Answer The Question! Poll #10


by Mark Wicks 10 September 2015

I attended the Go Kart Legends Nationals at Stoney Creek last Saturday (see report & photos HERE) and got talking with a bunch of people I hadn't seen in many years.

A lot of them had put together karts from their past and were, more or less, reliving their youth! A number participate in Karting Australia sanctioned vintage events, but several others have no plans to.

Why? Because KA won't allow them to race.


Above: Vintage karts go wheel-to-wheel at Stoney Creek
pic - Mark Wicks

In fact, the KA rule book states "racing of Vintage Karts is strictly forbidden". In general, they are not allowed to overtake and no timing is permitted. The karts also need to be log booked to help ensure they are an original, an original restoration or a faithful replica.

The reason for this, one assumes, is insurance. Most vintage karts don't have all the plastic bodywork (which is designed specifically for when karts make contact in what is supposedly a non-contact sport. But that's a whole other topic...) and don't meet the current Kart Formula.

"Under KA, we are only allowed to 'demonstrate' the karts and cannot race each other. Whereas here (GKL), those who want to race close to other karts can do so" one driver told me. "You can form up, take the start and compete. But you could also fall to the back and find your own space to just drive around if you wanted."

So, should Karting Australia investigate what's required to get the rules changed so that Vintage Karts can actually race? Or should Vintage Karting remain focussed on simply the enjoyment of the machine and driving it, rather than serious comepetition?

 

 

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