Passion for racing ahead of everything
A major player in karting in the field engine manufacture for decades, TM Racing is also a renowned manufacturer of competition dirt bikes. A prominent figure in the paddock, Franco Drudi is a bike mechanic by training. He has been dedicated to kart engines since he arrived at the factory founded by Claudio Flenghi and Francesco Battistelli in the mid 80s. In statistics, TM engines often rank first popularity in all international categories in karting and their record is full of victories and European and world titles.
Why does motorcycle manufacturer also manufacture kart engines?
– Competition is the reason for living at TM. What motivates us is pure performance and racing. Basically, motorcycle engines were also two-stroke, not too different from those of karts. The spirit of competition is taken to the extreme in karting. The constraints are important, the challenge is permanent. That’s what we like. That’s why we never wanted to start our own one-make challenge.
What are the current KF engines like compared to the old 100cc?
– The high revs in FA and ICA obviously require frequent replacement of pistons, bearings, connecting rods, etc. I was especially a fan of the music of a 100cc at 20 000 r/min! But it had to evolve, it was essential. KF is now mature, it is very reliable and not so expensive as people say. I do not agree with the blame given to it in the increased cost of the competition. The context has changed and the engine itself is a small part.
What is the position of TM Racing on the new homologation in 2016?
– Anything that can promote an increase in the number of competitors is a good thing. In an international paddock today, you meet many rich people, even very rich. It is certain that karting has lost its popular appeal and that is unfortunate. I just think the engines are often considered the most responsible for this and this is far from the case. I think the engine budget is around 10% of the total cost of competition. If we can divide this position by two, which is huge, it will represent only 5% savings. Apart from this, we are actively working with the CIK-FIA on future engines for 2016. We have already proposed several prototypes and development continues. Whatever the chosen regulation, TM must be there and in top form!
CIK-FIA Best of 2014 / © Photo KSP