Midstate Ohio Kart Club

Frequently Asked Questions About Karting

by Carl Mason

Q: What is Karting?

A: Karting today is long removed from its humble beginnings over 40 years ago.

Back then, karts didn't have the sophisticated clutches, live axles, disc brakes and ergonomics we take for granted today. They are still minimalist racing vehicles, but they are much more sophisticated than they look at first.
The garden variety yard "go-kart" is functionally similar to a modern racing kart, but can't match a racing kart in terms of acceleration (including lateral), braking, or speed.

Many of the world's greatest drivers got their starts in karts or use them to hone their skills and stay sharp. Names like, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Paul Tracy, Michael Andretti, Jeff Gordon, Sam Hornish, Central Ohio's Sarah Fisher, and many, many, more.

Q: How fast do karts go?

A: The old adage, "Speed costs; how fast do you want to go?", certainly applies to karting. The fastest type of kart racing is called Enduro, or road racing. Some of these karts will exceed 130 mph and obviously are for the experienced driver. Sprint and Speedway racing features karts that are slower, with speeds in the 40-60 mph range.

Q: What do you mean by Enduro, Sprint and Speedway?

A: These are the basics categories of kart racing. Let me explain.

Enduros are run on full sized road courses. Races are held on tracks like Mid-Ohio, Road America, Putnam Park, and the infield courses of Daytona, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, etc… Races are between 30 and 60 minutes in duration.

There are two basic styles of enduro karts; they are called "lay-downs" and "sit-ups" which refer to the driver's position. Lay-downs have the driver reclined with only his head and shoulders slightly elevated. Sit-ups use an upright driving position much like a car. However, the driver still sits very low in the vehicle. Sit-up karts are also known as Sprint karts. This is because they are used in another from of kart racing called Sprints.

Sprint racing is done on scaled down road courses which are usually under 1/2 mile in length; though some are much longer. The racing is usually much closer than in road racing and there is more contact between vehicles. However, the speeds are lower, so the consequences of a mishap are reduced (not eliminated). Top speeds, in the fastest classes are in the neighborhood of 60 or 70 mph. The races typically last only a dozen laps or so.

The third type of kart racing is known as Speedway. As the name implies, these karts are raced on small dirt or asphalt oval speedways that are usually less than 1/3 mile. The same basic kart as is used in Sprint racing can be used in Speedway racing. However, there are specialized chassis' available to optimize weight distribution. These are called 'left-turn only' or 'offset' karts.

Another type of specialized chassis is known as a Kage or Champ kart. These karts have the same basic layout and mechanicals of a Sprint kart, but they feature a full roll cage and belts (other forms of karting leave the driver unbelted). The increased protection make these karts about as safe as racing can be while still offering all the action.

Top speeds for Speedway racing is similar to Sprint racing; 60-70 mph. Average speeds are considerably less. Races typically last 15-30 laps.

Q: O.K., How much do these contraptions cost?

A: Again, speed costs. The fastest Enduro and sprint karts can cost more than $8000 when new. However, perfectly useable equipment for all forms of kart racing can be had for as low as $1000.

Q: How do I get started in karting?

A: Look in the Yellow Pages for a kart shop near you (you'll probably have to dig). Tracks are usually not listed. If that fails, you can contact the major sanctioning bodies. They are:

International Kart Federation
4650 Arrow Highway, Suite C-7
Montclair, CA 91673
(909) 625-5497
www.ikf.org

World Karting Association
Charlotte, NC
(704) 455-1606
www.WorldKarting.com

Karters of America Triad
Raymore, MO 64083
(816) 331-8777
www.kart.org

I recommend you go to the tracks nearest you and observe the action. Talk to the drivers and crews. Most karters are very happy to share their general knowledge about the sport, as long as you're not looking for speed secrets!

Q: Would you recommend used or new equipment?

A: Personally, I would (and did) buy used equipment for my first kart. That way when you make contact or have an off track excursion (and you will), you aren't tearing up that new paint job or body work. You don't need the best of everything until you develop your skills. Too, you can spend pennies on the dollar compared to new.

The best deals are usually from someone leaving karting altogether, or someone who's moving to a different class and wants to get rid of all their old equipment. While the kart might not look like it's worth $2500, what kind of spares are you getting? Gears, spindles, tie rods, clutches, tools, stands and starters all cost a lot of money when purchased separately. Consider that before making a purchase.

Q: I'm forty and weigh 200 lbs... Can I be competitive?

Yes, and you'll have plenty of company! Karting is a great family sport because there are classes for nearly every member of the family. Class age and weight limits ensure there will be a class where the playing field is fairly level.

Depending on the track you wish to race at, there may be a class for children as young as 5. Many tracks have "heavy" and "Over 35" classes to accommodate those of us who started our racing careers a little late in life. Finding a class to race in will be the easy part!

Q: What kind of motor should I race?

A: That depends on what type of racing you want to do, how far you want to travel, and to some extent how much money you can afford to spend. Again, I recommend you visit the tracks near you featuring the kind of racing you think you'd like. See which are the biggest classes; they are the biggest for a good reason. Usually they are the most cost effective and the most fun.

Q: Are there any kart racing schools?

A: Yes, quite a few. Most of the schools advertise in the national magazines and many kart shops offer driving classes. Each of the sanctioning organizations listed above publish their own magazine.

One magazine I like in particular (No, I don't work for them) is National Kart News (219) 277-0033 - www.nkn.com). They have lots of ads and usually have very good technical articles. Additionally, The Inside Track (www.theinsidetrack.com) is a very good karting magazine that has lots of ads.

Q: Do you have any more recommendations?

A: Yes. The sport of karting is competitive, but unless you're at the very upper echelons, it's just for fun and trophies. Race cleanly, don't cheat, learn, learn, learn, and have fun.

This document was authored by Carl Mason, a karting enthusiast located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and is reprinted here with his permission. Other clubs that wish to use this piece for promoting karting in their area are encouraged to contact Mr. Mason at kartattack@sbcglobal.net.

Frequently Asked Questions About Karting by Carl Mason Q: What is Karting? A: Karting today is long removed from its humble beginnings over 40 years ago. Back then, karts didn't have the sophisticated clutches, live axles, disc brakes and ergonomics we take for granted today. They are still minimalist racing vehicles, but they are much more sophisticated than they look at first. The garden variety yard "go-kart" is functionally similar to a modern racing kart, but can't match a racing kart in terms of acceleration (including lateral), braking, or speed. Many of the world's greatest drivers got their starts in karts or use them to hone their skills and stay sharp. Names like, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Paul Tracy, Michael Andretti, Jeff Gordon, Sam Hornish, Central Ohio's Sarah Fisher, and many, many, more. Q: How fast do karts go? A: The old adage, "Speed costs; how fast do you want to go?", certainly applies to karting. The fastest type of kart racing is called Enduro, or road racing. Some of these karts will exceed 130 mph and obviously are for the experienced driver. Sprint and Speedway racing features karts that are slower, with speeds in the 40-60 mph range. Q: What do you mean by Enduro, Sprint and Speedway? A: These are the basics categories of kart racing. Let me explain. Enduros are run on full sized road courses. Races are held on tracks like Mid-Ohio, Road America, Putnam Park, and the infield courses of Daytona, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, etc… Races are between 30 and 60 minutes in duration. There are two basic styles of enduro karts; they are called "lay-downs" and "sit-ups" which refer to the driver's position. Lay-downs have the driver reclined with only his head and shoulders slightly elevated. Sit-ups use an upright driving position much like a car. However, the driver still sits very low in the vehicle. Sit-up karts are also known as Sprint karts. This is because they are used in another from of kart racing called Sprints. Sprint racing is done on scaled down road courses which are usually under 1/2 mile in length; though some are much longer. The racing is usually much closer than in road racing and there is more contact between vehicles. However, the speeds are lower, so the consequences of a mishap are reduced (not eliminated). Top speeds, in the fastest classes are in the neighborhood of 60 or 70 mph. The races typically last only a dozen laps or so. The third type of kart racing is known as Speedway. As the name implies, these karts are raced on small dirt or asphalt oval speedways that are usually less than 1/3 mile. The same basic kart as is used in Sprint racing can be used in Speedway racing. However, there are specialized chassis' available to optimize weight distribution. These are called 'left-turn only' or 'offset' karts. Another type of specialized chassis is known as a Kage or Champ kart. These karts have the same basic layout and mechanicals of a Sprint kart, but they feature a full roll cage and belts (other forms of karting leave the driver unbelted). The increased protection make these karts about as safe as racing can be while still offering all the action. Top speeds for Speedway racing is similar to Sprint racing; 60-70 mph. Average speeds are considerably less. Races typically last 15-30 laps. Q: O.K., How much do these contraptions cost? A: Again, speed costs. The fastest Enduro and sprint karts can cost more than $8000 when new. However, perfectly useable equipment for all forms of kart racing can be had for as low as $1000. Q: How do I get started in karting? A: Look in the Yellow Pages for a kart shop near you (you'll probably have to dig). Tracks are usually not listed. If that fails, you can contact the major sanctioning bodies. They are: International Kart Federation 4650 Arrow Highway, Suite C-7 Montclair, CA 91673 (909) 625-5497 www.ikf.org World Karting Association Charlotte, NC (704) 455-1606 www.WorldKarting.com Karters of America Triad Raymore, MO 64083 (816) 331-8777 www.kart.org I recommend you go to the tracks nearest you and observe the action. Talk to the drivers and crews. Most karters are very happy to share their general knowledge about the sport, as long as you're not looking for speed secrets! Q: Would you recommend used or new equipment? A: Personally, I would (and did) buy used equipment for my first kart. That way when you make contact or have an off track excursion (and you will), you aren't tearing up that new paint job or body work. You don't need the best of everything until you develop your skills. Too, you can spend pennies on the dollar compared to new. The best deals are usually from someone leaving karting altogether, or someone who's moving to a different class and wants to get rid of all their old equipment. While the kart might not look like it's worth $2500, what kind of spares are you getting? Gears, spindles, tie rods, clutches, tools, stands and starters all cost a lot of money when purchased separately. Consider that before making a purchase. Q: I'm forty and weigh 200 lbs... Can I be competitive? Yes, and you'll have plenty of company! Karting is a great family sport because there are classes for nearly every member of the family. Class age and weight limits ensure there will be a class where the playing field is fairly level. Depending on the track you wish to race at, there may be a class for children as young as 5. Many tracks have "heavy" and "Over 35" classes to accommodate those of us who started our racing careers a little late in life. Finding a class to race in will be the easy part! Q: What kind of motor should I race? A: That depends on what type of racing you want to do, how far you want to travel, and to some extent how much money you can afford to spend. Again, I recommend you visit the tracks near you featuring the kind of racing you think you'd like. See which are the biggest classes; they are the biggest for a good reason. Usually they are the most cost effective and the most fun. Q: Are there any kart racing schools? A: Yes, quite a few. Most of the schools advertise in the national magazines and many kart shops offer driving classes. Each of the sanctioning organizations listed above publish their own magazine. One magazine I like in particular (No, I don't work for them) is National Kart News (219) 277-0033 - www.nkn.com). They have lots of ads and usually have very good technical articles. Additionally, The Inside Track (www.theinsidetrack.com) is a very good karting magazine that has lots of ads. Q: Do you have any more recommendations? A: Yes. The sport of karting is competitive, but unless you're at the very upper echelons, it's just for fun and trophies. Race cleanly, don't cheat, learn, learn, learn, and have fun. This document was authored by Carl Mason, a karting enthusiast located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and is reprinted here with his permission. Other clubs that wish to use this piece for promoting karting in their area are encouraged to contact Mr. Mason at kartattack@sbcglobal.net.