Tech Focus | The CRG system to adjust the kart’s wheelbase

Back

Exclusive Content

Tech Focus

THE CRG SYSTEM TO ADJUST THE KART’S WHEELBASE

Max Bernardi

04 January 2020

The new CRG chassis are characterized by a very interesting innovation: a new bearing housing and bearing support structure that allows the kart’s wheelbase to be adjusted in just a few simple steps. Let us discover in detail how the new system works.

CRG, one of the most renowned and important manufacturers in the karting field, has introduced a new system which allows the adjustment of the wheelbase in just a minute or two. The innovation involved the production of a different rear bearing housing and different axle support bearing structure, it was tested directly by the Racing Team in major competitions and is now available for all kart enthusiasts.

THE WHEELBASE

Before understanding how the new system was developed by CRG works, it is necessary to know what is meant by wheelbase of the chassis, which is the distance between the axis of the front and rear wheels. The value of this measurement is defined during the design phase of the chassis and it can be varied by +/- 10 mm according to the needs. Theoretically, the modification of the wheelbase is part of those adjustments which allow you to find the best setup, but in reality, this parameter is very seldomly modified since most chassis have a fixed wheelbase, and the only way to change it would be to use (and primarily built by the manufacturers) is another frame with an entirely different wheelbase measurement.

SETUP CHANGE

In karting, the main method of adjusting the geometry is concentrated in the front where, by acting on the Cs of the chassis through different systems, camber and caster can be modified also. Other options that can be worked on are the height, which can be adjusted independently at the front and rear, the chassis track width and the axle. The modification of the wheelbase, which can be lengthened or shortened depending on the setup one is looking for, can be added to the previous modifications only for chassis that are fitted for it. In general, a longer wheelbase offers the advantage in fast turns because by extending the wheelbase between front and rear wheels, the chassis flexes more and generates more grip at the rear. Vice versa, a shorter wheelbase provides the kart a very tight turning radius and more agility in chicanes.

THE NEW SYSTEM BY CRG

The wheelbase adjustment system developed by CRG for its chassis is based on a new bearing housing and a new axle bearing carrier flange. The development has been designed and tested by the CRG Racing Team directly on the racing tracks of the major international competitions and it has placed its focus particularly on the speed of its execution. By simply loosening the four fastening screws, the new bearing housing allows moving the flange by 5 mm towards the front or 5 mm towards the rear with respect to the standard central position. The flange is moved by rotation.