SKUSA Ditch Vortex Mini Rok for IAME's Mini Swift
| 6 December 2014 |
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Superkarts! USA has announced it will introduce IAME's Mini Swift engine to the TaG Cadet class, replacing the current Vortex Mini Rok.
The organisation will employ a trade-in program where many racers will enjoy a straight no-fee swap for the new motor. The change to IAME power brings the Cadet class inline with SKUSA’s long-term vision for their TaG categories.
Above: The IAME Mini Swift is a 60cc air-cooled engine that utilizes a centrifugal dry clutch, electric starter and Tillotson carburetor
pic - SKUSA
"SKUSA has put together an incredible trade-in program to make sure that the new focus does not have a negative financial effect on its core group of customers" SKUSA said in a statement.
“Our TaG Cadet division has reached its fifth year, and while our run with the Vortex program has been successful, we are striving to make the SKUSA TaG Cadet experience even better for next season and beyond" said SKUSA's Tom Kutscher.
"We’ve had over 30 to 40 hours of on-track testing with the Mini Swift, and I feel this is the best option for our youngest group of racers long-term, to put them inline with our commitment to the IAME product line."
from SKUSA statement:
To make this transition seamless and to remove any financial outlay, Superkarts! USA will be offering two levels of product acquisition to its core racing families. First off, SKUSA is offering a special direct trade-in program for the 50 SKUSA competitors who competed in either all three SKUSA Pro Tour or all of their ProKart Challenge events in 2014.
These preferred customers will have the option of turning-in their fully-operational Mini Rok engines for a free IAME Mini Swift. Should they have two Mini Rok engines, they are eligible to receive two free IAME powerplants. If these core racers wish to keep their Mini Rok engines, they will be first in line to take part in the second level of the program, which will have 100 engines to be sold at $995 each - 50 through IAME West and 50 through IAME East. Drivers who competed in the Los Angeles Karting Championship’s TaG Cadet will also be eligible for the $995 engine purchase program. These will be available at one per customer.
Throughout the remainder of the 2015 season, a complete IAME Mini Swift package will then be available for $1495 to help launch the new program. In addition, for drivers wishing to run only the Pro Tour and/or the SuperNationals with a rental program, a number of IAME dealers will be Mini Swift rental programs available.
“This new venture is aimed directly at the racers, as we feel that this package provides less cost to the racers down the road,” continued Kutscher. “We now have the ability to bring in more prizes and more free product in the future. It will also complete our goal of one single engine supplier for our TaG categories, with IAME being the sole engine supplier in 2015 with the Mini Swift, Leopard and X30.”
SKUSA’s move to the IAME program is now well underway. For 2015, both the IAME Parilla Leopard and the X30 will be allowed in the TaG Senior and TaG Master classes. The TaG Junior category will continue to run just the IAME Parilla Leopard engine that has been its foundation since the launch of the division in 2008. In 2016, all three classes will be focused on the IAME X30 only.
All X30 engines used in SKUSA competition must be purchased from an authorized IAME USA dealer. An identification card system is in development, which will eventually be supplied with each new engine. Previously purchased engines will also be provided with an ID card.
Lastly, Superkarts! USA announced a rule change for the X30 back in September, moving from the expensive Tryton carburetor program to a more cost-effective Tillotson unit. IAME USA is offering this replacement program at no cost to the competitor. Both programs will begin at the start of 2015 through your local IAME USA dealer.
