Midstate Ohio Kart Club

There are plenty of articles written on how to select and purchase equipment when you are getting started. Many forums have a wealth of technical data and general discussion. I have even seen an article similar to this one although not many are specific to CRP (Circleville Raceway Park) and the MSOKC to be more specific.

A New Game When

someone wants to join a stick and/or ball sport there is usually an organization to walk them through the process. The MSOKC is that organization at CRP. It is a little different than other sports in that you construct your own team and fill the positions of coach, crew chief, driver, etc. with the people of your own choice. This can be very challenging when you are starting out. This is especially difficult if you don't know anyone that races and none of your friends has a strong interest in the sport. This can be frustrating at times if you are not an outgoing person.

It's like laughing in a theatre when no one you know is there to share the moment with. Once you know a few people things become much easier and a lot more fun. How do you get to that point? What should you do? Many people say to go attend a few local races. I disagree on this point.

Watch Practice

If you already know you like motor sports don't go to a race first. The first thing you should do is go to a practice day the day before a standard club race. You will get much more out of the practice day than the race day. During a practice day it is much easier to walk around, look at karts, and get to know a few people. On a race day it can be chaotic in the pits. Racers are trying to get there equipment set up, repaired, or assembled while others are trying to get to the grid. It is definitely interesting, but probably not where you want to start. Here are some things to do on the practice day. Walk around and talk to a few people in the pit area. Offer to help lift a kart on to a stand when needed. Ask about the equipment and what class they race in. This will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Walk over to the grid and watch some karts take laps. Ask someone if they would mind walking the track with you so you can see the layout and how each corner is taken. Many of the people I've met on practice days were more than helpful and happy to have a conversation with me. Remember that most of the people that race purely with MSOKC are there to have fun. They are there to race and to be competitive, but if it wasn't fun most of them wouldn't be there and part of what makes it fun is the social interaction.

After you've attended a practice or two you may want to attend a race. Of course I am speaking as if you haven't already purchased a kart. I will get to the actual driving part in a little while. If your budget won't allow for a kart yet you may want to get involved by joining the club and become a course worker for a few races. There is always a need for corner workers or someone to help out with organizational tasks. You will get to see the action up close and have a lot of fun getting to know the other club members. This is a good idea even if you already have a kart.

Are You Fast Enough?

If you have a kart and a basic set up you will need to determine how fast you will have to go to be competitive. Take lap times of the leader of your chosen class on a race day. You may even take a few lap times of the slowest driver in that class. If you can't match or beat the times on a practice day running by yourself you are not going to be able to do it on race day. Racing is more than racing your competitor. It is also about finding your own limits, your equipment's limits, and racing the clock. If you don't have someone to time you at the track it is a good idea to invest in a gauge that records lap times. Your first few practice days will be purely for learning your kart and learning your own limits. A kart will far outperform a high priced sports car in cornering, breaking and most of the time acceleration depending on the engine package. It takes a while to get used to it. It can be very humbling the first few times. Be patient and take good notes. They may not make much sense at first, but as you progress they become very important on race day.

First Race Morning

Now that you have practiced and can consistently run competitive laps it is time to take a deep breath and take the plunge into an actual race. The first thing to do is make sure your kart is race legal. This should have been done prior to practice days as well. Make sure all fasteners are tight, everything that needs safety wire, cotter pins, or clips is fastened and all equipment is in good condition and in working order. Make sure you are within the limits of the rule book especially weight limits of the class.

Pick a race day that is specific to the MSOKC at CRP. By doing this you will limit your confusion and stress. Try to park near someone you know that will be willing to answer questions that you may have. This is a good day to have someone with you that can help out in the pits. It doesn't have to be someone that knows karting. Arrive early and take your time getting everything out and organized. Getting there early will allow you to take advantage of running a few laps and getting any last little bugs worked out. Take your time. If you get in a rush bad things can happen. Stay focused on the task at hand. Make sure to attend the driver's meeting and ask questions even if they seem trivial.

You will need to go to the track office and register for the race. Tell them that it is your first race and that you would like to be put in the last row on the starting grid. This is a good place to learn from and it is great fun to work your way through the field if you have the speed. Since this is your first race you should put an 'X' on the back of your helmet with some tape. Use tape that is easily visible and will not damage your helmet.

You will also need to take your kart to the grid and have it inspected by a race official. This race official is not there to make you uncomfortable. It is their job to make sure everyone obeys the rules and has safe equipment. If asked to fix something take your kart back to the pits and fix it. Always bring more parts, tools, etc. to the track than you think you'll need. If you don't have something don't be afraid to ask around the pits for help.

First Race

Once you have registered and your kart has been inspected check the posted sheets for the order of the races and where you should line up on the grid. The sheets that show race schedule and grid line up are usually stapled to the scale building. It is the little drive through building as you come off the track that houses the scale. Even if they have not placed you on the back row on the sheet you can place yourself there. Just inform your competition that you are doing this when you arrive at the grid.

If you don't understand something ask one of the other competitors. The majority of the racers I've talked to at CRP have been glad to help answer my new comer questions. Listen closely to the announcer and be on time to the grid. Things happen fast on the grid. Follow the lead of your fellow competitors. When they move their karts over to the grid staging area you do the same. Make sure you have someone to help get you started unless you are in TAG (has a push button start).

Make sure you are ready to go when the rest of the competitors start moving. You need to stay with the pack. When the green waves as you come across the start finish line don't drive so hard into turn one that you run into someone. This is your first race and if you are anything like me your heart will be pounding, the adrenaline will be flowing and the sounds around you will be deafening. The main goal of the day is to finish! Just have fun with it, go through the motions with the competitors in your class until you understand and feel comfortable with the sequence of events on a race day. The goals of the day are to be safe and to have fun you can worry about winning the championship later!

Key points:

· Become familiar with the track and some of the competitors by attending some practice days.
· Attend a race or two and observe the routine of a race day.
· Practice! Practice! Practice!
· Plan for your first race.

At first race:
o Attend driver's meeting.
o Register to race.
o Have kart inspected by race director.
o Check race schedule and grid position.
o Listen closely to the announcer.

Be safe and have fun!

Racing Karts - Getting Involved (by: Doug Cvelbar)
There are plenty of articles written on how to select and purchase equipment when you are getting started. Many forums have a wealth of technical data and general discussion. I have even seen an article similar to this one although not many are specific to CRP (Circleville Raceway Park) and the MSOKC to be more specific. A New Game When someone wants to join a stick and/or ball sport there is usually an organization to walk them through the process. The MSOKC is that organization at CRP. It is a little different than other sports in that you construct your own team and fill the positions of coach, crew chief, driver, etc. with the people of your own choice. This can be very challenging when you are starting out. This is especially difficult if you don't know anyone that races and none of your friends has a strong interest in the sport. This can be frustrating at times if you are not an outgoing person. It's like laughing in a theatre when no one you know is there to share the moment with. Once you know a few people things become much easier and a lot more fun. How do you get to that point? What should you do? Many people say to go attend a few local races. I disagree on this point. Watch Practice If you already know you like motor sports don't go to a race first. The first thing you should do is go to a practice day the day before a standard club race. You will get much more out of the practice day than the race day. During a practice day it is much easier to walk around, look at karts, and get to know a few people. On a race day it can be chaotic in the pits. Racers are trying to get there equipment set up, repaired, or assembled while others are trying to get to the grid. It is definitely interesting, but probably not where you want to start. Here are some things to do on the practice day. Walk around and talk to a few people in the pit area. Offer to help lift a kart on to a stand when needed. Ask about the equipment and what class they race in. This will go a long way in making you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Walk over to the grid and watch some karts take laps. Ask someone if they would mind walking the track with you so you can see the layout and how each corner is taken. Many of the people I've met on practice days were more than helpful and happy to have a conversation with me. Remember that most of the people that race purely with MSOKC are there to have fun. They are there to race and to be competitive, but if it wasn't fun most of them wouldn't be there and part of what makes it fun is the social interaction. After you've attended a practice or two you may want to attend a race. Of course I am speaking as if you haven't already purchased a kart. I will get to the actual driving part in a little while. If your budget won't allow for a kart yet you may want to get involved by joining the club and become a course worker for a few races. There is always a need for corner workers or someone to help out with organizational tasks. You will get to see the action up close and have a lot of fun getting to know the other club members. This is a good idea even if you already have a kart. Are You Fast Enough? If you have a kart and a basic set up you will need to determine how fast you will have to go to be competitive. Take lap times of the leader of your chosen class on a race day. You may even take a few lap times of the slowest driver in that class. If you can't match or beat the times on a practice day running by yourself you are not going to be able to do it on race day. Racing is more than racing your competitor. It is also about finding your own limits, your equipment's limits, and racing the clock. If you don't have someone to time you at the track it is a good idea to invest in a gauge that records lap times. Your first few practice days will be purely for learning your kart and learning your own limits. A kart will far outperform a high priced sports car in cornering, breaking and most of the time acceleration depending on the engine package. It takes a while to get used to it. It can be very humbling the first few times. Be patient and take good notes. They may not make much sense at first, but as you progress they become very important on race day. First Race Morning Now that you have practiced and can consistently run competitive laps it is time to take a deep breath and take the plunge into an actual race. The first thing to do is make sure your kart is race legal. This should have been done prior to practice days as well. Make sure all fasteners are tight, everything that needs safety wire, cotter pins, or clips is fastened and all equipment is in good condition and in working order. Make sure you are within the limits of the rule book especially weight limits of the class. Pick a race day that is specific to the MSOKC at CRP. By doing this you will limit your confusion and stress. Try to park near someone you know that will be willing to answer questions that you may have. This is a good day to have someone with you that can help out in the pits. It doesn't have to be someone that knows karting. Arrive early and take your time getting everything out and organized. Getting there early will allow you to take advantage of running a few laps and getting any last little bugs worked out. Take your time. If you get in a rush bad things can happen. Stay focused on the task at hand. Make sure to attend the driver's meeting and ask questions even if they seem trivial. You will need to go to the track office and register for the race. Tell them that it is your first race and that you would like to be put in the last row on the starting grid. This is a good place to learn from and it is great fun to work your way through the field if you have the speed. Since this is your first race you should put an 'X' on the back of your helmet with some tape. Use tape that is easily visible and will not damage your helmet. You will also need to take your kart to the grid and have it inspected by a race official. This race official is not there to make you uncomfortable. It is their job to make sure everyone obeys the rules and has safe equipment. If asked to fix something take your kart back to the pits and fix it. Always bring more parts, tools, etc. to the track than you think you'll need. If you don't have something don't be afraid to ask around the pits for help. First Race Once you have registered and your kart has been inspected check the posted sheets for the order of the races and where you should line up on the grid. The sheets that show race schedule and grid line up are usually stapled to the scale building. It is the little drive through building as you come off the track that houses the scale. Even if they have not placed you on the back row on the sheet you can place yourself there. Just inform your competition that you are doing this when you arrive at the grid. If you don't understand something ask one of the other competitors. The majority of the racers I've talked to at CRP have been glad to help answer my new comer questions. Listen closely to the announcer and be on time to the grid. Things happen fast on the grid. Follow the lead of your fellow competitors. When they move their karts over to the grid staging area you do the same. Make sure you have someone to help get you started unless you are in TAG (has a push button start). Make sure you are ready to go when the rest of the competitors start moving. You need to stay with the pack. When the green waves as you come across the start finish line don't drive so hard into turn one that you run into someone. This is your first race and if you are anything like me your heart will be pounding, the adrenaline will be flowing and the sounds around you will be deafening. The main goal of the day is to finish! Just have fun with it, go through the motions with the competitors in your class until you understand and feel comfortable with the sequence of events on a race day. The goals of the day are to be safe and to have fun you can worry about winning the championship later! Key points: · Become familiar with the track and some of the competitors by attending some practice days. · Attend a race or two and observe the routine of a race day. · Practice! Practice! Practice! · Plan for your first race. At first race: o Attend driver's meeting. o Register to race. o Have kart inspected by race director. o Check race schedule and grid position. o Listen closely to the announcer. Be safe and have fun!