Carbs for 2013

It sounds like the international technical regulations may impose, perhaps next year, float bowl carburettors on KF. The major factories are behind this desire for change, which looks like an upheaval, driven by a simplification of the work for mechanics and especially drivers who would no longer need to adjust the jet during races. Lower costs are also emphasized. But what exactly is happening?

It seems that the Rotax concept will again be the model for the advanced categories of karting, even though they will lose much of their sporting and technical interest. Two options are possible with float bowl carburettors. The first is where the jet is the same for everyone at a given event. The direct consequence would be that some drivers would find themselves suffocated or drowned, and certainly disadvantaged in performance, with no opportunity to respond effectively. The second is where the jet is free, and in this case, each competitor must have a full set of jets with different diameters, a much more economical solution.

If the measure is applied quickly, the disappearance of specialists such as Tillotson, IBEA, Bolex and Hübchen will automatically follow, since none of these talented craftsmen can transfer his knowledge to the float bowl carburettor in such a short time and their technical knowledge will be useless. KF karts in theory become easier to drive, but the drivers would lose the opportunity to participate in the operation of their motor and no longer need to learn as fine a feel as possible in the race, an important quality for a careers in car racing. Finally one wonders about the true savings from this change in the overall budget of a season. Carburetion specialists and managers of private teams who met at Zuera at the WSK Euro Series are largely opposed to this new direction and some propose other solutions to simplify and expand the use of KF … 

Who is right? Hopefully the debate is still open …

Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photo KSP