MJP911

Sounds like great fun - my son is 7 and our local kart track requires kids to be 8 - can't wait.

ltc

What track is that?

50cc Kid Kart is 5-8 and nationally recognized.

kush07

Looks like a blast.

I'd like to bring some buddies to a kart track this summer. We're in Westchester NY. I see OVRP and Englishtown listed above, and I know about NJPM. Anybody have suggestions about whats the best? My friends have no race/DE experience, and evening activities definitely a consideration.

Scott

BrandonH

If you're in Westchester then OVRP is best bet. I'm out of touch with their rental program but call them and ask about status of arrive-and-drive. NJMP has the most evolved pure track-operated arrive and drive. Best outsourced arrive and drive would be at Englishtown, google 'Full Tilt Racing' and talk to Keith Raffa. Mike Doty racing could set you and friends up at any track, would be the high end solution, but for what you describe, OVRP or NJMP are likely the most turnkey.

ltc

OVRP has night racing.
Call Tim Hannen at the track.

TheOtherEric

Yup. The lazy bums at a local track (MRP) sent me out in an oversized seat and their cheapo rib vests. One inside apex berm = rib fractures and multiple years of discomfort. Should have sued them for their idiocy. I was a nOOb but they should know better.

kush07

Thanks guys. I'll check them out.

BrandonH

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...l?mod=ITP_AHED

Wall Street Journal front page fluff story on the explosion of karting in UK and Europe among kids

utkinpol

i keep reading stories how 4 year olds start doing it but here in MA apparently age limit is 9?
I looked back and forth to find any venue to make my son a birthday present for his 5th but seems like no luck. Closest one is in NY, way too far.

BrandonH

I am unaware of any specific state laws, although RJs 'F1' track may have it's own rules. WKA regs require you to be 8 yrs old to begin racing in 'Cadet' classes. However there is an 'exhibition' class called 'kid karts' that begins at age 5, and is generally mobbed whereever they run. Here in NJ at in NY plenty of kids enter Cadet racing with several years of lapping under their belts.

Lewis can comment specifically on MA, but I know WKA doesn't have much presence up there, and F1 is more or less a Rotax community, and may not have a kid kart program...

PS: A ready willing and able dad who can't find a way to get his boy a kart is a social outrage and demands justice. Hope you find a way!

ltc

F1Outdoors had a 50cc Kid Kart class/competitors at one point.
I remember helping the parents of a driver (McKenzie was her name, kart number 4 7/8...her age) by having her follow my son so she would feel comfortable and not get lost. Once she passed my son (who was fouling plugs trying to go slow enough for a Kid Kart to follow), she was on her own.

They may not get any more of those kids, but I can't see them saying "no", since the Kid Karts used to run during the breaks and during lunch when the "big" karts were off track.

OVRP in NY would be worth a day trip, lots of kids out there and it gives you a chance to mingle with karting parents.