How can i get invovled in shifter kart racing?

Answer 1

First, I highly recommend you contact your local Kart dealer. They can advise you what types of karting classes are run in your area. Shifters are more popular in some areas and non existant in others. Be prepared to do some traveling as not all series run at one track. Decide if your going to buy brand new or find a used package. Becareful when purchasing used race equipment. Good money spent is to have chassis checked for straightness either by lazer or at minimum with a tape measure. I can't stress enough, that having a good relationship with a dealer will most likely save you money. It is necessary to buy a membership whether it be from the local track or series sanctioning body. Maybe both. Read the rule book and always keep it with you when racing. Depending on your age and sometimes weight will decide what class you can run according to local and national rules. Typically 15 yrs and older run 125cc or 80/85cc engine sizes. 14 and younger generally run 80/85cc, but some areas they have spec pipe and smaller bore carburetors, thick base plates to lower cylinder compression all to reduce horsepower on the 125cc engine. Again your local dealer should be a big help. Honda CR125 two stroke engine is most popular and a reliable engine package, with parts being fairly inexpensive and available at your local Honda motorcycle dealer. These engines are in kit form because Karting applications use the 6 speed transmissions which Honda stopped using in their MX bikes back in 98' or 99'. I think the cylinder of choice is 1999 or 2000, not exactly sure. There are other tricks and mods needed to be done in order to use in karting application. Another shifter class "ICC", uses kart specific 125cc two stroke engines designed just for kart use. Engines made in Italy, Austria and Czech Republic are just some of the countries producing ICC engines. Parts and engines themselves tend to be a little more expensive but include additional parts like an exhaust pipe and muffler. The Euro to Dollar exchange does not help matters. Transporting your equipment to and from the track can be as simple as a truck or van to the more elaborate trailer. A kart stand with nuematic tires will get you from the pits to the grid in the worst gravel laden path without bouncing your kart off. Now you just need a team name and the required safety apparel should be it. Oh... your going to want a racing buddy. You will call him your crew chief, you will buy him lunch and cover his pitpass. Leave your bad temper at home because crew chief pay at the local karting level is not enough having to listen to a whinny driver. Karting is one of the best family sports out there I have seen. The entire family will enjoy. Warning!!! Racing can be highly addictive. Worse than some drugs. Please race responsibly. If your plans are to get started on a career path to race professionally, you are smart starting with karting. Just look into the background of most any automobile racer and I promise you will see some type of past karting experience . You may want to run a couple of seasons in some of the spec karting programs that are very popular today. Rotax Max Challenge is one I recommend. But I will let you decide on your own. In conclusion, there is nothing to match to pure performance of a shifter kart for the money. Period.

Additional information :

http://www.ekartingnews.com Popular website for Karting

http://www.nkn.com Popular website for Karting

www.bondurantsuperkarts.com Driving school for Karting

http://www.kartcrg.com One of the Worlds best Italian chassis manufacture

http://rmaxchallenge.com/ Rotax Max Challenge World wide racing format (US site)

http://www.maxchallenge-rotax.com RMC Official Website

www.sscracing.com CRG USA Importer, Rotax FR125 USA Importer

http://stores.eBay.com/Cycle-Barn-Outlet-Center Karting items on eBay