rearenginekarts.com

Site has been Updated

www.xterminatorkart.com

Thx Ron

really nice !! are there any articles-stories on how rathman decided to desighn and produce this kart ??

Butch,

We have met with Rathmann but not much info being he is in his 80s and it has been 50 yrs. Mike Anderson is the one that met with him maybe he can say more. I have talked with AJ Watson and Bobby Allan. Both did not have construction memories just racing ones. TEMPCO was the manufacture and I believe they had a great deal of input on design. All of those people at Tempco whom I have located have passed away already. They only made these for afew months in late 60 early 61 as a 61 model. Lots of advertising not much REAL info.

Ron

thanks ron, for reply. although i bench race as much as anyone, the history-development-testing-etc has always been of great interest to me. you just didn't know back then to 'keep everything'

Hi Butch,
I went to visit Jim and his wife Kay in the spring to have a chat about the Rathmann history and get some autograghs. He does not have a lot of memories of the design and construction. I have also spents several days with AJ Watson discussing the project. It is my belief from the info I have been able to put together that Watson may have influenced the design with Rathmann's name being used for sales. Jim was a very good business man and always interested in making some money. I believe Tempco probably had some idle time and machinery so it seemed like a good idea to get into the new booming go kart business. Just my two cents worth hope that helps.
Later Mike Anderson (317)729-2418

2 cents worth alot, thanks mike--butch