Advice on finding the right kart

[r_man_18]

Okay, I am trying to start my hopefully productive and prosperous racing career in karting. I am 14 and would like to get started racing before it's too late, because I am already getting pretty old to start if I want to be top level succesful I believe.

The details: I am looking to getting into Road Racing and Endurance racing. The only track around me is Sandy Hook Speedway . If anyone races there, how is it? Friendly to beginners? I also plan on joining the WKA and Woodbridge Kart Club so if anyone is going to the meeting on the 4th, could you relay the details.

I am currently looking at a Rotax Max chassis, no clue on engines. If possible, I would like to keep the spending under $2,500USD. Know of any good classified sites or sites with auctions? Any recommendations on which class or on engines? What do you think about a shifter kart and how old do you have to be in order to compete in one?

Thanks for all the help. If their are any events coming up soon in Maryland please e-mail me: andrew38161@aol.com or andrew_halo_rs@hotmail.com

[a_r_c_a]

Go to www.kartingmania.net

[yelodwg]

Andrew, my suggestion is that you visit as many tracks in your area as you can to see what classes they run and talk to the racers. You will find out best that way how friendly they are. Most are more than willing to answer your questions.

It is best to determine how many run what engines before you purchase one yourself. I race HPV myself and am VERY happy with the engine, but am disappointed enough with wayyy too small of a turnout that I am seriously considering purchasing a Parilla Leopard. There are many more with those engines to race against in my area.

By going to the tracks, you will also get a feel for whether you would like to go the shifter route versus a clutch kart. There are many who will say it is best to start off in a clutch kart to get your driving technique down, before going the shifter route. Can't say, as I havent' driven a shifter...yet

Also, I HIGHLY recommend going to a kart driving school! If you aren't hooked now, just you wait!

For classifieds, you can check out our huge list at www.kartfinder.com/classifieds.htm

PS. Check your email!

Tom Stephens
www.kartfinder.com

[superbird]

I am currently looking at a Rotax Max chassis, no clue on engines. If possible, I would like to keep the spending under $2,500USD. Know of any good classified sites or sites with auctions?

Try eKartingNews.com. Rotax Max is the engine, you can choose from 100's of chassis. As a beginner, the brand of chassis isn't too important as long as it isn't bent and you can get spares easily for it.

Any recommendations on which class or on engines? What do you think about a shifter kart and how old do you have to be in order to compete in one?

I think you can race an 80cc shifter from age 13, 125cc is from 15, but an 80 is probably better for a beginner.

When you're choosing your class, go for one where there are lots of racers at the track/s you are going to compete at - it varies from area to area.