Kart Racing FAQ
From ChicagoRacers
This is page contains answers, advice and opinions in response to Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to kart racing. This page covers both indoor and outdoor karting.
What is a kart?
Kart racing or karting is a variant of open wheel motor sports with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. They are usually raced on scaled-down circuits. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motorsports. Almost all Formula 1 drivers started racing karts. Most F1 drivers are also national or world karting champions.
Karts vary in speed and some (known as Superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding 160 mph (250 km/h). A Formula A kart, with a 100 cc 2 stroke engine and an overall weight including the driver of 150 kilograms, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 85 mph (140 km/h). It takes a little more than 3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph with a 125 cc shifter kart (6 gears), with a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h) on long circuits. In the US, popular classes include Shifter karts, TAG, Rotax, and Rotax.
What is Indoor Karting?
Indoor Karting is simply kart racing on an indoor track. Indoor karting facilities usually provide an "arrive and drive" service where drivers can show up and rent karts and track time and race. Indoor karts are generally heavier and built to endure extensive usage. Indoor kart engines are generally 4 stroke internal combustion engines or electrical engines. These engines usually output 5-13 hp. Indoor karts also use tires with much harder compounds than their outdoor counter parts. This is done to lower expenses and increase profit margins for the indoor karting facility. Indoor kart tracks are generally much smaller than their outdoor sprint kart track counter parts. With a good track design, grip levels and engine power, an indoor karting facility can provide a very exciting form of kart racing that could approach the thrill levels of outdoor karting.
Indoor Karting is the entry level to motorsports for many wheel to wheel racers. Many racers compete and hone their skills at Indoor Karting facilities before moving up the ladder to outdoor sprint tracks or other forms of motorsports.
Indoor Karting has become a very lucrative business all over the world.
What is Outdoor Karting?
Outdoor Karting is kart racing outdoors. Outdoor karts generally have much higher horsepower engines and levels of grip. Most sprint track karts can hold at least 2 lateral Gs in a corner. There are many forms of outdoor karting which are generally related to the type of tracks they race on. The three main types are Sprint, Road Racing and Dirt. Outdoor sprint track karting is the closest you can get to the sensation of being in an open wheel formula race car without actually being in one.
What is Sprint Karting?
Sprint Track Karting is kart racing on tracks scaled down to be proportionate with karts. Sprint Tracks are generally the most physically demanding types of tracks due to the high level of grip and constant change in direction. There are also many different classes for people to participate in.
What is (Kart) Road Racing?
Kart Road Racing is racing karts on full size road courses. Sprint track karts can be geared for much higher speeds in order to run on the larger tracks. Enduro karts are karts made especially for road racing. The seating position for Enduro karts is generally much more reclined than the relatively upright seating position of a Sprint Track kart.
What is Dirt Track Kart Racing?
Need information.
How much does karting cost?
Indoor karting generally cost anywhere between $10 to $25 per 6-10minute arrive & drive session. The initial costs for outdoor karting is generally much higher since most racers purchase their own karts. Outdoor karts and engines cost anywhere between $1000 to $15000 for a brand new kart and engine. Outdoor kart chassis usually cost $2000 to $4000 brand new. Engines cost anywhere between $1000 to $5000 for a new engine. A set of tires costs around $200. A can of racing fuel costs around $50. 2 stroke oil costs around $10 per quart.
How much do used equipment cost?
You can save lots of money by buying used equipment when you first start. Used equipment costs about %20 to %50 less than brand new equipment. As with all racing equipment, prices tend to depreciate fairly quickly but they also tend to hold steady once they've reached a certain level. A competitive used HPV kart and engine package can be bought for about $3000. A competitive used TAG kart and engine can be bought for around $4500.
How much does a race cost?
Generally, you will need to purchase tires, fuel, 2 stroke oil (if you have a 2 stroke engine), a pit pass and a race entry fee. Tires will probably account for the lion's share of your recurring costs. Racers who run at the front, generally buy a new set of tires for each race. A set of MG Yellows costs around $180-$200. A 5 gallon tank of Sunoco Race Fuel costs around $50. 2 quarts of 2 stroke engine oil costs around $15-20. The fuel will last you two or three race/practice days. A pit pass is usually around $10. Race entries can range anywhere between $10-$100 depending on what level you are racing at.
Are there any other recurring costs I should be aware of?
You will also need to purchase chain lube, chains, sprockets, clutches, brake pads, brake fluid, windex, and degreaser. You will also need to rebuild your engine. How often you rebuild your engine will greatly depend on what level you compete at and how hard your work your engine. Generally people rebuild their Rotax or TAG engines every 25-40 hours of usage. Other types of engines have varying rebuild intervals.
What equipment besides the kart and the engine do I need to start?
You will need a kart suit, helmet, gloves, kart stand, tools, tire gauge and racing shoes.
What's the best class to start in?
Indoor karting is the best place to start. It's relatively safe and cheap compared to outdoor karting. Indoor karting is a great place to hone your skills and explore whether or not you like kart racing.
You will hear many opinions and sales pitches on what class is the best and why you should start in that class from people or shops who are trying to sell you something. The best thing to do is to visit all the local tracks which you would actually be willing to drive to to race. Visit those tracks on race weekends and watch all the races. Take note of how many people are racing in that class. Also watch to see how competitive or aggressive the classes are. After you see what classes are being raced at your local tracks, you should try to arrange a test drive of one of the type karts you're interested in. Usually, this will cost about $150-$500 to rent a kart. It is worth it to try and see how comfortable you are with the speed and the handling of that class.
Talk to the track owners and ask them what brands and types of karts/engines they support and sell. As a beginner, you don't want to have to handle the logistics of ordering all of your spare and replacement parts. It's very convenient to be able to purchase something over the counter while you're at the track. This is especially true if something goes wrong during race day. The class you choose would ideally be supported by the track owner and any shops who are regularly present during race days.
Am I or my kids too young?
There are many kids who start racing at 5-7 years old. Check with your local tracks to see if they offer a class for kids.
Am I too old?
There are 65 year old guys out there driving shifter karts! You're never too old. Of course, we recommend that you get a full physical and check up with your physician before participating in any type of strenuous activity. If you're not that old and don't feel like competing with 15-18 year old hot shoes, you can always check to see if your track offers a Master's class. Masters classes tend to be for older and/or heavier drivers.
Am I too heavy?
There are guys who weigh 240lbs and race karts. Your main problem will be fitting in a seat and giving up a weight advantage to lighter drivers. You can also check with local tracks if they offer a Heavy or Master class.
Is it dangerous?
All motorsports are dangerous and those risks should be carefully considered before participating. Indoor karting is much safer than outdoor karting due to the reduced speeds and closed wheeled nature of the karts. That being said, there have been injuries and even deaths at indoor karting facilities.
Outdoor karting is much more dangerous than indoor karting due to the higher speeds, higher horsepower and higher grip and the open wheel nature of the karts. It's very important that you carefully consider the risks involved with kart racing. We recommend that you purchase the best available safety equipment to help reduce the risk of any injuries.
