IKD Issue Clarification & Information About Rotax Rule Changes

With the recently announced changes to the technical rules for Rotax engines, Rotax importer IKD has issued the following statement:

As you are aware, Rotax has moved further in line with World Rules for 2012 onwards. For most Pro Tour competitors this will result in little changes if you have reasonably current engines. However we would like to point out a few areas for you to all consider and check before the first Pro Tour round at Todd Rd.

  • New style airbox only will be allowed. This airbox has now been around for quite a few years and probably everyone has one but it is important to point out that the old square type airbox is no longer eligible.
  • Only steel balance gears are eligible. The old plastic balance gears are no longer eligible to be used. The steel balance gears and far more reliable and have been around for a long time now so most people will not be effected by this change but it is important that you check this in your engine. We have heard rumors of people looking around for the old plastic gears because they are potentially faster so it is important that this rule becomes in force, hence why the World Rules stipulate steel balance gears only…also the balance gears must be correctly aligned and not offset
  • Only Water can be used in the radiator, no more coolants are allowed JUST PLAIN WATER.
  • Carburetors are now simplified and this should be viewed as a big step forward. The number of variations that are available within the setup of carburetors is now significantly reduced. There is now only 2 combinations of jets and floats that can be used. Complete details of the carburetor rules are below.
  • Cylinder 223997 for Senior Max is no longer eligible for use - This is not from World Rules but an AKA decision from about 2 years ago and has been widely known for a long time however it is important to remind everyone that this rule has become effective from 2012.

It is important that competitors check the new regulations as issued by the AKA for the complete regulations. What we have listed above is just an overview of important areas to consider.

However, please note, the AKA and IKD are aware of some issues that have arisen as a result of the move towards World Rules. IKD has put some recommendations forward to the AKA and we expect that these will pass through the approval process within the next few days. These include;

  • Clarification that the 223997 Cylinder can still be used in Restricted TAG for a further 2 years as previously approved by the AKA
  • Approval to run items such as the old square airbox and plastic balance gears at lower level events such as Restricted TAG, TAG and Sportsman
  • Approval to run the old clutch at any event as this does not present any type of performance advantage to those with the old clutch
  • Method of mounting the fuel pump to be free

We expect that these requests to the AKA will be granted as they make sense for the competitor but it will take a few days to go through the AKA system so please be a little patient on this one. As soon as the changes are approved an updated document will be released.

Importantly, we have moved toward World Rules however they are still adapted to suit Australia. Some people have downloaded rules from other countries such as America or Europe and this is potentially confusing. THE DOCUMENT THAT WILL MATTER IS THE AKA RELEASED DOCUMENT. In other countries their rules require engines to be sealed by authorized sealing agents, stipulate restrictions on the type of battery that can be used or even regulate the spark plug that can be used etc and this does not apply here in Australia. Please just look at the documents issued by the AKA to avoid any confusion.

Best regards,
Ian Black
Managing Director

rotax dell'orto carburettor

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