My son and I started 3 years ago and like you I had little idea about karting. I would say before you do anything else be sure he really wants to race. I bought my son several sessions on an arrive and drive kart over a few weeks to be sure he was keen and keen to get faster. We then watched some meetings, asked lots of questions, worked out the classes, and then which one was the one for us. From a bit of reading and digging around on the net I thought TKM was the one but watching the meetings made me realise that around me (oop north) TKM grids were thin so I went decided on Rotax. Having persuaded the wife that it was safe enough (the hardest job) I took the plunge and bought a secondhand kart with new engine plus suit etc from a local dealer as part of a christmas sale package. We picked our kart up at the track on a freezing day, mixed some fuel and off we went with few tools, no real idea, but lots of friendly advice from those around us. After lots of practice days we booked an arks test and started racing. 3 years later he's Snr Rotax champion at his club. So, be sure you both want to race, attend lots of races to get a feel for it, buy the odd kart mag, ask lots of questions, see what dealers are at the track(s) you plan on racing at and what make(s) they support. When it comes to taking the plunge get a s/h kart from a sound source, consider a new engine (Rotax engines have a warranty) and do lots of practice days till you think your son is ready to take the arks test and race. Kart setup is everything but initially he must learn to drive confidently and consistently and this requires as much seat in bum time as you can manage Good luck.
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