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#219 Chain for Kid Karts
Since it’s inception, Kid Karts have been required to run #35 size chain with a specified 17 tooth driver and a 57 tooth gear. Eliminating the gearing from the equation allows the parents and drivers to focus on the basics of driving and we believe it is the best thing for drivers so early in their racing careers.
A few weeks ago, it was brought to our attention that there are some newer chassis on the market that the 57T #35 rear sprocket will not clear the crossbar on the chassis.
Unfortunately, the way this was discovered was that families getting into the sport had bought them not knowing of the fitment issue.
As the Kid Kart class is all about getting new families started on their journey into motorsports, we believe it is appropriate to find a solution that not only helps these families, but also opens up the possibilities for more chassis manufactures to be represented in the Kid Kart category. Therefore, we will be PROVISIONALLY permitting #219 chain utilizing the same 17/57 gear sizes for the upcoming race at Jacksonville. This is a solution that some clubs have already implemented with good results. Karts must still be equipped with the same Max-Torque “SS” clutch as previously specified, with all the same OEM components that came with the clutch.
To accomplish this, the version of the “SS” Max Torque clutch with the removable driver will be permitted for this event, but must be ran as equipped from the manufacture with either the #219 or #35 17T driver. Furthermore, the race director will be imposing a small weight penalty to any kart competing with #219 chain at the event.
Why is this a "Provisional Rule"?
We are currently publishing this as a provisional rule update for a few reasons:
- First off, Winter Nationals is just days away. We needed to get this out so all our Kid Kart families are aware of the change. We do everything we can to avoid changes so close to an upcoming race, but as this does not require any of our existing competitors to do/buy/change anything, we felt it was acceptable.
- Secondly, although we have gathered information to ensure this change does not affect the competitiveness of the class… nothing speaks louder than testing at the track. Winter Nationals will provide us a lot of data and see this change in action. If we need to amend the rule to keep things fair and affordable in the long run, or find a better solution to the problem… WE WILL!
- Finally, in order to prevent this from creating confusion for current racers as well as new families coming into CKNA, we intend to list out specific part numbers in the 2025 rules for the clutch components in the Kid Kart class. This will ensure that moving forward, everyone will have a clear understanding of which components they can change utilize a #219 or #35 chain if it is determined that this adaptation of the rules can be made permanent.
We hope that all our competitors understand why we have decided to explore this provisional rule change. The primary goal of the Kid Kart class is to give families a place to learn about karting and help our sport grow. Our hope is that if we can find a way to accommodate additional racers and chassis into the class, we can continue to grow the Kid Kart category and invite more families into the sport.
