NEW TO KARTING!!

[Kyle Wright]

Hi!! I'm 15 years old and am turning 16 September 12. I have been very interested in racing for a long time and finally have the chance to get behind the wheel. I at the moment, have no equipment but am trying to become educated with the sport as much as possible. I only have a couple questions:

1.) Would it be more sensible to buy a go-kart first, or join SDKA first?

2.) Paying for my own gear and equipment, what would be the best way to go, buying a used but reliable and fast go-kart?

3.) What are the final determining factors as to decide what class I should race in? Being pretty basic: How do you decide?

[Rich]

Kyle,

A few questions for you first:

1) Have you been going to the SDKA or any other club races?

2) Have you driven/raced a kart or have you been to a kart racing school?

Preliminary answers to your questions

1) It does not matter if you join a club before buying a kart. What is important is that before you buy a kart, that you get to the local tracks and see what is being raced. Equally, if not more important, is to understand what kart shops are at the races and providing trackside support.

2) For a fist kart, you can definetly buy good used equiptment. You will save a bunch of money. Look for used karts from either reputable kart shops or well known and established members of the local karting community.

3) If you are just starting out, I strongly recomend going with HPV-3 and/or 4. The motors are reliable, relatively easy to care for and moderately powered. Also you can race them at almost any club around SoCal. If you are looking for more power, check out Rotax International. It is a growing class. Also you can run the motor in both Rotax and TAG classes.

Depending on how you answer the questions above, we can provide more/refinded suggestions.

-Rich Pearlman
------------------
Jacob Pearlman
#25/#125 DPK/Birel
Jr. Rotax, HPV-2, HPV-4Jr
Junior Supersportsman
Junior Sportsman

[Kyle Wright]

1.) No, I haven't gone to any races yet but am planning to go to a few in the next month or two. Should I be attending club meetings?

2.) I have never been to kart racing school but have raced many different karts here in San Diego and a bunch of times in Colorado. (K1 Speed(2x) and in Denver, the Bandimere go-kart track(5x)

I am paying for all of my equipment and gear, so money should definately be kept in mind. Are maintenance on the karts costly? and can problems occur a lot?

Thank-you very much!!! -Kyle Wright

[Adam Baldwin]

First of, I recommend going to Moran Raceway (www.moranraceway.com) and take the basic class they hold there. Outdoor karting is a lot different than the indoor stuff, and is definitely more competitive and serious...but is also more fun!

A big piece of advice is going and attending all the races you can. Go to the SDKA races, in addition to checking out the others (tri-c, lakc, perris apex-fun series)

If after that you still find that its something your passionate and you want to do, use the connections you make in going to those races (talking to people and asking questions helps! Most everyone is very friendly and helpful) to find a deal on a used kart all the equipment.

Send me an email ([e-mail]) if you need more specific advice and more help. I was in a very similiar position as you (im 16 and spent alot of time going to k1 speed and other indoor stuff before moving up!)

Good luck, see you at the track!
-Adam Baldwin, Topkart #27


fun!

[JPCS7NP]

Kyle,

Take Adam up on his offer to be a resource to you. He went through the exact process you are going to go through. He sought advice from and listened to advice from several people. To reinforce a few key points from Adam:

1) Get to the track(s) and watch some racing.
2) Go to the Moran Race School. It is a great way to get a feel for racing outside.

Ask questions and listed to the answers.

Good Luck!

-Rich Pearlman
------------------
Jacob Pearlman
#25/#125 DPK/Birel
Jr. Rotax, HPV-2, HPV-4Jr
Junior Supersportsman
Junior Sportsman

[Kyle Wright]

Thank-you both of you guys, your advice is really helpful!!! I really appreciate it. I am and will definately start going to some races. I would love to do the Moran Racing School, but the only problem is that the Moran track is very far away from where I live and getting there would be difficult. Is the racing school only in the summer or can you choose to do it any time?

[Adam Badlwin]

Classes go year round. Yes, it is pretty far away (1 hour, 30 minutes for me) but its well worth the drive. Moran is a beautiful track!