SSC Racing announces new Rotax DD2 Engine & Chassis PALM SPRINGS, CA - A good thing is about to get even better. Two years ago SSC Racing, America's leading kart company, introduced the Rotax FR125 powerplant to the U.S. karting scene, a revolutionary user-friendly, high-performance, low-maintenance engine. Today, SSC is announcing two more breakthrough karting products from Rotax -- the 125 MAX DD2 engine and the companion Rotax RM1 kart chassis. Like the popular FR125, the new MAX DD2 is a 125cc displacement, 2-cycle, water-cooled engine with reed-valve induction, oil-in-fuel lubrication, balance shaft, and integrated starter. But the similarities end there. The DD2 is a unique direct-drive engine/gearbox assembly that employs an integrated centrifugal clutch (in an oil bath), a quick-change primary drive, and a 2-speed gearbox. The two speeds are activated by a steerting-wheel mounted gear shift paddle. Moreover, the direct-drive design requires the rear axle to pass through the engine/gear box casing. No chain, no axle sprocket: direct drive in the truest sense. The DD2's ignition system breaks new ground, too. It features a DENSO digital battery ignition with two different ignition timing curves. The suitable ignition timing curve is selected automatically, depending on engine acceleration. Engine RPM is held to 13,600 by an electronic rev limiter. The DD2's DENSO ignition also features a RER-Mode -- Rotax electronic reverse gear for backing up. Because the 125 MAX DD2's direct-drive design requires a special chassis, Rotax has introduced its own kart, the RM1. The RM1 not only accommodates the DD2's direct-drive/rear axle design, it offers a number of innovative safety features, as well. (Rotax will offer the DD2 to all established chassis manufacturers to develop their own Rotax "Direct Drive" chassis.). The RM1 chassis features a RTPS (Rear Tire Protection System) that reduces the tendency for karts to overturn when a rolling front tire contacts a rolling rear tire -- the most common "open-wheel" racing accident. The RM1 also utilizes a new front and rear bumper system that greatly reduces the shock of bumping. Rotax RM1 chassis also uses a powerful Magura 4-wheel braking system, with two 160mm disks in front and two 180mm disks in rear. Driver safety is also enhanced by placing the gear shift paddle on the steering wheel, which allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times. The RM1 also features attractive bodywork, a multi-function display and grippy-yet-durable Bridgestone YGK tires. "It's hard to overstate our excitement about the new Rotax 125 MAX DD2 direct drive engine and the RM1 chassis," said SSC Rotax Division Manager Steve Cannon. "This takes user-friendly karting performance to a new level. We know there is a huge market for easy-to-use, fun, fast karts, as has been proven by the nearly 2,000 Rotax FR125 motors already sold in the U.S. and the worldwide success of the R-Max Challenge series. The DD2 promises more of the same." For more information on SSC Racing, including Rotax products and race series, contact SSC Racing, 3101 E. Alejo, Palm Springs, CA 92262, 760-864-1323, info@sscracing.com or at www.sscracing.com.