Getting children started in Kart Racing
04-12-2002, 08:13 PM
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Getting children started in Kart Racing
After accompanying me to a few PCA DE events, my almost-5-year-old is expressing a great deal of interest in "my own little racing car". Therefore, I'm starting to investigate possibilities for children in Karting.
I'd love to get feedback and information from Rennlist members who may have guided their own children through this process. I realize that my son may have to wait a couple of years before getting more involved, but I figured that I could get the ball rolling (or is it "wheel turning"
) now.
I've ordered the World Karting Association magazine, and a couple of books to get us started.
Appreciate the help!
I'd love to get feedback and information from Rennlist members who may have guided their own children through this process. I realize that my son may have to wait a couple of years before getting more involved, but I figured that I could get the ball rolling (or is it "wheel turning"
) now.I've ordered the World Karting Association magazine, and a couple of books to get us started.
Appreciate the help!
04-12-2002, 08:35 PM
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I am looking into the same for my grandson who will be 5 this summer (he is the kid in my avatar). There are series for the 5-8 year olds and carts built for them. The better designs have full width crash bars, front and rear. All the major cart mfgs seem to make carts for that age. Find a local cart shop and you will be able to get the magazines and everything else to get into trouble. One of our local shops has a website that might help you windowshop.<a href="http://www.pittsperformance.com" target="_blank">Pitts</a>
04-13-2002, 10:25 AM
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Anir,
Call Dave Schardt, he and his young son do cart racing together. I remember his son out on the track and he couldn't ave been much more than 5 years old. He may still have his "old" cart if they have upgraded him since.
Problem with our area is there isn't a track near by, the closest is close to two hours away.
Greg
Call Dave Schardt, he and his young son do cart racing together. I remember his son out on the track and he couldn't ave been much more than 5 years old. He may still have his "old" cart if they have upgraded him since.
Problem with our area is there isn't a track near by, the closest is close to two hours away.
Greg
04-13-2002, 01:24 PM
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Anir, I was hoping to take my son to some who is almost 5 to some DE and other PCA events this summer, how was the enviorment at an event like a DE for a 5 year old? Jus thought you or anybody else bringing a child to an event might have saome input. TIA
04-13-2002, 01:35 PM
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Dan,
I can't answer for Anir, but I started taking my daughter to the track when she was less than 6 months old, she is almost 4 now. We used the trips as mini vacations. My daughter has been to tracks on the east coast ranging from Watkins Glen down to Sebring. The weekends I don't take her and the wife she gets upset. I thought I could take her to the Dayotna 24 hr race one year but that was way, way too loud. It was my first trip as well, my daughter and wife spent most of the time that weekend shopping or lounging around the hotel.
The club I run with has several guys that bring their kids and they all play together and have a great time. She really likes the Club Race weekends and always cheers for her daddy.
Greg
I can't answer for Anir, but I started taking my daughter to the track when she was less than 6 months old, she is almost 4 now. We used the trips as mini vacations. My daughter has been to tracks on the east coast ranging from Watkins Glen down to Sebring. The weekends I don't take her and the wife she gets upset. I thought I could take her to the Dayotna 24 hr race one year but that was way, way too loud. It was my first trip as well, my daughter and wife spent most of the time that weekend shopping or lounging around the hotel.
The club I run with has several guys that bring their kids and they all play together and have a great time. She really likes the Club Race weekends and always cheers for her daddy.
Greg
04-13-2002, 02:38 PM
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Anir:
It sounds like you and your son are about to step into a whole new world of pure fun. It also sounds like you are looking in the right places for a good start. It’s discussions like these that make me want to have children. Please keep us posted. I really can’t imagine a more fun way to share some time with your kids than by doing something together that is so interactive.
Hank Cohn
It sounds like you and your son are about to step into a whole new world of pure fun. It also sounds like you are looking in the right places for a good start. It’s discussions like these that make me want to have children. Please keep us posted. I really can’t imagine a more fun way to share some time with your kids than by doing something together that is so interactive.
Hank Cohn
04-13-2002, 08:53 PM
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Mark, Greg, and Hank,
Thanks for the helpful replies and words of encouragement. Hank, I'd highly recommend the "having children" endeavor. If you think a Porsche is a cool acquisition, wait till you pair it up with a son or daughter. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> Greg, I'll get in touch with Dave (thanks for the lead!). I need to find a good Kart shop in southern Ohio, southern Indiana, or KY if I'm lucky.
Dan,
I'll echo Greg's comments. DE's are a great place for a "mini vacation" or road trip with the family. I will admit that I had to keep a close eye on my son a couple of times in the paddock when he was only 3 years old, since he tended to get a bit excited with all those beautiful engines singing. Go for it!
BTW, Greg, I think your little missus would make a fine junior racing ace (although you might be looking for an excuse to keep her as far away as possible from Josh, aye?
).
Thanks for the helpful replies and words of encouragement. Hank, I'd highly recommend the "having children" endeavor.
If you think a Porsche is a cool acquisition, wait till you pair it up with a son or daughter. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> Greg, I'll get in touch with Dave (thanks for the lead!). I need to find a good Kart shop in southern Ohio, southern Indiana, or KY if I'm lucky.Dan,
I'll echo Greg's comments. DE's are a great place for a "mini vacation" or road trip with the family. I will admit that I had to keep a close eye on my son a couple of times in the paddock when he was only 3 years old, since he tended to get a bit excited with all those beautiful engines singing. Go for it!
BTW, Greg, I think your little missus would make a fine junior racing ace (although you might be looking for an excuse to keep her as far away as possible from Josh, aye?
).
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04-13-2002, 08:59 PM
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Anir,
I have asked Mallory about driving a go cart and she said she wants to, but we are still working on steering the Barbie Jeep. She has the gas pedal down though.
I know there are some carting shops near Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) just do a search on the web and let me know what you find out. I may be just a year or so behing you and Josh the Posh.
Greg
I have asked Mallory about driving a go cart and she said she wants to, but we are still working on steering the Barbie Jeep. She has the gas pedal down though.
I know there are some carting shops near Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) just do a search on the web and let me know what you find out. I may be just a year or so behing you and Josh the Posh.
Greg
04-13-2002, 09:22 PM
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I started racing Quarter midgets at age 5 or 6. My father had as much fun as I did. The memories have stayed with me for for years, although I doubt that I went as fast as I remember.
Okay, there was a small risk, but worth it.
Okay, there was a small risk, but worth it.
04-14-2002, 02:19 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>If you think a Porsche is a cool acquisition, wait till you pair it up with a son or daughter. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Working on that. I am way ready to be a dad. Way ready.
[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>I need to find a good Kart shop in southern Ohio, southern Indiana, or KY if I'm lucky.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Let me do a little looking around. The Karting Website went off-line not too long ago. That was far and away the best resource on the web for karting.
IIRC Comet Kart Sales is in Indiana. The shop is owned and run by Mark Dismore's father. I think Mark works in the shop and probably runs it these days.
There are a few very very good shops in Ohio as well. One is Adkins (they also have a track - or did anyway). Mosberger sold me my last kart (back in 89) - they are in Ohio as well. Adkins has a very good reputation though.
What you are looking for is what is (or at least was) called a "baby kart." They came out about 10 years ago and were powered by a 50cc engine. They are designed to be raced by 5-7 YO. Before that you had to be 8 to start karting.
I raced karts regularly from 87-89 and off and on after that until 95 when I moved to Houston. Of all training I've had (autocrossing, karting, Spenard-David Racing School, two SCCA schools, a couple of DEs), 99% of what I've learned about driving and racing has come from karting. It is a wonderful training ground. It teaches you do drive. It teaches you to race (which is notably different). It teaches you the benefits of preparation. It teaches you how to set-up a chassis, and more. I absolutely cannot say enough about karting. IMHO more adults should try it before going racing or even attending DEs. It will move you up the learning curve a lot faster than just jumping into cars. And, unless you have a multi-million dollar budget, you won't get more seat time anywhere else.
Let me find you some resources.
<strong>If you think a Porsche is a cool acquisition, wait till you pair it up with a son or daughter. <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Working on that. I am way ready to be a dad. Way ready.
[quote]Originally posted by Anir:
<strong>I need to find a good Kart shop in southern Ohio, southern Indiana, or KY if I'm lucky.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Let me do a little looking around. The Karting Website went off-line not too long ago. That was far and away the best resource on the web for karting.
IIRC Comet Kart Sales is in Indiana. The shop is owned and run by Mark Dismore's father. I think Mark works in the shop and probably runs it these days.
There are a few very very good shops in Ohio as well. One is Adkins (they also have a track - or did anyway). Mosberger sold me my last kart (back in 89) - they are in Ohio as well. Adkins has a very good reputation though.
What you are looking for is what is (or at least was) called a "baby kart." They came out about 10 years ago and were powered by a 50cc engine. They are designed to be raced by 5-7 YO. Before that you had to be 8 to start karting.
I raced karts regularly from 87-89 and off and on after that until 95 when I moved to Houston. Of all training I've had (autocrossing, karting, Spenard-David Racing School, two SCCA schools, a couple of DEs), 99% of what I've learned about driving and racing has come from karting. It is a wonderful training ground. It teaches you do drive. It teaches you to race (which is notably different). It teaches you the benefits of preparation. It teaches you how to set-up a chassis, and more. I absolutely cannot say enough about karting. IMHO more adults should try it before going racing or even attending DEs. It will move you up the learning curve a lot faster than just jumping into cars. And, unless you have a multi-million dollar budget, you won't get more seat time anywhere else.
Let me find you some resources.
04-14-2002, 03:11 PM
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Red,
Cool pics, but definitely not the ones to show my wife as I start the baby racing negotiations!
George,
I really appreciate the detailed reply. I've been told by several experienced track friends and racers that karting is one of the best places to start. It couldn't hurt for me to take a step "backward" (from Porsche DE events)to actually move forward in the long run, and it would give my son the opportunity to participate at some of the same venues as me.
A baby kart sounds like the perfect approach. As it turns out, Comet Kart Sales is about 180 miles from my house, and Adkins is almost 300. Definitely doable if they are the closest top-notch outfits, but it would be great to find something a bit closer in southern Ohio or Kentucky, if possible. It appears that there are several <a href="http://www.galowniamotorsports.com/trackdirectory3.html#kartKY" target="_blank">Kart track possibilities</a> in Kentucky and Ohio, but I haven't found any shops yet.
Again, I really appreciate your help.
Cool pics, but definitely not the ones to show my wife as I start the baby racing negotiations!
George,
I really appreciate the detailed reply. I've been told by several experienced track friends and racers that karting is one of the best places to start. It couldn't hurt for me to take a step "backward" (from Porsche DE events)to actually move forward in the long run, and it would give my son the opportunity to participate at some of the same venues as me.
A baby kart sounds like the perfect approach. As it turns out, Comet Kart Sales is about 180 miles from my house, and Adkins is almost 300. Definitely doable if they are the closest top-notch outfits, but it would be great to find something a bit closer in southern Ohio or Kentucky, if possible. It appears that there are several <a href="http://www.galowniamotorsports.com/trackdirectory3.html#kartKY" target="_blank">Kart track possibilities</a> in Kentucky and Ohio, but I haven't found any shops yet.
Again, I really appreciate your help.
04-14-2002, 07:31 PM
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Anir,
Did you notice that most of the tracks in Ky were dirt courses and most likely ovals? I bet they would be fun but you might get your hair dirty.
If you want to go to one of the local dirt tracks I will go with you one Friday night to Clay City or the track outside Nicholasville. I am sure we could meet some real locals.
Greg
Did you notice that most of the tracks in Ky were dirt courses and most likely ovals? I bet they would be fun but you might get your hair dirty.
If you want to go to one of the local dirt tracks I will go with you one Friday night to Clay City or the track outside Nicholasville. I am sure we could meet some real locals.
Greg
04-14-2002, 11:34 PM
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Greg,
I did notice that, and was not surprised, given where we live. From what I can gather, it's the asphalt "Sprint" karting (road race style) that sounds most interesting. That seems to leave primarily McCracken near Paducah as a Kentucky possibility, although the "pickings" are a bit finer in Ohio and Indiana, as George has suggested.
I did notice that, and was not surprised, given where we live.
From what I can gather, it's the asphalt "Sprint" karting (road race style) that sounds most interesting. That seems to leave primarily McCracken near Paducah as a Kentucky possibility, although the "pickings" are a bit finer in Ohio and Indiana, as George has suggested.
04-14-2002, 11:46 PM
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Paducah is relatively near my home town. If you happen to get a schedule let me know and maybe I can make a trip that way if I will be visiting the parents anyway. You can get to Indy in less time though. I think dirt track cart racing would be fun. We need to check that out, we will drive your car of course.
Greg
Greg
