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RS KART, THE GO-KART SIGNED BY RALF SCHUMACHER

Max Bernardi

16 June 2019

CIK-FIA 2015 – 2020

HOMOLOGATION
The RS Kart utilizes the Praga Dragon Evo model homologation, which is expiring in 2010.

OK-OKJ

CONFIGURATION
The chassis is suitable both for non-shifter and gearbox engines. The photos and analysis of this article are dedicated to the non-shifter version.

TUBES DIAMETER
Generally, 30-mm and 32-mm tubes are used, some are the same diameter and others are mixed diameters. The tubes in the RS Kart all have a diameter of 30 mm.

MANUAL

WELDING
There are two “schools of thought”: by hand or robotised. IPK, the manufacturer of RS Karts chassis, performs welding by hand.

ALUMINUM

ACCESSORIES
Standard accessories are supplied in aluminum, but they are also available in magnesium.

The birth of the RS Kart is without a doubt one of the most important and interesting innovations in recent years with international karting. A new brand created by Ralph Schumacher, a former F1 and DMT driver, with its own product line and racing team. The first karts presented, utilize the IPK expertise both for the homologation and the accessories.

The RS Kart does not have a homologation of its own, as the official sessions to present new chassis for approval by the Federation take place every three years (the next one will be in 2021). This, however, does not prevent the manufacturing of new models and brands that utilize the already approved and valid homologations. To produce his karts, with accessories included, Ralph Schumacher chose IPK Group (manufacturer of Praga Kart Formula K and Ok1 chassis), using in particular the homologation of the Dragon Evo by Praga, presented in 2015 and valid until 2020. The chassis features 30 mm diameter tubes, and the analyzed model has a a non-shifter configuration, therefore equipped with a rear-only braking system.

The RS Kart utilizes the IPK construction qualities and technologies, starting from the automated bending of the tubes which is implemented through an electric drive system. This type of system, compared to hydraulic ones, has the advantage of not depending on the oil temperature (colder at the beginning of the process, especially in the winter months), thus ensuring absolute constancy in the machining and a bending precision with tolerance to the tenth degree.

The RS Kart distinguishes itself for its red coloring scheme

Unlike the other karts manufactured by IPK, the RS Kart uses a ring nut that is adjustable via several holes to determine the geometry of the front chassis

Standing out at the front is the Teflon bar, which allows the variation of the chassis rotation

The pedals are adjustable in three positions in order to adapt to the driver’s stature

Furthermore, the tube bending machine is equipped with an energy recovery system, similar to that of hybrid cars, and works on 11 axes and different guards which allow to bend all the different types of tubes necessary for the production of each kart chassis category. As for the welding phase, IPK (therefore RS Kart) relies on the excellent experience of specialized technicians who operate manually, using the latest generation of welding machines. Each frame is then carefully inspected in order to ensure a product that meets the high production standards of the Italian company.
Turning to the specific details of the new RS Kart, one element standing out is the case for the steering shaft support. A solution that compared to the support formed by two tubes welded together, reduces the vibration of the steering wheel and increases the rigidity in the area which translates into greater ease of driving and a reduction in the number of steering adjustments in fast changes of direction. In the steering shaft we find the fastening for the footrest, useful for adjusting the driving position.