Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Getting Started In Karting


One of the most common questions asked when it comes to karting is; how do I get started? Well the most common response is go to your local track and ask questions. For some people the local track is hundreds of miles away or maybe it's in your back yard. You basically have a few things to consider when starting karting. Is this the right sport for me and realize karting is an open wheel sport so it is dangerous, but for the most part it is a safe sport. Deaths do occur while not high numbers by any means it is a possibility to consider. If you decided that it's the right thing for you and looks like something you'd like to do or on your own, (Teaches great values by the way is common thing I hear.) you'll need to set a budget. Your going to need a kart, safety gear, some sort of hauler or pick up, and some money to practice or enter events. So how much is it going to take, karts range anywhere from $1,000 for some of the cheapest to $14,000 for the most expensive 125 Shifter Kart, Super Karts which our 250cc can cost more.

There are a lot of classes to choose from and deciding which one fits your budget will be crucial to your enjoyment level. You also have another big expense in tires. If you buy hard compound tires you maybe able to go anywhere from 2-5 outings on a set of tires depending how agressive of a driver you are and the track conditions. I also suggest you buy a set of rain tires as you do race in the rain when it comes to karting. There are basically three types of karting; dirt racing on ovals, sprint tracks (1 mile or less) and road racing on full size race courses like Laguna Seca. Each time you go to the track your going to spend anywhere from a low of $40 to maybe a high $240 if you just need new tires. Your going to also need to keep your equipment up to par and some slight mechanical skills will be needed or you can have a kart shop upkeep it for you.

Where can you get your first kart? Local kart shop, www.ekartingnews.com, www.ebay.com A kart chassis if bent or extremely used won't be very competitive and may totally ruin your karting experience so try to be careful and find out if it has ever been wrecked and about how many races and practices are on it. A kart can be competitive for years if it has been driven much however if it's got a lot of time under it's belt one or two years maybe all it had for the win.

So in conclusion. I suggest Go to your local kart track watch a race see if it interest you. Search for a kart. Don't be stingy on good safety equipment. Get some practice in before you decide to race. Take your time enjoy the experience and whatever your budget is expect to spend about double that is the rule of thumb.




No comments:

Post a Comment