FEBRUARY 2002

18/02/02 : Calling all speed freaks... The UK scooter racing scene needs new talent so if you're interested in some automatic scooter racing in the UK then check out the list of events on this year's Racing Calendar. European and UK sprinting dates have yet to be confirmed, these will be listed shortly.

15/02/02 : Sprinting Auto's... For those of you who have read my article on drag racing in the current issue of Twist & Go (issue 10) and are interested in tryin' out a bit of sprinting, you may be interested to know that entry forms to join the NSA (National Sprinting Association) are now available here on-line. The good thing about sprinting with the NSA is that it's professionally organised and you don't even need a driving licence to race! Don't forget, you can enter the NSA Sprint Championship if you join the NSA too. But this particular championship will only take place if we get enough people interested. If you are interested in taking part or have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

14/02/02 : With all the talk recently about 'boost bottles' on the Message Board, you may like to know that virtually all the boost bottles currently available (Malossi and Doppler) are for 50cc engines. However JASScooters are having two new boost bottles designed and made and these will fit the 172/180 Runner/Dragster standard carb models and one for the 172/180 upgraded larger carb Runner/Dragster. These 'boost bottles' improve MPG and low RPM torque but have to be made specific for the engine/carb size. If enough interest is shown in 125 and 50 Dragsters then a boost bottle will be designed for these also.

11/02/02 : Scooters in Streetfighters?? Check out the latest issue (97) for the Streetfighters verdict on the Italjet Dragster 180 / Gilera DNA 180, it's good.

08/02/02 : Ian at JASScooters wrote in to say that they now have in stock 15 watt halogen headlight bulbs for the Dragster 50. Apparently, they are not listed on the website as yet but Ian hopes to get them on there soon. In the meantime anyone who wishes to purchase should phone or email.

06/02/02 : There's a new series just started on BBC Choice called 'Mary Ann's Bikes'. The series is hosted by Radio 1 DJ Mary Ann Hobbs and is being shown on Tuesday nights (11:30pm - 12:00am), it's worth watching just to see Stuart Owen doing the 'Ferrari Challenge' which was filmed last year. But we're not sure which episode this will be in so keep your eyes peeled...
 
UPDATE: The new Message Board is now up-and-running!

04/02/02 : Good news, a new message board is in the pipe-line! Robert Volz, a contributor to Italjet Dragster.com , has kindly offered to fund a licenced version of Infopop's Ultimate Bulletin Board. So a BIG thanks goes out to Robert, very noble of you indeed mate!
 
Paul Melici at PM Tuning Racing Products has sent in an update on the broken crankcases that a few of you have been experiencing, here are the current findings:
 
"A few more possible causes I forget to mention in our first alert are:
 
1. Bad tyre fitment or incorrect balance factor.
 
2. In time, the frame linkage arm bushes can become seized causing increased torsion, vibration and tension to be transmitted back into the engine casings. I would strongly advise checking the linkage at regular service intervals and greasing as required.
 
3. My observations of later casings are that they are exactly the same in dimension, i.e. no extra material or strengthen webs.
 
4. Having ported quite a few now I have noticed that some casings are very soft, maybe very very late casings have a different alloy composition. The last casing I ported a week ago (28/1/02) was a brand new warranty supplied case, and to be honest this also had very soft alloy."
 
Let's hope the manufacturers take note to all of this...