weight distribution

[handyjay]

i have just bought a birel rx32 and will be racing at herons park in lydd soon,i know i have to add approx 20 kg in lead weight to get it up to race weight..where should the weight be placed? on my previous kart i had a sheet of lead folded over a couple of times and placed in the bottom of the seat...should i try and distribute the weight a bit more evenly around the frame or will my idea of just sitting on it work?...:confused:

[Marc Miller]

Jay-

Thanks for your question. Typically, the seat is the best place to mount lead, however, our rules in North america do not allow "loose" lead such as what you are referring to to be used. As you know, lead can also be toxic - so sitting on toxic substances might not be a good idea over the course of the season.

What you need are painted diver weights in 5 lb., 8 or 10 circles or blocks. mount them low on the seat, 2 along the back, one onder the left front, one under the right front.

It is not uncommon to mount 40 pounds (about 20 kg) to a kart for a young or very lightweight driver. While it is not the best situation for lifting the kart up and down, it is necessary to meet the rules. Make sure all weights use a bolt long enough to double nut them, if possible, use 2 bolts for each weight.

Best of luck!

[Christopera]

Could it be said the Birels are more sensative to the height of the weight than other karts?

I have run many brands and my birel seems much more favorable when the weight is low as where many others liked a bit of lead up high.

[Marc Miller]

I believe it is less a brand characteristic and more the design of your particular chassis. Some chassis designs offer more mechanical grip than others and respond better to mounting the weight lower as to offer less weight transfer. Other models, brand, designs, etc might need more grip where mounted lead higher will transfer more corner weight.