Home > How to 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
TRACKS
RULES
GO FUND ME add the items you
need, get help from friends and family. Get a free web page
Item No: 83132-1040-F1
Briggs 3hp Engine, 3/4 in. Crankshaft. The 550 Series engine utilizes Overhead Valve (OHV) technology. It features an automotive-style air filter, cast iron cylinder sleeve, and dual ball bearings for longer life
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Header and Premium Clutch included, World Formula is designed in. accordance with the CIK World Formula class rules. Estimated 15 HP, Jr. World Formula class ages 12 - 15, Sr. World Formula class ages 15 & up
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Briggs Animal Racing Engine. The latest approach in. engineering, manufacturing, and testing to design from the ground-up, a dedicated RACING engine. in. addition, every engine is hand-built by master engine technicians. sealed at the factory, race ready
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Briggs Animal M-Series Racing Engine is specifically designed for Quarter Midget racing. The design is based on years of experience with the Animal kart engine. Every engine is hand-built by master engine technicians
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Voodoo VK1 is an awesome Race Kart for KIDS ages 5-8 has features of Race Karts costing much more. add a 3hp 4-stroke Engine, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 25+ mph. KIC Race approved! great for recreational use
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ADULT KART, VR1 Kart from Voodoo Kart, comes track ready-to-run. Just add gas and oil. 196cc 6.5hp, Wet Clutch, lots of fun, easily up-gradable for racing. closed course competition.
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Our Complete Selection of Slick Tires are excellent for use on Go Karts for Track, Asphault and Hard Surfaces. from $21.95
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Ready-to-Run, just drop it in. Choose a Titan or Predator Engine, CLOSED COURSE COMPETITION only. Rated at about 25hp, Options: GTC Torque Converter, Drag Clutch, Mikuni Inverted Carb, Fatty or Stinger Exhaust. SPECIAL ORDER allow 10-14 days build time
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IAME M1 BAMBINO STOCK KID KART ENGINE KIT Includes fuel tank
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MINI ROK 60cc Engine
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IAME PARILLA MINI SWIFT 60CC BOX STOCK ENGINE KIT Includes Wiring Harness, Battery Mount, Strap and Clamps, Exhaust Pipe, Carburetor, Header, Electric Start Burton Steering Wheel Mount Plate, Airbox, Airbox Boot
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6.5hp clone engine option, 40mm Axle, Roller Bearings, 17mm Spindles, 10/11 Tires, 32mm Chassis, Approved for racing by the KIC or perfect for recreational use. Quiet 4-stroke engine. many performance upgrades available.
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Item No: VR-ROK100
VORTEX ROK VLR ENGINE KIT
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New 2015 Model Complete Kart Less Engine. ages 5-8, Fully Assembled, ready to install your Engine (not included). special order, please allow 7-10 days for assembly by our factory trained technicians plus transit time
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Item No: RRTAG01
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TAG is the XR Adult Race Kart with Electric Start added. TAG "Touch and Go". Now you can simply push a button while seated in your go kart to restart the motor. 200cc 4-stroke Honda Clone Engine, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Race Tires
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IAME KA 100 Reedjet Engine Kit Includes - Engine, Carburetor, Wiring Harness, Battery Mount, Airbox, Filter, Spark Plug
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How to get started in karting
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.
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