New to karting

[danielhfranks]

Hey everyone,

New to karting and wanted to say hello. I'm looking to hopefully get into it and purchase a kart myself and had a few questions.

My background in karting is minimal, being K1 Speed and a few other tracks, but never anything bigger. I owned and ran an auto-x/track BMW E30 for a while and loved it, but sold it and think karting would be the way to go for me instead. I plan on going out to Apex and trying out a kart soon.

So anyways,

Starting, what would everyone recommend? It seems as though HPV 4 is a lot of peoples suggestion. I plan on coming down to the next race and asking questions and watching. Any info would be greatly appreciated, and I'll continue reading more and more till than.

Also, what helmet and fire suit ratings are needed while racing karts? Want to see if my current helmet is good, or if its overkill.

Thanks in advance

[David Chong]

Welcome, Daniel! Three months ago, I took the same plunge you are contemplating, and did it with 3 buddies at the same time. Some of our group came from a similar background, with SCCA Solo 2 and indoor karting experience. Right up front, I want to tell you: Go for it! It's a wonderful thing to buy an entire race vehicle for roughly the cost of a set of racing tires on your autocross car. ;D

Every single class has something to offer, depending upon your goals, budget, and tolerance for wrenching (maintaining and repairing) on the kart between races. Our group happened to choose the Yamaha Super Sportsman (4 hole can) class. Our whole goal was to get on track and stay on track as inexpensively as possible, while having as much fun as possible. We chose the Yamaha package because, since it is an older design, people have "moved on" to HPV and TAG, leaving many used KT100's available. We are into ours for less than $1500 each, race-ready, and we expect our motors to last over a season.

There is also a Yamaha Formula Y/C Heavy class, which generates more power out of the KT100. It runs at a heavier weight, so if you are over 200 lbs you may consider that class. The higher power taxes the motor more, so you will be rebuilding it more often. There are more complexities and more tuning options with the Formula Y package, which is nice if you are interested in fiddling with the drivetrain to search for more power.

The HPV motors are a different animal, and newer tech. They go longer between maintenance cycles, and have more top-end power but less torque on the bottom than the Yamahas.

If you are ready to spend more money, look at TAG or Rotax. I would recommend against shifter karts unless you are ready to dive in the deep end right away on learning to prepare and maintain a kart.

We'd love to have you in the Yamaha Super Sportsman class. There are 5 of us noobs in this class this year, and we all pit together and have a wonderful time helping each other out. It's fun to all be at the same beginner stage together. We just started at the beginning of the season (2 races ago), and last race was the first time we all managed to get out on track at the same time.

Feel free to email me and I'd be happy to share more.

Regards,
David

[David Chong]

By the way, our group is headed up to Apex on the 28th of this month. You are welcome to join us.

[danielhfranks]

First and foremost, thanks David-

Actually just walked in from Adams Kart Track out in Riverside. Planned on stopping at Apex, but didn't have time and they were doing a practice.

I'm 5'8" 145lbs so the heavier class would probably not be for me, but the Yamaha class sounds like a reasonable start. I read your old threads and it got me thinking. I may have to join you the 28th. Seems like a very good time.

Can you point me to any of the yamaha karts for sale? Im curious to see what you get for your money.

Thanks again

[kbates20]

hey if your interested in HPV4 i have a kart for sale.....selling cheap...its posted in the classified section... [e-mail]

[David Chong]

Awesome, Daniel.

I know of a sweet KT100 Tony Kart for sale by a local kart shop for about $1400 race-ready but with no extras, so you would be buying a starter, a stand, and probably a few other extras.

On the other side of the coin, I know of a guy who has been trying for over 3 months to sell an older (1995?) kart, also with a KT100. His kart comes with a starter, stand, and some other items. The motor is from a reputable engine tuner and supposedly runs, but if I were buying it, based upon experience, I would probably do a a top-end rebuild (figure $225, and I know a local that can do it for you). You could probably steal this kart and all for $600.

Other deals are pretty easy to find on Yamahas... like I said, people sell these when they move to faster classes:
inlandempire.craigslist.org/rvs/1070924827.html
inlandempire.craigslist.org/rvs/1062335498.html
inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1058381934.html

Once you get a kart, I would be happy to help if you want it. I have bought a stash of used equipment to help our 4 guys get up and running, and you can pick from it on the cheap. I have used seats in almost every size from XXL down to kid's sizes, so if your new kart's seat doesn't fit don't sweat buying a $200 seat. If you can bring the kart over, we can help you mount the seat properly, prep the kart to pass tech inspection, show you how to mount tires, and make sure you are good to go. I live near La Mesa and we are over here all the time working on race cars and go karts.

Whatever I can do to help you get started, I will try. Send me an email and I'll give you my phone number. I have been racing for 20 years, and this year it's been like falling in love all over again, thanks to good wheel to wheel racing, great people, and a price point that is much, much lower than I face in my full size car racing. So I love sharing the joy, and it is my pleasure to help others get into the game. Especially when it means more dudes to go have fun with on the racetrack!

Regards,
David

[David Chong]

Mar 18, 2009 12:07:16 GMT -8 danielhfranks said:

Also, what helmet and fire suit ratings are needed while racing karts? Want to see if my current helmet is good, or if its overkill.

Thanks in advance

Sorry I skipped this. No firesuit - you need an abrasion-resistant suit. You can get an entry-level karting suit for around $100. Wearing a fire-rated suit is a waste of money because it doesn't protect you from karting hazards, and it costs much more than a karting suit so you are out more money if you wreck it. Plus, the grime you are bound to get on it will harm its fire resistant properties.

Helmet is good if it is M2000+ or SA2000+ this year. Anything Snell 2000 or later. DOT is not good enough, it must be Snell rated. After the end of this year, it will go to Snell 2005 minimum, so if you are buying a new helmet make sure it is 2005.

[danielhfranks]

Thanks David...

So basically buy a M2005 or SA2005 helmet for sure?

Kevin, checked out your kart, emailed you as well.

Now one last question, if anyone could help that would be great. What are the dimensions of your kart? Front and rear width and overall length? Im trying to figure out how I could get it into the back of my car.

Thanks again everyone

[David Chong]

My KRT is a shade over 55" rear width, and front width varies but it is around 3'6", and length is 6'. Most karts are pretty close to those dimensions.

It's pretty easy to drop 12" off the width by pulling the sidepods and taking the rear tires off; that takes less than 5 minutes with 8 nuts. You can also save about 6" in length by popping off the nose.

[danielhfranks]

Hey David,

Thanks for the dimensions. If you are right with the knocking off a foot thing in the rear, than the kart should slide into my element perfectly. I have roughly 44 inches straight across to work with, so wasn't sure if it would be possible to get it in flat, but I was sure it would be easy at an angle. Thanks for measuring for me. Ill email you when I talk to that other guy by the way-

Daniel

[Jeff Shadoan]

Daniel,
If you do like David said and remove the side pods plus remove the rear hubs/wheels (slide the hubs off the axle) then the widest point will be less than 42". Axles range in length from 1000 to 1060 mm so the widest axle is just under 42".
If your Element is 44" then you are good to go.

Jeff

[chavisan]

I would love to get into karting. I am located in El Centro, CA. and I plan to go the the April 25th race with a couple of friends to go watch and try to get some advice. I basically want to get my friends involve because just going at it alone doesn't make sense plus we can have fun while at it. I don't have any racing experience at all but I am looking for something to do away from my current hobby which is taking a toll on me.

I found this kart on craiglist inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1117683446.html

My plan is getting a kart next month before the May race and maybe be ready to race on that race. I am kind of big at 220 but I can lower my weight for sure if necessary.

Any advice and/or mentoring on Saturday could be really appreciated from any of you guys.

[Geary Launder]

I took a look at the link you posted. Presuming that since there is a teen sized driving suit included in the package, I would think that the chassis is a cadet and not a senior (or adult). My opionion is to keep looking. I think you will find that this particular kart will have your knees up into the steering wheel and if you weigh in at 220, I don't think the seat will even fit you.

Ask around at the race on Saturday. I'm sure there are plenty of club members that have used equipment they are still trying to sell. Not only will they point you in the right direction, they can help get you prepared to race (pass pre-race tech and the like).

There are a few classes designed for the larger driver: Formula Y/C, TAG Senior, 125cc Stock Heavy. Starting out, you should probably stay away from the shifter class. TAG is popular and easy to work with and the Formula Y/C class is fairly inexpensive to run once you get started.

Hope this helps.

[Bill Walsh]

Hello all.
I just wanted to post about my first race with SDKA. First, I must thank everyone who worked to put on such an outstanding event. I cannot believe how much fun I had.

Being new to karting, I was a little nervous at first. I practiced on Friday with the pro kart shifters, and after that, the rush of racing kicked in. I'm hooked for life. If anyone out there is thinking about karting, quit thinking about it, just do it!!!! You will not find a nicer group of people to have fun with.

I am racing in Formula YC class. For my first time in a kart I think I did ok. I didn't crash anyone, but I did spinout more than once. I can see that it's all about seat time. I managed to finish all the laps in my races. I also had a great 2 lap battle with David, that is what it's all about and I want more of that. I think I even scored points.

I also want to thank Geary. You made it easy for a rookie to go racing. That's all for now. See you at the track!!!! Bill 4X

[David Chong]

Bill, for the record, you had a fantastic outing, first time or no. It was so great to see the smile on your face after our battle - that was some fantastic racing! I had a great time running with you. You represented yourself very well, and I never felt uneasy around you out there even though we were pushing it pretty hard together.

I think your spins are a good thing. If you didn't spin it, that would mean that you weren't pushing it. By spinning out a few times, you find out where the limit is so that next time you can get right up to it without crossing over. Next time you are out, ask someone (or me, if you pit nearby) to look over your kart, as well. If it's a setup issue, it may be that a pound or two higher pressure in the rear tires or a change in your front or rear width will tighten up the kart and help you avoid spinning.

I am new to karting myself, but I do have some previous racing experience that has helped me find a little speed. Next race, if you are interested, you are welcome to follow me around the track during a practice session or something and follow my line. Mike Campbell would be an even better guy to follow, but with his faster class you'll probably lose sight of him; with my slower exhaust setup, even if you blow a corner you can just catch back up in the straight.

Anyway, I had a blast running with you - I was sorry to see you drop back! We probably could have kept at it the rest of the race.