What is a Rotax Max?
Rotax Max is a new approach to kart racing. In a nutshell, it is a high-performance, extremely low maintenance, fully spec'ed, sealed, 125cc reed valve engine with electric start. In racing terms, "spec" means every aspect of the class is strictly controlled. The Rotax Max is raced as it comes out of the box. No modifications are allowed. The motor is sealed to prevent tampering. Only authorized Rotax Max Distributors and Service Centers are allowed to break the seals for routine maintenance and re-seal the engine. For the racer this means no additional financial outlays in search of more speed. Every Rotax Max racer has the same stuff. Winning in Rotax Max is determined by driving skill and chassis tuning.

click the image to see an exploded view of the Rotax Max package

How reliable is the Rotax Max?
The Rotax Max package is extremely reliable. The recommended service interval is 50 hours and many motors are still winning races with over 100 hours on them. For a racing engine or any kind this is almost unheard of. The common maintenance item at 50 hours is a new piston, ring and associated hardware.

Do I need to be an expert tuner to compete in Rotax Max?
No. One of the great things about the Rotax Max package is its user friendliness. There are a limited number of adjustments that are allowed. They are 1) main jet, 2) needle clip, 3) air screw, 4) power valve and 5) gearing. Generally, only the main jet, needle clip and gearing are tweaked to find optimum performance. Once the power valve and air screw are set, they are rarely changed.

Is it a popular class?
Rotax Max is currently the largest and fastest growing class in Utah. There are now classes for the young guns as well as the older and heavier drivers. There are also two classes using a slightly less powerful motor for younger drivers under 18.

Is it fast?
Quite. The 125cc Rotax Max produces roughly 29 horsepower and laptimes are only slightly slower than the much more complicated, expensive and difficult to drive 80cc shifter karts.

What is a Rotax Max Challenge Series?
Another one of the great things about the Rotax Max is the highly structured series' in place for the Max racer. Each authorized Rotax Max distributor is required to hold a Rotax Max Max Challenge series for their region. At the end of the series, a certain number of racers from each class are invited to the Rotax Max Grand Nationals. The winners at the Grand Nationals earn all-expense paid trips to the Rotax Max Grand Finals. The first Grand Finals was held in Malaysia, the second in South Africa and the 2003 Grand Finals are in Cairo, Egypt. It is the only kart racing program of its kind in the world where a driver can progress from regional to national to international competition.

With that kind of prize, aren't there a lot of cherry-pickers?
No. The Max Challenge is designed for the recreational karter. The rules prohibit drivers who have ever held CIK "A" licenses as well as champions and top-level license holders from the major U.S. sanctioning bodies.

So how do I get involved?
Simple, stop by Msquared Karting or visit a race at Black Rock Raceway to see what it's all about. Msquared is located at 350 West 2700 South in Salt Lake City. Black Rock Raceway is a new world-class facility in Tooele, Utah. Visit the Black Rock website for detailed directions to the track. Hope to see you soon!