Anybody into Kart Racing

[Faceaz]

I took the Bondurant Shifter Kart Class this past week - it was awesome. So I'm thinking about getting into the racing, but there's so many classes. It seems like the shifters would be pretty expensive & probably hard on the trannys, so I'm thinking about the kt100 engines. Anybody driven one with these engines, are they much slower than a 125cc shifter?
Thanks,

[Squeezing Spectra]

100cc class is much slower than a shifter kart but still alotta fun and a whole bunch easier on the wallet :D

[Buster]

Wow, I don't know how you could go back to a KT100 after driving a shifter cart. I raced a Shifter for three years and only ever wanted go faster so I am positive your 100 days would be numbered and you would end up with a 125 anyways. BTW, other then eating up tires (new set for every race) the motors and tranny's are bullet proof. Other then basic maint I never broke anything other then some sproket bolts.
Also, if you weigh more then 125lbs you will get your ass handed to you in the 100 cc class as it is dominated by 12 to 15 year olds. More HP and better brakes will make your racing way more fun.
Enjoy.....

[Faceaz]

Thanks for the info. What about the 125cc non-shifter - like the Rotax Max, or TM? Aren't some of the classes weight based? Driving the shifters with out using the clutch seemed like it would be pretty hard on the trannys. Sounds like I'll be staying away from the 100.

[Buster]

Thanks for the info. What about the 125cc non-shifter - like the Rotax Max, or TM? Aren't some of the classes weight based? Driving the shifters with out using the clutch seemed like it would be pretty hard on the trannys. Sounds like I'll be staying away from the 100.
I heard some of those Rotax motors could set you back from 5 to 8 grand and you still have to buy a good chassis. You could find a used Yamaha WR motor, put a grand into it and run with high end euro motors on a sprint track like Adams or Perris. As for weight, all classes are weight based so who do you think has the advantage a 16 year old that weighs 125lbs or a 30 year old that weighs 175 ? If the class weight is 300lbs (Cart + Driver) the 16 year old gets to place 50lbs of lead wherever they want. In a shifter class the weight balance can be overcome by HP, a 6 speed gearbox and a good chassis setup. With all the other classes they rely on constant momentum through the turns so weight and balance play a big part in going fast. Don't get me wrong, even with a shifter, if you can place lead low behind your seat and upfront it will make difference but not like on a KT cart.
I say go for it... They are so much fun even to just go out on open practice days and drive til your arms want to explode :D

[Chipster27]

I raced a Parilla Leopard on a CRG chassis for a year. First year out finished 5th in the championship and had a great time.
I'd take a serious look at the TAG or Rotax class. You get a watercooled 125 with a "spec" class. It's a great mix of power and reliability that can make for a fun time. As with boating, I met some great people cart racing.
The TAG/Rotax class will cause you to learn how to drive the cart and carry your speed. A shifter can allow you to learn some bad driving habits because the power can overcome the errors.
Check out your local carting clubs and cart shops. Run what ever is supported in your area and talk to as many people as possible. A great site I used to go to is http://www.ekartingnews.com/forum.php
Good luck, it's a great time!
If you're in Huntington Beach talk to Andy Seesman at Full Throttle in Anaheim, probably one of the best resources and most ethical guys out there.

[Racer277]

I'd take a serious look at the TAG or Rotax class. You get a watercooled 125 with a "spec" class.
Yeah, that's the way to go.
2 seperate brake systems, electric start, spec class.
You should race, it will be eye opening.
I always laugh when people say they can drive fast. If you haven't driven a shifter, you likely have no clue.
The skills you will learn, and the skills you will witness are where it's at.

[Chipster27]

Yeah, that's the way to go.
2 seperate brake systems, electric start, spec class.
You should race, it will be eye opening.
I always laugh when people say they can drive fast. If you haven't driven a shifter, you likely have no clue.
The skills you will learn, and the skills you will witness are where it's at.
If I remember right (raced in '04) you couldn't use the front brakes in TAG. Rules might have changed since then. I had a shifter chassis and had to pull the front brakes off.
Also, if you're in So Cal, one of the best tracks in the country is in Baumont. It's called Moran Raceway. http://moranraceway.com/ it was a blast to race on.
Check out a couple of the local kart clubs, Tri-C http://www.tri-ckarters.com/ and LA Kart Club http://www.lakc.org/ are two that I remember. The best thing I did was to go to a race and talk to people. I never met anyone that was not helpful and everyone loves to talk about karting.
Good luck

[cdog]

If I remember right (raced in '04) you couldn't use the front brakes in TAG. Rules might have changed since then. I had a shifter chassis and had to pull the front brakes off.
Also, if you're in So Cal, one of the best tracks in the country is in Baumont. It's called Moran Raceway. http://moranraceway.com/ it was a blast to race on.
Check out a couple of the local kart clubs, Tri-C http://www.tri-ckarters.com/ and LA Kart Club http://www.lakc.org/ are two that I remember. The best thing I did was to go to a race and talk to people. I never met anyone that was not helpful and everyone loves to talk about karting.
Good luck
I used to be piston port light chanmp when I was 13 & 14 at Tri-c when they were over at Adams in riverside. Karting is expensive and it's just a Kart. I'd look into a formula ford.
Here's what I'd like to do. F1000
http://www.phoenixracecars.com/
Some of my racing. Me in 3rd. First time in the rain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNzx2XJ3So8

[Faceaz]

Looks like a great time Corey. I'm kind of drawn to the karts because they don't take up a huge amount of space. I think I'm going to take a closer look @ the shifters & try to figure what it would cost to get set up with one.
Thanks,

[squirt'nmyload]

ha ha...i saw some carts running at bondurant the other day from our pit at firebird. it sure looked like fun

[motion]

the tag run very good, much easier, you will become a better driver, much more affordable good equipment. my friend has a nice kgb tag for sale in havasu, 2500. i have a shifter 125 i will sale if you have interest it needs to be completed, brand new. thanks

[PHOTOGLOU]

I have an SSC Charolet (sp?) Chassis wit IAME 125CC 2 stroke 19k RPM and will pull a shifter in Mid range I might want to sell... Jay

[maxwedge]

I always wanted to try that. I used to love watching the shifter carts out in Las Vegas. The way the drag strip used to be set up (maybe still? I haven't been there since there re-did it), if the drag racing got boring or there was a lull in the action you could turn around and see the action on the kart track. Always Looked fun as hell.

[catman-do]

My cousin races/ works for SODI Kart. I know when he is not racing, that he is selling karts all accross the country. I believe most of the karts range from 6-10k

[Cs19]

I used to run the KT100 karts, not enough power unless your real small. They are fun but you are forced to drive perfect like mentioned earlier, perfect for young teenagers. Leaning them out down the straight away was bad ass, used to turn like 15-16,000 RPM.:eek:
That Rotax stuff was starting to take off when i got out of it, heard it was fun.

[haulina29]

My 13 year old drives a 100ccEmmick cadet tag and gives the shifters fits it hauls ass we spin it 17500 rpm it comes out of the corners like a rocket like cs19 says good for kids . A 100 needs to be on the pipe at all times to get the job done .We have a full size Tony Kart being rigged as we speak and we are putting a 100 on it also it will be intersting to see what way the lap time s go.