Shifters

Ace Rossi · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:10 pm Post subject:

Well one way to look at it too is why dont F1 cars or Indy cars have sticks for shifters? I guess those drivers need to be educated to race too! Also, Why dont video game steering wheels sell separate sticks for shifting rather than have similar wheel shifting buttons for shifting? My point is although they are pricey, if made legal to use, more would be made, the price could come down, not to mention a safer race with drivers using two hands on the wheel at ALL times!

Mike Goebel · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:17 pm Post subject:

Sell your kart you're in way over your head!!!

Mike G.
_________________
Closet KZ Lover!!!
mfg Technology Centre
So Cal’s #1 Non Profit Engine Builder

Ace Rossi · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 7:19 pm Post subject:

I dont think I am! Im just trying to learn the why and why nots!

Jeff DeMello · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject:

Hey Ace. I was talking about my sprint shifter. With experience and I mean a lot you will get the hang of it. It won't matter to you if you had electric shift or regular shifter to many things happening at once to fast..
_________________
Jeff DeMello
Emmick F125 Pavesi

Randy Pierson · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:40 pm Post subject:

Hey Ace,

I had a paddle shifter on my Birel in '08. While it worked excellent, it really didn't have any advantage over the straight shift lever. I thought it would help, both hands on the wheel and all but to be totally honest it was more gimmicy that it was worth. The last 4 years with the normal shift lever, which you can adjust near the wheel so all you do is bump it on down shifts, has proven to be just as quick as the paddle but with less components, so hence less issues with it. I think you will find with practice and seat time you won't even think about shifting....it will be a natural reaction.

Ace Rossi · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:44 pm Post subject:

Let me clear up what might be a mis understood point. I can shift my kart just fine with no problems! The point I was trying to get clear on is the legality! IMHO I think the rules should allow them as an option to the racer whether he wants to use it or not!

Alex King · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

Damn it! You are that rich Ace? I should have charged you double for that GFS! Hahaha!

I say leave things as they are...one of the things I like about 'shifters' is shifting...

Ace Rossi · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 2:37 am Post subject:

Alex, not quite but if you figure what most guys have invested in the motors alone, not counting the kart, pipes, extra wheels/tires, helmet, rib protector, gloves, shoes, neck brace, suit, and maybe even underwear, AND a bag to carry it in, whats another $1500.00? The cost should not even be a factor!
I might just buy one to play with! I look at it this way. If I cant afford it, why am I even running one? Its like my 40' Prevost motor coach! If I have to worry about the cost of fuel being almost 4.00 a gal and it only getting 6 mpg, then why do I even have it? I surely didnt get it to sit in the yard nor did I build my kart to just sit in the trailer! Besides, you work every day to earn money. Money you cant take with you when your time here is up. Smile

Chris Reinhardt · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 6:41 am Post subject:

Ace Rossi · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:02 am Post subject:

If your referring to me, then No! I just like the idea of shifting like an F1 and dont see any advantage or disadvantage!

Clark Gaynor · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:15 am Post subject:

Ace, I have to ask, how old are you and how long have you been racing karts? And I'm not talking about shifters, all karts.

I understand you like to think of your kart as a mini F1 car, but it is NOT!!!

Ace Rossi · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:42 am Post subject:

Lets see! I started racing karts when I was a little boy with a dart a-bone chassis and a west bend motor! I just turned 60 in October! I was a four state wka champion in junior stock from Md, Pa, Va, and De.
My dad bought me the very first Margay new breed with quick change gear box and ran that with a Mc 91. I also ran a Hornet Marauder with a 100cc Komet and a Van K with a 100 cc Yamaha. I was a regular racer at 75-80 kart club as well as Woodbridge kart club. Ive run tracks Summit Point, VIR, Sebring, Poconos, Marlboro, Charlotte, and Daytona to name a few! I think I have SOME experience! As for shifter karts? This is my first but, I was around the "Doc" a lot (if anyone remembers him) who had one of if not the best FKE karts at VIR and George Righter who built the very first small engine dyno for karting mainly to test the 610's. He already had the 820's working!
So although I'm not what you probably expect as a modern day "racer" I HAVE been around karting probably longer than a lot of you have been on earth. I CAN, and do maintain my own equipment and I'm not afraid to stick it in a hole if you know what I mean!
There you have it! Some of my back round!
I know these are karts and not F1. Im not stupid!

Clark Gaynor · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 8:37 am Post subject:

OK Ace, so you're not what I expected. I figured you were 20 years old and this was your first gokart. I have also been around since 1963, also starting with an A-Bone and Mc40 at North Hills raceway in Pheonixville, Pa. I'm 64 now, and on the WKC BOD. So at some point I'm sure we've run into each other.

So with your 50 years or so of experience, you already know the answer to your original question. It's cost and simplicity!! You knew that when you asked the question. I'd suggest you contact WKA, IKF and/or SKUSA, I'm sure they will clear up the issue better then we can.

You're obviously a road racer, so why don't you get a 250 as Chris R. suggested? That way you can play all you want. And besides, a 250 is a hole lot more formula carish the a standard 125?

Have I great holiday folks,
Clark Sr.