Found the news here and some pictures here

Will this be pickup here in asia?


This sound like a good investment for the long run..

I understand that it is a detuned Junior engine with smaller radiator.

Yes James Leong had one on display in May at Kota Bharu. One might think that a max would be really expensive for a cadet engine - but the advantage is that even in Malaysia there are a lot of used Junior Max engines available so all you have to do is buy one of those and buy the Micro max kit for it.

Also if your kid is 12 for example you won't have to worry about buying a new engine the next year because you can just take the restrictors out, put the bigger radiator on and you have a Junior engine.

Looks like the exhaust is different and the engine also needs a squish change +the carb needs a plate to restrict the slide travel so it's not quite as simple as bolt-and-go from a Junior but almost.

I am glad someone is looking at new products. Mikko is right that I brought in one kit and had it fitted to the junior engine. It was on display in KB during the race. However it was sad that no parents came to talk about it and that was that.

The micro max kit consist of a small radiator, a straight through exhaust, carburettor restrictor and exhaust restrictor and several main jets. This conversion kit would retail at about RM650.00 per kit. Later part of this year I would be posting the complete technical regulations into the web page. The power of the micro max would be the same as the current Comer W85. Advantage of using micro max would be that the driver would retain the use of the same cadet chassis until he moves to junior class. The basic engine is a junior max engine so when the driver moves to junior, all he does is remove the restrictors, exhaust and radiator. Put the original exhaust, radiator to the engine and he is ready to go. However the investment in a new junior engine would be RM8500.00. You can trade in the exhaust, radiator for the micro max kit with some credit back. This, I will have to work it out. Alternatively you buy a second hand junior engine which is now about RM4500 for a good unit and buy the micro max kit for conversion.

I intend to start the Micro Max class in 2008 and will be getting at least 20 conversion kits in. I have spoken to the Karting Commission and it is for safety that micro max class will start from the age of 9 years. All newcomers to cadet racing will have to undergo one year at least in the Cadet/60 cc class before moving to either Comer 85 or micro max. AAM has reviewed the age for cadet and it will be 7 years old for 2008. The cadet class is meant to be a grassroot class and thereby has to be cheap in order to attract more cadet drivers.

Getting a rotax max junior engine with the micro max kit will set back many parents on a lot of money. I would like the kids to learn about driving a kart first before embarking onto micro max. I will give more information later part of this year on the micro max class as soon as I have all the supporting technical race regulations from Rotax. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact me if you want additional information on the micro max .

James Leong
Kartmore Racing Services

I agree that the requirement of at least one year 60cc is good - I hope the tyres will be really hard compound because that's how the drivers will learn.

James are the Comer W85 engines similar enough that they could be run in the same heat with the Micro Max next year in Malaysia and scored separately for points? Also it seems that the 60cc category will definitely be taking place next year in Malaysia? Getting the details out as early as possible is best to guage interest and allow people to prepare.

Any idea what tyres will be run for the Micro Max? Would be best if the tyres can last several races.

If you look into the topic about Tyre Pressure for the Mojo, I have written that the softer D2 slicks will be available in January 2008. These tyres will form the basis for the junior, senior, master class. I think I will scrap the Veteran class since they are out running even the Master drivers and they are running the same distance.

The micro max class will use the MRF or the Bridgestone YJL SL slicks. Both these tyres will be cheaper than the mojos. Nothing is definite on the tyres but should have some clear indication before the WF.

I believe the Comer 85 and micro Max can run together since the power band is nearly the same but obviously the latter has the advantage of electric start and a better power range. But if we work it well then it should not be a problem.

James Leong

As a parent to two boys, I'll be following this category very closely.

I applause Mr.James for introducing micro Max early to this region.
and taking trade-ins to keep the investment alive.

It is pure business sense that the more drivers taking part in the micro max series it will be better both in terms of numbers and also for replacement of parts.

I will certainly agree to trade-in your exhaust, radiator when you buy a new junior engine. That's part of the service from your Rotax distributor. For next year I hope to be able to have someone on standby to help Rotax engine owners to trouble shoot problems if they have any as well as having used engines for rental if someone needs it.

I hope to be able to have a total service of the engine and mojo at race days. This, I hope will be of use to the drivers.

James Leong

James, this is a very interesting development. Keep the info coming. I know you will work out the best package because you are not in for the money but the passion.