News And Information From The AKA Conference

30 June 2009

The Australian Karting Association (AKA) held its mid year Committees conference in Darwin over the weekend with a number of positive outcomes for karters across the country.

One of the major discussion points by the National Karting Council over the weekend was the implementation of the new CNC barrels for Rotax engines, in both the Senior and Junior classes.

In keeping with AKA policy on engine changes, it was decided that Senior Rotax Max engines fitted with the new CNC cylinder (part number 223993) are not eligible for use at any AKA State Title or the Rotax Nationals until after 1st January 2010 but are free to be used at all other events including the Rotax Pro Tour.

From 1st January 2010 (next year) the new CNC cylinder is able to be used at all events including State and National Championships.

International Karting Distributors (IKD) has limited stocks of Senior Rotax Max engines fitted with the non CNC cylinder for those customers wishing to purchase a new engine to race at AKA State Titles and the Rotax Nationals between now and the end of 2009. These are available while stocks last.

The NKC also determined that Junior Rotax engines fitted with the new CNC machined Junior Rotax cylinder (part number 223994) will be fully eligible for use as of 1st January 2010.

Any Junior Rotax engines purchased from IKD from 1st July to 31st December 2009 will be supplied with the current cylinder (non CNC type) BUT will receive a CNC cylinder at no cost in January 2010. Information on this replacement program will be included with each new engine.

It should be noted that there is no requirement for existing competitors to change cylinders. The current model cylinder (non CNC type) will continue to be eligible for use.

The new CNC cylinder by nature of the production process allows Rotax to further reduce any variation in engine performance from engine to engine. Although Rotax have made significant improvement in this area already over the past few years the arrival of the CNC cylinder reduces this variable even further.

The AKA has negotiated with IKD to enable all existing Junior Max engines to be upgraded to incorporate the new CNC barrel at a discounted price of $350 after January 1, 2010. This implementation date also allows for competitors to schedule their maintenance over the coming six months appropriately.

The NKC has also approved the use of the IAME X-30 engine in the 125cc TaG category and will be implement the engine into the 125cc TaG Restricted category following further testing with a restrictor plate fitted.

The X-30 engine is similar in design to its IAME Leopard 'cousin' that has become popular with Australian karters over the past decade but will not replace the engine on Australian circuits.

Another decision made across the weekend was the continuation of having a clutch fitted as an option rather than compulsory in all Yamaha classes and the move to a Governance structure will be voted on at the Annual General Meeting following an alteration to the proposed new constitution.