trying to understand the different classes

[daygovr6]

Im new to karting and trying to read as much info as I can Im trying to understand certian differences between each of the classes. Is there a place somewhere on the net that describes them?

Im 29 and Im also 6 foot 2ish are there any taller guys out there that recommend a specific chassis? My karting expirence has only been the indoor stuff around socal and I want to get more into the faster karts, Im not looking to get into a shifter just yet.

Any websites I can go to or info is appreciated thanks

[1laptech]

Hello,
You can always get a kart and many offer an extended porch that adds front length to a kart for taller people. I would go for the Rotax class, which is a sealed motor and has electric start and their are several karts available used. The rotax is also the biggest class for entries withdifferent weights. If you also look @ our website the classes are broken down. I hope this helps. You could always give me a call if you have specific questions.

Tom @ Lap Tech
858-259-8324

[Hal Haley]

daygovr6,

> Im 29 and Im also 6 foot 2ish are there any taller guys out there
> that recommend a specific chassis?

My son is 6'1", and is a very tight fit in the Sodi chassis. Sodi apparently doesn't offer an extended front porch, but I believe most manufacturers do. It's not just length though - practical (useable) width is a factor for leg room. You'll want to at least sit in the chassis, and better to test-drive it, because the g-forces sometimes put limbs in places you wouldn't expect. Keep in mind that taller drivers may need a different seat, different seat placement and different weight placement. There are some tall drivers in the club - one of them should be able to give you a heads-up on good chassis for tall drivers. Also you might try searching the forums on ekartingnews.com for tall drivers.

> My karting expirence has only been the indoor stuff

A great start - but now the real fun starts! If you have not driven a two-stroke racing kart I'd recommend at least a track day or two with a rental, and perhaps a kart school. But come down to the next race for sure, and ask everyone you see how much fun their having and why they're having it.

Hal

[Jeff Shadoan]

Rotax is a great class. If you are looking for a great condition used kart let me know. I have two that I'm selling. Both are set-up for Rotax. One is a "First Kart" chassis that I've been running this year ... (2) first place and (2) second place finishes. The other is a "KRT" that I ran last year in TaG ... multiple pole positions, wins and fast laps.

One of the great things about a Rotax engine is that you can run it in a Rotax-only class/series or in a TaG class/series.

If you would like some info on either of them you can reach me at 619-916-8076 or [e-mail]

I will be posting classifieds in the next week or two ... I have too many karts and need to blow these out. I can include a ton of spare parts to help you get started.

Thanks,
Jeff Shadoan

[Hal Haley]

daygovr6,

I agree with Tom and Jeff that you should take a look at Rotax. And the first thing I'd do is give Jeff a call. We found his help invaluable in our rookie season last year. We bought our Rotax engine from him, and it was one of the best decisions we've made in karting. Jeff's equipment, whatever he might have available, will be the most meticulously maintained you'll find anywhere.

Hal

[daygovr6]

thanks for the info guys .....I keep seeing "TaG" reffered to as Touch and Go - are they literally a no throttle play type kart - meaning you touch the throttle and you are at WOT immediately?

Im hoping to do either Jim Hall or Bondurant in the next couple of months kinda wish Moran was still around - has anyone driven at La Grange? Looks like a pretty top notch facility.

[guest]

IIRC, "TAG" refers to the electric start feature on these karts. Just touch the start button and "go".

Before you dump a large sum into a kart, you may want to rent one at an SDKA event. From the home page on the web site:

Rent a Rotax DD2 kart and race with SDKA. Rental price is only $150. For details contact Jermie Meyer with SSC Racing at 760-864-1320 ext.209 or [e-mail]. Additional information available in the SDKA Forum.

hth

[Jeff Shadoan]

TaG is the acronym for "Touch and Go" which refers to karts with an on-board electric starter vs. karts that require a remote hand-held starter (ie HPV and Formula Y/C).

Rotax have an on-board electric starter so they are legal for use in TaG classes. Rotax also has its own series and classes where the only legal motors are Rotax (other TaG motors are not legal). This makes the Rotax very flexible ... it opens up the selection of clubs and classes where you can race.

The DD2 is a 2-speed direct drive Rotax kart. It is quite different from the regular Rotax motor. It also requires a special chassis that can only be used with a DD2 motor. They are quite expensive. There aren't very many DD2's around ... the only ones we see at SDKA are the rentals from SSC.

You should really consider the karting classes at Apex Raceway in Perris, CA. Dave DiMond (the owner) is a great guy. I would recommend Apex over Jim Hall (I did the Jim Hall school when I started karting 7 years ago).

Here's a link: www.apexracing.com/getstarted.html

You should come out to Qualcomm stadium for our next race on July 20th. Hang out, ask some questions and watch some good racing.

Jul 1, 2008 7:50:25 GMT -8 daygovr6 said:

thanks for the info guys .....I keep seeing "TaG" reffered to as Touch and Go - are they literally a no throttle play type kart - meaning you touch the throttle and you are at WOT immediately?

Im hoping to do either Jim Hall or Bondurant in the next couple of months kinda wish Moran was still around - has anyone driven at La Grange? Looks like a pretty top notch facility.

[daygovr6]

ok thanks Jeff that makes sense now .......