Tag Masters

Chris Rock · Joined: 15 Aug 2002 Posts: 339

+1 on Brian's comments.

TaG masters has been a multi engine classes since inception. While not perfect (what is) most if not all of the Orgs. have the weights/rules package pretty well sorted out. I can only speak based on running under WKA rules but, taking Daytona as an example there were multiple engine brands running in the front turning the same lap times in masters. Yes it seems the majority choose to run the Leopard package but why would that justify changing to a single engine class? I understand that some people have the resources to bring the “right” engine to specific tracks and that game plan becomes cost prohibitive to many of us. The fix is simple at the local, regional or nation level. Declare your engine brand/make by the first race of the series and that’s the one you have to run for the series. Allow one brand switch during the season and that’s it, if you switch you are on that brand engine the rest of the season. Sounds simple enough.

Chris

Jeff Salak · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:49 am Post subject:

Robby Mott · Advertiser Joined: 20 Aug 2001 Posts: 308

Jeff, I believe that coming up with the "perfect" solution is much more difficult than it seems.

Personally, I prefer to enter a race where I will be racing others with the same engine and tires. This allows me to focus on a smaller amount of variables. I will not need to go buy numerous engine packages and a bunch of different types of tires.

With that being said..........I have been impressed with the Tag program as it stands........... I have raced others with different engine packages at different weights and we all are surprising very close in lap times.

At the end of the day...........I would always vote for a 1 engine class. Let it be more about "racing" than equipment. Just my opinion...............

Gary Osterholt · Site Admin Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 2769

TJ Koyen · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 1415

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1344

Keith Buffo · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 12:28 pm Post subject:

[qutoe]This is the question!!!
DO MASTER AGED RACERS WANT A LEOPARD ONLY CLASS IN MASTERS[/quote]

My answer today: No. I want as many people to race against as possible. I have a Rotax, some have Leopards, others have others. Few masters have more than one. In road race I find the parody to be fair... not totally equal corner to corner, but close enough on the watch when we get back to the stripe - a good thing. As shockingly thin as all the fields are, I keep hoping against reality that TaG racers will stick together to have fields large enough to attract more competitors. However...

Other racers and promotors answer: Yes. Especially when it happens to be what they have or what they sell. Problem is that we've taken a grid that's already too thin and split it in two. I believe this has stunted karting overall because small grids lead to smaller grids. However, after years of both TaG and Stock Leopard classes being stuck in the basement, there seems to be some signs of growth in Leopard. So...

My possible answer next year: Yes. I want as many people to race against as possible. But it would be with very heavy feet I'd follow knowing the unnecessary pain this trend inflicts upon racers with smaller budgets and local shops that have worked hard to support the sport through other packages. But I guess that's just how it goes in the big-bad world, so I harbor absolutely no ill feelings toward the folks behind the Leopard for also supporting the sport but with a package that seems to be building momentum in my corner of karting.

That said, if I do push out onto the grid next season with a Stock Leopard and find the field split by an X-30 class...

(As always, these opinions are completely my own, and do not represent any organizations or shops that are nice enough not to turn off the lights and lock the door when I show up.)

Chris Rock · Joined: 15 Aug 2002 Posts: 339

Hey Ken,

Didn't realize SKUSA does that now. How does it seem to work out?

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1344

Tim Koyen · Advertiser Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Posts: 1556

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1344

Marco Oldhafer · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 11:53 am Post subject:

Single engine programs are better for the growth of the sport...... The #1 reason it will keep the sport simple!! Now I realize everyone here knows the 800 page rule book that comes with our sport. But these complex rules and regulations inhibit the growth of the sport. For one minute put yourself in the shoes of a beginner!!!

Silly question but what other sport has games special for the elderly?? I promote the F-Series and we offer no masters class but we have light and heavy and for the most part the masters age group do gravitate towards the heavier group. The masters class is not really needed since the program divides itself naturally....... without calling someone old at the age of 32 Smile

Karting needs less classes so racers can have more track time!!!!!
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Joe Brizzolara · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:49 pm Post subject:

I don't want to get locked into a single engine format in WKA. Either in sprint or road racing. I'm 225 pounds and I can't make weight no mater what engine I'm racing. So I may as well pick one that had more power and will not put me at as much as a disadvantage because of my weight.

If we want to have decent fields we need to allow different engines.

Brian McHattie · Joined: 28 Jan 2002 Posts: 386

Marco Oldhafer · Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:05 pm Post subject: