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Post by David Chong on Dec 9, 2008 15:27:36 GMT -8
I know that racing and budgets are diametrically opposed, so don't take the title too seriously. I am considering karting and would appreciate some advice.
I am in my mid 30's, and I have run NASA, ASA, and SCCA sports cars since I was a pup. I moved down to San Diego 3 years ago and have been mourning the loss of proximity to racetracks. I have dabbled in autocross, but the disciplines are different and there's little comparison to the thrill of wheel to wheel racing. It doesn't appear that SD County is going to approve a new track anytime soon, so as far as I can tell, karting is my only hope for a local fix for my racing addiction.
Since I do still own and race full size cars, any karting campaign will have to be a budgeted exercise, at least at first. I found a "Tony Kart" with a "Sanner 100cc Yamaha motor". Would this qualify for the Y/C Heavy class?
My objective is to get into something that I could actually take out on the track with you guys for around a grand. A rental would be even better, but I'm not seeing any opportunities for that. Is that realistic, or not? I am sure some will say, "just spend $2500 and be done with it," but they are not privvy to my financial choices, and the translation to $2500 is that I don't get to go kart racing.
Any input other than flaming appreciated. Hope you all had a great 2008 racing season!
Regards,
David Chong
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Post by numba1racer on Dec 9, 2008 19:41:49 GMT -8
If you want to race at "real" tracks, your best choice is tri-c karters (racing at riverside, apple valley, fontana) or lakc (fontana) because sdka doesnt go to "real" tracks very often. A good choice of class would be HPV or even World Formula (which is inexpensive and has A LOT of competiters). Though I am not sure if sdka is offering these classes in 2009 nor do i know what tracks sdka will race at
and yes you should be able to find A $2500 package if you take your time and find a good deal
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Post by numba1racer on Dec 9, 2008 19:43:40 GMT -8
oh also...if you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere, race at sdka. you get a lot of track time too. some of the parking lot tracks are fast and fun!
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Post by David Chong on Dec 9, 2008 19:55:56 GMT -8
Hi, and thanks for the replies. I tried to be specific in my post, but I'm sorry if I was not clear... your answers are all exactly what I am NOT looking for, lol!
I am looking for local racing, not dedicated race tracks. I already put in road course track time and if I were making that trek it would be to race my full size race car. What I am looking for is wheel to wheel racing on a regular basis that doesn't require blowing Friday afternoon through Sunday late night going to and from Auto Club Speedway or Willow Springs. AFAIK SDKA at the Q is the only option for that.
And as I said... if it takes a $2500 package then I am probably not going to go karting, at least not in the next couple seasons. If it is anything like campaigning any other race vehicle I've ever run, the purchase price to get into the kit is less than half the price to compete.
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Post by David Chong on Dec 10, 2008 13:15:06 GMT -8
Perhaps I should simplify the question: I found a "Tony Kart" with a "Sanner 100cc Yamaha motor". Would this qualify for the Y/C Heavy class? Thanks, David |
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Post by Mike Campbell on Dec 10, 2008 18:09:09 GMT -8
It is nice to see new people interested in racing with us. I always tell people that buying a used go kart is like buying a used anything else, there are deals out there if you can find them. If you have a line on a tony kart with a Sanner engine that fits your budget you have done well. I have been with Alex for many years, a great help. I am the one that wanted forumla y to have it's own race, that is just because it didn't seem right we didn't get a green flag for our class sometimes. Looking back I don't think it really mattered, once there is a green your racin, and racin at the stadium isn't that bad in my opinion. Lot's of different track set ups and it's close to home. Alex would probably know the history of the kart and engine your thinking of, give him a call 1-951-678-7570.
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Post by Mike Campbell on Dec 10, 2008 18:11:59 GMT -8
Oh yeah, the answer is yes with the right pipe and clutch.
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Post by David Chong on Dec 12, 2008 16:55:08 GMT -8
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Post by guest on Dec 12, 2008 19:31:02 GMT -8
Doing your homework before getting into this is a good idea. Alot of your questions can be answered by looking at the "club info" and "classes" links of the S.D.K.A. website.
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Post by David Chong on Dec 12, 2008 20:21:55 GMT -8
Yes, I have thoroughly reviewed club info, FAQ, classes, class rules, and even the IKF site and TAG USA engine rules. Since I don't know these engines, don't know what else they might be called, and don't know the lingo, I'm asking for help. And guess what? Not every question is addressed by the site or the rules, jack@zz. For example, try and find the class rules for HPV4 in the Classes document. They are not there. Funny - there are HPV4 class results for 2008! So I know you run a class by this name, but there are no rules for it. Thus I asked about a kart class. Your glib "newbie go home" answer fails. Since we're suggesting light reading to each other, how about you take a gander at this subforum's label, which happens to be "New to Karting." To paraphrase you, Mr. "Guest"... A lot of your smugness can be addressed if you do your homework before flaming newbies by looking at this forum's subtitle, which states "Have questions? Post them here for helpful advice." Lastly, note that when I stated in the original post that any input other than flaming would be appreciated, I put that in there especially for you. Nice anonymous post.  BTW, "A lot" is two words. |
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Post by guest on Dec 12, 2008 21:48:34 GMT -8
Honestly just trying to help, wish I had all the answeres for you. The information is out there, I can't answer all your questions, but I'm looking forward to being on the track with you!!
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Post by kwright47 on Dec 12, 2008 21:54:48 GMT -8
David, the reason the HPV-4 class doesn't have rules stated on the website is because it is not considered a "Championship Class." This is due to the fact that there has not been enough consistent drivers in this class to form a "Championship Class." As stated in the By-Laws: "If three entrants present themselves for a class, they will be placed in the race order for the day. If they present themselves for 51% of the scheduled events, a Championship Class shall be established by the Board of Directors." This past season, HPV-4 and Formula Y/C were run together. Your budget definitely limits your choices for buying a kart, but there are most certainly good quality cheap karts out there. Keep in mind that the older the chassis/motor, the more prone things are to break and go wrong, which esentialy leads to more money out of your pocket. The Yamaha and HPV classes are definitely the way to go pricewise. They are VERY low maintenance and low budget classes(and also very competative!). Yes, that Tony Kart with the Sanner 100cc Yamaha Motor qualifies for the Formula Y/C class. Honestly David, I am not sure if that TIBI kart with the 100cc PRD engine would qualify. If it does, it most definitely qualifies for the HPV class. Since, SDKA runs the HPV-3/4 pipe for the senior class (16 and up), you could always just throw on an HPV-3 or 4 pipe instead of the can thats currently on there. With the situation you are in, SDKA is right down your path. Compared to other clubs, it is a relaxed, and EXTREMELY fun club to race with. If I were in your position, and depending on how much you have looked, I would definitely keep searching to find the best deal (I promise you they are out there!). Check Out: - SDKA Classifieds - Tri-C Classifieds... www.tri-ckarters.com- E-Karting News Classifieds... www.ekartingnews.com- LAKC Classifieds... www.lakc.org- Craigslist Do as much research as you can, it always makes things a million times easier. Hope this all helped! Kyle Wright (Top Kart #47, HPV-3/4) |
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Post by guest on Dec 12, 2008 22:23:51 GMT -8
;D Oh, and by the way "baby karts are very inexpensive"
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Post by David Chong on Dec 12, 2008 23:14:30 GMT -8
Excellent info Kyle, thanks very much for taking the time. I'm trying to find HPV rules now. I have no idea what a PRD engine is...  KT100 is so much easier to understand based on what I know so far since I can just look for a Yamaha 100cc motor and I know I am at least in the ballpark, even if I need to work on an airbox and pipe. Not sure what the 787 is. To Guest... let's race on Thomas the Train learn-to-walk baby karts. I'll spot you the pole. |
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Post by kwright47 on Dec 13, 2008 0:17:53 GMT -8
David,
Here are most of the rules for the Senior HPV class (HPV-4):
Competition Age: 16 and up
Weight: 340 lbs minimum kart and driver combined
Tires: Bridgestone YHC, or Maxxis MH or HG3
Engine: HPV-100, HPV-4 Spec Exhaust and Carb
Maximum Rear Track Width: 55-1/8
Clutch: Spec HPV Clutch
Fuel: VP110 w/ Maxima 927 or Burris Hi-Rev Castor - 8 ounces per gallon
All of this information above is refering to this years season. These specs are subject to change for next season but most likely not too dramatically. I do not know next seasons specs for this class (or any class) because they have not been announced yet. This info is very accurate though.
The nice part about the HPV classes are that it is easy to switch around. Going from the HPV-3 pipe to the HPV-4 pipe is a breeze. It's a simple change of the pipe and the flex. You don't have to touch the carb. If you do decide to buy a kart with an HPV100 engine, and it doesn't come with the pipe you want, you can always buy the pipe separately. It is an extremely versatile class.
Kyle Wright
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Post by kbates20 on Dec 13, 2008 23:31:46 GMT -8
I will be renting out a kart next season by the race if you would be interested. It will be for the HPV4 class...send me and e-mail if you would be interested....
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BTW, "A lot" is two words.
