Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

John Desouza · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 220 Location: Afghanistan,

385 would be pushing it for me. I'm 5'5" and use a pretty small seat that already has 8 5 lb weights.

I'm sorry but I'm just not up to finding space on my kart for an additional 40 lbs.

I'd rather see the light and heavy class tried first and see what the participation factor is.

Roy Randolph · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2001 7:41 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

I think you guys are missing the point for the heavier class for the Rotax. Who says YOU have to race in the heavy class and add all that weight? Stay in the 355lb class.

Let me fill you in on a little story. The KT-100 (Speedway) class in my area almost died out. The weight as I recall was 350lbs, the past year it was moved up to 370lbs and presto more people started racing again.

Keep in mind the Rotax is targeted market is for the 30 something and up age group. And a LOT of 40 plus guys are interesed in the sport now because of the Rotax and because of the heavier weight (is 410 to much, maybe so, I personally would make it 390 and a 355 class) IF and only IF you can get more people into the sport by adding this EXTRA class it will be worth it. IF you divide up who is in the sport NOW it want be worth it. Us OLD guys 45 and older want to have fun and a funny thing happens when you get over forty your metabolism seems to slow down. So you have to work EVEN HARDER to ONLY gain 10 pounds.

We bring more people into the sport it benefits all of us. And I can tell you if you drive a Rotax, Briggs, Shifter, Direct Drive or what ever, and you weight in 20 to 40 pounds heavier than everyone else and are lapped time after time after time, where's the fun in that? They soon leave. If you think they shouldn't race, where thats where you and I disagree! IF marketed right the heavier class could be a boon to the Rotax.

[ August 24, 2001: Message edited by: Roy Randolph ]

Russ McGrane · Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2001 10:16 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

I have been on both sides of the weight issue. Used to always run 20#'s+ over, wanted to go faster so I got serious about fitness, lost 55 pounds, and now have to add 35-40 pounds to make weight. The fact is, there are not special basketball leagues for people 5'5", there are not special football leagues for people that weigh 130#'s and under. Like any other sport, karting is better suited for certain body types, and if you are 30#'s overweight, realize that if you want to excel you need to be in better shape. If you don't want to take the time to get in shape, then don't complain. I'd say make the class for someone average size (maybe 180#'s) and that is it. One class. Otherwise Rotax will end up like IKF classes (Yamaha light, Yamaha medium, Yamaha heavy and Yamaha Sumo) each with a couple of guys racing in each class.

My opinion only...and before you say it yes I have occassionally seen basketball for people under 6'.

Rob Hogenmiller · Joined: 20 Jul 2001 Posts: 850

If I could pick an optimum weight for the Rotax I would say 385.

That would allow guys 200lbs and under to make weight in Almost any chassis setup.

Guys that weigh over 200lbs could look at some of the lighter manufacturers with lighter components.

Some places have 11 guys racing some have 30 some have one. I expect growth next year but not to the level that would require an extra class. 385 lbs is my vote!

bird · Joined: 17 Jul 2001 Posts: 147

are americans really that chubby?

we have 352 and sometimes 396 if the field gets really big and there's plenty of people saying 352 is too high.

We've found in the junior that up to at least 22lbs over you're not at a disadvantage much less getting lapped, what's it like with seniors?

Pete Van Ginkel · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2001 11:29 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

I weigh between 215-220 lbs. Running a Max on a CRG Speed Demon I weighed in at 407 lbs. and qualified within 3 tenths of pole against drivers fifty lbs. lighter. You won`t win any races giving up 3 tenths but you will have fun and be competetive. Even though I would be right at home in a 410 lb. class I would rather have one class with a bigger field. Make the weight 380 lbs. and let everyone run together.

Glenn Holland · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2001 12:03 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Pete, you're alive! I was wondering where you went.

You missed an interesting race last weekend at Willow.

370 lbs., that's my final offer.

G.

Andy Seesemann · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2001 2:43 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Pedro!

We were beginning to think that you had been abducted and on your way to your home planet!

We missed you at Willow.

ANDY

[ August 25, 2001: Message edited by: Andy Seesemann ]

Glenn Holland · Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2001 10:28 pm Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Yes, Mary-Ann, they are.

My main concern is we have too many classes in karting.

I am also concerned if a good percentage of people are discouraged from racing if they came in too far over the weight threshold. Yet, I have come in at 370 at weigh-in on the Rotax and the extra 15 pounds didn't make me uncompetitive.

So, if ONE class was at 370, someone would have to be pretty heavy to be uncompetitive due to weight - and most of those people could drop body weight if they really wanted to.

G.

Pete Van Ginkel · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2001 2:49 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Unfortunatly, I had to work last Saturday night. That darn mortgage company keeps asking me for money every month. When do we get a race report?

Andy Seesemann · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2001 7:49 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

It was a crazy week at the shop, so I was going to bring the results home with me to work on when I came home from working yesterday. Guess what, I forgot them. So, I'll bring them home on Monday and get them to Jeff and Glenn to be posted.

ANDY

Doug Sharp · Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2001 9:32 am Post subject: Rotax Max "Buffet Masters" class

Hello, fello racers. This is my frist attempt at talking on line ,so forgive my computer edicate. I have been in this sport sence 1966 ( Mc 49 rookie class). I currently run the pro shop at Pat's Acres here in the northwest. The Rotax class is growing here with mostly new karters. The American racer has always been a broud specdrum of size and wieght. karting in genaral has always been a (fad sport) frist it was Mc's then yamaha's then shifter karts now the latest fad is Rotax Max.If we had computers and on line forums back in the 60's,70's,80's,90's you would see the same discussion on the fad classes of those earas.
My point being is that you cannot create a bunch of classes every time a new elliment of karting comes along . It is simple a bandaid for the short term not a sollution.
the current class structure should remain for at least two to three more seasons. this will give the class stability (karting needs badly). It is impossible for every racer to win period.To create class structure so that every racer can get a trophy is a impossible task. the rotax Max class is about learning to drive And learning to race .If a individual wants to win then he or she must committ to that resolve. This means track time to hone your skills and if neccessary bolting on lead or spending time in a gym.There is always the exception to the rule those people must realize that because of their physical atributes they sould race simply for the thrill of driving and competeing and forget about winning. The Rotax Max class is not about winning it is about the racing experance. The bottom line is throughout karting history here in the states more classes in the long run dulute the sport not make it grow.[/LIST]