How do I get started in Kart Racing?

How to get started in Kart Racing


YOU DON'T HAVE TO RACE

Recreational vs Racing

• You don't have to actually race to enjoy the sport of karting. Many people who enjoy karting don't actually race. Whether you want to race or just have some fun, the following information will help you get started
• Karting is a great family-oriented sport. The entire family can participate as there's a job for everyone to do from taking lap times to cleaning the chassis. It provides an opportunity to do something together as a whole team
• Karting appeals to girls and boys, men and women from ages 8 to 80. There's a place for everyone from local level up to national level competition. Many programs and classes are available so it's easy to be competitive and feel the thrill right away

Types of Racing

Dirt or Speedway Racing done on oval tracks with either a dirt or asphalt surface; left turn only (LTO) type of competition. Ovals range from small bull rings to large 1/4 mile tracks. Dirt track racing is an ever-changing situation that provides an excellent challenge; usually held at night.

Asphalt tracks are more constant, can be run day or night.
Ages from 8 and up.

Sprint Racing takes place on an asphalt road course with right and left hand turns, banked monzas, hairpins and straight-aways. Racing is usually in the daytime.
Ages from 8 and up.

Enduro Racing held on large asphalt road courses using a lay-down kart that tests machine and driver endurance. Karts are very fast and are raced on big tracks such as Daytona International Speedway and Road America. Races last 45 minutes. Due to speed and the investment, competitors are usually very experienced drivers. Enduros are not recommended for novices. 
Ages 12 and up.

Kids Karts Designed for drivers 4 to 7 years old.   These karts come with a 50cc engine and are ready to run.  These karts run on Sprint or Speedway tracks and allow the young karter to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment

Types of Karts

Kids Kart

These machines were designed for drivers 4 to 7 years old. These karts come with a 50cc engine.
Kids karts run on Sprint or Speedway tracks and allow the young karter to develop their skills in a safe and controlled environment.  The design of this kart allows for maximum fun time with a minimum of maintenance. This package comes with a 50cc engine, 800mm wheelbase kart, one piece wheels, mechanical brakes, side pods, tires, chain, sprocket and fairing panel.

Clone Kart

Clone kart racing has become the most affordable classes in karting, opening karting to those who might not otherwise participate. Based on the Honda GX200 and clones, the Clone class is run at almost every track in the country. These packages typically come race ready with engine and tires installed, can be driven by your Junior driver or by an adult, 60+ mph.

Oval Kart

Oval kart racing is the largest segment of the industry.  Oval racing is family based, close competition available in all parts of the country.  Racers can choose between dirt and pavement racing at a facility close to home which reduces travel time and expense.  Most oval karts use 4 cycle engines that maximize track time and reduce work.

Yamaha/Veloce Sprint Kart

This package includes the popular Yamaha KT100 engine.  With the Sportsman exhaust this is the most versatile kart package around.  With very little change this setup can be driven by your Junior driver or by an adult.  The Yamaha class is run at almost every 2 cycle track in the country.  Low initial and maintenance costs make this a very popular choice.
Specs:
100cc air cooled Yamaha engine with centrifugal clutch
Runs at sprint tracks or enduro tracks with a bodywork change
Junior or senior classes
Top speed of 100 MPH

Touch and Go Kart

This is one of the most popular classes in karting.  The TaG kart is a sprint chassis, complete with FIA tested bodywork, that uses a water cooled, electric start, 125cc single speed engine.  The popularity of this class is the low maintenance, durability, and ease of use.  You can now go to the track, unload, sit down, push a button and race. 
Specs:
125cc single speed, water cooled engine
On board electric starter
Runs at sprint or enduro race tracks
Top speed of 115 MPH, cornering at 3.0 G's

125cc shifter Kart

The ultimate ride.  Formula 1 style performance at a price everyone can afford.  This class is for experienced racers that want maximum performance.  Features include a water cooled, 125cc engine with a 6 speed gearbox, massive 4 wheel hydraulic brakes and a power to weight ratio unequalled in racing.
Specs:
125cc water cooled engine, 6 speed sequential gearbox
Runs at sprint or enduro race tracks
Top speed of 125 MPH, cornering in excess of 3.0 G's

GO FUND ME add the items you need, get help from friends and family. Get a free web page

But if you are serious about racing, keep reading

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Becoming a NEW Karter can be a fun and enjoyable experience. We would like you to have a long racing career. When we talk to new potential karting customers and they ask our opinion for their specific needs we ask several questions. The most important question we ask is, "How long and are you going to work and plan to commit to your hobby?

 

In answering this, we can suggest whether you purchase a new or used kart for your first kart.
If a new karter believes they are going to commit a year to their racing career and wants to work hard enough to win, we suggest NEW Equipment. The reason for this is that buying a used kart may seem affordable at first, but fixing up an used kart can get very expensive. Most used karts have not kept up with the latest advances in technology.

We have seen so many beginning karters get frustrated trying to make used equipment perform up to their expectations. The result is they spent more money on their equipment or eventually buy a new karting set-up anyway.

The exception is a used kart at a good used kart price for a first kart. This can be done by looking at your local track and asking several karters about a particular used kart that is being displayed. We suggest when looking at a used kart, look at it as if no engine is on it. We say this because, generally it will need rebuilding or the entire kart and engine may need some work on it. Also most all local tracks have engine rules and you need to know what you are buying is legal for the class or classes you choose to race in. Buying an used kart is like buying anything else, you get what you pay for.

 

We try to take the time to explain this due to the fact we want your business, whether you buy new or used. We know you will need spare parts no matter what. We just don't want you, the NEW Karter, getting frustrated soon after you get started.

After following the above steps, see if your local track may have practice days available. This will help you get familiar with your new equipment.

Be sure to practice the basics: starting, stopping and tuning of the engine. Learn to signal by raising your hand in the air to let others know you are exiting the track, slowing down or when you've spun out and are still on the track. If the kart comes to a halt on the track or your engine quits, immediately push it off the track and into a safe position.

On your first and every other race day, always take advantage of all practice time. For several practice and race days, go with the kart set-up from the help you received from your local or distant kart shop. You as a driver have a lot to learn on driving techniques. After which you can start changing gears, tire pressures, etc.

Costs to get started in Karting

As with any sport, karting has a wide variety of choices.  New vs. pre-owned, oval vs. sprint vs. enduro, 2 cycle vs. 4 cycle.  Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming to new karters.  We will try to list some options here for you so you can make a better informed decision.

New vs. pre-owned

This is the hardest of the choices to make.  The saying "You get what you pay for" does apply in this instance. The most important question we ask is, "How long and how hard are you going to work and plan to commit to your hobby?

 If a new karter believes they are going to commit a year to their racing career and wants to work hard enough to win, we suggest NEW Equipment. The reason for this is that buying a used kart may seem affordable at first, but fixing up an used kart can get very expensive. Most used karts have not kept up with the latest advances in technology. We try not to make this a "Sales Pitch". But we have seen so many times beginning karters get frustrated trying to make used equipment perform up to their expectations. The result is they spent more money on their equipment or eventually buy a new karting set-up anyway.  The exception is a used kart at a good price for a first kart. This can be done by looking at your local track and asking several karters about a particular used kart that is being displayed. We suggest when looking at a used kart, look at it as if no engine is on it. We say this because, generally it will need rebuilding or the entire kart and engine may need some work on it. Also most all local tracks have engine rules and you need to know what you are buying is legal for the class or classes you choose to race in.

We try to take the time to explain this due to the fact we want your business, whether you buy new or used. We know you will need spare parts no matter what. We just don't want you, the NEW Karter, getting frustrated soon after you get started.