TKM (Karting)
Encyclopedia
Formula TKM is a low-cost British based karting category raced at club and national championships around the UK. It uses 100cc/115cc 2-stroke TKM engines and drivers are restricted to the use of single type of tyre. A second class, called TKM 4-Stroke, run on performance oriented 200cc 4-stroke engines was introduced into the category in the early 2000s.
The original uptake of the class was successful and with the lower costs involved, the class soared in popularity through the 90s, becoming the UK's most popular karting formula. The TKM Festivals of the late nineties saw over 100 entrants in both senior and junior classes and from this boom the class boasts several current Formula 1 drivers amongst its former racers . However, since the rise of the Rotax Max
formula in the UK from the early 2000s and the impact of the recession grid sizes have dropped dramatically.
Through second half of the 2000s Tal-Ko introduced a range of new rules for the 2-stroke class in regards to tyres, chassis and engine regulations. WIth these new rules the class became more relevant and so the numbers of entrants stabilised , despite a mixed set of reactions from people in the sport. It still offers a large field in the Super 1 National Kart Championships
and at club circuits in the UK. Most prevalently the class still finds healthy grids at Shenington Kart Club, Rissington Kart Club and Glan y Gors.
In this period Tal-Ko also introduced a 4-stroke class, which ran on 200cc 4-stoke engines. The class was dropped from the Super 1 National Kart Championships
in 2011 after a reshuffle in the series. The series has never been as popular or successful as the 2-stroke TKM class.
class. MSA homologated chassis from across Europe have been permitted since 2010 .
The 'new age' dry weather tyre which is currently used was chosen for its relatively hard compound, promoting durability and removing the need to replace them as often. In 2010 a new tyre was introduced which was designed to improve performance.
Historically a hard compound 'wet' tyre was used but to compete with Rotax Max
in performance levels, a softer, stickier tyre was introduced into the formula for the 2005 season.
FORMULA JUNIOR TKM SUPER 1 CHAMPIONS
History
The TKM karting class was created in 1989 by the British based kart manufacturer, Tal-Ko. The company owner Alan Turney started the class with the ambition of keeping the large costs of kart racing down while maintaining a level of competitive and equal racing. To maintain the lower prices, only British registered homologated chassis were allowed, along with a Tal-Ko designed engine and hard compound tyres by Maxxis.The original uptake of the class was successful and with the lower costs involved, the class soared in popularity through the 90s, becoming the UK's most popular karting formula. The TKM Festivals of the late nineties saw over 100 entrants in both senior and junior classes and from this boom the class boasts several current Formula 1 drivers amongst its former racers . However, since the rise of the Rotax Max
Rotax Max
The Rotax Max is a two-stroke engine designed by Rotax, part of Bombardier Recreational Products , to provide cost-effective but high speed kart racing. Built in Austria, the engine is liquid cooled, equipped with a balance shaft, integrated water pump, electric starter and centrifugal clutch...
formula in the UK from the early 2000s and the impact of the recession grid sizes have dropped dramatically.
Through second half of the 2000s Tal-Ko introduced a range of new rules for the 2-stroke class in regards to tyres, chassis and engine regulations. WIth these new rules the class became more relevant and so the numbers of entrants stabilised , despite a mixed set of reactions from people in the sport. It still offers a large field in the Super 1 National Kart Championships
Super 1 National Kart Championships
The "Super 1 National Kart Championships" or "Super One" is a karting championship based in the United Kingdom. It has been in operation since 1983 and is regarded as the premier karting championship in the UK.-History:...
and at club circuits in the UK. Most prevalently the class still finds healthy grids at Shenington Kart Club, Rissington Kart Club and Glan y Gors.
In this period Tal-Ko also introduced a 4-stroke class, which ran on 200cc 4-stoke engines. The class was dropped from the Super 1 National Kart Championships
Super 1 National Kart Championships
The "Super 1 National Kart Championships" or "Super One" is a karting championship based in the United Kingdom. It has been in operation since 1983 and is regarded as the premier karting championship in the UK.-History:...
in 2011 after a reshuffle in the series. The series has never been as popular or successful as the 2-stroke TKM class.
Classes
- Junior TKM: For 11-16 year olds. Runs on 100cc TKM BT82 with a restrictor on the carburettor to control speeds.
- Junior TKM Intermediate: A class ran between 1999 and 2007 for 13-16 year olds. It was for the heavier Junior drivers who raced with a higher minimum-weight but a larger carburettor restrictor.
- TKM Extreme: For those aged 16+, this class runs on 115cc TKM BT82 engines with no restrictor.
- TKM 4-Stroke Junior: Runs on a 4-stroke 200cc engine with a restrictor on the carburettor to control speeds.
- TKM 4-Stroke Senior: Runs on a 4-stroke 200cc engine with no restrictor.
Racing
TKM acquired a reputation for close and competitive racing, notably for the extremely large grid entrants. The annual TKM Festival, held at a range of circuits, could once attract over 100 entrants for each class at the event. This is unparalleled for kart racing in the UK during recent history. Even with the dip in grid numbers, the class is often cited as a purer form of kart racing owing to the relative simplicity of the racing and the equal playing field.Chassis
Historically it was decided by the organisers that only TKM homologated, British made, chassis should be used for the class. This was opened up, however, to try and compete with the image of the Rotax MaxRotax Max
The Rotax Max is a two-stroke engine designed by Rotax, part of Bombardier Recreational Products , to provide cost-effective but high speed kart racing. Built in Austria, the engine is liquid cooled, equipped with a balance shaft, integrated water pump, electric starter and centrifugal clutch...
class. MSA homologated chassis from across Europe have been permitted since 2010 .
Engine
The class uses a fixed gear, 2-stroke TKM BT82 engine. It is currently 100cc for Junior level and 115cc for the Senior category. Tuning of the engines is limited in order to keep costs down. In 2008 Tal-Ko introduced TAG engines, meaning one can start the kart by the push of a button . The engine can pull up to around 75mph.Tyres
Maxxis produced tyres have been used in the class since its advent. The class organisers restricts the use to a single 'wet' and 'dry' tyre for the class, with the idea of creating a level performance level and removing the costs of requiring new tyres for each race weekend.The 'new age' dry weather tyre which is currently used was chosen for its relatively hard compound, promoting durability and removing the need to replace them as often. In 2010 a new tyre was introduced which was designed to improve performance.
Historically a hard compound 'wet' tyre was used but to compete with Rotax Max
Rotax Max
The Rotax Max is a two-stroke engine designed by Rotax, part of Bombardier Recreational Products , to provide cost-effective but high speed kart racing. Built in Austria, the engine is liquid cooled, equipped with a balance shaft, integrated water pump, electric starter and centrifugal clutch...
in performance levels, a softer, stickier tyre was introduced into the formula for the 2005 season.
Notable Figures
While TKM has never been the highest level junior karting category, it has continually been the breeding ground for many current and former notable motorsport figures.- 2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson ButtonJenson ButtonJenson Alexander Lyons Button MBE is a British Formula One driver currently signed to McLaren. He was the 2009 World Drivers' Champion.Button began karting at the age of eight and achieved early success, before progressing to car racing in the British Formula Ford Championship and the British...
was the Junior TKM champion in 1992. - 2008 Formula 1 world champion Lewis HamiltonLewis HamiltonLewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, MBE is a British Formula One racing driver from England, currently racing for the McLaren team. He was the Formula One World Champion.Hamilton was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire...
dabbled in the Junior TKM championship in the mid 90s. - Current Formula 1 test driver Gary PaffettGary PaffettGary Paffett is a British racing driver in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. He is also a test driver for the McLaren Formula One team. Paffett progressed through the ranks of karting and junior formulae in the United Kingdom, winning the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in 1999...
won the Junior TKM championship in 1995. - Formula Super Aguri and BARBar-Food and drink:* Bar , a retail establishment that serves alcoholic beverages* Bar , the counter at which drinks are served by a bartender* Dessert bar, a type of cookie-Law:...
driver Anthony Davidson enjoyed success in TKM in the 90s before moving into European karting. - Current DTM2011 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters seasonThe 2011 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season is a multi-event motor racing series largely based in Germany for highly-modified touring car racing cars and is one of the most popular sedan car based motor racing series in the world. The series features professional motor racing teams and drivers is...
drivers Oliver JarvisOliver JarvisOliver Jarvis is a racing driver.- Racing career :Oliver was first introduced to motorsport from an early age when his father Carl was competing in Formula Ford 1600...
and Jamie GreenJamie GreenJamie Green is a British professional racing driver. He is currently employed by Persson Motorsport in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters touring car championship.-Early career:...
raced in the 1996 Junior TKM super 1 series. - James NashJames Nash (racing driver)James Nash is a British auto racing driver. He is currently competing in the British Touring Car Championship with Triple 8 Race Engineering...
, a current British Touring Car ChampionshipBritish Touring Car ChampionshipThe British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
driver and race winner at Rockingham in September 2011. He raced both Junior and Senior TKM in the early 2000s. He came 2nd in TKM Extreme in 2004. - Current British Touring Car ChampionshipBritish Touring Car ChampionshipThe British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
racer Tom Onslow-ColeTom Onslow-Cole-Career:Onslow-Cole began his career in karting at the age of eight. He was the 2006 Renault Clio Cup champion, winning the title by 113 points from his nearest rival. This allowed him to graduate to the BTCC for the 2007 season...
progressed in the Junior categories in the early 2000s, finishing 8th in Junior TKM 2001. - 2010 GP2 6th place finisher Oliver TurveyOliver TurveyOliver Jonathan Turvey is a British racing driver. He was a notable kart racer, with two national titles, and was the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner. His career has been supported by the Racing Steps Foundation....
finished 6th in Junior TKM in 2001.
List of Class Champions
FORMULA TKM SUPER 1 CHAMPIONS| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Steve Tully |
| 1990 | John Aldred |
| 1991 | Anthony McHugh |
| 1992 | David Hodkin |
| 1993 | Carl Willoughby |
| 1994 | S Smith |
| 1995 | S Smith |
| 1996 | Phillip Charles |
| 1997 | Jay Howard |
| 1998 | Gary Catt |
| 1999 | Adrian Coles |
| 2000 | Sam Quinlan |
| 2001 | James Gornall |
| 2002 | Charlie Bruce-White |
| 2003 | Anton Frost |
| 2004 | Ben Cruttenden |
| 2005 | Adam Constable |
| 2006 | Jason Moore |
| 2007 | Ryan Cole |
| 2008 | Daniel Graham |
| 2009 | David Eadon |
| 2010 | David Eadon |
FORMULA JUNIOR TKM SUPER 1 CHAMPIONS
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Nelson Rowe |
| 1992 | Jenson Button Jenson Button Jenson Alexander Lyons Button MBE is a British Formula One driver currently signed to McLaren. He was the 2009 World Drivers' Champion.Button began karting at the age of eight and achieved early success, before progressing to car racing in the British Formula Ford Championship and the British... |
| 1993 | Tom Sisley |
| 1994 | Carl Breeze |
| 1995 | Gary Paffett Gary Paffett Gary Paffett is a British racing driver in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters. He is also a test driver for the McLaren Formula One team. Paffett progressed through the ranks of karting and junior formulae in the United Kingdom, winning the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award in 1999... |
| 1996 | Gary Catt |
| 1997 | Sam Garford |
| 1998 | Mark Litchfield |
| 1999 | Ben Clucas |
| 2000 | Paul Wilson |
| 2001 | James Sutton |
| 2002 | Adam Palethorpe |
| 2003 | Lee Bell |
| 2004 | Tom Davis |
| 2005 | Daniel Graham |
| 2006 | Marcus Allen |
| 2007 | Jake Ball |
| 2008 | Gary Henderson-Kierle |
| 2009 | Oliver Hodgson |
| 2010 | James Peace |
External links
- http://www.tal-ko.com/
- http://www.s1series.co.uk/default.aspx
- http://www.karting1.co.uk
- http://www.karting.co.uk
- http://www.abkc.org.uk/startkart.htm
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGHRP6xIqdI