Worlds oldest rookie ready to start karting

[oldrookie]

Hello all,

So at the ripe old age of 50 I am ready to get into the carting scene. I have always wanted to race (anything) and did some dirt bike/quad/3wheeler stuff BITD. I am finally financially able to have such a hobby (albeit a bit late in life) and could use some help.

In addition to being a bit old, I am a bit bigger than most (ok I am a lurch in the carting world at 6-3, 250#) so I am wondering if there is one class/kart that would be better than another all things considered. I have done a bit of the indoor stuff, but my size and weight seem to be a double penalty. I don't really fit in the kart so I am a bit uncomfortable, and the guys that are a couple of seconds faster are also 150 pounds lighter.

I am of reasonable intelligence (unless you ask my wife) and fairly mechanical (if you ask my grandkids) especially when I have a bit of help. I also want to sort this whole process out as I have a 5 year old grandson that I would like to introduce to the world of motor sports very soon, and grandpa wants to have his stuff together first before trying to help him along the path.

It seems that TAG and shifter are viable options although I am unsure which class(es) within those that I would fit, and if there is any crossover for chassis/motors/etc or other parts to the kids arena from the fatboy side moving forward? I also don't want to be the only guy racing in a class (just because it fits my demographic) even if  that means back of the pack for awhile. I am a native east county boy and would like to start with the local San Diego stuff.

Any advice or leads on equipment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!! And Merry Christmas.

[ebr]

Jul 17, 2014 9:34:14 GMT -8 tnk said:

2006 Arrow Bmax TAG kart with Leopard 125cc.  Mychron3 and spare parts.  Proven race kart.  View AttachmentView Attachment

this is a great kart set up for sale

[oldrookie]

Thanks EBR looks like a good way to get started. Does this (or any) chassis have the ability to be adjusted for driver size? What class would you suggest in this kart? (I will ask tnk also).

si

[phil]

Oldrookie,

50 is just the right age to start, so that is not an issue.
Yes, there are seats that will fit you, so that is not a problem either
Good advice would be to come out to a couple races and ask whatever questions you have and really see what the sport is about.
The Kart ebr mentioned, is a good affordable start.
San Diego is a good place to start racing. If you get of the track ( and you will) the worst you will likey hit is a cone.
When your grandson is ready, the kid kart classes are very popular. Your Kart will most llikely sit once he starts..

[oldrookie]

Thanks Phil. I do plan on attending the first race to do some recon.