The new flagship Gillard the iconic British brand - born from Tim Gillard's passion for this sport, joined the family of OTK-branded chassis in 2020 - chassis in Direct Drive, Shifter and DD2 versions, have been introduced. Several novelties are present - also in the other model reserved for the Junior and Senior classes, the TDX - including innovative fairings and brand-new braking systems. For the MINI classes, the Rookie is unchanged in the EVM and EVS versions, both evolved components.
The Gillard Kart model year 2025 product range consists of three chassis models: TG17 MY 2025, TDX and Rookie.
The development of the technical innovations introduced by Gillard is the result of the joint work carried out by the racing and R&D departments of OTK Kart Group. Their synergy has allowed all products to grow under the company's historic philosophy: “Designed, Engineered, Manufactured, 100% made in OTK - Italy.” A “creed” that has always been applied in the Chassis Division of OTK Kart Group, in Prevalle, and that involves strict quality controls for the materials used, as well as the use of machine processes that guarantee both extremely high production standards and equality of the products.
TG17 MY 2025, the flagship model changes its skin
The benchmark of the Gillard’s product range undoubtedly remains the TG17, which evolved in its MY 2025 version. The body geometry, made with 30 mm tubes, is unchanged compared to the previous homologation, both for the Shifter and Direct Drive versions. The TG17 MY 2025 also brings several new technical innovations to debut. The most striking are undoubtedly the M11 fairings and the new BWD and BWZ braking systems. Also, the developments of the smallest details that need further refinement than in the past have been considered, as evidenced by the new aluminium chain tensioner, now attached to the bearing support.
Improved aerodynamics, thanks to new fairings
The new M11 fairings, which comply with the latest FIA regulations, are the result of the constant design, CFD simulation and wind tunnel testing work carried out by OTK Kart Group's R&D department, combined with the numerous on-track tests carried out by the group's reference racing department. This brings the all-new M11 nose panel and front fairing spoiler (the latter with an innovative design), both of which improve aerodynamic efficiency, with consequent positive effects on-track performance. On the other hand, the side bumpers and rear protection, part of the M10 kit introduced with the previous homologation, remain unchanged.
New braking systems for all senior categories
Along with the Gillard's new product range, also the new braking systems for the Junior and Senior size chassis of both the Direct Drive and Shifter classes have been introduced. The new systems are named BWD (dedicated to single-speed categories) and BWZ (for those with gears, including DD2). For both models, there is a dual option regarding the rear disc, which can be 180 mm or 206 mm, depending on individual needs. On the other hand, a specific solution for the BWZ model only is the new braking system, totally renewed compared to the previous one. As mentioned for the fairings, also in this matter the work carried out by OTK Kart Group's R&D department has been fundamental, leading to the development of innovative technical changes able of assuring an extremely high degree of efficiency of the components, especially in terms of heat dissipation and control on the average brake oil temperature.
TDX, many innovations and several confirmations
As usual, flanking the TG17 is the TDX model. The continuous research of materials by the OTK Kart Group's research and development department innovates in this new model. The body is completely assembled in 32 mm tubes, for both the single-speed and gear lever versions. In terms of components, the TDX is equipped with all the technical innovations introduced with the TG17 MY 2025: the new M11 fairings, the BWD and BWZ braking systems, and the aluminium chain tensioner attached to the bearing support.
DD2 evolves as well
The TG17 MY 2025 and TDX, in their respective DD2 versions, keep the design of the bodywork unchanged. On the other hand, as for the chassis components, we still find all the new features introduced with the Gillard product range. DD2 models, in fact, mount the BWZ braking system and M11 fairings. A specific peculiarity for these versions of the TG17 and TDX is the new mounting of the exhaust support, now removable, specifically designed for the engines employed in the category.
News for the “Double” Rookie Model year 2025
The Rookie comes to the starting grid boxes of the 2025 season with its EVM and EVS versions unchanged. However, with the two Rookie versions marked 2025, new features have been introduced. Foremost among them are the new forged aluminium and multi-adjustable pedals, allowing an optimal driving position for drivers of all sizes. We also have the new BMT4 stub axles, with 235 mm steering rods and new hubs (both front and rear), made of magnesium. Just like the senior models, the OTK Kart Group R&D department has introduced new fairings also for the chassis reserved to younger drivers. The kit, called M9, includes the nose panel and front fairing, clearly inspired by the M11 models, intended for the higher classes. No changes, however, have been made to the side bumpers and rear protection, part of the M8 kit, of earlier homologation. As for the brakes, the Rookie mounts the already familiar BSM5 system, which now varies in the brake disc - now floating, 149 mm – paired with the new 4A brake pads, specific to the needs of the MINI class.