The Basics Of Karting - Kart Racing A To Z

Karting has become much more technical and specialized over the past 20 years. Just as in every other form of racing, computers and electronics are playing a greater role. It is more common than not to find a good number of computers in the pits downloading information from the last session on the track. This is a good thing, as racing electronics play a very important part in professional racing. It is also good that tomorrow's drivers and crewchiefs can become knowledgeable early in their careers about the use of computer data acquisition and analysis of race data.

From the perspective of a new karter, a computer and DA system is pretty low on the list of priorities. Resources should be directed to parts that will aid in getting more track time. New racers need as much seat time as possible. That is one of the really great things about karting-track time is much easier to get than in almost any other form of motorsport. You can get practice time for a nominal fee. In Sprint racing, it is often possible to go to the track and practice all day for a fee of $15-$25. Compared to what it costs to rent a big track, this is very reasonable.

Here is an example of how much of a deal karting can be, in comparison to renting a big track. I was once involved in a semi-closed practice session at a track that hosts NASCAR Nextel Cup races. The test session fee of $2,000 covered one car for one day. Bear in mind there were seven other teams at this session, so getting a driver some seat time on the track is very expensive. That makes renting a kart track for practice cheaper than buying lunch for the crew. Karting can be a real deal in comparison.

There was a time when you could buy a Sprint kart and cross over to race an occasional Speedway or Road Race. Crossing over is not really a possibility anymore, as the karts are just too specialized for the specific type of racing they do. You can still Road Race with a Sprint kart, as there are some classes that allow you to at least try Road Racing with a Sprinter. Just do not expect to win without some serious changes to the kart.

Karting has a good bit to offer the racer. If you just want to drive a high-performance wheeled vehicle, a kart is ideal. If you want to get started in racing without having to sell the farm to accomplish that task, karting offers you a great way to get a taste. As with any racing effort, you will find people who are casual racers and some who are over the edge. You can race a kart as often as your pocketbook allows. If you are willing to travel, you can race every weekend of the year. Traveling to races is a great way to see the country. The only problem is you will see it at night.

You really owe it to yourself to give karting a try if you are considering starting a racing program. The racing skills you learn in karting are completely transferable to larger race cars. Many karters who have made the progression to the larger formulas, such as Sprint Cars, Stock Cars, Sports Cars, and even Indy Cars, say that the karting experience was a very valuable and worthwhile endeavor. In fact, many of them still keep a kart around to stay sharp. If you want to drive, karts are a great way to start.

The following are questions you need to ask before going kart racing:

· What kind of racing is going on in your area?
· How close is the nearest kart track? This detail can put the whole adventure into a different perspective if you have to drive four hours each way to race.
· Do you have the tools and the room to support a race car?
· Have you priced tools lately? They can be expensive.
· Do you have a vehicle and trailer to transport a kart to the track?
· Do you have enough friends who would be willing to give up their weekends to help you go racing?

Karting is a global sport. In Europe, karting is just as legitimate as NASCAR, IRL, and the World of Outlaws are here. Karts may have been invented and popularized here in the United States, but the Europeans have taken karting to the next level. Mercedes Benz even sponsors a karting team to develop drivers for the higher formulas. It is no secret that the majority of today's F1 drivers started in karts, and many of today's NASCAR stars have karting backgrounds. This is significant because a good bit of karting technology and equipment comes out of Europe and Asia, and not all of the karts you will be looking at will be made in America. The majority of the tires used in karting are made offshore. Some are made in the U.S., but the majority come from overseas.

Karting can be a family sport, but issues arise when Mom or a brother or sister decide they do not like going to the track. Then it becomes a selfish sport. On the positive side, many families are very supportive of family members racing. Just remember that the pendulum swings both ways, and you need to be sensitive to the needs of the whole family, not just the race-crazed side.

Here are several words of caution about purchasing used stuff. Why the sale? Is he or she getting out of karting, or are they getting ready to upgrade their equipment? Either scenario can be good for the purchaser, but if they are just upgrading, some of the parts they sell will not be their best stuff. You can be quite sure that any engines you will be purchasing will not be their best. As with all purchases, either new or used, education is your best friend. Do not let your haste to get on the track allow your emotions to overrule your brain.

Next month: A closer look at karting technology.