If he is really down to acceptable times (check against race times) in a Prokart (you do mean twin engine, don't you?) then he is PERFECTLY capable of the move to TKM. If he's coping the wayward sliding of a HEAVY prokart, then the delicacy and lightness of a TKM will suit him!
I am NOT against Prokarts which are FANTASTIC vehicles but, using sword fighting as a comparison, they really are more like swinging an AXE when compared to the Rapier of a TKM. As a young man, he would do better with something more matched to his stature. The biggest difference is the SPEED of the reactions he'll need.... not something that 12 year olds tend to be lacking! Yes, the TKM WILL be faster but, it'll carry a LOT less mass and, in any 'incident' it's the mass*speed that does the damage.
Borrow a TKM and let him have a go! If you are concerned, make sure he starts with it over geared (too small rear sprocket for that track), that'll reduce both acceleration and top speed. If he doesn't come in shaking but BEAMING, then it;s not time for him to move 'up', but he'll be a strange young man if he doesn't!
If you REALLY think he has mastered Prokarts...... TRUST him!
I remember the day my son tried a 100cc kart ( a REAL 100 national) after months of 'Prokarts'. His head whacked back and forward with the acceleration and I signalled him in after 3 laps.... but he wouldn't come in! When he finally came in, he could hardly remove the helmet as the grin had made it tighter!!!!
Ian
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