NEWS

I have been following the karting scene since 2001, attending all local and regional races and subscribing to National Kart News as well. I was bit by the bug when a friend of a friend invited me to one of his practice sessions at the Blue Max Kart Club. I did a few on-track sessions and was hooked. I wasn't able to purchase a setup until February, 2006. I purchased the chassis from Competition Motors Corporation (CMC). By that time, after all those years of watching and waiting, I knew what I wanted and what was involved.

The chassis is a used Swiss Hutless Evolution kart. The kart was designed for 2-cycle applications, but I wanted to run a B&S World Formula (4-cycle). Don, from CMC, had mentioned to me that it could be modified. He subcontracted the work to Michael Schorn, a local machinist, karter, and owner of Mike's Kart Stands to perform the cutting and welding. I purchased the engine from CMC as well.

After waiting for the parts to come in, and waiting for more money to come in, I finally got my kart, engine, new seat, tach, kart stand and tires to my garage. I originally expected that everything would be put together, and race-ready, but that would cost extra $$$. I'm glad that it all came in pieces, so I had to put it together, and learn in the process. After about a month, calling up Don everyday, and browsing all the forums for information, I had everything ready.

It was time to start the engine up. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am technically inclined, but not mechanically inclined. I knew that the engine would not be easy to start. After checking all connections, I gave the starter rope a yank... After several times nothing happend. I knew it! I put some fuel in the carb bowl, and it started just fine, but when it ran out, the engine would stop. The fuel pump would not pump. After looking at diagrams in the user manual for awhile, I realized that the pump was hooked up backwards. After fixing this, the engine started on the first pull!