Boxhead's new race car for 2013
 

Typical me, forever being a big kid.
I bought myself a new race car last Friday.
I have been enjoying the drag racing, but the Cobra was never intended to be a drag car, and beside that, it actually doesnt comply so even though I am sure I could keep racing local, I would rather not put anyone in a compomising position if the worst should happen.
I am on a slow build of a drag car with one of my Valiant Chargers, but reality is that car is a few years away yet.
Local racing is limited to either speedway, small rally scene (was going to build a car - but time is a killer at the moment), Carts and off road.
Well, i got in on a good deal with a new series of off road racing that is kicking off in 2013.
The series has been running in US for about 7 years, but was never "policed" very well, to th epoint now where crazy money is being spent (just like with off road).
The new series will see all Karts built with same specs, no engine mods, no suspension mods, and one make racing.
They are called Trophy Kart 450RS.

Here is a run down on specs from US supplier.
Vehicle specs:
Track width – 60”
Wheel base – 82”
Front wheel travel – 15”
Rear wheel travel – 16”
Weight – 650 lbs
Engine displacement – 200cc/450cc
Horse power – 18hp (200RS) /52hp (450RS)
Transmission – 5 speed sequential
Rear suspension type – 4-link
Drive train – full floater solid axle with chain drive
Features:
Electric Start
200cc or 450cc TK Motor
5-Speed Sequential Shifter
Hinged Door for easy entry
Tilt Steering Wheel
Adjustable Seat & Pedal Controls
BIllet A-Arm Suspension
4-Link Floater* Rearend
22x11x10 Tires / 10” Wheels
Vented Hydraulic Disc Brakes (F/R)
Adjustable Rear Sway Bar
Rack-and Pinion Steering
Adjustable/Rebuildable Coil-Over Shocks
Chromoly Chassis (450RS), 200RS option.
15” (F) 16” (R) Wheel Travel

A friend is in Adelaide today picking his up, Mine is due to leave Caifornia next month for delivery in January.
There are 2 purpose built tracks being made in Alice Springs, with track design approx 18 metres wide (plenty of passing room) and approx 3kl around.
The idea is to make it more a spectator sport so all the action can be easily seen.

Here are some pics my mate sent me of his car.
Here he is trying it out for size.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Kart/15.jpg

Another one coming to Alice.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Kart/16.jpg

Rear suspension with adjustable anti roll bar etc.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Kart/13.jpg

Front billet control arms.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Kart/12.jpg

Full floating rear axle assy.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/j...%20Kart/11.jpg

Just a little bit excited.

Dave
that looks like a lot of fun. Mount a gopro onboard and give us some video once your up and running

Doug

Cool!! Thanks for sharing.

Don't mean to be rude... But are you gonna fit?
82inch wheel base is pretty short, and you've said you're not the smallest bloke
Have you jumped in one yet?

That looks like a lot of fun. Is that a new class?
JD

Hey Dimis, fitting was a concern for me, until I saw the picture with Chris sitting in the car, he is about 2 inches shorter than me, (I am rounder) but he had a tonne of room, and they have an openning left hand door to get in and out (made for the older generation who cant crawl in)

Hi Jaydee, yes it is a new class into Australia,

Are you flipping crazy ??
 

So that must be what it's like to be blended in a cocktail mixer. Let me know what flavour you end up when they pour you outa that thing after each race....is that chocolate milkshake on your seat ....nope ...smells different...:eek:

That looks like so much fun, even the cars look like toys....Merry Xmas !!

Merry Christmas Boxhead. :D

Regards.

I got a sore back just watching that !

he who dies with the most toys wins :)

Looks like the racing version of the ROV's that are right now popular in the USA...little pocket rockets in standard form......man they look like lots of fun.

Box, three things come to mind instantly-- sponsor for front suspension components, chiropractor, how much more fun than drag racing your Cobra!
Roll on January...

They are apparently very robust with very few breakages.
Running costs for most appears to be tyres, fuel and maintenance (oils etc)

My mates car arrived last week, so a few of us went out to play yesterday morning.
Here is some footage on the small whoops on the Finke race track.
[VIDEO]http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=251535631641043&set=vb.100003538240180 &type=2&theater[/VIDEO]

Ahhhhh I want to watch it but it's on face book:eek:
Blokes don't use face book Dave. And I can't use the wife's account as she's always on it.
Bruce

Did you get a test drive Dave? How's the fit and ride for us bigger blokes?

I did Mike, fit and ride is really good.
Plenty of room for me and my belly.

Will take some getting used to, only has 2 peddles and hand operated clutch on shifter.
I stalled a couple of times when I hit the brake trying to change gears, but after a few minutes all was good.
Also a few times I went to brake, I found my foot pushing against base of steering colomn.

I got a confirmation the container is loaded and karts are either on teh dock or on the boat.
There is also 4 BillBoard Goodyears for the Cobra in the container.

I can get a full body wrap supplied and fitted for $440 (organised by Aussie importer)
So am trying to work out a design/layout.
I am hopeless with photoshop, is there anyone here who plays with it?

Red with Golden Arches all over it......

You offering him a sponsorship deal Bernie? Ronald's Racing ;)

Can be if the sponsorship offer is right. Cheers Bernie.



Something more along these lines.
http://bp0.blogger.com/_6d2J4H20AN8/....com+mopar.jpg

But more blue like this.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...zX6XjfqwNxrSRX