A Gentlemans Cyclekart (pre-war race car caricature) Festival, to allow Cyclekart’s to gather, show, and drive!
A Gentleman's Cyclekart (pre-war race car caricature) Festival, to allow Cyclekart’s to gather, show, and drive!
Recognize Great CK Builds - Have a Safe CK Race - Provide exciting and memorable seat time
•Tech Inspection, Drivers Brief, Safety Waivers
•Concurs De Elegance
•Hill Climb (unlimited runs as time allows!)
•2.4 hours Grand Prix (Gentlemans race, safe passing only, top awards not necessarily for the fastest!)
•End of Day Awards ceremony and thanks
Cyclekart builders don’t take themselves too seriously, we’re building caricatures of 1920’s and 30’s race cars out of lawnmower and gokart parts, it’s just having fun! We want a safe and FUN event for folks who want to enjoy what they've built!
This event is for Cyclekart Club Members, it is NOT open to the public.
REGISTER Here! email Ben to request a spot - benterwilliger@gmail.com
Here is a video from the 2024 OctFos! Cyclekart October FESTival of Speed 2024 FULL VIDEO
Read/sign race agreement, RSVP, apply for a spot
CK is granted a spot, send racer tech checklist for pre- approval
Receive race packet [Email with poc info, gps addresses, schedule, etc]
Arrival / Load In
-Timeline subject to change -
Noon-1500- Meet up lunch at TwinPeaks
1430- movement to H2R
1500 – Arrival at H2R [there is an event finishing up that day - Please do NOT arrive early]
1500-1800-
Team check in [verify team and driver information, receive driver info, pit setup and queue for tech inspection- H2R staff / Ben Terwilliger]
Tech inspection [receive vehicle sticker for passing - Randy Wright]
Dinner – TBD 54th St Grill
-Timeline subject to change -
0700-0830 final / make-up tech inspection
0830-0930 CK’s concours' de elegance
0830-0930 drivers meeting (must attend)
0830-0900 movement to start line
1000 – on track photo of all CKs
1000- Parade lap and photo
After Parade lap-1130 Hill climb
1130-1200 lunch break (repairs if needed)
1200-1500 Race Event - 2.4Hrs of H2R
1500-1700 Open session-
1700- final parade for fun and photo’s
1700-1800
1800-UTC Awards
Dinner - TBD 54th Street grill
Cyclekarts are unique because they prioritize the satisfaction of hand-built craftsmanship, vintage aesthetics, and a fun, lighthearted driving experience over serious competition or high speeds. Unlike most motor racing, the journey of building a machine is valued more than the speed of the machine itself.
Hand-built craftsmanship
Built, not bought: The core tenet of cyclekarting is that you must build your own car. While parts can be bought and others can assist, the driver is expected to put in the time and effort to construct their unique vehicle. Obviously, there are exceptions to this, but if you didn't build it yourself, expect judgement from those that did!
Thriftiness and ingenuity: A low-budget approach is part of the ethos. Cyclekart builders are encouraged to use creativity and scrounge for parts, preventing the "open-checkbook builds" that characterize other racing classes. The build process itself teaches mechanical skills like welding.
Simple and standardized components: The Stevenson guidelines dictate use of a simple chassis, a single-cylinder 6.5 horsepower Honda GX200 engine or clone (limited to stage 1 mods), a 39" track width, and 17-inch spoked motorcycle wheels. This standardization ensures all cars have similar performance, putting the focus on the driver's ability and the car's design rather than raw power.
Vintage style over performance
1920s and 1930s inspiration: Each cyclekart is styled as a "caricature" of a pre-World War II race car. Picking an "inspiration car" is a critical first step of building a cyclekart!
Aesthetics first: "Make it look good" is considered the golden rule of cyclekarting, with performance being secondary. The design captures the spirit of classic racing rather than serving a practical purpose.
Design, not a blueprint: The process involves picking that "inspiration car" and using its styling to guide the scratch-build. There are no specific blueprints to follow; builders must use their own taste and skill.
Emphasis on fun, community, and the driving experience
Low-speed thrill: Due to the lightweight frame, low seating position, and minimal suspension and brakes, a low-speed run can feel much faster than it is. This creates a high-excitement experience without the dangers of true high-speed racing.
The spirit of competition: While there are races, the atmosphere is lighthearted and focused on sport rather than cutthroat competition. Getting too competitive and limiting others' fun is discouraged.
Community focus: Cyclekarting is a social hobby defined by a welcoming community. Building and racing with others is a key aspect, and the community helps each other out, makes sure everyone else has a safe and fun time.
A visceral driving experience: Driving a cyclekart requires an active, involved style, using your body to handle the turns. This creates a tactile, responsive driving experience far removed from modern vehicle. Honestly, driving a cyclekart is pretty sketchy; they have terrible brakes, not much contact patch, and they're hand built by the driver!
Gentleman’s Racing Rules
-Absolutely no contact
-3 wheels on track at all times (no tipping, or going in the grass)
-safe passing only (OUTSIDE IS SUICIDE, in designated passing zones, when waved around by the slower driver, etc)
-no maneuvers that force another driver to react to avoid hitting you (brake checking, corner bombing, etc)
This event is for Cyclekart Club Members, it is NOT open to the public.
Entrance Fee $100, pay on race day
REGISTER Here! email Ben to request a spot - benterwilliger@gmail.com
Additional:
Participant registration-
O must provide Cyclekart details (CKs must meet basic criteria)
O acknowledge safety requirements (drivers wristband, no starting CKs without safety tether or driver operating the brake)
O Must have a valid drivers license-
O Waiver / hold harmless track agreement (everyone in attendance)
O Requirement for everyone to read and sign waiver - crew and spectator wrist bands required-
Registration fee ($100) paid at drivers meeting on race day
O Drivers will get a wrist band after attending mandatory safety briefing and event orientation. CKs will not be operated at any time by anyone without a wristband
Tech Inspection Checklist and Driver Requirements
Resembles a pre-war race car
GX200 clone (stage 1 mods)
TAV transmission
17x1.5 motorcycle wheels
39” track width
Built by owner/driver (waiver may be given for the 2nd hand Cyclekart rebuild rule)
Functioning brakes
Spokes tight and present, bearing check, front hub check
Kill switch on dash
Safety Wire on Mikuni style carb throttle cables
Rear axle lock collars (x10, holding in keys, bracing against bearings, etc)
Chains and spinning things are shielded in a safe manner
Exceptions to this checklist are at organizers discretion
~Nothing observed to be unsafe by the event staff~
Driver requirements:
Valid drivers license
One piece full face helmet DOT or Snell (no modular’s. DOT must be <10years old)
SFI rated neck brace
Gloves, long sleeves, pants (no exposed skin – try to be period correct!)
Waiver / hold harmless agreement (driver, crew, and guest requirement)
Acknowledge safety requirements (drivers wristband, no starting CKs without safety tether or without the driver operating the brake, no unsafe acts, etc)-
Drivers will get a wrist band after attending mandatory safety briefing and event orientation. CKs will not be operated at any time by anyone without a wristband
Driver changes occur OFF TRACK in Pit area
Black Flag will come out for anything observed to be unsafe by the event staff
LODGING
Comfort Suites - 104 35 frontage road , San Marcos TX 78666 - 512 392 1006 - Jennifer (Manager Bob)
Wingate - 108 35 frontage road , san marcos TX 78666 - 512 754 6621 (Sarah is the manager)
There are plenty of other places in San Marcos and Kyle, but that's up to you and google!
This event is for Cyclekart Club Members, it is NOT open to the public.
REGISTER Here! email Ben to request a spot