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WKA: Pit Board 2009-02-12
WKA's PitBoard presented by AMB i.t. - 02.12.2009 *** WKA Announces Update To 2009 Animal Valve Length And Maximum Lift Rules For Dirt And Pavement Series 02.12.2009 -- In 2007 WKA announced that the specification for the Animal valve length ...
Edited: Dec 3, 2009, 8:36 AM
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WKA's PitBoard presented by AMB i.t. - 02.12.2009
***
WKA Announces Update To 2009 Animal Valve Length And Maximum Lift Rules For Dirt And Pavement Series
02.12.2009 -- In 2007 WKA announced that the specification for the Animal valve length would be 3.372" + or - 0.010". This dimension reflects the actual dimension of stock Animal valves as delivered from Briggs & Stratton Motorsports. To make it easier to achieve the maximum valve lift using stock length valves WKA reduced the lift from 0.255" to 0.252". Both changes were made effective December 20, 2008.
The purpose of these changes was to reduce the cost of building and maintaining Animal engines by eliminating the perceived need to cut the length of the valves to achieve maximum valve lift. It also helps make it possible for competitors to maintain their own engines without having to have the tools necessary to cut the valves to the desired length.
These changes were announced in the 2008 Tech Manual well over a year before their effective date. They were announced again in notices in the July, August, and September issues of Karting Scene Magazine and in the 2009 Tech Manual. It was hoped that this advance notice would give competitors plenty of time to change their engines back to stock valves. Based on the objective of the change, reduced cost to WKA 4-cycle competitors, and the advance notice provided, WKA will stay with the new rule in 2009.
However, given the current economic environment, many of our Dirt Series competitors have asked for some relief in making the change right now. At the KartFest Town Meeting, the option of allowing the 2008 valve length and lift rules was presented. To make the long and short valve engines equal on the track, the short lift valve engines would be required to carry a five pound weight penalty.
The Speedway Pavement Series Competition Committee met on Monday, February 9 to consider the valve rules. Although the committee completely supports the 2009 specifications, its members recognize that there is a great deal of cross-over between the Dirt and Pavement Series competitors. Therefore, they have proposed that the same exception be allowed in the Pavement Series for 2009.
After considerable discussion and thoughtful consideration WKA has decided to implement the exception to the 2009 valve length and lift rules in both the Dirt and Pavement Series. This exception is for 2009 only and only in the Dirt and Pavement Series. This exemption will expire December 20, 2009 when all Animal engines will be required to run the longer valves and 0.252" maximum lift at WKA events. Note: The only option for Animal engines competing in the Gold Cup and National Road Racing Series will be under the 2009 rules.
WKA believes that this exception in the Dirt and Pavement Series will give competitors the option of running either configuration this year and allow adequate time to conform to the 2009 rules by the end of the season. In summary, here are the 2009 valve length and lift specifications:
All Series;
Valve Length: 3.372" + or - 0.010"
Maximum Lift: 0.252".
Dirt and Pavement
Valve Length Minimum: 3.250".
Maximum Lift: 0.255"
Add five pounds to all minimum kart weights
-credit: wka
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