"SSC Racing announces "RMAX RoadRace Challenge" for 2002" JANUARY 2, 2002 - Mr. Joe Ramos, President of Karbz, Inc, d/b/a SSC Racing of Palm Springs, CA announced today the inclusion of a roadrace-specific series into the offerings for the ROTAX FR125 Max engine package. The 2002 RMax Roadrace Challenge will broaden the scope of the successful engine package manufactured by Bombardier of Austria. "The FR125 Max has lived up to all expectations as a sprint race engine," offered Ramos. "Increased interest in use of the engine as a roadrace powerplant, among others, has prompted us to widen the scope of our offerings for 2002. Sprint kart roadracing is, by and large, an American phenomenon and we are interested in developing this venue, not only for the benefit of our American constituents, but also to open the eyes of the world to a very exciting segment of our sport." The RMax Roadrace Challenge will be an opportunity for sprint racers to cross over seamlessly to try the long track venues of their choice. Ramos adds, "The premise behind the Roadrace Challenge is to make it as easy as possible for sprinters to come out to the long tracks. In the interest of reliability, we have decided to allow the popular belt drive systems to the Max package." Scott G Evans, the US ROTAX Max Challenge National Tech Director, was assigned the responsibility of formulating the rules governing the RR Challenge. "Given the premise, my job was easy," said Evans. "In addition to the current chain drive models, we will allow belt drive systems, of any width or pitch, as long as the belt driver can be grafted to a stock, unaltered FR125 clutch drum. Additionally, aftermarket chain drivers in roadrace-appropriate gear ratios, using the ROTAX drum, will be allowed. In the interest of preventing roadrace-specific karts, we will prohibit any sprint enduro, "laydown" type seat. Sprint seats only. With exception of allowing an optional dual rear caliper brake system for safety reasons, all chassis and bodywork rules are as specified currently in the US National Rules Primer and engine rules remain as specified on the factory Bombardier website." The spec tire for the series will be the Vega RD roadrace tire. Prototype belt-drive systems and 16-tooth and larger chain drivers for the FR125 are currently available. "We are committed to providing Max clutch drums to aftermarket manufacturers for the development of this series," remarked Kelly Boltz, Purchasing Manager for SSC. "Belt and chain drivers may be purchased directly from the aftermarket suppliers in the interest of expediency and cost savings for the racer." As it currently stands, conforming club and regional long track series will qualify their top drivers for a Grand National Roadrace Final, the location of which will be announced when the location is known. "We are currently in negotiations with some very exciting venues for the Final and it promises to be a truly great event," added Ramos. For more information, please contact Mr. Tom White, ROTAX National Program Administrator, at (760) 864-1320 x 13 or email to tom@rmaxchallenge.com. For all FR125 news, please visit www.rmaxchallenge.com. Click here to check out the RMax Challenge Series website!