Welcome to the 15th running of the South African Rotax Max Challenge. This series has qualified more than 100 drivers to participate in the RMCGF on 6 continents and in many different countries. The RMCGF is without question the most prestigious and competitive karting event in the world. Champions from more than 60 countries have to qualify for an invitation to participate – there is no other way, no wild cards or credit cards!
While the rules are subject to MSA confirmation, 2015 will use a scoring system similar to last year’s including four regional races. The first National event is on the 25th of April in Cape Town and due to the combining of all national classes at the Cape Town, iDube and Vereeniging events there will be only three scoring heats from each of these races. The standalone SARMC final at Zwartkops on the 26th of September 2015 will be for SARMC classes only plus a Cadet Festival and Max Clubmans. There will be four scoring heats on the day at Zwartkops and your best 10 out of 13 races for the year plus regional point score will determine the 2015 Champions!
The weight limits remain as is with the exception of Maxterino which is reduced to 105kg to suit the needs of most competitors who were carrying too much lead for the lightweight MX package.
Technical rules will as always follow the published Rotax International Technical rules with a few exceptions to suit South African needs and subject to MSA approval. The important differences are the number and compound of tyres used in each class – only one set from time trials, D2 for Junior Max and D3 for Senior and DD2 classes. Max Challenge runs at 162kg. Junior Max only permitted cylinders are Alpha numeric marked.
So tyre compounds for SA remains the same and good news is that all karting classes will be on Mojo tyres in 2015 so no more hassles with different rubber being put down by the class before you! Rotax XPS oil remains the only oil permitted.
Junior Max once again may only use alpha numeric marked cylinders (no cylinders with year markings are permitted). This rule ensured great racing in 2014 and combined with the new carb and ignition an even easier to race set up is ensured.
The EVO program (EVOlution) will benefit the Senior Max engine in particular – previously these engines gave the specialists (tuners and top drivers) a real advantage while amateurs struggled to come to grips with a sensitive carb and power valve. The electronic timing of the power valve ensures precise function and the new carb is simply easier to drive and set. We expect serious growth in what is the most affordable and popular karting class in the world today.
DD2 was fantastic in 2014 with nearly 30 starters at each National and more than 20 at most Gauteng regionals. DD2 growth in the Western Cape and KZN was also encouraging. The interest in DD2 Masters is such that in 2015 the field will need to be split from the DD2 Challenge – nice to see the Masters on their own! Northern regions will also host a DD2 Masters Class Regional Championship in 2015. No chain – no pain!
Technically it is important to have your engine’s squish checked and adjusted if necessary to comply with the regulations. Rotax’s legendary reliability gets even better in 2015 with an improved con rod hardening and changed piston profile. The improved parts will provide longer service life (not increased performance) so it is recommended that this is only done as part of your normal maintenance plan.
Dates of Regional events counting for the 2015 SARMC will be published shortly.
Max Verstappen (interesting first name!) started in Mini Max and not long after is in F1. South African Champion drivers like Leeroy Poulter, Mark Cronje, Gavin Cronje, Cristiano Morgado, Wesleigh Orr and more are proud RMCGF winners. Current Production car champion Michael Stephen was 2002 SARMC winner so join the class that produces real champions!
Rotax stands for fairness and we always strive to level the playing field. Happy Maxing in 2015 – have a fantastic year of racing!