Working alongside the CIK-FIA for changing behaviour
When the CIK-FIA decided to implement new regulations for the front fairing fasteners to reduce unsporting actions during the races, they turned to a recognized professional in the design and manufacture of kart bodywork, the Italian company KG. The former top driver, Davide Gaggianesi, participated in the genesis of the project.
What is your background in karting?
– I started very young, around 10 years old, and I rose to Formula A. I won the Winter Cup in 2000 in ICA and the Andrea Margutti Trophy in FA in 2002, the year I finished second in the CIK-FIA World Cup in Formula A. I then drove occasionally in Super KF and KZ1, but I never considered becoming a professional driver. When the opportunity came, I decided to take a real job at KG.
Tell us about the new CIK-FIA project.
– The CIK-FIA asked us to research a new front fairing fastening to limit contact between karts to make the races more sportingly equal and to limit incidents. We made several proposals and the CIK-FIA chose the easiest to make and implement.
What is it exactly?
– This is a new fastening system that that drops the bumper down on too brutal contact with another kart. The fairing doesn’t come away from the chassis, and maintains its protective function. But it’s position is used to find the contact and punish the driver with a trip to the pits to put it back or a high penalty at the finish.
What do you think of this system?
– The simplest design was selected. I think it is part of a general questioning of the behaviour of drivers. Officials will have an important role in its effectiveness. We’ll have to educate the younger generations, especially during briefings but also on the track by giving sanctions. A change in mentality is not achieved overnight. However, the cause is just and the problem deserves a solution.
What were the results of the first tests?
– The experimental use in the last two Competitions of the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy has allowed us to make some changes before the start of production and implementation in 2015. It is normal that at the beginning the Drivers and teams will not be completely favourable. The competitors are often very conservative. But we have had very positive feedback from trustworthy people. Young Drivers and their parents often understood the value of this approach. The few races already contested were much quieter than the current standard. We have done our best to meet the expectations of the CIK-FIA.
How much does it cost?
The attachment will be grafted onto the fairing. It will be possible to use a conventional fixing with the same fairing in the championships that do not adopt the new regulation immediately. The attachment itself should cost less than thirty Euros.
(Extract of the CIK-FIA Best-Of 2014)
Info CIK / © Photo KSP