TaG

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TaG stands for Touch and Go, one of the fastest growing classes in karting. TaG engines have an electric starter motor and centrifugal clutch, and so don't have to be pushed to start like many other varieties. This improves safety as the pushers no longer risk injury when running among karts on the starting grid, and the kart is easier to recover from mid-race spins without the marshalls having to enter the track. The karts are usually two-stroke 125 cc non-gearbox machines. Most last significantly longer than 100 cc engines before needing a rebuild, because they do not rev as high (therefore less stress on parts) and so produce the same amount of power with a higher capacity. Motors range from 20 to 31 hp, and new motors being developed may have even more. Most TaG motors are water-cooled engines and are usually bought in a kit which includes exhaust, radiator, hoses, water pump and starting system. Speeds can reach 85 mph (140 km/h), and even more on long circuits.

Popular engines include the Rotax Max and the Parilla Leopard.

In November 2004 the FIA announced that the new generation of engines used in the top classes, such as Formula A, would be TaG based in order to reduce costs. Draft regulations have been published and the engines will come into use in 2007. The new categories will be known as KF1, KF2, KF3 and KF4, each with different technical specifications (mufflers, air boxes, carburetor, rev limit etc...).