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THE RACERS EDGE

8 EASY STEPS TO GET STARTED IN KARTING
By John Nuttall, Raceway Kart Association

STEP ONE: Connect
The first step to get started in karting is to get connected with the racing community. The easiest way is to read karting magazines and choose an event to watch. When you take your family to the track and talk with other racers, you will see up close how much fun kart racing can be. Diehards even race in the winter!

STEP TWO: Network
Most tracks and kart shops have a web page that is a great source of general information. Some of the popular forums on the Internet include: 4cycle.com, e-KMI.com (Kart Marketing International, NKN.com (National Kart News), and ekartingnews.com. These have links to many other sites. Most shops also carry a comprehensive selection of magazines and technical manuals. Ask questions: kart racers are very enthusiastic.

STEP THREE: Find a ride
The next step is to take a spin in a kart. There may be tracks in your area that have karting schools, ‘arrive and drive’ programs or go to your local concession track. Your local kart shop may be able to hook you up, too.

STEP FOUR: Decide
The next step is to decide what type of racing, which kart, engine and class you will run. Types of racing include oval, sprint, shifters Champ karts and kid karts.

Tracks:
Oval tracks with either dirt or paved racing surfaces, are very popular with new racers and veterans alike. These tracks generally range from 1/8 to 5/8-mile in length.

Sprint racing is racing on a 1/4 to 1/2-mile road course with many right and left turns.

Enduro racing is very fast and raced on long tracks that are typically from 2 to 5-miles in length. The kart is designed to be aerodynamic and the driver lays in the kart in a prone position for speed.

Most tracks race on Friday night, Saturday or Sunday afternoons. The length of the season varies depending on weather. Even northern or colder markets race from April through October.

Karts:
OVAL KARTS are designed to turn left. The balance of the weight is shifted to the left side.

SPRINT KARTS are designed for road course racing. There are many different manufacturers of sprint karts.

SHIFTER KARTS are one of the biggest thrills in racing and feature a 6-speed transmission and motorcycle engines.

CHAMP KARTS have roll cages and seat belts. Most Champ karts are raced on oval tracks.

KID KARTS are specially designed for 5-7-year olds. They are adjustable and are just the right size and speed for the younger racer.

Engines:
There are several types of engines. Common engines are the 5-HP Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle engine and the Yamaha KT-100 2-cycle engine, other 2-cycle and 4-cycle brands with a muffler or a pipe.

Classes:
Racing classes or divisions are divided by age, weight and type of engine. Different tracks run different classes. Make sure you know the class set-up that you wish to participate in BEFORE you buy your equipment.

STEP FIVE: Budget
The amount of funding your new hobby requires depends on the level of racing you choose. There is some basic equipment you need to start. Below are listings for a competitive set-up for local racing. Used equipment may be an option — but be sure you know what you’re buying.

Karts
New $1200 to $2500
Used $300 to 1500

Engine:
2-cycle $1200 to $2500
4-cycle $700 to $1500

Safety Equipment:
Helmet $125 to $400
Neck Collar $20 to $60
Driving Suit $195 to $395
Kart Stand $40 to $150
Spare Parts $300+
Fuel & Lub. $150

STEP SIX: Shop
Make a trip to a kart shop in your area. The shop owner will soon be a good friend and is the source for some of the best information. The shop will set you up with equipment that is right for the level of racing you are planning. The shop can also help with kart set-up, engine tuning and driving basics.

Pre-season shows and swap meets are also good places to meet people who can help you. Walk the show floor at least twice and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

STEP SEVEN: Practice
Now, you’re almost ready to go racing! Practice in a non-competitive environment is very helpful. Some tracks offer a kart school or an “Arrive and Drive” program.

Schools teach kart maintenance, set-up, driver safety, rules, engine tuning and the basics of kart racing. Programs range from a few hours to a week-long camp.

Many tracks set aside several days a week just for practice. It is an affordable way to run a lot of laps and get the feel of the kart. Call the track for dates and times.

Practice the basics: getting dressed in your safety equipment, starting, stopping and turning the kart off. Listen at the ‘Driver’s Meeting’ to the rules of the track. Be sure to as questions if something isn’t clear.

STEP EIGHT: Race

Go to the races. Get there at least an hour before practice starts. Take advantage of every opportunity to practice. At registration, ask to start at the back.

By all means, keep your cool, learn a lot, and celebrate your achievement!

END

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