As stated, that's probably not a fair comparison due to the length of time TKM has been running.
That said, to state that the best drivers are in Rotax is a wild claim. Why do you say that? Why is a TKM front-runner worse than a Rotax front-runner? How could you possibly justify that statement?
In my opinion, its a classic case of how karting has changed. TKM is now deemed as old-fashioned. And participants of other classes see TKM racers as the 'poor relation' in the sport.
Rotax is a class where it's possible to buy an advantage and its essential to run with a team to race a the front.
With TKM, it isn't, you can race out of the back of the car and not be at a disadvantage.
As Traxtar said, its much cheaper to run at the front in TKM than in Rotax - think of all the additional components in Rotax radiators, clutches etc. Its all expense and needless complication and hasn't been mentioned yet.
TKM is sustainable, simple to learn and cheap to be competitive. Its always been a budget class and 10-15 years ago it was 3 times the class Rotax is now in terms of size. Qualifying rounds for Super1, A,B and even C finals at most clubs week in, week out. So if it was the most popular class then, why did the cost not rise as you say it would now?
Just because TKM drivers don't need flash helmets, new race-suits and to run with a big team to be successful doesn't mean they aren't good drivers.
Its a great class and has produced many great drivers and will continue to do so if people support it. Its still a very viable option if you can see past the fashionability of other classes.
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