Even though the Pro Champ class is great racing and is more competitive than ever I think most of us realize that the current Champ class has an expiration date for a few reasons.
#1- 440 engines and parts are getting scarce and very expensive to buy a competitive engine package.
#2- The cost of buying or building a competitive sled keeps too many racers out and when Tommy Lipar decides he has had enough EVERY TEAM will be running deeply in the red with ridiculous things like titanium studs and too many $$$ carbon fibre parts to mention.
#3- Newer 600 engines would be more exciting to spectators even if they are detuned to the same speed as the current 440's. The 440 engine size has always sounded kinda lame to most spectators and is just one of the many reasons spectator turnout is usually lower each year, we need something "NEW AND EXCITING".
I think it's time to start putting together some practical rules for a new 600 Class to replace Champ around 2019 or 2020.
I would propose some relatively simple rules that would look something like this:
#1- Chassis- same as current Champ except absolutely no titanium or carbon fibre anywhere. 390 lbs weight rule
#2- Track would be a 116 x 15 Hard rubber SPEC. track {LIKELY CAMOPLAST}
#3- Engine - stock 600 with only head cutting allowed w/32 mm carbs, V-force reeds, any pipes.
These rules would lower the overall cost by 30-50% and make everything more easily accessible.
I believe we could double the entries in our premier class with rules like this. John Hooper
