal, and the builders all have homework to keep up with, we all have the same tires and rims to work with, so cost should be down, and the competition is very good, and I thought to that the main classes had more than enough karts to race against. Not like previous years but still good. I've even seen a good many used tires on the grid on race day. We also have at minimum 4 chassis to choose from that can win.
As far as classes go look at the past. Classes with one or two karts and flatheads will probably be on the list IMO.
I would think they would eliminate World Formula, Animal Super Stock and the Raptor Classes. The WF and Animal SS class had 5 or less entries and the raptor is just being phased out.
Granted I loved the competition at the Nationals and I am a pavement junkie, I just got to the point where we were running some oval stuff close to home and every month had a Maxxis State race that brought 200 - 300 entries and the competition was stiff and I didn't have to stay in a hotel for 3 or 4 nights, plus the longest pull was 175 miles one way. 4 or 5 different tracks and all classes were $500 to win.
Granted you have prep and an tire bills, but everybody has to run Maxxis so spec tire.
However, I got out of karting a couple years back, don't really miss it at all, miss the friendships I made over 18 years, but am glad I am not spending all that money every weekend. Any hobby cost money, but I have just chosen to rejoin old hobbies that aren't near the work, and more relaxation, ie boating, etc.
Its all in what you want and I think alot of people are really considering what is at the top of their hobby charts and eliminating the low ones on the pole. Not doing, or having, as many hobbies allows them to control their cash a little better, and in this economy everyone needs to do that unless your a kazillionaire.
What is unlevel about the field? I thought they were pretty good.
At the moment we just have some very good drivers and crew chiefs
to out think, and out drive. At the moment engines look to be about equal, and the builders all have homework to keep up with, we all have the same tires and rims to work with, so cost should be down, and the competition is very good, and I thought to that the main classes had more than enough karts to race against. Not like previous years but still good. I've even seen a good many used tires on the grid on race day. We also have at minimum 4 chassis to choose from that can win.
As far as classes go look at the past. Classes with one or two karts and flatheads will probably be on the list IMO.
JMO
Ben Braun
I agree with you Ben, looks pretty even for the most part and the engines also seem equal, at least for the full time engine builders that take is serious and build them full time. Maybe there are a few part time engine builders that are having problems keeping up!!!!
i was wondering about the world formula class......found a used one for a cheap price, but now WKA is suppose to allow the clone engine as a local option at the road racing events. if this is so, i wonder if they will have them at the GC this upcoming season i have plenty of them and everybody else around here do also.
Does anyone think the Gold Cup WF classes would grow if Briggs sold a version of it without the rev limiter? Or if WKA allowed the animal coil to be used with the WF? I just think it's a shame to have that nice of a motor as restricted as it is currently by both Briggs and WKA.
I think WF is a perfect package for someone trying to get into the sport. Low maintenance, no monkey business. Unload and ride.
Its kind of an inconvenience for anyone who already has an animal because you have to swap tanks or have two separate karts because of the GAS vs Methanol.
But for someone who wants to jump in head first and race/learn from good competition, its great! There may only be a couple karts in the class, but there are some good drivers in there that are more than willing to help you out.
I have been running wf for two year and went to beaverun and ran at the national. I had fun doing it and didn't spend my life savings doing it. It was great to go and not spend a lot of money. i plan on going next year if I still have my job. and the motor easy to mantain.
I just had a thought. Most people that are getting into karting aren't starting out in the national circuit! Therefore, why have the world formula(beginners class) in a national circuit??? It was a good idea for the cost of everything though..
I could think the 9 1/4 wheel would possibly free up some of the bigger guys but I have heard that some people have had problems with tires debeading on the current 8 3/4 wheel.
I could think the 9 1/4 wheel would possibly free up some of the bigger guys but I have heard that some people have had problems with tires debeading on the current 8 3/4 wheel.
not that the tire beads were falling off the rim but the tires would work there way off over the cource of the day. you may get away with a 9 1/4 but anything bigger may require a bead lock and from what i was told those will not be allowed. my thought is if phillips and some other guys are running 8 1/2's at some tracks i dont think that your wheel size will change much from where we were in 2009.
