Don't be too hasty to buy a kart. Karts and their parts are always available to buy throughout the year, there is always another good deal available.
The key thing you need to find out is the type of racing that you want to race in and then the type of kart class you want to race in.
There are two types of racing available, these are MSA racing and non-MSA racing (also known as Indikart Racing).
Both types of racing offer good close racing and the racing rules and race day format are very similar, being 2 or 3 heats and then a final. Here is a quick brief on the pro's and con's of each.
MSA - You need a license, a medical and to get your license you need to do an ARKS test. This is a 10 minute driving test to see that you are able to control a kart without spinning off / crashing all the time. You also have to sit a written test to show that you understand what all the flag colours mean (red - stop racing, yellow - proceed with caution etc). This type of racing has strict rules regarding the karts to keep the racing as fair as possible. They have minimum weight limits that are achieved by adding lead if you are underweight. You have to have your engine built to specific tolerances (they check the engines if you win).
Pro's - Serious competitive racing that is closely monitored for fairness.
Con's - Much more expensive than IndiKart Racing to start, it works out around £600 more than IndiKart Racing to start. Grid numbers have dropped since the recession meaning there are less karters to race against.
Non-MSA (IndiKart Racing) - Has the same karts as MSA racing but you don't need a license, you don't need a medical, you don't need an ARKS test and there are no strict rules regarding the karts weights and there are no strict rules regarding the karts engine tolerances. This type of racing you basically jump in and go.
Pro's - Really easy to start racing and it's as cheap as it gets. Grid numbers have grown since the recession. The racing is cleaner than MSA racing.
Con's - You can tune your engine and do what you like with it, so there is the element that it can be more unfair than MSA controlled racing. The reality is though that the majority are there to just race for the fun of it and aren't interested in spending lots of money tuning their engines. At the end of the day though it's the same rules for everyone.
I would go along and have a look at both types of racing and then decide which type you would like to race in. Then from there decide which class of kart you would like to race.
Chris.
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New Karter by 'Bigrew' (23 Oct 2012 @ 15:21)
