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Post by mknowles on Feb 20, 2011 7:47:42 GMT -8
I need to pick a class here are my ?s
I'm 32
220
6' 3"
Want an affordable class
Should I run 125 shifted heavy
Or tag
What motor and frame should I look for
I used to race dirt track cars but now looking for something new.
Any advice would be appreciated
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Post by Christian Ledyard on Feb 22, 2011 9:32:23 GMT -8
This is always a question with new guys that have raced something else before.
It is just as hard to answer on a forum post.
TAG is usually where I tell people to start. It's affordable and fun. I raced Rotax for 9 years and always seemed competitive. (I am a big guy too 6-1 235lbs)
I used to tell people I have all I can handle with 2 hands on the wheel. I now race shifters and can tell you all my TAG racing helped me make a faster transition to the frenzied world of Shifters. Good luck on your decision. And welcome to SDKA and the world of karting.
Frame and motor choices are too plentifull to list. Come down to SDKA and talk with those racing and find out what motors and chassis are best supported in the area you live and race.
Christian
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Post by billcox on Feb 22, 2011 15:03:40 GMT -8
+1 for Christian's guidance for TaG.
I, too, race a shifter...and it is a frantic drive...a lot happening. Driving a kart isn't as easy as it looks. Learning to have calm hands, maintain momentum, driving lines, and race craft are all learned easier with both hands on the steering wheel.
If you haven't, think about attending one of the kart schools before making the plunge into the hobby/sport. Jim Hall (http://jimhallkartracing.com/) has a very good program of 1/2 day, 1 day and 2 day programs. There may be something at CalSpeed (http://www.calspeedkarting.com/). Dave DiMond at the Apex track in Perris may have something (http://www.apexracing.com/). Bondurant also has a kart school at their facility in Chandler, Arizona; programs for TaG and shifter kart (http://www.bondurant.com/kart_school/index.php). Spend the few hundred bucks to make certain this is something you want to do before making the big investment. It will also help you make more informed decisions about equipment.
Chassis: You are a big guy. A 32mm (pipe size) will likely perform better for your size/weight than a 30mm chassis.
Chassis Brand: Come to the next SDKA race March 13th and talk to the guys at LapTech (Tom Levenberg) and JLS Karting (Jeff Shadoan). They can guide you to a more correct decision. And get something that is supported locally so you can get trackside help. Making adjustments is a mystery until you get more seasons under you.
Motor: Talk to similar size drivers at the track. What works for the smaller guys, may not be the best for larger drivers. Your size is a penalty in karting. Make the best of it by choosing the correct chassis and motor for your body type.
Don't buy anything on the internet, yet. There are a lot of smokin' great deals out there. But unless you know the person that drove the kart, how they treated it, the condition it's in, you may just be buying a lemon that looks really nice. Don't be in a hurry or you may waste a lot of money. It's why you ask for the CarFax when buying a used car these days. Unfortunately, there is no KartFax. Know who you are dealing with...they are taking your money.
Safety Equipment: Don't buy cheap...unless protection of your head, body and appendages is not a priority. Good, reliable protection equipment (helmet, driving suit, boots, gloves, neck collar/brace, rib protection) cost $$$. You can find more smokin' deals out there that won't protect you well; or stand up to the wear and tear of racing. Again, come to the track and see what people are wearing...using. Talk to them; ask questions. And try on everything before buying.
Be an informed consumer...you will get more for your purchase but it takes patience.
Hope we see you at the track March 13th.
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