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If you're interested in starting out in motor sport, but have been put off by the prohibitive cost of the equipment, licenses and entry fees - let alone the actual cars - then you might want to consider go kart racing. Karting at an amateur level is relatively expensive when compared to the vast majority of car racing and, if care and attention are applied, a entry to one of the junior karting series need not cost the earth.
Further, many entrants - particularly karting's younger participants - view the sport as a stepping stone towards the more senior types of opened-wheeled motor racing, such as the world-famous Formula Ford series - indeed many of today's F1 drivers can trace their careers back to humble beginnings behind the wheel of a go-kart. Karting teach it's competitors a huge amount about how race cars are designed, built, and prepared, not to mention the advanced driving skills which the competitor will develop over time too.
Sound like you might enjoy getting involved? Great - here are a few things you ought to start considering on your road to competing in that first race. The first thing you'll need to look at is which form of kart racing you wish to compete in - this is because as with single seat, open wheeled track racing, there are a huge number of classes and categories to choose from. Despite the temptation to jump into the more powerful leagues straight away, it is usually worth spending some time in the junior karting formulas so that you can learn the basic driving skills and disciplines right from the beginning. If you are particularly ambitious though, and really don't want to hang around in the junior formulas for too long, it might be worth looking at purchasing a used junior-spec kart to begin with - before purchasing a brand-new pro-spec kart for your desired racing series, once you are ready. Whatever your preference, always try not to bite off more than you can chew. A basic kart should set you back no more than £300-£350 on the second hand market, although expect to pay five or even ten times that later on if you want to upgrade to a more professional machine.
There are also a few safety considerations which are well worth thinking about before taking the plunge. Because of the relatively low speeds, karting is inaccurately seen as being a safe form of racing. You should bear in mind however that all forms of motorsport, regardless of engine size or speed, carry risks. Although the speeds are lower, collisions can, do, and will happen - and because of this, it is vital that you are adequately protected. As an absolute minimum, you'll need to look at purchasing a karting suit, a karting helmet and a pair of racing gloves. Together, these could set you back more than the kart - but their price is easily justified. Remember that no matter how good you are, accidents are part-and-parcel of motor racing. Lastly, consider also that you'll need to budget for spares, fuel and tyres. Expect to pay out £250 for these all-important parts, but with these and the racing accessories to hand, you're ready to race - enjoy!
Mode Racewear is a leading supplier of racing seats, race bucket seats and racing harnesses, and stocks a range of racing seats by Sparco, Corbeau, Cobra and Recaro.
Mode Racewear is a Silverstone-based company, supplying quality karting suits and other racing accessories such as karting boots, check our our website now or call us on 01327 858349 today!
By Richard Harwood
Further, many entrants - particularly karting's younger participants - view the sport as a stepping stone towards the more senior types of opened-wheeled motor racing, such as the world-famous Formula Ford series - indeed many of today's F1 drivers can trace their careers back to humble beginnings behind the wheel of a go-kart. Karting teach it's competitors a huge amount about how race cars are designed, built, and prepared, not to mention the advanced driving skills which the competitor will develop over time too.
Sound like you might enjoy getting involved? Great - here are a few things you ought to start considering on your road to competing in that first race. The first thing you'll need to look at is which form of kart racing you wish to compete in - this is because as with single seat, open wheeled track racing, there are a huge number of classes and categories to choose from. Despite the temptation to jump into the more powerful leagues straight away, it is usually worth spending some time in the junior karting formulas so that you can learn the basic driving skills and disciplines right from the beginning. If you are particularly ambitious though, and really don't want to hang around in the junior formulas for too long, it might be worth looking at purchasing a used junior-spec kart to begin with - before purchasing a brand-new pro-spec kart for your desired racing series, once you are ready. Whatever your preference, always try not to bite off more than you can chew. A basic kart should set you back no more than £300-£350 on the second hand market, although expect to pay five or even ten times that later on if you want to upgrade to a more professional machine.
There are also a few safety considerations which are well worth thinking about before taking the plunge. Because of the relatively low speeds, karting is inaccurately seen as being a safe form of racing. You should bear in mind however that all forms of motorsport, regardless of engine size or speed, carry risks. Although the speeds are lower, collisions can, do, and will happen - and because of this, it is vital that you are adequately protected. As an absolute minimum, you'll need to look at purchasing a karting suit, a karting helmet and a pair of racing gloves. Together, these could set you back more than the kart - but their price is easily justified. Remember that no matter how good you are, accidents are part-and-parcel of motor racing. Lastly, consider also that you'll need to budget for spares, fuel and tyres. Expect to pay out £250 for these all-important parts, but with these and the racing accessories to hand, you're ready to race - enjoy!
Mode Racewear is a leading supplier of racing seats, race bucket seats and racing harnesses, and stocks a range of racing seats by Sparco, Corbeau, Cobra and Recaro.
Mode Racewear is a Silverstone-based company, supplying quality karting suits and other racing accessories such as karting boots, check our our website now or call us on 01327 858349 today!
By Richard Harwood
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