F200 OHV Concept

The F200 OHV concept was established to fill several needs that Karting and other small engine motorsports groups here in the U.S. will need to address in the coming years. Originating in the oval sector of karting, F200 has made significant inroads into sprint karting and is gaining acceptance in other small engine motorsports programs such as 1/4 and 1/2 midgets, mini-sprints, Jr Drag Racing and even Jr Snow Mobiles. We believe that the F200 engine program will provide the small engine community with an affordable and reliable source of power that will be extremely popular with all segments.

As many of you already know, the days of the 2 cycle and flat head 4 cycle engines are numbered. Some of the reasons are government related, but a lot of the problems lye with the major sanctioning bodies in the U.S. and their rules, regulations and policies regarding the current engine programs. The venerable Briggs 5hp and KT100 Yamaha are being pushed aside by these sanctioning bodies to make room for more 2 and 4 cycle “pay to play“ spec engine classes which haven’t given the industry much hope in reducing the out of control fragmentation that has taken place and brought in new people as promised. They (the organizations) say their decisions to have more “spec” classes are designed to keep cost down, but obviously they haven't as engines and replacement parts costs have sky rocketed! The unfortunate thing is they didn’t learn from their past mistakes and costs are going up and the fragmentation is getting worse!

The F200 concept addresses these problems with a format that allows engines to be used for Junior or Senior racing (achieved by restrictor plate that regulate power output) and because the tech guide lines are generic (not “spec” for a unique engine), it takes the politics out of the rules and puts each individual engines performance in the hands of the manufacturer, the aftermarket and engine builder/tuner just as in other forms of motorsports. If there is a problem area, it can be addressed immediately by the manufacturer or the aftermarket instead of having to wait on political decisions by the sanctioning bodies. All too often these decisions are governed by who you know or who you pay (approval fees). Unfortunately, this will never change. Below we have listed some of the many advantages of the F200 OHV program and what we hope it will accomplish. Support of this program in the coming years will help make Karting stronger and more affordable for everyone.

F200 Benefits

Create a truly universal engine formula that will be cost effective and affordable. One that will allow creativity without excessive costs.
Brand competition from major corporations such as Honda, Kohler, and Yamaha, etc. just like NASCAR and other popular forms of motorsports have with GM, Ford, Mopar, Toyota and the others.
The support from many sources such as engine manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers bring in sponsorship, advertising and recognition which means they’ll be involved in the Karting industry at all levels.
Better quality accessories and components at lower prices. By having a free market and open sources for many of the engine components, top quality at the best prices will be the order of the day.
Experience much longer engine life than the current 4 cycle “spec” classes by using modern overhead valve engines that are considerably more durable and are made to much higher quality standards.
Stable rules with continuity. Over 6 years without any significant changes! Race anywhere and run the same rules. No local options or national politics to deal with! Just pack up and go.
Fast, non-invasive tech (see BNSS Rule 8.7) that can be thoroughly performed in a matter of minutes. Eliminate getting your engine back in pieces and the resultant cost ($200/$300) and inconvenience of having to send it back to your engine builder for re-assembly!
No “gray areas” and nit picky “judgment calls” like the one engine “spec” classes. Simple rules and a level playing field without the politics.
Allows for future classes to be based on a drivers ability and needs (similar to moto-cross), not what engine type you are running.
Future premier Pro F200 classes (for Junior and Senior) with the possibility for a true “National Champion”. This would raise the level of recognition of Karting and condense it so it is ideal for T.V. and media coverage.
A section on the Speedway Karting (www.speedway-karting.com) web site dedicated exclusively to F200. Tech and engine building tips, a discussion board, and a “Resource” section for F200 related products and services will be available.