TKM (Karting)

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.

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.[1] 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,[2] despite a mixed set of reactions from people in the sport.[3] 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.

Classes

Dave Eadon

Racing

Senior TKM kart race at Shenington Kart Club in 2004

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.[4] thumbnail

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 to compete with the image of the Rotax Max class. MSA homologated chassis from across Europe have been permitted since 2010.[5]

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.[6] The engine can pull up to around 75 mph.

The Current TKM Engine

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 in performance levels, a softer, stickier tyre was introduced into the formula for the 2005 season.

Notable Figures

TKM has continually been the breeding ground for many current and former notable motorsport figures.

List of Class Champions

FORMULA TKM SUPER 1 CHAMPIONS

Year Champion
1989 Steve Tulley
1990 John Aldred
1991 Antony 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
2011 Joe Porter
2012 Joe Porter
2013 Will van Es
2014 Joe Forsdyke
2015 Matt England
2016 Harry Moore
2017 TBD

FORMULA JUNIOR TKM SUPER 1 CHAMPIONS

Year Champion
1989 Jason Plato
1990 Nelson Rowe
1991 Nelson Rowe
1992 Jenson Button
1993 Tom Sisley
1994 Carl Breeze
1995 Gary Paffett
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
2011 Toby Sowery
2012 Jack Partridge
2013 Matthew Davies
2014 Arran Mills
2015 Matthew Graham
2016 Joe Fowler
2017 TBD

References

  1. ↑ http://www.abkc.org.uk/SuperOneWinnersPast.pdf
  2. ↑ http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/news/is-there-life-in-the-old-dog-we-see-if-formula-tkm-has-still-got-it/
  3. ↑ http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/karting-podcast/strong-reaction-to-2010-tkm-regulations-changes-jade-jkh-and-drivers/
  4. ↑ http://karting1.co.uk/tkm-article.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/news/tal-ko-confirm-changes-to-tkm-2-stroke-class/
  6. ↑ http://www.karting1.co.uk/news/karting-podcast/strong-reaction-to-2010-tkm-regulations-changes-jade-jkh-and-drivers/

External links

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