[kaaz38]

No need for apologies, forums are forums……… sure there are plenty of things to be discussed. You can write with your style, remember we are a democratic country.

Ahh? You progressed to 125 (not out of necessity, remember the dark forces working behind closed doors..)
What RM550 for DAM? It was first RM380, then Dunlop must have succumb to… (Again the dark forces working behind closed doors)
The Indian made MRF HAS a difference compared to the Challenger. Ask those that race regularly. If KKS decides to raise the price… sorrylah another victim of the dark forces.

True, the Yamaha SL Cup is a step forward (the person who say backward is probably a part of the dark forces working behind closed doors). I remembered that Mofaz had a series called Formula Yamaha way back, also died a natural death as there were not enough participants. Strange, come to think of it whatever happen to those KT100 they used for the Indy 40? There were tons of it… and only a handful when it came to their Formula Yamaha. See, those were the cheap competitive engines, but what happened to them? If promoted properly they could have their version of the budget conscious karter’s race. Ponder on it my friend…..

Talk about going forward… how forward is forward? Malaysia has already buried the Formula 100, Europe has also buried the FSA (Formula Super A) except in Japan – FYI Chassis are totally open – unhomologated, carbs are the exotic flat slides, rotary valved engines… all works factory goods, buried because of the exorbitant costs.

Care to add more??

My suggestion for my-kart kakis that are really on a wire-thin budget (All are welcome to flame me ..)
Since there a 6 rounds to the series, 6 passionate drivers can like sponsor 1 driver for each round, just for the experience. In the end, neither of you is committed 100% for each round, keep the costs even lower. Jules will be the tech man, who will teach chassis set up, engine tuning… easylah same carburator as the P50. KT100 seize? The engine is proven bulletproof (not literally) but don’t push it to the rpm range of P50’s. Everybody comes out smiling.
But if 1 driver is half-heartedly commited, or 2…… well…. Have to sort it out among yourselves.

[kaaz38]

Secretary? No thanks, being a secretary is literally sitting on a hot frying pan. Let me be the treasurer… come to think of it.. better not. Best I be the office flag bearer.

Back to KKS and the “commercial interests”. In my own opinion, racing and “commercial interests” is the one thing that will kill the sport. Sure, all the P50 were scrap metal after the end of 2001, you cannot imagine the feeling of all the karters who thought that they had a affordable class just being left out like that. Some left, some progressed to 125. Those progressed to 125 started to feel the pinch and in the end left the sport for good. The same went for Formula 100. Now this class was the pinnacle of karting, engine rebuild after 1 hour, open tyres that money can best buy, etc. Also killed by KKS. Same excuse, not enough on the starting grid. Compare the running costs of a Formula 100 to PP. But what KKS did in killing the PP was uncalled for. They never had a dialogue with the PP drivers, maybe a constructive discussion on how to increase the starting grid. Do not forget that they also need big time sponsors to make the event successful. Is KKS 100% to be blamed for it? Whatever discussed behind closed doors with the other contributors (be it KKS, promoters, operators, sponsors, manufacturers etc) of the sport, we will never know. “Factions” to me is the cause of Formula PP being axed (and also the reliability of the P50) That is why racing and politics should never mix, but you and I and whoever else can never stop it.

Manufacturers? They themselves also play an active part in determining events. The racers will definitely be left in the dark, because it’s all “closed door” discussion. Nowadays we see all types of events, each promoting their own series, with the backing of the manufacturer. Blah blah…. “You can race with only this brand, you can only race with this tyres, etc”…. still nothing in comparison with the cost of running Formula PP. But to think of the MRF tyres, (grip is like the Maxxis HG3, but more than half it’s price!!) RM220 per set, where in the world can one buy a set at that price? If KKS had these tyres then, and Formula PP were using them, Jules, you would still be competing.

In F1 is the same, every year we see rules being changed, who causes this? “Factions” as usual. Money, money, the sin that makes the world spin round and round. In the end the budget conscious driver fades away….

Jules, as a hard core Formula PP 2000/2001 driver, your opinion in this matter is greatly appreciated. Perhaps an exclusive expose’……

[kaaz38]

Jules, being “personal” is when you started to challenged my knowledge of the ill fated PP class. You only started it when I started to explain on why KKS (and according to you, those with commercial interest) canned the series. Irritated? Not in the least. I get the impression that practically all your replies and posts are all about you, you and you only.

The admittance of “mincing” one’s words…. that’s a good way to twists one’s word. As to the fellow PP racer, maybe he/she thinks that the P50 might seized therefore scrutinizing a 2nd engine (whether borrowed or owned) in making sure that he/she will get the chance to go to the finals. If you know the KKS rules (which applies to all competitors) if you don’t scrutinize the second engine, after post-race scrutineering the engine does not match the serial number of the first, you will be definitely be disqualified. If the first engine fails, and is beyond repair after the pre-final, what is the driver going to do? This is like an insurance, and it’s better to adhere to all rules as set by KKS.

If you admit to being 1.5 seconds slower than Aaron Lim, then I take it you do admit to the fact that your statement – “It’s a mechanical sports afterall and tuning/setup knowledge is power…so please DUN expect any less when the engine is far from perfect for you.” is not entirely true? We are not talking about his career here, just justifying your statement.

Jules…. you have an obsession with name calling here and there, and you’ll be surprised how well I know Richard Lim and his family personally…… and this extend way back to his days of being the multiple national champion of the 80’s. On top of his other profession as a “celebrity” in the pub and bar circuit. You sure you want me to tell that to his face? Right in front of you? About his mods?

A heat, a pre-final, whatever that you feel that pinches your own pocket, it’s solely your problem. These are the rules set by the organizers (be it KKS or CIK). Why you ask? Have you heard of repechage? Have you heard of 2nd and 3rd chances? Heats are used to fine tune the engines as there are changes that affect the outcome. Heat and humidity, temperature and traction level of the track etc all play a role. This is how a competitor adjusts to changes. Will you believe that a driver once DNF both heats but finished 3rd in the final of a Kart Prix? (Definitely not you) Go and check AAM or KKS records. So if you think that the extra heat (a pre-final) is tooooo much to bear, then I suggest you sit out one heat, take your chances in the pre-final and final.

Back to your appeal letter to KKS’s Paul David. Did it ever occur to you that only you and your Capt. Baudzaus (coincidently he’s one of the Comer Importers…) petitioned for it? In all your previous “name calling” of the other PP drivers, did you get in touch with the other local PP drivers to petition together? Or co-signed your letter? Do you know that a bunch of chopsticks is much stronger than 2 chopsticks? You think that a solitary figure like you (as Capt. Baudzaus is based in Singapore) can just waltz into KKS and demand that the PP Class be re-instated? Like I said, Formula PP is all about you and you only. Maybe KKS didn’t pay much attention to you as you don’t even compete in the Kart Prixs (Formula PP), and don’t even hold a AAM competition license.

As to your reference of my mention of KKS, yes I first mentioned KKS as co-organizers of the Yamaha SL Cup, then YOU mentioned Paul David first. Refer to your previous post, or are you blind?

To summarize things up, Jules, you would make a good politician, with the way you “minced” your words. To read your posts which is entirely and purely your point of view is unjust, have you heard of second opinions? If you think that I am harsh on you, so be it.

[kaaz38]

To comment on your quotes:
-“My friend – If you insist I have to be serious here as afterall, I raced in this category and can say I write with personal experience. Of which I think you would have seen me racing as then cos I came 2nd in the 2001 Championship after Woo Wei Liang on the club level or did you not?”

Ha! ha! that last round race in Oct 2001 was real hilarious, the winner was Foo Kok Hsing with a body weight of 90+kg, and you still couldn’t overtake him. Guess he had a better chassis and engine set up than yours.

What you are saying is always from yours and yours only perspective. I cannot imagine that you are saying that MY mechanics seized MY engine. Afterall what I did describe are the numerous Comer P50’s that the other drivers used, not JUST solely yours. You can go on and on about your 808, but what about the others that spent much more on repairs, pistons, conrods, bearings etc?

I don’t know what you have against Paul David and the KKS club, but it’s water under the bridge now. I cannot understand the long bearing grudge you hold against the club still ferment in your mind until today. Like I said, the Yamaha SL Cup is a race that will suit budget conscious drivers, and you should hear Paul David’s opening speech followed by Tadashi Sasaki yesterday, or were you absent from it’s launch? Or you lack the enthusiasms to support RL Karting’s low budget race format?

-“On top of the club membership and AAM Race License RM250 ( medical extra ), the cost of racing in Kart Prix requires a higher entry fees for EACH round, it wears things ( engine, tyres ) out more cos there’s MORE heats. If you are serious enough it also allows you to bring 2 chassis, 3 engines for the weekend. Small budget to you. Club racing….I pay RM100 per race and annual membership RM150.”

What MORE heats? Like I describe earlier it’s only an additional Pre-Final. Only 1, and would that wear down the engine and the extra hard compound tyres? Now you tell me which driver had 2 chassis and 3 engines (Formula Piston Port)? Kindly answer THIS question.

-“Whether I practise on Sat before my club races is immaterial here but if you want to know – I dun.”

Are you really sure? Not even once out of the 5 rounds? C’mon…. ha! ha! You really can pull my leg, and the readers’.

-“Starting was difficult for the Juniors as they were too weak, their karts too heavy ( from Ballast ), their engines are heavily modded making it hard to start and they lack the practise the start – again my comments are based on personal observation. ( the engine mods one is my tuner’s comment ). By the way, who do you want me to ask? Junior racers like Shafiq Ali, Abdul Hafi, Dominic Ang, Daniel Verrapen? They call me “uncle”.”

You can ask Daniel Verrapen about his numerous engine seizures while running-in.

-“Sorry to lead the readers on a merry go round on a topic not necessary related to the topic but as said, I am merely explaining to our friend here the facts. I feel his subsequent replies potray a negative aspect of the technicality of karting. It’s a mechanical sports afterall and tuning/setup knowledge is power…so please DUN expect any less when the engine is far from perfect for you.”

My replies portray a negative aspect of the technicality of karting? What I described is solely about the Comer P50 and it’s reliablility issues here way way baaaack in 2000/2001, as compared to a Yamaha KT100. Are you sure it’s a purely mechanical sports and tuning/setup knowledge is power? I dare say that you will always be 1.5 seconds slower per lap than Aaron Lim, if both of you were driving the same identical kart back to back.

-“ Someone mentioned that the Yamaha introduction is a step backwards after what they did to PP class – I disagreed that its a backward move and wish this brings back the foundation class we so badly need!”

It’s a step backwards? Hmm, that someone has a hidden agenda I guess. Only this statement I would agree with you. I guess that you will be racing in this series, afterall you had vast experience in 2001, why not relive the moment again in 2006?

[kaaz38]

Starting problems… ask the Junior drivers of that era, also some Formula Piston Port drivers of that era.
Please do not scare away potential drivers about the cost of the Yamaha clutches, rest assured RL Karting is the most widely experienced outfit in Malaysia, and will not be using the dreaded Yamaha clutch for this series.
You have to be “in the know” to know these things…..

[kaaz38]

Jules, please do not take things too seriously. Comer is when I meant the P50, not the others. Of course there are batches that face production inaccuracy, and the importer will definitely say that there is no problem. Take note that the same engines were being used in the junior category, not just formula piston-port.
You only seized once? Do you know of drivers running on rich settings that seized while running-in their engines? (not once but multiple times) Or having a conrod seizure while the settings are rich? You have to be more “in the know” to know these things.
Kart prix, you would only need to pay for the licence + medical, after all the only difference is the addition of a pre-final. I don’t know why are you comparing club race and kart prix, afterall to be exact kart prix is 2 days of competition. If you say that u race just on Sunday (club) I take it that you are not practicing on Saturday? If you do then it would be considered 2 days club, 3 days kart prix (friday practice). Other costs remain the same other than the additional fuel for the extra pre-final.
With this Yamaha SL Series I am sure that your budget will “not be dried” and I was wondering if you will participate, since there isn’t a requirement for the AAM licence?

Conclusion

FYI – KKS Records
James Veerapen – Piston Port Champion 2000 – KBS & KKS Club
Niger Ng – Piston Port Champion 2001 – KBS
Woo Wei Liang – Piston Port Champion 2001 – KKS Club
David Ong – Pulled out of KBS Kart Prix RD 2 2001 midway to race in 125cc.

[kaaz38]

3-5 K for a chassis? Quite a good deal compared to the other exotic chassis that is way out of my league. Anyway to think about the starting costs to race.. nowadays got so many races.. ROK cup, Rotax Max, KKS-AAM race…. for our age group to start it’s a real problem as it’s all catering to 125cc’s. We can’t compete in cadets and juniors, then there is a large gap to the 125cc’s which cost an arm and a leg just to start. True, Jules, the piston port class in 2000-2001 was the real beginner’s class which really catered to budget concious drivers to actually race a proper race meaning that no mods allowed, one make tires, post race scrutineering etc. It makes a competitor feel good that everybody competes on the same level. The piston port class then IMHO would have survived if an engine like the Yamaha was used instead of that P50. Politics aside and no names to be mentioned, nowadays parents of cadets and juniors are burning big money to find the extra edge (cheating of course) and you wouldn’t believe that the animosity and near fist fights occuring. Wonder how the innocent kid feels about the whole thing? Karting is the cheapest form of sanctioned race here in Malaysia, apart from the my-kart series (which is the extreme cheapppppeeeeest), all competitors should be happy whether they win or lose, the true spirit of a racer. RL Karting’s FOC for the 15 cadet drivers will be a boost to the small kid’s parents’ wallet, remember the small kids could be the next Aaron Lim (Malaysia’s only Formula A Karter, also first Malaysian in the final grid of World Cup 2004), Victor Cheong (National 125cc Champion 2003, 2004 and 2005 I think..), Calvin Wong (too many titles this small fella) and all of these fellas owe it to their parents, who find the time and money for them to compete.
I bet this Yamaha SL Cup will be highly successful, with regards to the number of drivers that will be taking part.

[kaaz38]

Yeah, KKS canned that class, I think the drivers were dissatisfied as the Comer P50 were giving a lot of starting problems, and I heard that super hard compound fun kart tires were used, which didn’t excite the drivers.
The Comer P50 had some questionable “QC” production problems, due to that the class dwindled down until … it got canned.
Yamaha KT100? This is the most dependable karting engine worldwide, (Moreover with a starter. I think RL karting is the first worldwide to officially receive the KT100SEC, since it’s release in Japan last year 2005) RL Karting made the right choice for this series, thumbs up!
I guess Jules, you would be competing in this series?

[kaaz38]

Hi fellow karters,

Reading about this series, I guess this will be THE series who is the up and coming driver. Reading the rules, all karts and drivers will meet a minimum weight ie too light, u will need additional ballast, too heavy… need to slim down….
As the engines will be sealed and no mods to be done, and the standard MRF tyres being used, I guess the whole field is starting on equal terms, no forgetting that in the senior class there is a restriction on drivers under the age of 25,(read about it in the soft copy) giving the fun drivers a shot at winning. A good call by RL Karting.
As KKS is involved, expect the organizing to be the best in the country.

This series will see the true driving abilities of the driver.

[Author]

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