OPPORTUNITY: THE MINI KART BY PAROLIN

Max Bernardi

03 July 2017

It's called "Mini", but in truth it’s a class in which the competition is "maxi", with lots of drivers on the starting grid and a high level of competitiveness. Therefore, to aim for success you need a top-of-the-line, technological and painstakingly prepared chassis, just like the karts in the higher classes. The Opportunity model by Parolin Racing Kart is exactly that. Let's take a look

THE NEW CHASSIS

VARIABLE SETUP

BRAKING SYSTEM

INSIDE OPINION

ADDED VALUE

TECH SHEET

At Parolin Racing Kart, the analysis and development of the Mini Kart chassis underwent the same process (commitment, resources, attention to detail, etc.) as the chassis for the higher classes. The result is Opportunity, winner of the WSK Super Master Series in a kart driven by Gabriele Minì.
The regulation frame made of 28 mm diameter tubers has a traditional shape and carefully designed accessories that are machined from solid. Particular attention (involving computer analyses and track tests) has been paid to the construction of the moveable pedalboard, which is essential for adapting the chassis when drivers grow taller. The pedalboard is secured to the box that supports the steering column, moving back and forth along it depending on the driver's height. The footrest is secured to the frame and is moved along with the pedal. The latter is machined from solid by CNC machining and rotates on its support using bearings.
The chain guard is simple, yet smart, anchored at the back to a support that allows it to rotate. At the front, the chain guard can be lowered until it reaches the seat of the coupling: the system speeds up maintenance work and lets you to work on the drive wheel-chain-pinion group quickly.
The fairings kit is produced by Eurostar, Parolin Racing Kart’s accessories division. The 2017 graphics with chromed detailing give the Opportunity kart an aggressive look.

THE NEW CHASSIS

VARIABLE SETUP

BRAKING SYSTEM

INSIDE OPINION

ADDED VALUE

TECH SHEET

Among the many innovative solutions introduced by Parolin Racing Kart on its Opportunity model, the Ackermann angle adjustment system stands out, designed to facilitate this task even for less experienced drivers: thanks to an insert, the kart has the ability to move the steering column forwards or backwards, changing the geometry and resulting in a different response from the steering wheel.
For a better set-up, Opportunity has three different types of castors, 22, 27 and 30 cm, which allow it to change the stiffness of the kart to suit the type of tyre and track conditions. There is also the option of equipping the chassis with the new stub axles with three tie-rod attachment settings. These, together with the new steering column, allow even greater freedom when looking for the ideal set-up.
The axle bearing housing, with 4 screws to set the chassis height, was also designed to offer as many settings as possible. The housing has three height settings and the system only uses two screws to make the chassis softer. You can place one screw low and one high on the housing in order to achieve yet another type of setting.