TAG USA program & class development January 28, 2003 - Introducing the most exciting class innovation in karting this generation.....the TAG program. Short for "Touch And Go", the innovative new high powered TWO CYCLE engines feature water cooling, increased 125 cc size and an electric starter. Cost effectiveness is the second feature. Rev limiters keep RPM's down which provides greater longevity. Simply, less maintenance and more racing for your investment. TAG is the class for the masses. After discussion with the factories, independent tests done at specific tracks and the assistance of industry experts, the following combined weight class is our starting point for competition during the 2003 season. Studies of selected events, those results as well as work with the manufacturers may create a need to adjust this scale during the season. Every effort will be made to notify all concerned parties as to these decisions. Although complete competition regulations will be available shortly as companies who wish to align themselves and their products with this program are finalized, please find the basic class concept below. It is the intention of the TAG USA Program to work with all promoters, clubs, series and sanctioning bodies to promote the growth of TAG Racing in the USA annually. As the program progresses, we do encourage industry members to make slight alterations to the proposed program and assure all that those programs will be recognized within the TAG USA program. TAG USA will sanction specific region or national events annually leading to one annual NATIONAL TAG FESTIVAL. An event where all organized TAG program champions from all organizations, series and clubs may join together to compete and recognize one true champion under the current and future class formats. Work has already begun to establish an annual WORLD TAG FESTIVAL. Plans include a location within close proximity to the major TAG manufacturers. This offers an opportunity to feature technical assistance to participants in addition to guided tours within the worlds major manufacturing "factories". Combined Class Weights Rotax Max FR 125..................360 Sonik VX125 (Vertical).........360 Sonik SL125 (Horizontal).....360 Biland.......................................365 Parilla Leopard.........................365 Vortex Rok...............................375 Italsistem ML47H....................390 Engine Specifications * Air Box: OEM, as supplied with the engine from the manufacturer. * Carburetors: As supplied from the manufacturer, jetting open. * Fuel Pumps: Must be of diaphragm pulse type, type and location are open. * Ignition System: OEM as per factory specifications, spark plugs open. * Piston / Rings / Bearings / Gaskets: Aftermarket parts meeting OEM dimension and material specifications are permitted. * Exhaust System: Exhaust and silencers as supplied by manufacturer, OEM. No plating or ceramic coatings permitted. * Clutch: OEM, as supplied with engine from manufacturer and as per factory specifications. * Cooling System: Coolant may not contain any Glycol based material. Water wetter or other surfactants may be added. * Internal Modifications; All Internal modifications of any kind are strictly prohibited. Chassis Specifications * Chassis Construction: Round tubing only, maximum diameter tubing 32.0 mm. * Axle: Maximum diameter of 50 mm. * Brakes: Rear System only, front wheel systems are not permitted. * Bodywork: As per current CIK homoligation, or approved by TAG USA * Chassis Eligibility: As per current CIK homoligation, or approved by TAG USA Tire Specifications Bridgestone.............YHC Dunlop......................SL 4 Maxxis..............HG(HT) 3 Burris.......................M 30 MG.........................Yellow Vega...........................Red * 55 Durometer hardness minimum unless otherwise specified. Driver Eligibility * TAG International Class: Minimum age of 16 years of age and above. * TAG Masters Class: Minimum age of 35 years of age and above, Run combined & scored separate. * TAG Official Competition / Membership License: Mandatory to score points & be recognized in any TAG series. Mandatory to qualify in any or all TAG USA Festival event. Data Acquisition * Gauges: Including Tach, Water Temp, Exhaust Gas Temp, Cylinder Head Temp and timer are permitted (including memory models). Modifications to fit EGT probes on Header are only allowable exhaust modification. 2003 Official TAG USA Festival Events * June 25 to 28th - "USA TAG 24 Hrs" / Warren, Arkansas * July 5 & 6th - " USA National TAG Festival" / Norman, OK * August 30 & 31st - "Rock Island Grand Prix" / Rock Island, IL * November 28 to 30th - " TAG 12 Hrs of TEXAS" / Denton, TX For more information on the Tag USA class please contact Tom Argy Jr. at MPO Box 2051, Niagara Falls, NY 14302-2051, by phone at 716-284-5792 or by e-mail at TCM Racing@aol.com.