New Junior Gearbox Formula Launched for 2021
Image © Junior Gearbox Kart Racing
Gearbox karting is about as close as you can get to driving a single seat racing car without wrapping yourself in around £100,000 of carbon fibre and massive wings. They are the pinnacle of the sport, and where quite a few drivers stay for their entire careers.
The issue, is you can’t get access to these fantastic machines until you hit 17 years old (15 in Europe), and with many drivers leaving karting at an ever younger age, some young guns are missing out on the experience driving these machines can provide. That is where Junior Gearbox comes in. Back in the day, the class would use gearbox chassis with class specific 80cc shifter engines.
The issue there, is the cost of having a specific engine package for the class, then having to throw it out when you want to go to seniors. Now, there is a new revision of the junior gearbox class, which will launch in 2021. This time, the class will use the usual 125cc engines seen in KZ2, but with a 5.7mm restrictor plate to limit power. Therefore, class will cater for 13 – 17 year olds, with the aim to make the transition to KZ2 as inexpensive as possible.
To reduce costs, the series will also use a spec Dell’Orto carburettor with specific settings that cannot be changed. One thing that won’t be specified will be the engine brand, with drivers and teams free to choose any KZ2 power unit they want. The class will also use a spec water kit as well as the Le Cont SVC and SV1 tyres as used in the British Championship. The series has set the minimum weight at 162kg with the driver’s minimum set at 45kg.
As of yet, no calendar has been announced for the Junior Gearbox class, but expect to see support form some clubs alongside a national series to come. If you want to find out more about the class and how to get involved, check out the Junior Gearbox Kart Racing Facebook page here, where you’ll find links and contacts of people & brands who can help you get involved.
