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***Special thanks to karter and historian Arthur Oates of Pretoria South Africa for his assistance correcting inaccuracies in the previous introduction to BM kart engines.***
Mario Bertuzzi
In 1970 the BM was the first European engine to come to the USA that was not connected to IAME (Italian American Motor Engineering). Imported by Russell Karting Specialties, the BM kart engine was conceived in the early 60's by Camillo Bertuzzi who co-owned ASTRA Works(Producer of trucks and military vehicles) along with his brothers, Enzo and Roberto. The BM name came about in keeping with the Italian custom of addressing a person by their last name. Therefore BM stands for Bertuzzi, Mario, in honor of their father and founder of ASTRA Works. The BM engine was initially designed and developed by Piero Cavaciuti (of later PCR fame) then Pietro Trespidi (of Parilla & Guazzoni fame). BM 100cc/135cc engines went on to win many national and international championships. In late 1975, BM chassis and engines division were bought by Nino Rovelli and production and processing were passed on to IAME. Production of BM branded engines continued into the early 80's.
Some additional information provided by Arthur Oates
Good day Rod,
A website I found with additional info on the Mario / Camillo Bertuzzi relationship to BM engines and the later sale of BM to Nino Rovelli and then to IAME.
Another interesting fact is that Piero Cavaciutti, who started PCR had worked at Astra on the BM engines before leaving.
Nino Rovelli was also an Italian industrialist who created the SIRIO range of Kart engines. The parts manufacture for Rovelli's products, both Sirio and BM were outsourced to IAME (Bruno Grana).
BM also manufactured karts for 100 International and with the BM 96/3 engines won 3 CIK World Championships, with Francois Goldstein in 1975 and his son Felice Rovelli in 1976 and 1977. After the second WC, Felice retired and his father sold the karting business to IAME.
Regards,
Arthur
A website I found with additional info on the Mario / Camillo Bertuzzi relationship to BM engines and the later sale of BM to Nino Rovelli and then to IAME.
Another interesting fact is that Piero Cavaciutti, who started PCR had worked at Astra on the BM engines before leaving.
Nino Rovelli was also an Italian industrialist who created the SIRIO range of Kart engines. The parts manufacture for Rovelli's products, both Sirio and BM were outsourced to IAME (Bruno Grana).
BM also manufactured karts for 100 International and with the BM 96/3 engines won 3 CIK World Championships, with Francois Goldstein in 1975 and his son Felice Rovelli in 1976 and 1977. After the second WC, Felice retired and his father sold the karting business to IAME.
Regards,
Arthur
Lynn Haddocks BM-FCL 100cc. This was the 1975 forerunner of the Margay LMR designed by Dan Lumello
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1970 BM-FC 100cc
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1973 BM-SS (Short Stroke)
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1973 Engine Buyers Guide BM-SS, 104, 130
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BM Advertising
BM 130 Reference Photo's
