Karts

The godfather of ‘Merlin Nation’ is Umberto Merlin. A former driver and mechanic in Italy, MRC was established in 1984 working with various chassis and engine manufacturers. Eventually, MRC began designing and manufacturing their own chassis brand – the Merlin.

The relationship between Merlin and the MerlinUSA began in 2003, with a meeting between Umberto and Jamie Sieracki. Once they got around the obvious language barrier, a formal working relationship was formed and the chassis made its debut with Sieracki’s C-G Racing outfit at the 2003 Daytona KartWeek.

From there, the Merlin brand has been a regular fixture in North American karting, competing at all levels of the sport. The continued relationship between MRC and MerlinUSA has led to developing chassis that focus on the US market, to better suit the type of conditions, tracks and tires that utilized in this country.

The original Merlin Cadet chassis. The chassis is built of 28mm chromoly and meets international cadet regulations. The focus with the frame design is to utilized supplied components such as a Tillett seat and Douglas SE Magnesium wheels to avoid several required “upgrades” for optimum performance.

Frame Tube Size: 28mm
Wheelbase: 950mm
Spindle Size: 17mm
Axle: 30mm
Front Width: 590mm
Rear Width: 555mm
Length: 1740mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: Aluminum
Rear Hub: 37mm
Front Wheels: 130mm Douglas SE Magnesium Wheels
Rear Wheels: 130mm Douglas SE Magnesium Wheels
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (150mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: Merlin MINI with Full Width Rear Bumper
Merlin has offered a 980cc wheelbase Cadet kart for years, and this particular version incorporates three years of development. The chassis is built specifically for the United States market, taking into account the engines, weights and tire specifications that we run. The focus with the frame design is to utilized supplied components such as a Tillett seat and Douglas SE Magnesium wheels to avoid several required “upgrades” for optimum performance.

Frame Tube Size: 28mm
Wheelbase: 980mm
Spindle Size: 17mm
Axle: 30mm
Front Width: 590mm
Rear Width: 555mm
Length: 1740mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: Aluminum
Rear Hub: 37mm
Front Wheels: 130mm Douglas SE Magnesium Wheels
Rear Wheels: 130mm Douglas SE Magnesium Wheels
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (150mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: Merlin MINI with Full Width Rear Bumper
The MR29 is among the most successful chassis in the North American market when it comes to 100cc racing. It was originally developed for the lower horsepower categories, but it was found to have a large sweet spot for dialing in a set-up for race day. The frame has a narrow stance to help for small drivers, giving them a better feel for the transition from the Cadet ranks to the Junior levels. The made-for-USA chassis was utilized by a number of championship winning junior drivers, and can also be used by smaller Senior drivers. With versatility has a key factor, the MR29 has also been proven to be fast through Senior TaG competition with the proper size drivers.

Frame Tube Size: 28/30mm
Wheelbase: 1040mm
Spindle Size: 25mm
Axle: 50mm
Front Width: 585mm
Rear Width: 570mm
Length: 1870mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: 76mm
Rear Hub: 96mm
Front Wheels: 130mm SE Douglas Magnesium
Rear Wheels: 210mm SE Douglas Magnesium
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (200mm x 12mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: KG FP7/Duo with Full Width Rear Bumper
The MR29 is among the most successful chassis in the North American market when it comes to 100cc racing. It was originally developed for the lower horsepower categories, but it was found to have a large sweet spot for dialing in a set-up for race day. The newest “Quattro” configuration targets the growing 4 cycle market with smaller components tailored to the lower horsepower as well as an appealing price tag. The MR29 Quattro is an exceptional choice for drivers 5’10” and under of all ages.

Frame Tube Size: 28/30mm
Wheelbase: 1040mm
Spindle Size: 17mm Machined
Axle: 40mm
Front Width: 585mm
Rear Width: 570mm
Length: 1870mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: N/A
Rear Hub: 96mm
Front Wheels: 130mm Machined Aluminum Douglas DSM
Rear Wheels: 180mm Machined Aluminum Douglas
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (200mm x 12mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: KG FP7/Duo with Full Width Rear Bumper
For the Senior drivers, the LM30 is the Merlin weapon of choice. The frame is very versatile, and is designed to produce adequate grip for medium and softer compound tires. The evolution of the frame has gone through a number of material developments, as well as tubing sizes, including softer tubing for the inner engine rail. The LM30 mixes 32/30mm tubing, which Merlin believes provides a consistent and adaptable product. As with the other Merlin models, this chassis is also provided with a Tillett hand-laid seat in a variety of flexes, pending classification. The chassis is also available in a KZ model for shifter kart racing.

Frame Tube Size: 32/30mm
Wheelbase: 1045mm
Spindle Size: 25mm
Axle:50mm
Front Width: 665mm
Rear Width: 600mm
Length: 1870mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: 76mm
Rear Hub: 96mm
Front Wheels: 130mm SE Douglas Magnesium
Rear Wheels: 210mm SE Douglas Magnesium
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (195mm x 18mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: KG FP7/Duo with Full Width Rear Bumper
As with the MR29 the LM30 also has a chassis trimmed for 4 stroke competition. A larger frame stance allows larger drivers then the MR29. Although 4 stroke racing is marketed as entry level and low cost Merlin again recognizes the category by utilizing their high quality material as in the 2 stroke tubes. Smaller spindles and axle combine to more adequately fit the horsepower range of todays 4 stroke engines.

Frame Tube Size: 32/30mm
Wheelbase: 1045mm
Spindle Size: 17mm Machined
Axle: 40mm
Front Width: 665mm
Rear Width: 600mm
Length: 1870mm (with Bodywork)
Front Hub: N/A
Rear Hub: 96mm
Front Wheels: 130mm Machined Aluminum Douglas DSM
Rear Wheels: 180mm Machined Aluminum Douglas
Brakes: Merlin; Ventilated Floating Disk (200mm x 12mm)
Seat: Tillett Hand-Laid
Steering Wheel: 320mm Merlin
Bodywork: KG FP7/Duo with Full Width Rear Bumper