Precision Point, the leading UK-based engineering company, has developed a ground-breaking laser wheel alignment system specifically for the karting industry, which is being launched under the brand of Trak-Kart XY. Working prototypes of the device, which is currently in the final stages of testing with a current karting team, were displayed at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham last month and attracted significant interest from all parts of the karting community.
The new system, which measures both tracking and camber, as well as giving a determination of caster and true steering centre, is scheduled to be available in time for the start of the new karting season in March. It has been developed following a year of unprecedented success for the company’s Trak-Rite XY laser four wheel aligner for road vehicles, which was launched 12 months ago.
Designed specifically for use in karting and available in either a two wheel or four wheel version, the Trak-Kart XY is suitable for a wide variety of karts, from Cadets to 250cc superkarts. The system has been developed to meet the need for a high specification yet affordable means of providing swift and accurate alignment of a kart’s tracking. Managing director, Nigel Stokes, said: “The success of the Trak-Rite XY has been phenomenal and led us to explore other opportunities for the system. The Trak-Kart XY represents a unique proposition to the karting market, enabling drivers to assess the accuracy of their alignment quickly and easily at trackside, not just in the confines of the garage.
“One of the most important facets of karting, due to its immensely competitive nature, is the need to maximise all elements of the driver / kart package; one of those is tracking and wheel alignment, which allow chassis performance to be maximised.
“Whilst other systems on the market may provide a similar level of accuracy, none of them have the ease of use that sets the Trak-Kart apart from the competition. The device can be simply hung on a tyre to provide a quick assessment of the kart geometry, or bolted directly onto the stub axle for a millimetre-accurate reading.
“The prototype we showcased at Autosport International generated a lot of interest and excitement, so we know that there will be a great demand for it when it becomes officially available. We are currently putting the system through its final paces and we aim to bring it to the marketplace next month.
“Karting, as a sport, takes place in a closely-contested atmosphere, from Larkhall in the North to Dunkeswell in the South West, where the correct and accurate alignment of the kart’s wheels can represent the difference between winning and losing. This makes the Trak-Kart XY an invaluable piece of kit for any amateur or professional kart protagonist.”
