karting
#2
#3
Mike,
Whereabouts do you live?
I'm in MA and there are several tracks:
www.f1boston.com (indoors)
www.f1outdoors.com (very nice outdoor track)
www.ovrp.com (outdoor track, with shop and school).
My 11 year old son does indoor and outdoor karting (currently owns an 80cc CRG Cadet); I've done a few as a 'ringer' for Corporate Challenges and done some enduros with the local Porsche Club. It's a lot of fun, but it will tire you out!
Whereabouts do you live?
I'm in MA and there are several tracks:
www.f1boston.com (indoors)
www.f1outdoors.com (very nice outdoor track)
www.ovrp.com (outdoor track, with shop and school).
My 11 year old son does indoor and outdoor karting (currently owns an 80cc CRG Cadet); I've done a few as a 'ringer' for Corporate Challenges and done some enduros with the local Porsche Club. It's a lot of fun, but it will tire you out!
#6
Originally Posted by mikew968
I'm in Cincinnati and there is a track about 1 hour away at Camden. I'm sure there are others. Any idea on shifter vs clutch or generally what brand kart to buy?
Absolutely do not start out in a shifter kart. It would be like starting your racing career in an F1 car.
I'm not sure about forums, but here's a good web site to start with:
http://www.ekartingnews.com/
I've been out of karting for almost 10 years now, but from everything I have heard, the Rotax class is the way to go. It's a spec class with an engine that makes nearly 30 hp and only needs rebuilding about every 2 seasons. But check with the club at Camden and find out what they are running. It's more important to find a popular class. This will mean a lot of competition and probably a lot of quality used equipment out there.
Speaking of used equipment, if you are just getting into karting, I highly recommend to buy used (1-3 years old). Quality used equipment will be better than the driver will be for a while and it will probably take a year to really be able to fully take advantage of new equipment.
Karting is a great way to learn to race. I highly recommend it.
#7
I agree, Rotax is a good choice.
I have seen people start 2 ways:
1. 125 Rotax non shifter, watercooled (with or without power valve on engine....just bolts on). Say $5K for a new kart....then add padded seat, AIM MyChron data acq.....you get the idea.
http://www.bergfeltracing.com/crgracingkarts.html
2. Rotax 2 speed water cooled (paddle shifter) RM-1. About $9K out the door.
http://www.rm1-kart.com/index.html
(My son's 80cc CRG Cadet was $3500 with padded seat and data acquisition...you can download your session as a track map to your PC and analyzer everything).
Rotax is normally a sealed engine class, do you don't have to get into blueprinting engines, etc.
I suppose you could start here:
http://www.worldkarting.com/
and see what's in your area for tracks, series, rules, etc.
I have seen people start 2 ways:
1. 125 Rotax non shifter, watercooled (with or without power valve on engine....just bolts on). Say $5K for a new kart....then add padded seat, AIM MyChron data acq.....you get the idea.
http://www.bergfeltracing.com/crgracingkarts.html
2. Rotax 2 speed water cooled (paddle shifter) RM-1. About $9K out the door.
http://www.rm1-kart.com/index.html
(My son's 80cc CRG Cadet was $3500 with padded seat and data acquisition...you can download your session as a track map to your PC and analyzer everything).
Rotax is normally a sealed engine class, do you don't have to get into blueprinting engines, etc.
I suppose you could start here:
http://www.worldkarting.com/
and see what's in your area for tracks, series, rules, etc.
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#10
My brother-in-law races on a track just north of Circleville, Ohio on SR 23 (about 2 hours from Cincy). There's usually a lot of acrtivity there on any given weekend in the summer months. There's always someone with karts/trailers for sale. I also remember an indoor track with electric karts on Red Bank Road in Cincy a few years back - I don't know if it's still there. It was an arrive and drive set-up. If your interested in more information on Circleville - send me a PM and I'll speak with my brother-in-law.
Chip
Chip
#11
Chip,
I live in Lexington, and would love more information on the Circleville track if it's not too much trouble. I've been meaning to get my son up to Camden. He turns 7 y.o. tomorrow, and has been expressing in interest in getting a "baby race car".
Addendum: Found a good primer on Cincy karting
I live in Lexington, and would love more information on the Circleville track if it's not too much trouble. I've been meaning to get my son up to Camden. He turns 7 y.o. tomorrow, and has been expressing in interest in getting a "baby race car".
Addendum: Found a good primer on Cincy karting
#12
You can't really learn that much with an "arrive and drive" kart. Other things to be learned are working your set-up and preparation. They are also a large part of racing and karting can teach you a lot about it.
#13
Originally Posted by Chipster
My brother-in-law races on a track just north of Circleville, Ohio on SR 23 (about 2 hours from Cincy). There's usually a lot of acrtivity there on any given weekend in the summer months. There's always someone with karts/trailers for sale. I also remember an indoor track with electric karts on Red Bank Road in Cincy a few years back - I don't know if it's still there. It was an arrive and drive set-up. If your interested in more information on Circleville - send me a PM and I'll speak with my brother-in-law.
Chip
Chip
- TJ
#15
Mike,
You might give Norm Goldrich a call. He's right there in Cincinnati and has, in the past, used carts a lot for training. Great guy and I'm sure he would be more than pleased to share his knowledge.
Dave
You might give Norm Goldrich a call. He's right there in Cincinnati and has, in the past, used carts a lot for training. Great guy and I'm sure he would be more than pleased to share his knowledge.
Dave