Sprint Or Shifter?

RacerLaxOtaku · 8 Jul 2003, 20:25 (Ref:656201)

What's the difference between the two classes.

THANKS.

avsfan733 · 9 Jul 2003, 01:43 (Ref:656421)

sprints are the kind where you sit upright as compared to enduro or laydown karts.

Shifters usually refer to top of the line/fast sprint karts that have an engine (usually a 125cc or 250cc) that has a gearbox (usually 6 speed) hence the shifter kart label. However, you also get some enduros that race the gearbox classes so they are also a version of shifter karts. Generall ythough, the shifter kart term refers to the uppereschelons of sprints where, as i said, they shift
(god i hope that made sense)

RacerLaxOtaku · 9 Jul 2003, 01:57 (Ref:656429)

Yeah, that kinda made sense, thanks.

avsfan733 · 10 Jul 2003, 20:54 (Ref:658249)

Okay here goes with a little more sleep

Sprints are sit up karts
Shifters are a specific type of sprints
all shifters have gearboxes
not all sprints have gearboxes
not all sprints are shifters

yelodwg · 11 Jul 2003, 15:06 (Ref:658866)

How about this: Sprint karts refer to those chassis built to mainly race on short (@1 mile and under; maybe 1.5 kilometers and under, I'd guess) left and right turn asphalt tracks. And as avsfan said, shifters are sometimes used on Sprint karts.

For the long tracks, you will find laydown enduros (longer chassis) and Superkarts (generally 250cc 2 stroke/400-450 4 stroke), the bada** really really fast really fun to watch karts. But in addition, you will also find Sprint karts, with at minimum, gearing changes to allow for the much higher speeds of the long track.

I used to Sprint race, but now I race my Arrow Sprint chassis on the long track.

RacerLaxOtaku, what class are you thinking of running?

bart_jacobs · 11 Jul 2003, 21:17 (Ref:659207)

RacerLaxOtaku · 12 Jul 2003, 02:13 (Ref:659315)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by yelodwg
RacerLaxOtaku, what class are you thinking of running?[QUOTE]

I really don't know... it's all so complicated. here's my problem, i'm want to make a career out of racing which means i'll probably be racing shifters, but i read that i should get a shifter if i'm a beginner, so i geuss i'll get a regular sprint. but i have to pay for all the equipment and everything myself

. so i won't have money to buy a new kart for a while

. i'm thinking about getting a Margay chassis and a Briggs&Stratton engine or Yamaha... but that's about it. i'm also in a pretty bad place. the closest club is only enduro (i'm pretty sure)[that's the Woodbridge Kart Club]. i've been on the internet for hours every day and i'm not getting anywhere very fast... but... for a class... maybe Senior Sportsman or Briggs Senior [i'm looking at the Margay applications page].

avsfan733 · 12 Jul 2003, 06:07 (Ref:659368)

Woodbridge is not just Enduro!!!! Check your PM's man we'll talk. Briggs is good but they are kinda slow you would probably want to start with the yamaha ppcan class which is a KT100 (2stroke yamaha single cylinder piston port, 100cc dislacement) with a spec exhaust can

yelodwg · 12 Jul 2003, 16:15 (Ref:659606)

RacerLaxOtaku, I think you need to get to the track! You are putting the cart before the horse in trying to figure out what you want to do, yet the track where you will be running will provide you with answers to many of your questions.

1) 2 stroke or 4 stroke: that depends on what is running at the track. If mostly 4 strokes, then that's what you will start out on, and the same with 2 strokes. You don't need to spin in your mind about all this, go to the track and see how YOU feel about the different engines. If it were me and they ran HPV's at the track, that would be a no-brainer. I'd pick HPV any day over KT 100. But if they don't have any HPVs at your track and have KT 100's, then again, no brainer, go with the KT 100

Either engine will give you a huge thrill!!!!

2) shifter vs. non-shifter (clutch kart): if you are concerned about the fact that you are being told to start out on a clutch kart rather than a shifter, yet you really wish you could start out in a shifter, then why don't you get a kart chassis that is easily converted to a shifter. You can go from a clutch kart to an 80cc shifter and use the same chassis, as the 80cc does not require front brakes (as a general rule). I could put an 80cc on my Arrow chassis, if I so desired.

3) getting a chassis: again, I know the tendency is to want to pick out all the equipment you want to buy, but that might change after going to the track.

The moral: go to the track and ask lots of questions

Tom Stephens
www.kartfinder.com
www.tvracer.com

RacerLaxOtaku · 12 Jul 2003, 21:17 (Ref:659732)

Thanks, i'll do that... i would of before but my parents are the kind of people that always say "not this weekend, next weekend", but they usually don't follow through. i'm so gald i'll be able to drive next year.

RacerLaxOtaku · 12 Jul 2003, 21:22 (Ref:659733)

avsfan733, i just got your PM, thanks. sorry i didn't read it earlier but it never said i had any PM's.

yelodwg · 13 Jul 2003, 15:06 (Ref:660040)

RacerLaxOtaku, just a thought, but do you think your dad would like to see the karts too? A lot of families get involved with their kids in this sport?

Tom

RacerLaxOtaku · 14 Jul 2003, 01:05 (Ref:660361)

Maybe... good idea, thanks.

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