Karting is as expensive as you want it to be. You don't have to spend huge sums to be competitive, nor do you need sticker kits, painted helmets etc. If anyone thinks they do, they're sorely mistaken.
What we need to focus on is areas of "mandatory" unnecessary expense. Those things where you don't have a choice but to purchase them. Personally, I can't see where costs can be saved (other than needless reg changes). Clubs are run on a shoestring, the MSA needs some money at least, most kart traders don't make huge amounts of money. Who's going to swallow any cost reductions?
From 10 years ago, I fail to see where karting has got more expensive? TKM engines are cheaper than they were, parts are about the same, entry fees are pretty similar. Taking inflation into account, I'd say karting has actually got cheaper.
Regarding getting newcomers into the sport, that is all about barriers to entry. The biggest of these is the upfront costs of kit and the ARKS test. Have we seen a reduction in novices who are out of their depth since the introduction of the ARKS test? Why not scrap the test? Instead, novices could be tested on the flags prior to their first race and observed in morning practice. Very few would turn up not competent enough to race, since the embarassment of being sent home early would be immense.
FInally, how many people race for a year and never come back? Why not make the first years license free for all (not just under 16's)?
Dave
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