[Raja Razman]

WHAT WOULD THE FUTURE BE FOR MALAYSIAN KART RACING?

AS the cadets might be moving to 60cc with main improvement in the tyre sizes.

AS our jr drivers have a bright future as PETRONAS are hand picking kart racers right at the tender age of 15yrs for its BMW formula. Nice one guys...WE LOVE PETRONAS RACING EFFORTS

AS there are very limited new talents and the lack of new and young interest.

AS our government has one of the biggest budget(asia pacific) for kart racing but yet Indonesia are doing better.

[ivantankl]

AS our government has one of the biggest budget(asia pacific) for kart racing but yet Indonesia are doing better.

what does the gov spend this money on?

[RocK]

PETRONAS are hand picking kart racers right at the tender age of 15yrs for its BMW formula.

Is that good in the long run?

My opinion those talents should spend say a year in Europe racing with top lever racers before going to single seater..

[msn]

AS our government has one of the biggest budget(asia pacific) for kart racing but yet Indonesia are doing better.

as an Indonesian......and personally..i always think that Malaysian Government is more supportive rather then Indonesian.....seriously!

in here....if u dont have the "name" or the "parents big name"...u are nothing!u support u're self....up and down!
in here....the "have" is always gets the sponsorship and the publications..

the Indonesian government gives the big budget and main focus on soccer , badminton..

[Mikko Nassi]

One thing that we have to remember is that we shouldn't be focusing on the "top stuff" as in we don't need to worry about having big international events or sending people to big international events until the low-level racing is sorted out. If the cadet (and other) category is so bad that parents and kids get fed-up after a few race weekends there is no hope in making numbers grow.

A pivotal role in growing the karting scene is the keep the karters that take up karting - the attrition rate seems to be massive, probably 50% of drivers that take up karting here aren't racing a year late, and only 10% are left racing 4 years later.

There are ways to fix this - make sure a new driver knows what they need to know. Clubs can do this by providing a very good guide when someone signs up or as the numbers are so low the job falls on the kart shops to do this properly. The problem is that the kart shops are usually so busy focusing on their top drivers that pay them the most money they forget about guiding the new drivers! The first year for a driver in karting is confusing - there is so much they don't know. For example many don't know that you can actually change the setup on a kart unless they find out from someone else.

PETRONAS are hand picking kart racers right at the tender age of 15yrs for its BMW formula.

Is that good in the long run?
My opinion those talents should spend say a year in Europe racing with top lever racers before going to single seater..

It's also not good in the short run for karting here! They're taking away drivers!

I also think petronas should get more involved with karting - for example having a local kart racing team that runs say 3 or 4 Junior drivers would cost less per year than 1/3 of the budget for one driver in formula BMW for a year- and they could do Asian rounds and even CIK-events in the KF3 or KF2 categories. It would be cheap for them and their odds of grooming a good driver are better rather than hoping to find one - what they are doing now is great but they won't get good drivers that way because almost all the drivers they're taking in to the program (an exception or two in the first batch maybe) have nowhere near enough experience to do well.

[JohnKing6]

One thing that we have to remember is that we shouldn't be focusing on the "top stuff" as in we don't need to worry about having big international events or sending people to big international events until the low-level racing is sorted out. If the cadet (and other) category is so bad that parents and kids get fed-up after a few race weekends there is no hope in making numbers grow.

I'm with Mikko - we need to sort out the basics in karting before worrying about anything else. If there is government money, the best way to spend it is to encourage people to take part from a young age and progress through in karting. All of the F1 drivers starting in karts - normally in cadets and spent a LONG time in karting. Guys like Hamilton, Kimi, Alonso etc didn't do much car racing - a couple of seasons.

So, we need to fix karting - make it easier to get into and, as Mikko said, stay in. If people like Petronas want to spend money on young drivers, they be better to send them to Europe at 16-17 to do a season of karting and then see if they are good enough to progress. Stuff like Formula BMW is very likely to be a dead-end

[Jules]

The govt should give more incentive to REDUCE kart, equipment prices - to really enocurage this to the masses. Due to the increased sales, I am sure dealers are willing to also reduce pricing for more repeat businesses.

Once we get the numbers - clubs will always spring up and organise competitions. Naturally, AAM & MAM must play their part and promote this by not overcharging the organisers....

Once this base is set - the rest will just snowball...

Sponsors will take note, media will give u coverage and possibily big sponsored teams will take part!

Our Malaysian do spend money on karting and the heyday of 1999 - 2003 where KBS was a strong backer is over esp now with a Minister who is more keen on aerobics, sailing etc ( she arrived recently at Shah Alam in a heli....)

Until we get the govt backing again - I can only see this sport in the decline....sorry to say.

PETRONAS is doing a good job with the Formula BMW program.....THREE CHEERS. At least our youngster has an avenue AFTER karting!

[CRG Asia]

I truly believe in the industry helping themselves before the government interferes. For example, how many times have you wanted to know more about a kart but you don't know the people to help you?

Why? Some dealers simply are contented in making the sale. THey don't bother about customer service. I think the main problem now is that because the industry is so niche, if you are not able to enter the "gang" of karters. Seriously you will have no way to know what to do. And those who manage to enter the "gang" , they're too contented to help anyone else.

The main problem is that karting in Asia is not handled in a main stream way. Because it is so niche, it seems more like a large group of friends racing rather than an actual sport. Let me quote an example, if you are new to karting and went out to buy yourself the best kart in the market with all the items needed to win. And you spend over 15K USD on it. How do you actually find a mechanic? What about a instructor? Usually they turn to the dealer for help. But as i mentioned above, most dealers really don't care. So where does that leave the karter? No where. I have people calling me up asking me if i can sell them karts because the CRG person in charge in their country either has not picked up the phone or is not interested. Many a times that is what's going on. So although we are CRG are doing our best for this situation, there is only so much we can do because there are so many other dealers out there with so many other brands. So it is hard to set a standard for them all.

So i think that is the main problem. THe very fact that Karting in Asia is so Niche that it becomes a "gang" of friends rather than a real sport. So if it is not a real sport, we cannot really hope to ask the government for any kind of help.

[Mikko Nassi]

I truly believe in the industry helping themselves before the government interferes.

Me too.. what's the point of a big sponsored event (with gov't money) if the basics aren't in place to sustain it.

Sponsors will take note, media will give u coverage and possibily big sponsored teams will take part!

Who cares about media or big sponsors? There are enough people in Malaysia with money to take part in karting. The sponsor money usually goes to those that have enough money anyway so it doesn't really help karting in the grand scheme of things. In fact having 2-3 big budget sponsored teams might be worse overall for the sport because drivers will feel that they have to be in a "big team" to do well and get discouraged.


I know John - for some reason there's a massive push to cars for young kids here but kimi did at least a decade of karting - likewise for hamilton and button etc... Petronas is picking out a bunch of drivers that have 1 or 2 years of karting experience - or less and expect them to perform well in cars.

[CRG Asia]

Petronas is picking out a bunch of drivers that have 1 or 2 years of karting experience - or less and expect them to perform well in cars.

And want to know what might happen if this continues? A whole Bunch of Alex Yoongs. Don't get me wrong, Alex is a incredibly talented driver with tons of potential but when he was in F1 what was wrong? He just simply wasn't ready. He didn't have enough experience and he was outpaced. If he were to go into F1 now, he will do great because all the A1 gp exposure. But sad to say, in the billion dollar industry of Formula 1, you will only get one shot. THats it. Screw it up and you can say bye bye.

So i truly think that before jumping to BMW series and so fore, drivers should take the time to learn karting first or else, the fundamentals will never be there. So for those for are thinking of moving up your class, try getting a top 5 placing at any world karting championship event and you'll know if you're ready. This is just the basic of karting. Get it done and you have got the bulk of it done. And needless to say, if you manage to climb that high up the ladder, sponsor will be flying towards you.

I was watching a video of F1 the other day and what was said is so so true. Talented drivers are so much in demand these days the big teams like BMW, Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes grab these drivers as soon as they will 1- 2 Gps. So for drivers that really want to make it big, start small first. I truly believe everyone has the potential to be a F1 driver, but it takes an incredible amount of commitment, dedication, hardwork and not to mention a never say die spirit.

[Raja Razman]

PETRONAS are hand picking kart racers right at the tender age of 15yrs for its BMW formula.

Is that good in the long run?

My opinion those talents should spend say a year in Europe racing with top lever racers before going to single seater..

i agree with rock's comment BUT THE FACTS ARE

The cost for kart scene in Europe is very very expensive. RM150,000.00 at least.
You also need to have a very very good advance driving skill and stamina, at least 2 yrs in cadet then 3 yrs in jr and being a champion in class for a few times.
You must speak italian at least.
if you don't have any of the above ......don't bother going.

any candidate?

[Raja Razman]

One thing that we have to remember is that we shouldn't be focusing on the "top stuff" as in we don't need to worry about having big international events or sending people to big international events until the low-level racing is sorted out. If the cadet (and other) category is so bad that parents and kids get fed-up after a few race weekends there is no hope in making numbers grow.

I'm with Mikko - we need to sort out the basics in karting before worrying about anything else. If there is government money, the best way to spend it is to encourage people to take part from a young age and progress through in karting. All of the F1 drivers starting in karts - normally in cadets and spent a LONG time in karting. Guys like Hamilton, Kimi, Alonso etc didn't do much car racing - a couple of seasons.

So, we need to fix karting - make it easier to get into and, as Mikko said, stay in. If people like Petronas want to spend money on young drivers, they be better to send them to Europe at 16-17 to do a season of karting and then see if they are good enough to progress. Stuff like Formula BMW is very likely to be a dead-end

Progressing from the jr class to the senior class and then staying in sr class for a few years is also a dead end.
This the most likely secnario for any 16-17yrs old driver.
what i am trying to say is we need tough and competitive races so that the drivers will learn how to race competitively.
if i was to race with hamilton regularily and it would make ME a better driver but hamilton would not benefit from me right.
EXPOSURE on and off the track is vital.

This is the problem in malaysia.
Not enough exposure.
Miko is right too.
We need more drivers in every class...exposure to all kind of driving skills.
That is why the next step is to work closely with our neighbours.
The asian level races have very good exposure for its cost.
Because in Europe, in a race, there are normally more than a 100 entriees..great exposure.

try racing when the track grip level changes every lap or when it has high level of grip.
We don't get that type of grip level here....ever.

[RocK]

Yeah, Europe is expensive. But a necessary step to build a future champion.

Anyway I just hope those Petronas drivers dont stop racing karts locally and internationally. Most drivers going to single-seater stop racing karts altogether thinking they are above it now. Or affair getting beaten. who knows..

[Raja Razman]

i think they had the same budget from 1999 until today but inthe heydays there was a different organiser compare to now. So go find out.

if only the prices of good tyres are cheaper instead of above RM600, i am sure there will be some positive results. it will keep the interest of drivers keen as driving on decent tyres are fun.

The prices of the kart and its components will drop due natural competition among dealers.

THE ORGANISER ARE THE ONES WHO ARE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RUN THE RACES AND THE SAME TIME THEY RUN THE SPORTS DOWN FOR MORE MONEY.
the organisers of their championship are also selling the tyres at crazy prices.

The govt should give more incentive to REDUCE kart, equipment prices - to really enocurage this to the masses. Due to the increased sales, I am sure dealers are willing to also reduce pricing for more repeat businesses.

Once we get the numbers - clubs will always spring up and organise competitions. Naturally, AAM & MAM must play their part and promote this by not overcharging the organisers....



Once this base is set - the rest will just snowball...

Sponsors will take note, media will give u coverage and possibily big sponsored teams will take part!

Our Malaysian do spend money on karting and the heyday of 1999 - 2003 where KBS was a strong backer is over esp now with a Minister who is more keen on aerobics, sailing etc ( she arrived recently at Shah Alam in a heli....)

Until we get the govt backing again - I can only see this sport in the decline....sorry to say.

PETRONAS is doing a good job with the Formula BMW program.....THREE CHEERS. At least our youngster has an avenue AFTER karting!

[James Leong]

The topic discussed is very interesting. Raja Razman came out on the price of tyres etc. I am an importer of kart, tyres and parts as well as the Rotax distributor for Malaysia.

Let me relate to you all the problems that I faced. Karts used to be duty free and only 10% ST is payable. Since the AP issues came into the picture, the custom dept now insist that all karts that was classified under motor vehicle REQUIRE an AP. If no AP then the tax payable for the kart is 25% + 10% ST. So in a case like this how much do you think a kart would cost? Is the government helping? Maybe someone should do something about it. I have been to the Customs and all they can say is go to the Finance Ministry and sort this out. The FM in turn chase you away.

On the price of tyres imported from Japan or Europe, the custom duty is 40% + 10% ST. For a distributor to make a small margin the retail price would come to over RM650.00 per set. Right now our Mojo tyres are retailing at RM620.00 per set with full duties/ST paid for. The euro to ringgit exchange rate is not helping either.

If the government is going to support this so call grassroot racing, then the duties should be reduced or abolished. That way it will make the sport very much cheaper.

For me, it is not the monetary gain that I am after since I could now retire and walk away from the sport but because karting is a passion for me over car racing and rallying. I would like to see the sport grow and that's why I have been helping drivers who are good but does not have the funds to race.

I would like to see more cadet drivers on the grid and is even prepared to sponsor a few potential drivers with karts. Any takers???

James Leong
Kartmore Racing Services