UK karting doesn't need to look at Europe, the grass is definately not greener.
In France from age 9 (next year, age 8 perhaps) they run 85cc IAME Puma 14hp and then from 12 the 100cc 15hp version. Chassis is something between a Cadet and Minimax with weight at 120 & 130 kg. Soft Bridgestones and a virtually 'open' Tillotson carb that doesn't suit the engines.
The racing is C**p, with only timed qaulifying and so much time in the equipment that it only possible to tell who has the most money and the best mechanics. Last weekend I watched 4 races and only saw one racing pass. It's like the worst F1 races without the Pit Stops to liven it up.
The best cadet age drivers in France would be pushed to hang on to the back of good cadet club racing in the UK let alone National level.
The French Federation were so jealous of the UK Rotax drivers at Salbris this year, that they have scrapped every other class for 14 year olds to force everyone into Junior Rotax in the vain hope of finding somebody competitive. This is really true believe or not.
Just my 10 cents, lol. You did ask.
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