Where do we go next?

[RoadDog]

For those of you in the Animal class with QRC's or SKE's.
If you've been thinking about where to go next after Animal, think 125cc.

I had been thinking about this since 2008 when I bought our QRC from Mike Engstrom @ KAM, so I had a plan.
I'm a fairly good wrench, not great like Robert Saye, but I can hold my own. In doing my research, mainly talking to Robert about how to adjust the valves on 4-strokes, I came to the conclusion I had better have some $$$ because to adjust the valves required some knowledge I didn't have, therefore having to get someone to do it for me. Not saying I can't learn it, but it takes being taught by a professional thats willing to teach you for free. I know Robert will teach me and I can learn it quickly. But why not be smart and use the skills I already have, so it became apparent that 2-stroke made more sense.

I bought my 2008 YZ125 engine, QRC motor mount modified for Yamaha, shifter, RLV pipe, RLV exhaust stinger, clutch cable for a kart, water temp gauge, radiator and shipping for $1800 from Wade Gooden. He is a guy from Montana who was introduced to me by Ben Sharbono from BigSky Kartway in Montana who I have known since 2007. The engine was a backup engine with only 2 races on it, which turned out to be a steal. So it was a great deal for me because it needed no repairs at all, none. Clutch lever, sprocket hub, sprockets and chain was bought @ KAM Kartway. Chain guard I made myself.
As of last night, we are just as fast and sometimes faster than the 250's, both 2 & 4strokes...

We put 14 races on the factory piston, which I just replaced with a cast ProX piston kit for $102. Yamaha and Ben Sharbono @ Straight Up Performnce (SUP) recommended that I use a cast piston instead of a forged piston since forged pistons are prone to seizing in karts.
It is so simple to replace its ridiculous. It was actually easier than rebuilding an Intek or Animal. I bet between Anton and I, we could do a piston change in 30 minutes at the track using the same gaskets as long as we didn't lose the circlips down the engine. Now Robert and I could do it in 15 minutes...any bets???

Think 125cc, but be smart in buying your equipment.
I will help anyone who comes into this class any way I can. This class IMHO is the best class before stepping up into the 500cc Intermidiate Class and then into the OPEN 500cc, and then into either mini-sprints or srint cars. If you have a fistfull of $$$, then you can go into mini-sprints, but those of you who have a very limited budget I believe this is a great option to consider.

Once this class becomes bigger, hopefully we can get Bo to entertain the idea of having a national event on the mini-sprint track.