I think this whole thing is a pity - in my view we're missing, (or have missed), a big opportunity here.
To a couple of race organisers' credit, they spotted this at the beginning. The issue isn't just the equality of the 200s between themselves, it's the equality of 200s versus 160s. As far as I can see, the speed at which this has happened has meant that the weighting and gearing 'penalties' applied to the 200s have become irrelevant, as the split has effectively already happened, with rumour, anectodal evidence, partisan/personal bias on both sides, and pure weight of 200 numbers as the cause.
I'm suggesting that if a proper back to back test were conducted, with the object of bringing 200s down to 160 pace by means of weight and gearing, big 2-class grids could result with a mix of both through the field.
This could absolutely happen if we have the will. I say 'we' ..... I guess that has to be race organisers, circuit owners, engine builders, chassis builders, teams, Kelvin .......... all the interested parties. 'Interested', as in interested in the greater good of prokarting ...... nationally.
(Of course, it isn't necessarily in RPM's interest to provide control 200s. ...........).
A possible future - two classes - 200s & 160s - the 200ers have their controls of exchange and buyback, the 160ers have buyback also. 500 quid engines rule, with teams choosing their preferred route. This could also mean that the option of national 4-stroke championships (non-MSA) is open. Plus maybe 200 championships, 160 championships and joint championships.
The market chooses, and then we see (as l-a-b says), what the long term prognosis is - by providing a true level playing field. Interested to hear others' thoughts, I'm probably missing something.
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