Whatever Happened to the CIK Four Strokes?

In March of 2002 the CIK FIA met to chart the future direction of International Karting.
A decision was taken to gradually phase in modern 4 stroke, fuel injected motors to to replace the environmentally and health unfriendly 2 strokes which dominated competitive karting.

The release from the CIKFIA indicated that a vote was carried to implement these measures starting with the top level K1 (KF1) category in 2005.

However these changes were later postponed.
http://www.karting.co.uk/News-CIKFIADecisionsDec03.html


Subsequently the idea of moving to a 4 stroke formula appears to have been dropped and instead a new 2 stroke formula based on "125cc long life electric start" engines was adopted in 2007 by the CIK "in conjunction with manufacturers and the CIK Advisory Group".

Since then there has been no further word on the move to a 4 stroke formula despite a number of manufacturers, notably Suter Racing, SwissAuto, Technique Engineering and Oral Racing having developed and produced engines based on the new 250cc DOHC 4 stroke formula.

The high level of pollution and toxic exhaust produced by the 2 strokes remain a grave concern for both environmental and health reasons. It is especially disturbing considering that a a large majority of competitors are children. As the 2 stroke TAG formula continues to grow, this becomes an increasing concern with more kids getting into the sport at an earlier age.

Also at risk are the mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, friends and fans who come out to races.

A recent article by Discover Magazine outlines the seriousness of the 2 stroke problem.

It is time the industry took a serious look at this issue and devise a plan to safegaurd the health of our young competitors, their supporters and the general public and phase out this current formula in favour of a cleaner and more eco-friendly one.

For those who would prefer to keep the simplicity of two strokes, stringent measures should be implemented to ensure a cleaner formula. This could be achieved via Direct injection technology or alternatives such as found in the Aprilia DiTech, BRP Evinrude ETEC or the envirofit retrofit kit. For the rest a planned, gradual move to a modern, cleaner, greener, lower maintenance 4 stroke formula seems to be the obvious choice.

/FFJ

FIM Announces 600cc 4 Stroke replacement for 250 Class

New 600cc 4-stroke class to replace 250cc from 2011

"Following a Grand Prix Commission meeting at Assen on Friday the FIM have announced the decision to replace the 250cc category with a new 600cc class, as of 2011."

http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2008/New+600cc+4+stroke+class+to+replace+250cc+from+2011

Wonder what this means for the future of the 250 Superkarts?

/FFJ

Yamaha's WR250FK 4 Stroke Shifter Kart

For the longest while I have been increasingly convince that Karting is sorely lackking the backing of a major auto manufacturer. For many years the only major manufacturer to have a purpose built engine has been Yamaha with the KT100 series 100cc 2 strokes.

Now it turns out that in addition to that venerable machine Yamaha has added not only a pair of 2 stroke shifters:

i) A 12cc 2stroke - the YZ125K

ii) A 85cc 2stroke - the YZ85K

But also a 250 4stroke shifter - WR250FK

This Kart is being promoted in Mexico as part of its 250F Superkart Series

But for some strange reason the engine is not listed on any English speaking Yamaha Web site or apparently being made available in Canada or the US. I only hope more people will find this package about this and this situation will soon change. For this could be the first step in moving (shifter) karting into the modern 4 stroke era.

Incidentally Memo Gidley Recently won in the Mexican 250F Superkart Series

/FFj