Where To Buy Go Kart Racing Supplies?

Finding a go kart racing supply store in your neighborhood isn’t as easy as, say, finding a convenience store. And if you do find a store that sells the stuff you need, most likely it’s integrated with other motor sports under one roof. But going online yields you a far easier way to shop at dedicated kart supply stores. Everything you need for yourself or for your ride is available in just one website.

Online kart supplies

From steering system parts to engines to driver safety, dedicated kart stores can let you browse and buy everything you might possibly need for yourself or for your race machine. The better ones have comparison charts available so you can check out what others are buying in your item category. Most also list bestseller items in a category, so you can see for yourself what makes these other items so great.

Power train supplies

If you need to up the power in your engine, as well as giving it more durability and a more reliable performance when it goes on track, you can browse the engine supply sections of your favorite parts supply site. From pistons to connecting rods to u-bolts, you can find everything that will make your engine more of a beast on track and give additional ponies when you stomp on the gas.

Drive train and chassiss parts

Not only can you find parts for your engine, you can also find performance enhancements for your racer as well. Body parts and accessories that bolt on to the chassiss are also sold here. The supplier or manufacturer will also let you know if these items are CIK or IRA approved, so that you know if it’s legal to use in competition. This concerns body pieces, like nose cones and chain guards. These must be certified to be legal in competition.

As for chassiss bits, since there is no suspension, you can also replace such parts on your racer like stiffening bars to adjust traction levels and cornering attributes. Given the number of track conditions you could possibly face, your components should be adjusted accordingly. There are even condition-specific items like tires, which can be slick tires for dry conditions and rain tires for slippery, low traction conditions. It would be best to order up a spare set in advance so that your vehicle won’t sit around on a lift while you wait for your parts to arrive when something breaks as they inevitably do.

Pricing, payment and delivery

Since online stores don’t have a monopoly on their clients, they must also face competition, and this leads to price drops down to competitive levels. Check multiple sites for an item you have in mind to see if there are discounts in other stores. See if the part number is the same so you can be sure that you’re comparing identical items.

Online stores will also accept most major credit cards or take PayPal as well, so no worries on payments. The better stores will also offer same day shipping except maybe for oversized items like seats and whole kart chassiss. However, for small items you can expect them to arrive real soon.

The parts you order will arrive right on your doorstep via a reliable courier, and from there you can install the parts you got from your go kart racing supply store and compete in your next race.

What are the Kart Racing Formats?

In karting, there are three kinds of racing formats. These are Sprint racing, Endurance racing and Speedway racing. For those who are still unfamiliar of this type of motor sport, this article should help you learn getting through the basics especially for those who are planning to get themselves really involved in this sport.

In the US and United Kingdom as well as the other parts of Europe, Speedway racing is the most popular type.

Sprint Racing

Unlike the other racing formats, this is the type that is available to everyone as this is the ones normally offered in most karting circuits particularly for those who only want to experience the sport merely as a pastime instead of a racing competition. Children ages 8 and up can already take on the sprint racing.

This type normally takes place on tracks similar to that of road circuits having both the left and right turns. The tracks may range from one-fourth mile to over one mile in length. However, there are still other tracks that are longer and offer a greater period of racing time.

A sprint race typically lasts for only fifteen minutes thus, requiring only a number of laps to be finished. However, some may be shorter but others do not tend to really go beyond the average time period and the racing is usually done during daytime. In this racing format, it is the speed as well as the successful overtaking of the racer that is of utmost importance to truly succeed.

Normally, there are only three qualifying rounds to determine who will move forward to the last round wherein the scoring calculations will be used as the basis for deciding who takes home the trophy positions in the said event.

Endurance Racing

For Americans, Endurance racing is commonly termed “Enduro racing”. From its name, the race tests the endurance of both the machine and the driver that is probably why most of the time, the competitors are exceptionally experienced drivers. These races last much longer than the sprint type. Racing period may range from about half an hour or may even reach twenty-four hours in the track. However, longer races require the use of more than one karter. The tracks can go as long as 4 miles and at least 1.5 miles taking place on asphalt road circuits

Generally, for this type of race, skills such as reliability and consistency coupled with pit strategy are given great importance than speed.

Speedway Racing

With only left turns in the course, this race takes place on oval road circuits composed of either asphalt or clay. Ranging from one-sixth to one-quarter mile long, it has two corners with four corners for the left turns and may be run day or night but since this format is an excellent challenging race, it is already a usual scenario that these dirt track races are done during the night. The races take four laps for trophy dashes or may even reach twenty laps for main events.

The two formats of Speedway racing are:

• The IKF race which has two heats comprising of ten laps. The concluding positions serve as the basis for determining the starting positions of the twenty-lap race.

• The WKA race use the qualifying times and whoever has the fastest recorded qualifying time takes on the first position in the order of the race for the main event.

Understanding The Go Kart Chassis

Normally, one would think that the engine is the probably the most important part of the Go kart. However, it is really the chassis that has the most significant role in the mechanism of the equipment. The chassis or also known as the frame is the one responsible for holding up the components of the equipment all together.

The Ideal Go Kart Chassis

The perfect chassis would be one that is sufficiently light to allow for an excellent handling of the equipment, and yet a material that is durable enough to launch a kart forward without the smallest amount of deterioration. However, this kind of material is one that is truly rare in its kind.

To maneuver well on the circuit, the machine should have a well-built frame since these frames are responsible for how well the equipment turns into every corner. This is the most important characteristic that the frame should have, to be able to negotiate the turns well. Unlike weaker Go karts with low quality components, with a sturdy frame, you will not have to deal with inappropriate slides and drifts.

Earlier Go karts used stiff frames which consisted of shorter bars crossing over each other. These frames easily broke down due to the wrong tire traction or suspension. This means that the Go kart does not have the adequate weight stability which has a big impact on the handling of the machine. Right tire tractions help reduce the strain experienced by Go karts as an upshot of acceleration, turning and braking.

As a remedy, the modern Go karts are now using longer bars for the frames. These longer bars provide for more flexibility which allows the driver to maneuver better over different kinds of track surfaces, be it concrete, asphalt or dirt.

Choosing The Right Kind Of Chassis

Before finding a frame for your Go kart, first consider the kind of track surface with which you will be riding on since different frames behave in a different way depending on the demands of varied track surfaces.

Dirt tracks tend to place a large amount of challenge and stress on the Go kart抯 front rail while the stiff back rail that zips through dirt may result to the engine抯 losing of power when the Go kart cuts a turn. To provide for this, the ideal frames for dirt tracks are those with narrow front rails and with longer backs. As for asphalt or concrete surfaces, the complete opposite is the best option.

With regards to the design of the chassis, wide rear rails make the Go kart plant itself better on the track without the possibility of skidding or sliding. This movement is commonly known as 搒ide-bite? With more ability to do so, the Go kart won抰 easily flip over in the instance of crashing.

Maintaining The Chassis

Karting aficionados often face one major issue and that is the longevity of the chassis. Frames undergo distortion every now and then as a result of the grueling breaks and turns of the speedster coupled with the smacks on track walls. It is thus recommended that the frames be changed at least once a year.

Another technique to preserve one抯 chassis would be to run the Go kart in a reverse manner that is running the kart in the track backwards. It gives the effect of shaping the frame opposite of what it would be if it will be run in a normal course.

Choosing a chassis for your kart is largely dependent on how flexible it is and on the right traction of the tires. For a more demanding circuit, it is always best to opt for more flexibility and vice versa for the less demanding ones.

The Right Clothes for Go Karting

Go karting can be just a simple hobby or by getting so much involved in the sport, this can turn into a racing career. Whether it is for the mere recreation or a serious Go karting, it is important to know the right kind of clothes and the necessary safety gear that should be worn when riding the Go kart and zipping around the circuit.

It may be a bit of a challenge choosing the right kind of clothes. As for beginners, a good amount of research or perhaps a little help from the more experienced karters will do.

Just For Recreation

For those who loves Go karting and enjoys it only as a pastime as well as for those who are still new to this kind of sport, splurging for expensive karting gear is not really advisable. Since it will only be used a couple of times, the basic karting clothes are good enough to enjoy the sport.

What composes the basic outfit for Go karting? One essential racing gear is the protective helmet. As a head gear, it is important that the face is all covered up or perhaps as much of it as possible. One should also have protective overalls that can either be fireproof or waterproof and with it are the protective gloves which keep the hands from sores that may possibly arise from holding the steering wheel too tightly.

Usually, new karters tend to hold the steering wheel very tight that is why it is important never to forget putting them on. Lastly, one should have footwear that is sensible enough for the sport.

The karting packages offered by most karting circuits already include the protective helmet and protective overalls that is, except for the footwear. When choosing the perfect footwear, more experienced karters would typically recommend wearing the trainers. However, one should choose those trainers which do not have thick soles.

A pair of thick-soled trainers prevents the karter from feeling how much pressure is already put into the pedals thus resulting to unanticipated accelerations and sudden braking. Some Go karts tend to accelerate really fast with just a slight push so it is important to still feel the pedals properly to avoid the any danger. Thin-soled trainers also help develop one抯 driving skills. It helps the karter maneuver the Go kart in such a way that does not impair his/her driving skills.

For The Serious Go Karter

For occasional karters and beginners, the necessary protective gear is usually provided in the karting packages. However, for serious karters, it is a different case. If you decide to pursue on this sport, joining the karting club and karting on a usual basis, then you will have to invest not only a great deal of time and effort but also money. A competing Go karter should have for his/her own, a Go kart and of course, the protective gears with which he/she will compete in.

These safety clothes may be expensive depending on the brand and style that you want to go for. This time, it is important to invest in good quality protective garments to avoid any risk of major injuries while racing. Buying used racing suits and other protective gears is not really a good and safe choice since they are not as good as the new ones.

Getting into this kind of sport is truly a fun and exciting experience. However, for a more thrilling and safe ride, one should wear the right clothes to avoid unfavorable circumstances. One last tip, wear loose clothing; they will definitely make the ride comfortable!

The Mechanics of Indoor Karting

Go karting can be done indoors or outdoors and one good advantage of indoor Go karting is that there is no worry about having to battle against unfavorable weather.

A lot of Go karts nowadays have features that work well when operated indoors such as those Go karts which are battery operated. Ventilation is not required for these types since they do not emit toxic fumes unlike the popular gas Go karts. But that does not mean that Go karting indoors is less fun and exciting than when done outdoors. They still share that same thrilling experience if not more. And as with the outdoor type, indoor Go karting still requires practice to perfect the sport.

For those who are into indoor Go karting or has plans to take karting sessions, these few mechanics might help you improve your driving skills in the track.

The Steering Of The Wheel

Holding the steering wheel the wrong way can mostly affect the usage of your Go kart. It is always best to position your hands in a quarter to three all throughout the round unless going around corners. It is also noteworthy to avoid holding the steering wheel too tightly. Hold it loosely so that the handling will not be affected and hand sores will be avoided.

When Braking

For most beginners, if not all, braking is not an unusual issue. When turning into corners, pressing down the brake firmly will help avoid unforeseen circumstances such as sudden braking. It is important to balance the pressure you put into pressing the brakes. Pressing it too firmly will cause the Go kart to spin while pressing it too lightly will cause it to run wide.

Use More Of The Lines

For faster and more lap times, one should exploit most of the track. Turning in from the outside of the corners and moving through the inside will make a good technique and will help prevent the slowing down of your lap times. And once you emerge from one corner, automatically head for the outside.

Overtaking

When an opponent attempts to overtake, keep your position in the inside line and do not slow down. This way, it would be more difficult for the driver behind to catch up with you.

Upon approaching a slower driver at your front, you have to close in down the straight in order for you to get alongside him or her. Once done, let the other driver brake first, so that in a little while you can brake and then use a greater speed to go past them.

Some drivers tend to take the defensive line. In this case, you will have to find a line where you will be able to accelerate faster down the subsequent straight.

Adjusting Your Driving Style

This is one of the trickiest aspects of Go-karting indoors. When you lean forward in your Go kart, you adjust your body weight resulting to your front tires having more grips. However, the rear tires get fewer grips and this will result to over steering. To avoid instances like this, you should lean backwards to sort out the weight of your body, which in turn rebalances your Go kart.

Similarly, if your Go kart is suffering from under steering, lean forwards to reacquire balance. There is a fine line between over steering and under steering, so you will need a lot of trying out to get a hold of that right balance.

These are just a few simple mechanics that one should know in order to have a good indoor Go karting experience. But of course, practice makes all of these maneuvers perfect so keep the lines occupied.

The Fun of Off Road Karting!

If the traditional Go karting done in cemented road circuits is already one adrenaline-pumping experience, just imagine the thrill there is with racing or karting off the road. Off road karting is one good alternative for those who wants to enjoy the challenge and adventure of karting but doesn’t want to get competitive. Despite the risk related to the sport, with the fun and excitement that it gives to the driver, there is no doubt that one can easily get hooked up with it.

Tougher than track karting, Off Road karting is now a popular motor sport drawing so much attention from the fast-growing number of karting enthusiasts all around the globe. But just like racing Go karts down the road track, it also requires skills to really excel in this type of motor sport.

The Off Road Go Kart

Off Road karting is the kind which makes use of a four wheel go kart primarily designed for the off road use.

Off road go karts are not just like the traditional go karts that can be enjoyed in many fun centers worldwide. These off road go karts have special features that are primarily designed to cater the demands of off road conditions that is why it takes an adult to handle and operate this type of karting equipment since greater speed and performance may mean greater risks at hand.

An off road karting machine has larger tires compared to the conventional ones. This provides an added ground clearance as well as traction needed to pass through off road surface. It also has a full suspension accompanied by shock absorbers located in the front and back of the kart to smooth out the driving in rough roads. Typically, it holds a powerful engine, one that enables the vehicle to climb up elevated surfaces and reach higher speeds and with the reverse feature that come with most off road Go karts, it would not be difficult backing up.

Origins Of The Off Road Go Kart

The first ever off road Go kart manufactured was the Odyssey produced by Honda. Released on the year 1977, it has a 250 cc 2-stroke engine with a single seat and CVT automatic transmission with bigger sized tires and one roll cage.

With the increasing popularity of this off road Go kart, by 1985, Honda upgraded the Odyssey and came up with the FL350. The changes included the improvement of roll cages, am increased engine size of 350 cc with an electric starter and a full suspension system for the front and back of the Go kart.

By the later part of 1989, the same company released the FL400 which has a larger engine size of 400 cc and now, it had already 2 seats and the suspension was enhance to be able to handle extra load. But the cost of the machine increased alongside with the enhanced features of the product. This resulted to unfavorable sales figures which led to the discontinuance of the production of the said product a just about a year after its launching. However, there are still existing units today of these Honda models.

The main goal of the company to open up the field of off road karting and introduce the possibilities to a lot of karting enthusiasts has indeed been a success. The sport has evidently been growing popularity worldwide.

Shifter Kart Racing – Why It’s Cool

A shifter kart is a perfect example of the evolution that kart racing has undergone. It’s a long way removed from being a glorified lawnmower modified for pavement use. Advances in technology have given these machines better components, high-tech transmissions, and enough horsepower to give it a ratio that equals the very best high-end performance cars available on the market today. But even shifter karts differ from their other kart cousins, mainly because of the presence of a manual transmission in their drivelines.

What Makes A Shifter Kart Different?

Since these machines have the advantage of a transmission present, the speeds that shifter karts can achieve is truly astonishing. Figure something to the tune of 100mph, and the upper limit even reaches 120 in some instances. Talk about going fast. Shifter karts have earned the name pocket rockets, and rightly so. It can embarrass a wannabe sports car when push comes to shove.

Six gears in a sequential manual transmission are similar to the most exotic cars, and add to the driving pleasure, since shifts are lightning quick and downshifts can be perfectly coordinated. G-loads in a shifter kart reach 2 g levels, and you can really feel it. By comparison, the best sport compact cars offer 1-g levels of performance, whether to the side, or during acceleration or braking.

Shifter Kart Racing For Practice And Competition

Racing a shifter kart in actual competition can be considered an intense sport for aspiring driver. The speed that they reach, and the response that they have to driver input, as well as the g-loads it puts on the driver are perfect training and maintenance exercises for drivers to keep in shape when not in their race cars. Reaction times can be refined using a shifter kart, and the fundamentals of racing are stressed in such a small machine that can go so fast. Along with that, the precision afforded by its minute size helps hone drivers in practice or competition so that they can place vehicles exactly where they want, and when they want it.

Real races for shifter karts are typically enduro-sprint events in excess of one mile in length. Not only are drivers expected not to crash, they also must drive the fastest that they can, brake as hard and as late as possible, and if that were not enough of a challenge, overtake other drivers for the checkered flag.

Talk about multitasking. The best part about this is that a driver not only masters steering techniques to place the vehicle where he wants, but also has to deal with a shifter to match the engine revs and vehicle speed to reduce lap times. Footwork is often trickier in a shifter kart because of this, and gives an added element to see who’s got the right stuff.

The Adrenaline Rush Of Kart Racing

When it comes to racing, no other form of four-wheeled competition comes closer to the precision and relative speed of races of formula one than shifter kart racing. That’s probably why shifter karts are considered as formula racers but on a smaller scale. As such, the thrill of racing one would also rival formula racing.

Shifter kart racing is a great form of racing that is way cheaper than bigger, more expensive forms of motor sport, but it doesn’t come up short on the fun factor as well.

Scrutinizing Kart Racing Gloves

Being into racing karts means that you will have to comply with safety standards as well. Not only will you not be allowed to race without the right safety equipment, you’ll also be endangering you own life and neglecting common sense not to buy safety equipment. The first stop is to buy kart racing gloves for yourself while you drive.

What do gloves do for the driver?

Essentially, gloves protect the hands of the driver in times of accidents. As such, these serve to cover the digits of the driver’s hands from cuts and scratches and such, and are usually fire-retardant so that in case of fire, the gloves will provide protection for the hands. As well as these, driving gloves also serve the purpose of being comfortable for the driver to grip the steering wheel with, and with plenty of grip so that the hand controls don’t slip from reach.

Comfort is important, because with karts being hustled around corners and the whole thing shaking to the imperfections of the road, it has to be very comfy so that the driver can concentrate on what he or she should be doing, mainly driving the kart. An excellent level of grip is also well-appreciated so that a driver can do his techniques with confidence.

Shopping around for gloves

So now knowing what driving gloves do in terms of safety, comfort, as well as control, you’re probably wondering where to get gloves to drive with. Your local auto parts supply probably has gloves on stock, but not the kind suited for racing, which has the entire hand, including the fingers, covered completely. The back of the gloves should be covered as well. Going for a shopping trip to your local enthusiast store should yield you plenty of candidates for which gloves to buy.

Prices to pay

With gloves, as much as other safety equipment, there are numerous offerings intended for the weekend racer, going up to the ultimate gloves for the professionals. If you’re new to buying equipment, go with the novice gloves, because they can provide the safety you need at a reasonable price. Offerings from the big names of motor sport equipment have offerings for everybody, budgeted for novices and professionals alike. But shop for a quality glove even if you’re new to the sport, as even just a popped stitch can tear your gloves apart bit by bit.

One could expect to pay as low as $40 for a pair of decent gloves that perform well. Online retail stores for racers will display an assortment of their best sellers, and price is not the only basis for determining quality. Some of the middle-priced gloves actually are better than high-end offerings. As long as they’re made by a reputable manufacturer, and fill all your needs for a driving glove, you can rest easy on your choice.

These are also available in a choice of colors, so you can get a pair to match your racing suit as well. The important consideration in buying a driving glove for your kart is safety and you also need to look at the materials used because of this. Fireproof materials and leather for grip and control should be present because these have proven themselves time and again on the track.

Whether its for a low-budget or big-bucks all out effort, kart racing gloves give the driver an additional edge when the time comes to lay down the cards on the table.

Racing Kart Catalogs - How To Read Them

Having the talent to win kart races is good. But there are times in races where any performance advantage you can gain over your opponents is crucial. Winning takes talent and dependable hardware, so that both man and machine can perform to their absolute best, the end result of which can be a podium prize. Now that you’ve got the talent thing down, it’s time to attack the mechanicals. Racing kart catalogs can provide you ideas to up your game when it comes to your hardware.

Parts Shopping From Home

Whether it’s some new tires, or titanium valves for your engine, parts catalogs offer different items for that winning advantage. It’s because the parts manufacturers also know that good traction can mean the difference between winning and losing. And here they have products that can help your ride bring out its absolute best. A wide variety of parts and manufacturers is represented in catalogs, and you can just take your pick of what you like, and what fits your racing budget.

Comprehensive Guide

A good parts catalog will present in detail the specifics of the item it has on its pages. In performance applications, where parts from one maker must work in harmony with another from a different manufacturer, you have to be sure that your chosen part will not come into conflict with another component in your racer, so that breakdowns can be avoided. It’s not like you can just stick a part in and then expect to see a performance gain; you have to match the right parts together so that everything runs smoothly.

Comparison Charts

You should also expect to find related items to your inquiry, and comparisons between equivalent parts from different manufacturers should also be available. Significant things like fit, rated load, expected increase in performance, as well as price could be very good comparison bases, so it’s wise to see other items before you make that purchase. Not shopping wisely could spell disaster for both your budget and your machine’s performance. An untimely breakdown in the middle of the race not only means that you have to replace the broken part, but it also could cost you a win, and you’ll also waste additional time installing parts twice.

Parts Availability

Look for parts catalogs that have comprehensive sales support for purchasers. Those that have helpdesks will be happy to field your calls regarding their parts as well, if it’s in stock, and the variants that are available for you. Different-capacity variants for enthusiast of performance use are available, and price will differ accordingly. Those looking for the toughest parts should just go ahead and check out performance versions, because a little price premium goes a long way in terms of endurance and performance.

Payment Options

Looking around racing kart catalogs for new parts is easy. But actually ordering from the supplier what you want is a little more involved. But this has now been made easier than ever because you can make payments through your credit card or send a money order to the supplier. Check their pages to see what credit cards they honor, and what other payment options are available.

The good thing about it is that you can just do everything by phone; you won’t ever have to leave the comfort of your home. The parts you ordered will also arrive right on your doorstep via popular couriers, so no worries about the condition of your parts when they arrive. Once there, you can install them on your competition machine and win that next race.

Manual Transmission for Go Karts

For most Go kart enthusiasts, it is already a known fact that the transmission plays a very important role in the mechanism of the Go kart. Because of the transmission system, the driver gets to manage the speed of the kart.

What is the Transmission?

A transmission system, simple in its kind, consists of a number of gears and these are responsible for controlling the speed of the equipment.

Engines have this rev limit and going past this, expect that the engine will blow up. This limitation is commonly known the “redline”. This is where transmission comes in. it allows the changing of gears in order for the gear ratio connecting the engine and the drive wheels changes the moment you speed up or slow down. This mechanism allows the engine to stay below the “redline” while still keeping up with the optimal revs per minute or rpm. The transmission is vital to maintain the greatest possible rpm while making it sure that the engine does not overheat and eventually blow up.

Manual Transmission

Having a manual transmission is definitely more challenging than riding one that has an automatic transmission system but definitely more exciting and fulfilling to drive. The mechanism of manual transmission systems requires the driver to learn the necessary changing of the gears to be able to operate the karting machine.

Getting used with changing the gears usually takes time and a lot of practice and sometimes, it can be quite frustrating especially for starters, but once you get to learn to basics, it would not be difficult to carry on. It will be a lot easier by doing the activity often and sometimes it can end up to be one’s second nature.

Another advantage of manual transmissions in karting cars is that the driver can select better which gears that he wants. There is also a driving technique called a heel-and-toe downshift, to better match the gear ratio for a given speed with the engine's powerband, keeping it in the thick of the horsepower output, meaning, that the RPM of the engine is always where there is most power. This translates into better lap times as well, because the engine is outputting more, and able to propel the vehicle better.

One driving technique common to manual transmissions is the “heel and toe downshifting”. At an instance of hard braking for an approaching slow corner, the driver will downshift to a particular gear that is appropriate for the corner without overstressing transmission or upsetting the car.

This kind of technique is, however, complicated to execute. Once the driver will downshift to a gear while braking, with the use of the right foot for the brakes and the left foot to the clutch, the go kart will lurch once the clutch is released and this will strain the drivetrain which will lock up the wheels. So it would really come handy to have a third one with which to use the accelerator to match revs when the clutch gets released. But as they say, practice makes this maneuver perfect!

Advantages Of A Manual Tranny Over Automatic

The power is always flowing in a manual tranny, and during cornering there is no power lag when exiting corners, because by the time that the automatic is downshifting, the manual is already in a lower gear and putting the power down when it counts the most.

Karting, A Female Sport Too!

When one talks about Go kart racing, the general notion is that it is a male sport. However, for many women today, Go karting is no different from other kinds of sports. A number of inspiring women at present such as Danica Patrick who is an Indy Car racer, are into Go karting as a serious career and indeed they become successful in it.

For female karters, there are a lot of options in the field of motor sports if one is eager to get into it. When one gets to learn the basics of the sport which is not as difficult, it only takes a good deal of practice to really master the sport itself.

Once a person reaches the age of 8, he or she can already engage into the sport. Normally, the differences between the two sexual categories arise when female karters get so much involved with the sport and decide to pursue advancing to higher levels such as auto racing.

Go Karting For Women

In United Kingdom, an organization has been set up in order to encourage and inspire women Go karters in the sport they chose to pursue. By this year, the organizers hope to establish a race for aspiring racers where there will be six rounds in each race and they will hold these races in the different tracks across Southern UK.

The organization has come up with two categories. These are the Beginners and the Intermediate classes. For those women who are still new to the whole thing of Go karting, the Beginners category will best suit their driving skills. Go karts will be provided in the circuits so there will be no problem for those who don’t have their own Go karts yet.

The Intermediate category on the other hand, is for women who already have an experience in Go karting, particularly those who have their own Go karts. With the driving skills they already posses and the great deal of experience they have, they will surely be having a blast in this category.

As regards the mechanics of the race, the first class shall use four-stroke Go karts while the latter can use either of these two engines for their Go karts: two-stroke Rotax Max or the four-stroke Clubman. However, the series still depends on how many will sign up in the race.

The British Women Racing Driver’s Club (BWRDC)

Karting clubs are intended to back up karters especially in the racing aspect. For women karters, the BWRDC has been established to back women up in any form of racing sport from Go karting to Formula 1. Anyone may join the club with the requirement that she has a license from the Motor Sports Association.

For Women To Gain Sponsorship

Gaining sponsorship should be one of the major considerations when one aspires to become a racer and compete. Due to the financial demands of the sport, it would be impossible for the racer to easily afford the necessary equipment for the sport thus making it hard for him or her to compete at higher levels or motor sport.

The tuition fees as well as the costs of the track sessions already require quite a significant amount and for someone who is not financially equipped, the best choice would be to obtain financial support.

For many male karters, it is not a difficult task to gain sponsorships since many prospective sponsors have greater confidence in men than with women karters. In order for female karters to get sponsorships, they are required to do a lot of promotions to get one and the more achievements, the more chances there will be to attract potential sponsors.

Karting, A Safe Sport

Unlike other types of motor sports, karting is by far the safest. Sometimes, kart racers suffer injuries out of crashes in the circuits but most often, these are only minor ones. It is also a plus that karts are planted closely to the ground so that they do not easily flip over except for cases that involve collision with other karts.

General Safety Of The Driver

Just like any other sport however, karting entails safety precautions that must be properly observed. A good karter knows how to keep safe on and off the circuit. But it does not mean that one should be a really good karter to enjoy the sport, in terms of safety it only takes a lot of common sense. Here are a few general tips:

• In all karting circuits, there will always be a briefing of the session. During this time, the rules are given as well as the safety instructions. Always remember to listen carefully to these important guidelines. Besides, it will only take you a couple of minutes so take it seriously because it’s worth it.

• The safety clothes are provided most of the time in the karting packages. For occasional karters, the basic outfit is sufficient enough to go karting and this includes the karting suit, protective gloves and the helmet. Most of the time, footwear is not part of the package so it’s best to just bring one. Choose trainers that are not thick-soled so that you can still properly feel the pressure that you are putting into the pedals. As for serious Go karters, the necessary clothes will no longer be provided since they already have their own.

• It is also advisable to put on rubber ear plugs that will help regulate the hearing of the high pitch of the motor and thus avoid any damage to the ears.

Safety In Terms Of Handling The Go Kart

It does not only require knowing the general rules, it is also important to note the mechanics of handling the Go kart. This will increase the safety of the ride. Some good tips include:

• Maintenance of the Go karts must be at the highest standard.

• For added protection, a lot of circuits build safety barriers around the track for instances of crashes.

• See to it that the tires of the equipment have been properly checked. Make it sure that they have the right pressure otherwise, the Go kart will be unstable. This will affect the maneuvering of the Go kart.

• The fuel supply of your Go kart must also be checked. Once refueling is needed, see to it that the engine is not heated or still running. It should also be noteworthy not to get the fuel to reach the filler neck and make sure the cap is screwed back tightly to avoid leaking out.

• Lastly, once the Go kart starts to make very unusual noises, vibrations and the like, stopping it as soon as possible will prevent any serious danger. Remove the wire of the spark plug and take it for inspection since there might be a damage inside that could have caused the strange noises.

For starters, karting safety measures are not as difficult to observe. They are just as practical, straightforward and logical. Just always stick to these tips and you should be ending up a safer karter!

Kart Racing School

If you’ve ever had dreams of being a successful race driver, then you’ve probably imagined a scenario where you actually compete for the pole position on track. But the reality for most people is that they actually have little to no background when it comes to racing, and when put out on track, will actually have no idea on how to drive properly to get the best time. Most street driving habits will result in understeer, whether resulting from braking too late or steering too little at corner entry, so now it’s easy to see the need to learn how to drive properly on track.

Learning To Race With Karts

For most, learning the basics of driving through kart racing schools is a good way to actually learn track driving basics, as well as compete in a popular sport which also gave rise to formula one stars. Karting is a very competitive sport, rivaling the best touring car races in up close and personal racing action. In racing schools, with high engine outputs, no suspension, and no downforce-inducing aerodynamics, the driver factor in races is maxed out to the absolute limits.

There are classes of karts available for use during learning sessions. Beginners can start along their karting school lessons with 100cc karts, with two-stroke engines that propel the lightweight vehicles much faster than one would expect them. Then there is an uprated version of kart racers, which can reach speeds of 100mph, guaranteed to raise the adrenalin level of even the most seasoned clubracer.

Driving Techniques Learned On Track With Karts

Using a kart racer to learn and refine driving techniques is not a new idea. With racing schools, one can learn how to master the art of going fast through corners, and the fundamental concept of going fast, the racing line. The racing line is perhaps the most basic techniques, yet one of the most important to any racing sport. The basic out-in-out cornering method is taught, as well as targeting the apex for faster times, among others. Setting up on corner entry and making slingshot exits out of corners is also taught at this time.

Braking And Acceleration Techniques

Of course, along with steering and cornering lessons, the foot pedal controls are also given time so that one can learn how to fully use them to a racer’s advantage. Acceleration and braking seems deceptively easy, but actually has subtleties difficult to master. Beginners are trained to brake on the straightaways, and as they progress, master late braking, as well as trail-braking through corners.

The importance of braking points is important, because when you stop braking is more important than when you start, and learning when to open up the throttle during mid-turn is exercised as well. Expert techniques like threshold braking, which is the maximum rate that one can use the brakes without having the wheels lock up, are available for those who have mastered the basics as well.

On the acceleration side, learning when to use the full power of the engine and when to use part-throttle driving is critical to reduce lap times. It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes one actually goes faster when not stepping on the gas, especially in tight corners where control is everything in reducing lap times.

Aside from having track time, there are classroom instruction sessions that teach the concepts involved in racing. Much of the things that students will actually learn on track are discussed beforehand so that they can be prepared on what to do next. With kart racing schools, one can discover the hidden racer within, and perhaps even become the next superstar in kart races.

Kart Racing Engines

The engine is the heart of a car, so they say. The same goes for go kart racers as well. The engine propels you and your racer down the back straight and through corner exits, and onto the checkered flag. So who do you trust when the time comes to put a powerplant between your chassiss’ steel tubes? There are some very excellent engines from some of the most renowned engine makers in the industry, not only for kart racing engines, but also in car engines and motorcycle engines as well. Here are some of the manufacturers known in the kart racing scene:

ASM kart engines

American Suzuki Motors Corporation, better known as Suzuki, have not only a reputation for giving small engines big power in kart racing, they also have an excellent reputation in motorcycles and motor vehicles as well. They deal with miniscule-size powerplants, and also up to big V-6 engines in their cars. In kart racing they are also formidable, and an excellent choice for your motor.

Honda Motor Co.

Honda, best known among tuners for its high-revving engines and the competition-stomping performance of its VTEC variable valve timing, also manufactures engines for sprint karts. They, like Suzuki, bring engine expertise from across the board, whether it’s in a screaming civic or a formula car or bike, down to their small motors in search of performance perfection.

Yamaha Motor Corporation

Yamahas have been synonymous with road-course ripping bikes, as well as dishing it out on dirt with their all-terrain bikes. They also have engines for kart racers and distill their sport bike expertise to the racers who want to have Yamaha power pushing them on in a race.

Picking an engine

Whether it’s any of the three companies above, or other major manufacturers in the kart engine builder’s scene, it’s important to consider what you want for your racer. The best thing would be to pick out an engine which is compatible with your tube frame, as the dimensions of one frame may be unsuited for an engine’s mount points. The same applies for engines, because there might be a chance that your motor won’t fit in the mounting locations provided, and you’ll have to fabricate custom engine mounts if needed. Check with your local rules if that’s allowed in competition before proceeding. Nobody wants to be disqualified even before they get on the grid.

Power versus reliability

You’ll also have to consider the power an engine makes, whether modified or stock, with custom exhaust or stock. Because modified engines make more power than stock, they also put more stress on the engine components. If a part can’t take any more abuse put on it, it’ll break down, ending your race and any chance of winning. So choose an engine that is reliable and will live longer.

It’s better to sacrifice a few horses on durability than to have a powerful engine that could blow up any minute like a ticking bomb. That way you can slowly tune up your motor so it will produce more power, but still last the race, and probably need lesser maintenance as well. It’s easier on the driver knowing that an engine is dependable and easier on the pocket in terms of maintenance as well.

So when shopping for a kart racing engine, keep this in mind as you decide what motor powers your vehicle as you cross the finish line.

Kart Racing 101

Kart racing is a form of motorsport, and one of the most inexpensive ways to go fast on four wheels and race around in a competitive environment. It uses open-wheeled vehicles that are powered by small engines, in vehicles that weigh only around 160lbs without the driver. With that little weight to haul around, even using diminutive engines, these things can reach speeds in excess of 100mph. That’s fast in anybody’s book.

The Hardware Used In Kart Racing

Compared to other forms of motorsport, the hardware in kart racing seems entry-level, and in fact it is. Engines are simpler in these vehicles, and don’t require that much maintenance in larger, more expensive engines. The chassiss construction of kart racers are of tube steel, which holds the engine and drivetrain components in place, as well as serving as the suspension, since karts don’t have springs or dampers to make sure that the tires put the power down to the ground.

There are a few differences in concepts when it comes to chasssiss design, because since the steel tubes also serve as the vehicle’s suspension, then it needs to be adjustable, so that traction and vehicle behavior can also be adjusted according to track conditions.

Driver Factor

In karting, because it is a form of racing that has good speed, close competition, and intense precision due to its small size and maneuverability, the driver factor of the race is higher compared to other forms of motorsport. So much depends on the driver because of the fact that it depends on the judgment of the driver to take the vehicle as close to the apex of a corner as is humanly possible. This translates to just centimeters on track, and it also takes a fair amount of courage to take a vehicle to its limits, and have a track barrier that close to you, corner after corner.

Learning While Karting

Due to the inexpensive nature of the sport, karting is also used as a tool to teach aspiring drivers the basics of racing techniques, because much of the underlying concepts of racing karts apply also to other forms of motorsports, and this is a form of racing that can exemplify the importance of good technique more than any other sport. Numerous drivers have used karting as a stepping stone to proceed to higher forms of motorsport, and not a few superstar drivers have karting experience as their foundation on racing.

Racing Types

As is the norm for most paved-venue races in other forms of motorsport, kart racing also uses the same formats for races. These may be generally classified as circuit, sprint, or even speedway events. In circuit and sprint races, drivers must take their machines through left and right corners, and the course layout either mainly going clockwise or anticlockwise for circuit and endurance races.

Sprint races don’t have the ending of a race course beginning another lap, and as such, can be considered a one-lap race. Circuit and endurance racing rules vary depending on the class and specific race type. Some other endurance racing competitions run vehicles continuously, even for 24 hours, with 2 or more drivers per vehicle.

Another form of kart race, called an enduro-sprint race, is a form that combines sprint racing and endurance, with continuous running of vehicles without pitstops for 30 minutes of more.

Investing in a Go Kart Racing Sport

Go karting as a popular motor sport does not require a really significant amount of money in order to have it either as a racing career or just a leisure pursuit compared to other racing sports.

As compared to higher levels of motor sports such as auto racing, the components of these Go karts are not as complex and are less expensive thus making it a good avenue for training and building the necessary skills to advance to higher levels of motor sport racing.

For a starter, one might not have an idea of the components that make up the Go kart as well as the important safety gears that should be purchased together with it for a safer ride on the track.

Perhaps, this will give you a good overview of the things as well as the related costs that one will be required to spend in order to enjoy Go karting.

Choosing The Right Go Kart

While beginners are still unfamiliar of the general mechanics of Go karting, it will be helpful to obtain the necessary information from more experienced kart racers or karters, with regards to the important matters such as choosing the perfect Go kart that will suit the karting level that a beginner is only capable of.

With the modern technology at present, Go kart manufacturers are able to provide us with a lot of options to choose from for a really good, new and top-of-the-line Go kart. However, if you are really on a tight budget, you might want to consider pre-owned Go karts that are still in excellent condition.

One should also consider how the Go kart will be used. If it will be just for the fun Go karting experience or for the serious racing career. Since there is a difference in terms of the design and costs that goes with the type of Go kart for each use, it is important to note the purpose of engaging into it.

The costs of these Go karts vary a lot in terms of the features and type of Go karts. Battery-operated Go karts can cost from two hundred bucks and above while Gas Go karts can range from five hundred bucks to seven hundred or even more.

Other Necessary Items To Get Started

Other items required to get started include the safety clothes that should be worn when driving the Go karts. These clothes add up to the safety of the ride in that they prevent the incidence of major injuries when accidents take place in the track.

These clothes include the racing jacket or driving suit which costs from $88.00 to $158.00; the helmet, a head gear that will help prevent head injuries in case the kart flips over and it costs roughly from $150.00 and above. A neck collar is also an important racing gear. It costs from $12.00 and above. Finally, another essential safety gear is the pair of gloves which approximately cost $19.00 to $30.00.

Other Go kart accessories include the spare parts and other gears. These can cost you more or less $200.00. While the kart stand costs $65.00 and the fuel and lubricants cost just about $50.00.

Of course, the figures shown do not really give the exact amounts. Prices may differ depending on the brand and quality of Go karts and Go kart accessories. It is just a means of giving you a glimpse about the whole idea of Go karting. But remember, don’t compromise safety for a few amount of savings. It is always best to go for good quality Go karts in order to minimize the risks associated with the sport.

With all of these at hand, you’re good to go. Just be properly informed about the safety precautions that must be observed. This way, serious danger can be prevented and a more fun and enjoyable Go karting experience will be achieved!

How to Achieve A Karter’s Full Potential?

Competitive karting equipments are nothing if its driver does not have the excellent physical condition required to achieve the fullest potential of the Go kart. Perhaps, many of us think that it being properly fit is enough but really it doesn’t only require being a health buff to achieve the highest level of performance in the circuit. It also takes tuning up the mind to really excel in this kind of sport. Let us look at four essential requirements to keep up with a great karting performance.

Fitness

Over the years, it has been proven that karters while racing revealed high pulse rates between three to four times than normal resulting to mind blackouts which lead to loss of focus on the track.

The rule follows that the more fit you are, the less oxygen is being used by your body under a case of stress. With relation to the driver, the less oxygen that the body uses, the more there is for the brain thus lightning reaction times as well as mental alertness is maintained.

To have this kind of fitness, it is recommended that you engage in activities such as aerobics, running and the like.

Strength

It is already a known fact that a driver should be having the proper training required by his body to produce the required level of performance.

The hands and the lower arms are very essential to the performance of the race driver and therefore, they should be in excellent physical condition when racing. To maintain the proper condition of your hands and lower arms, an exercise which involves using a weight of 7kg suspended from a single 25mm round tube by a meter of rope should suffice.

Wind the tube with your hands and by raising the weight, it builds up important muscles. At least ten sets of this will do. However, doing the exercise should not end up being some kind of a body builder. Remember, every muscle needs oxygen and the bigger body you have, the more oxygen it needs resulting to greater energy needs and eventually triggers stress.

Nothing beats the race strength that one can get out of practicing every now and then. Do it at least every week.

Diet

The karter’s diet must be properly regulated before the race. It is hard for the body to easily digest food. Blood, used for the purpose of digestion makes us feel lethargic so there should be proper diet just before the race. Food that are slow digesting must be avoided such as eggs, meat and the like.

Moreover, it also takes a karter to engage into a longer-term of nutritional programs to keep the body metabolism of the driver in condition. Eat the kind which has complex carbohydrates that are easily digestible and those that have a great amount of energy content.

Psychology Of Winning

Lastly, getting your head all together by means of going over in your mind each maneuver before the race completes the entire technique of achieving a driver’s fullest potential. At least go through the race in your mind everyday. By mentally picturing out the actions that you are going to take for how many times, it will help you when you are already becoming tired because the subconscious often has stronger control over the body’s actions than the conscious thoughts in our head.

To sum it all up, the five requirements to put into mind in order to win any race includes the well prepared karting equipment, proper fitness, enhanced physical strength, proper diet and above all, a good psychology of winning.

Go Karting for Kids

Go Karting for Kids

Go kart racing has been one of the motor racing sports that many people nowadays are enjoying as a hobby or as a serious career. It is not as complicated as other racing car sports since its components are not as complex compared to that used in auto racing. Needless to say, many children who take pleasure in racing as a sport begin with Go karting before moving towards higher kinds of motor racing sports.

Benefits Of Go Kart Racing For Kids

One may think that Go kart racing is merely for the fun and enjoyment of the kids. That of course, is one reason why Go karting has been an interesting sport for many children. However, Go kart racing has other benefits that one should look into and consider in order to appreciate the sport better. These are some of the benefits that kids can get from doing the sport:

• For beginners in the racing industry, Go kart racing as an indoor or outdoor sport is definitely a safe way to start with. If safety measures are properly taken, there is no risk of danger at hand. Thus, it is a good way for you and your kids to enjoy the excitement of Go karting without having to worry about their safety.

• Just as other sports help us develop skills such as sportsmanship and competitiveness, Go kart racing is no different. It is an avenue for the child to learn and develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills.

• Be it a hobby or a serious sport career, Go karting is an inexpensive way to go racing. Compared to advanced types of racing, it does not require a significant amount of money to get started.

• Go kart racing is a family oriented sport too. Parents and their children help together to come up with the perfect Go kart for the driver to race with. Above all, seeing your child having fun enjoying the sport and sharing the laughter with them can never be as relaxing and as comforting.

Safety Measures To Go With Go Karting

Safety is the most important thing that parents take into account when it comes to their children. With the speed that Go karts at present have, safety measures should be given much attention to avoid the danger it can cause especially with children who are engaging into such kind of sport. Some of these safety precautions should be of great help particularly to starters:

• Preparation is the key ingredient to avoid danger in Go kart racing. Without preparation, one cannot be expected to carry on with the sport with no minor injuries or sometimes, major ones. Parents are the ones who should assist their children at this point because preparation not only entails choosing the right type of Go kart and the equipment that should go along with it but it also requires the right carting level that one should start with.

• Children are not equipped to drive Go karts all on their own and to drive one, it demands learning the basics. Driving the Go kart is definitely one skill that the driver should learn and master if he/she wishes to move forward to higher levels of Go kart racing. Like other sports, mastering it also requires a good and quite significant amount of time and effort to do so.

• Safety gears are and should always be considered a necessity. These things are built to increase the safety of Go kart racers and therefore should never be left out.

Go kart racing is surely a good and safe sport to share with the family. Coupled with the fun and enjoyment it brings, it is a good way to help your children develop their own skills and abilities.

Go Kart Racing Tools

Having a reliable vehicle to race with is an important part in winning a race. Who cares how much power your engine makes if the rest of your chassiss can’t cope and falls to bits in the middle of a sprint? The right set of go kart racing tools is important in fixing your ride when something breaks and keeping it in top performing condition.

What every racer needs to have

First off, you’ll surely need a set of basic tools on hand. A set wrench of wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, anything that has a general purpose in fixing mechanical objects is important to have around in case you need it. As well as basic hand tools, you might also want to keep around some of the more complicated tools, in this case, specialized bits for your engine and chassiss, so that you can open up and adjust things on the fly as needed.

You don’t really need to have EVERY part that your vehicle calls for, since some of these can only be found in shops that make use of these tools often. Examples include whole vehicle lifts, great for working under the go kart when you need to fix something from beneath, but not really practical for you to keep in your garage when not in use.

Where to order

Some of the general tools you can find at your local hardware store, like the usual spanners and power tools. You can also find the other tools you need like engine-specific tools at auto parts stores as well as motorcycle stores because they have tools in common with go-karts. You can also check out online stores for go-karts for some of the more hard to find tools, like specialized wrenches and such. The good thing about ordering tools online is that you can view multiple offerings in a single go, and compare pricing so that you can order the best deal.

Power tools versus manual

There is nothing more convenient than to have power tools with multiple functions at your command. The best tools have multiple bits that you can simply bolt on to a drill motor and in effect have another tool, to multiple sizes of a certain tool for ultimate versatility. But still, there are hand tools that are more suited for certain jobs, like hand torque wrenches that allow the user to manually modulate the pressure used on the tool so that he or she can prevent over tightening of parts that may damage or strip studs, to name a common occurrence.

Order wisely

Whatever tool you need, it’s best that when you shop around for a new one, always go for quality. It seems easy to compromise on this one because tools look the same on the outside, but in reality the craftsmanship of these tools is quite different when comparing a quality tool and a cheap substitute.

Not only do you compromise the tool’s effectivity at doing a job, it can even break while you’re using it and make you wish that you ordered the more expensive tool in the first place. Go for a reputable tool maker brand and you won’t regret it. Not only is it possible that cheap tools will break down on the job, but you could also damage the part you’re fixing as well.

Cheap bolts could possibly strip threads, and with something being really expensive like a cylinder head, nobody wants to have to make a costly mistake with their go kart racing tools.

Go Kart Engines

For beginners in the karting sport, it is essential to know the system of the Go kart with which you will ride in on the track. It will not only educate you but also help you to keep a safe ride.

Among the different parts of the Go kart, the next most important element after the chassis is the engine. Today, a lot of brand new state-of-the-art Go karts are already built with their own engines so there should be no more problem finding one while for those who plan to build your own Go karts, choosing the perfect engine is one issue to face. It is best to go for engines that suit your demands as a karting enthusiast.

Off The Shelf Engines

This type of engine is designed primarily for use of only a short period of time. They have this aluminum cylinder bore that can be rubbed against a steel piston ring thus creating a great deal of friction. Because of this, they do not last very long and therefore, are not a good choice for those who intend to do the sport a lot.

As for larger models, they have this cast iron cylinder, a variety that is more expensive than aluminum. However, this type lasts longer so it may be a good option to consider.

For some engines of this type, an electric start is built on them and along with this is an alternator that allows them to power a light and even charge batteries.

Motorcycle Engines

The most popular and by far the most versatile type of engines are the motorcycle engines since not only can they be used for racing on tracks but also for the off road Go karting. They don’t need a lot of modification to fit a used or self-constructed Go kart. However, this type of engine is one that is hard to find.

Lawnmower Engines

A horsepower of three to five, these engines are relatively powerful ones. Unlike the previous type of engine, these are not difficult to find. Nonetheless, there are a number of downsides. They are not really fast. They are also difficult to adapt with to fit a particular Go kart’s needs.

Another disadvantage for using this type of engine is that upon running on a vertical pin, it requires a lot of work so that it will be able to run on the horizontal pin demanded by Go karts. As a result, there is a risk of piston failure since the engines are primarily designed to settle for that same way up.

Other Sources

There are also other sources of engines that can be used for your Go kart. These include moped engines, generator engines, tractor lawnmower engines, chainsaw engines and car engines. Some of them may be easy to adapt with while others may turn out to be dangerous and really challenging to become accustomed to.

Choosing the right kind of engine may be quite a challenge especially when you are having your Go kart built on you own considering that the best ones are not as easy to take hold of. For regular karters, brand new Go karts are probably the best option.

For safety reasons, its best to acquire the help of a professional or perhaps an experienced karter to have the engine fit since it is quite a risky procedure to get it done.