After a quiet period we have a number of items and meetings to report on. All of the trade shows have provided press releases and are offering members special deals in one form or another. Please ensure you mention BKIA when making enquiries.

A number of meetings held at the MSA have resulted in draft bodywork regulations for presentation to the MSA Kart Committee for approval. The essence of these revisions are intended to close the gap with CIK regulations and permit the wider use of CIK homologated equipment.

I have also attended the recent ABkC meeting and a number of members (and non-members) have voiced concern regarding the 125 gearbox (ICC) proposals. These comments are being presented to the working group tasked with reviewing the subject and another meeting is scheduled for July. Proposals for 2005 include not having only CIK homologated chassis in the lighter weight ICC class and for  World Formula chassis to conform to the CIK design but not CIK homologated. 

The latest ABkC Newsletter is available on www.abkc.org.uk

Chain, sprocket and rear axle protection.

The Kart Technical Working Group was asked by the MSA to review protection for chains, sprockets and axles on health and safety grounds. As a result a draft wording is to be presented for approval that will require chains and sprockets to be covered at least down to the bottom of the axle. This coverage must not allow fingers to have access to the drive and it will also require clutches to be fitted with a metal protective cover. It was decided to leave the axle coverage subject so that the mooted CIK interest in this can be monitored for later review.

Steering Locks

The fitment of a steering lock will not be permitted when karts are being driven.  This is to prevent  locks used for steering alignment accidentally engaging while the kart is racing.

Tyre Treatment Tests

A means of testing for illegal treatments has been demonstrated to the MSA who will now carry out an evaluation programme so that this can be introduced and meet judicial requirements. The initial demonstration was convincing enough to show that claims of such practices being undetectable as false. The equipment is not cheap but if it cuts out blatant cheating then it has to be something we can all support.

New Engines for 2004

The list for Junior Gearbox class engines is up for revision for 2005 so please contact the MSA (John Ryan) if you wish to have an engine included. It should be noted that any engine to be considered must be available off the shelf as a stand-alone power unit and not only available if purchased with motorcycle. The cut off date for applications is 31st July and evaluations will follow this very quickly.

The ABkC also welcomes input from the trade on revisions to class regulations so if you have any suggestion/proposals please forward them to me asap. The engine regulations for Junior Gearbox are described in the Gold Book.

If there is anything else in the Gold Book you would like to see amended for 2005 please let me have this too. 

Comer W60 Sealing Agents

Zip Kart confirm the appointment of Kartel Motorsport as being added to the list of official W.60 sealing agents subject to them completing BKIA membership.

Insurance

We are in discussion with a number of insurers/brokers regarding suitable policies for members so we are pleased to include the item below. Please note that Fairmont is a BKIA member.

Fairmont Insurance

Fairmont Motorsport Insurance in conjunction with the BKIA have negotiated discount rates for Public/Products Liability and Employers Liability.

Fairmont have a range of small manufacturing policies for BKIA members at preferred rates. We would encourage any members interested to contact Mike Eagles/ Peter Welland at Fairmont Motorsport Insurance 02079296880 or mike@fairmontinsure.com. Please note that Fairmont are BKIA members and say they are particularly competitive in liability insurance for circuits.

Tyre Testing for ABkC Contracts

We have received a procedure document from the ABkC that defines the procedures to be followed for evaluation of tyres as control tyre contracts become due. The first of these will be for the World Formula UK class and the ABkC is seeking testers for this evaluation activity. If any member is interested in providing this service please contact Roger Abbey-Taylor on 01784 462624 or ratpro@btinternet.com.

Maxxis Formula TKM Festival

Regulation packs for the MAXXIS Formula TKM Festival at Kimbolton have now been posted to more than 400 karters for what looks sent to be another bumper event with entries already pouring in.

 The regulation booklets have been sent to all of this year’s S1 TKM competitors as well as those who took part in the festival last year and to TKM F6 drivers. Further packs have also been sent to those requesting them. Any other drivers who want packs should send a 42p stamped addressed large A4 size envelope to Daphne Freeman, 76 Guntons Close, Soham, Ely, Cambs CB7 5DN. Entries should also be sent to this address.

This year’s event continues the ultra successful revised format from last year and includes timed qualifying for all drivers counting for points, three heats and a pre-final and final. Drivers get a huge amount of track time for their money. 

The prize fund tops £5000 and the event will be featured on Sky TV and around the world to more than 200m homes. Classes racing include the three main 2-stroke classes as well as veterans and heavyweights. Four-strokes will also race in Junior and Senior sections.

The event takes place over the weekend of August 7/8 with testing on the Friday.

For further information please contact Grahame Butterworth on 01427 875900.

         The London Kart Show

The second London Kart Show will take place on the 11^th and 12^th December at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre in Esher, Surrey. Exhibitor numbers are already up on last years and the organisers are anticipating that the show will become the UK’s largest karting exhibition.

Committed exhibitors include several BKIA members offering a diverse range of products to visitors. Karting Magazine is supporting the shows masterclasses and this programme has also grown as a result of there popularity last year.

There will be a number of clubs presenting their awards at the show and The London Kart Show is establishing itself as a showcase for this exciting growth sport.

If you would like to exhibit or need more information please contact the organisers on 01273 833884 or info@londonkartshow.co.uk.

Autosport International 2005

The brand new karting area at Autosport International, 13-16 January 2005, is on track to deliver one of the best ever displays of international karting companies and manufacturers.

The new dedicated area will be moved to Hall 20 of the NEC, offering karting companies the opportunity to exhibit on all four days or just the public days on Saturday and Sunday.

Many top companies have already confirmed for the show and the existing four-day area is already sold out but organisers, Haymarket Exhibitions, are seeking additional floor space to accommodate demand from the industry. The new two-day option is also proving popular and looks set to follow in the success of the four-day section.

Located opposite Autosport Engineering, the new high-profile karting section will benefit from direct access from the main Hall 20 entrance and an increased flow of visitors thanks to the re-mapping of walkways. The indoor karting area is set to move from Hall 12 to Hall 18 and will be open for all four days.

A host of new initiatives will also be introduced, aimed at attracting more karters from both the racing and corporate sectors. In addition to each competitor of both Stars of Tomorrow and Super One receiving a pair of free tickets for the Saturday and Sunday, special ticket offers will be arranged with top UK circuits and clubs. There will be a special ticket offer for BKIA members and details will be made  available later.

The exclusive two-day package promises to offer karting companies more options and better value than ever before. Dedicated to furthering the presence of karting at Autosport International, organisers are offering a discounted two-day shell, lighting and power scheme. This section will be created adjacent to the four-day exhibitors, forming what is hoped will be the biggest karting area seen at Autosport International. 

The New-Two Day Karting Package

·         Kart manufacturer displays on the indoor kart circuit

This fantastic package allows companies to be part of the world’s biggest motorsport show on the two busiest days for as little as £450 plus VAT.

BKIA members interested in either the two or four-day package should contact: Rick Parfitt on 0208 267 8317.

Membership List

A warm welcome to the new and renewed members; please see the latest membership details on the website. If you have ideas for additional benefits, etc that will help increase membership I would be very receptive.

ABkC Starting Karting Leaflets

I have already sent batches of the new edition out to members. If you require more please let me know.

BKIA Logo

Please use the logo in advertising etc, I will be happy to copy the image to members if needed. I have heard of one non-member trader allegedly using our logo and will take action. He/she obviously believes it gives some  credibility!

Send mail to info@bkia.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
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Last modified: Saturday, 03 March 2007