KidKarting during races

[NewB]

Is it possible to get some practice time in at the Q, without having to compete? My son is 9, and is driving a Tony Kart with a Comer80. I am a plus size 250 pounder on a Margay KT-100 3 hole can. We are not ready to race for points...yet. We have been to Miramar and rented Karts previously, but want to get our new toys out to see what we like. Thoughts?

[Geary Launder]

First off...come out and race with the club. There is only one practice day scheduled at the Q this year and that's not until April 27th. ( a Friday). As new racers you will be asked to race as "X" heads meaning that for at least the first three races, you will start all heats and mains at the back of the pack. If after 3 races you feel you are ready, you can jump right into the mix and compete head to head. Some drivers ask for more time (I've seen some go as many as 6 races) before moving up to competing for a pole.

On your KT100, you should be using the pipe and racing in the Formula Y/C Heavy class. The spec pipe is a RLV DD87 with a minimum 12 1/4" flex. If you decide to come out on Saturday, come find me and I can get you set up for the day with a pipe and flex as I have a spare that I keep with me. The total weight for the Y/C class is 400 lbs. If you want to race in the senior sportsman class (which SDKA is not running as a championship class this year) your weight would be 345 lbs.

Like I said in the begining, just come out and race. There are plenty of people around that can help you out and you won't feel out of place. If you have never raced on a cone course the first few times out will be a little wierd tho. The first time you take the track all you see is a sea of cones and it's difficult to see at first where the track goes. Talk to others going out in the same practice session with you and see if you can't get someone to do a lead and follow with you for the first few laps. It will help out a lot. I'm sure you can find someone in the kid class to do the same too. We were all first timers once.

[Mike P]

Thanks for the support! What options or classes are there for my 9 year old? Where can I meet up with you on Saturday?

[Bill Cox]

On the SDKA home page is a link to the 2007 By-Laws & Policies.
Part 100.2 lists the Championship Classes by reference to the IKF Technical Manual published each year. We have summarized the class specifications in the very last section of the By-Laws; beginning on page 66.
There are two choices for a 9-year old: Junior 1 and HPV1 Cadet.
People begin arriving at 6:30am at the Q. The pit area is indicated on the track map; there's a link on the "Schedule/Fees" tab of the SDKA home page (scroll to the bottom).
I believe you'll find the SDKA is a very laid back, friendly, quick to help the newcomers.

[Geary Launder]

My wife and I will be at the track around 6:30. She is the scorekeeper for SDKA. Just look for the old trailer that has Team Barker on the side of it or look for kart #54.

You should find out what your needs are for safety gear for you and your son before Saturday too. For example, your son is required to wear a safety vest along with the usual helmet, suit, gloves and shoes. Your suit, shoes and gloves don't have to be anything fancy, just full body protection from flying debris. The helmets however have to meet certain standards (Snell 2000 or better I believe).

[MikeP]

Thanks for the info... what are the respective class sizes in Formula Y/C Heavy and Junior 1? To re-phrase my original questions, will we be allowed to drive the courses even if our karts are not "by the book" "legal" for whatever reason?

[MikeP]

We'll be on the lookout for you! I just bought my son a Soft Chest Protector, Kidney Belt, Gloves, Helmet and Neck Brace from Cycle Gear. Is the driving suit mandatory, or will jeans and a long sleeve shirt suffice? My Kart came with a DD-87 pipe that was not installed, I put it on this morning. I don't think the header pipe is 12 inches though... How strict are they with the rules if we are not competing for points?

[Bill Cox]

All karts and driver safety equipment must successfully pass Safety Pre-Tech before entering the track. This is for your safety, other drivers and track workers, and a requirement of the insurance underwriter.
Safety Pre-Tech is a requirement each race day; not just a one-time deal.
Though it may seem petty or meddlesome at first, you will come to appreciate things not falling off yours or others karts!

[Rich Pearlman]

Bill,

Be sure to get your 9 year old a decent karting suit and a certified chest protector. You will be happy you did in the unlikely event he should need them.

Both K1Speed (www.k1speed.com) in Carlsbad and Go-Karting (www.go-karting.com) in Vista have suits sized to fit your driver.

-Rich
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Jacob Pearlman
#25 DPK Birel

[Rich Pearlman]

Oops - I meant to address my last comment to MikeP.

I'll bet Bill already knows...

-Rich
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Jacob Pearlman
#25 DPK Birel

[MikeP]

I appreciate all the responses... Safety is important. At this point it looks like we will be spectators. I am afraid that the equipment we have is not up to "club" standards, by the book or otherwise. This is exactly why I tested the waters here first, to avoid being embarassed at the stadium. Out of curiosity, who "approves" the chest protectors? There are no DOT or Snell standards on them that I am aware of.

[MikeP]

Bill,

I understand the need for tech inspections, and am not trying to avoid them. Maybe I misphrased my question... I wanted to know if I can run my Kart at the Q even if (for example) I have a different size header, or tires that are not approved, or use my own gas...etc barring any safety related issues.

Thanks,

Mike

[bob]

i think you can race, just not for points. (you get disqualified) but that doesnt matter for now

[MikeP]

That is exactly what I needed to know!

[Rich Pearlman]

Mike,

Junior Karting Chest Protectors are certified by the SFI Foundation. Check out www.sfifoundation.com.

-Rich

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Jacob Pearlman
#25 DPK Birel

[MikeP]

Thanks for the info... Is this the SFI article?

20.1 Go-Kart Chest Protector, 5-8 Year-Old Driver N/A

Does SDKA is require everyone under 12 to use the SFI approved chest protectors? Or do they abide by SFI standards, and require them for 5-8 yaer olds only?

[MikeP]

Thanks for the info... Is this the SFI article?

20.1 Go-Kart Chest Protector, 5-8 Year-Old Driver N/A

Does SDKA require everyone under 12 to use the SFI approved chest protectors? Or do they abide by SFI standards, and require them for 5-8 year olds only?

[carlos]

Up to 12 need the protector

[Mikep]

Thanks for the clarification...

[Carlos]

No Problem ! any questions just ask Tom ;D