Anyone into Carting???

[stang97]

Ive been kicking the idea around about getting into this sport. Anyone into this stuff?? Whats a good route to go in getting into it? Any places in the midwest area?

[shep]

There are several places in the midwest. The best thing is to call a local Kart shop and see what is most common in your area, IE. 4 or 2 cycle, dirt or asphalt, circle track or road course. S & M Kart supply in Springfield IL. is the only place I know of in IL. I am sure there are more and probably some closer to you. My brother raced Karts for about 8 years and my dad owned a Kart supply business for about 5. Out here they race mostly 4 cycles on Dirt tracks. http://karting.4cycle.com/ for more info.

[Rubes]

Hey Stang...I got one a few years ago just to play around in. I'll take it out to a parking lot on weekends sometimes. I dont intend on getting into racing as a hobby though, just to have some fun. There is a track out in Norway IL (just south of Sandwich), but I've never been there.
http://www.concepthaulersmotorspeedway.com/index.htm

[MSchu]

www.ekartingnews.com is about the only karting forum. They also list schedules and have a "new to karting" FAQ.

If you plan on racing the kart wheel-to-wheel, you should first checkout the karting series at the kart tracks in your area on the weekends and their races. Find out who has the biggest fields, and find out what spec equipment they recommend. That way, you can run with a consistent group of people, and you can see how you are improving, and you will have the correct equipment to begin with.

Badger Raceway in WI, Concept Haulers Motor Speedway in Norway, IL, 61 Kartway in Delmar, IA, and New Castle in IN are the closest tracks to Chicago I know of. There are couple midwest touring series, like Route 66 and one of the biggest karting events in the U.S., the Rock Island Grand Prix is held at Rock Island, IL.

Unlike So-Cal, shifters and TAGs haven't quite caught on here yet and fields aren't the biggest, aleast at 61 Kartway where I've raced. HVPs and the 2-stroke classes dominate.

If you want to become World Champion, or become the best karter in your city, I would start in the single speed karts and work on technique.

If you want a quick go-fast buzz and you don't have the time or the energy to become the Big Dog at the kart track, I would get a 125cc shifter kart or TAG.

Don't do any karting unless you have a rib protector and an elbow pad. You could crack a rib your first time out, or hit your elbow on the motor while shifting.

Be careful, karting is an absolute blast and gets addicting in a hurry!

[stang97]

Hey everyone thanks for the help thus far. Is there much welding involved in this?? I mean are the frames pretty tough?? Is there a lot of tools I would need besides the usual set of sockets, wrenches etc??

[hectore3]

If you are ever in Boston run on down to "F1 Boston". It's the premier indoor karting track in the region.

[StRacerDuke]

If you are ever in Boston run on down to "F1 Boston". It's the premier indoor karting track in the region.

Hah! I'll be there a week from Saturday for the first time.

[shep]

You will have to wad one up pretty good to need to weld on it. Most of the frames are 1 or 1 1/8 4130 and some of the asphalt karts are 1.25. I would go to the tracks that were mentioned and check out the class rules. Most classes are based on kart and drive combined weight and age, 16+ is adult classes. Check out what chassis and Motors are running up front at the different tracks. Some chassis work better than others on some tracks. If you are going to buy used equipment I wouldn't buy a Kart that is more than two seasons old. There is always the exception to that rule, but for the most part the chassis technology changes enough that anything older than that and it will be hard to be competitive. I wouldn't worry about the motor at first as long as it is fresh. After some seat time if you decide to stay with it you could send it to a shop and have it blueprinted and dynoed. Karting is 85% chassis set up 10% driver skill and 5% motor.

[yellowrallys]

I raced dirt karts for ten years or so until '02. Go to your local tracks, watch, meet people, ask questions, etc.. Look at the equipment it takes to be competitive. You might buy a used kart and motor to see if you really want to do it before investing in a whole new outfit then deciding it's not for you.
As with any type of racing, it is a money funnel and takes up bunches of time if you are serious about it and intend to be competitive. A new chassis each season unless you crash a lot, then it can mean more, a couple of motors. I kept a couple of "Saturday nite" local motors as well as at least one special motor for those big races. Maybe a practice motor to keep from using the good stuff during practice. Tires and rims. Don't get me started on those! I've barely scratched the surface on the subject, however, it's really a fun sport and it's a good family sport!