Is there kart racing for adults - or is this just a kid thing?

There is a new kart track near my house. I noticed the shifter karts going in there are fairly sophisticated racers. Do they allow adults to race these or is this just for training kids to race?

Don't have experience with shifters, but I can say for sure kart racing isn't just a kid thing.  AMP is a track near me and they have karts, which are absolutely awesome!!!  Something like 60mph top speed, elevation changes.  I love it.

There are indeed a handful of classes for adults exclusively.  From memory there are three very popular classes starting at 100CC and going up to 125CC Shifters.  There's a nice track near me in Lebanon Oh call G&J Kartway whose website you can checkout to see the classes.

I mean I've seen some like that which were adults or proven prior experience only. They had slower kids karts available but wouldn't even let you near the fast ones without an actual road license or sanctioned youth race liscense. You looking at K1 speed or https://dallaskartingcomplex.com/

Yes, I have been racing the last 20 years or so. Here are a few of the bigs national orgainzations, there are also a lot of local orgs as well.

https://www.worldkarting.com/

https://www.nkaonline.com/

https://akraracing.com/

https://www.superkartsusa.com/

Anybody doing it in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area?

johndej said:

I mean I've seen some like that which were adults or proven prior experience only. They had slower kids karts available but wouldn't even let you near the fast ones without an actual road license or sanctioned youth race liscense. You looking at K1 speed or https://dallaskartingcomplex.com/

https://www.youtube.com/embed/nZ8k89v5Y5k?rel=0

 

This would be the one near my house.

Kart racing will have drivers from 5 years old to 75 years old

So here are the basics of adult classes:

Shifter Karts -  these include karts with engines built specifically for Karts and Karts with 125cc motocross engines. 35-40HP. 

TAG - touch and go electric start karts. In my area Rotax spec engine karts were popular. They are around 30hp.

L0206 or other 4 stroke  - these are popular adult budget classes, the engine is around $600 and they tend to run a long time. 9-10hp.

Some places even run vintage karts.

Kart racing is a fantastic sport. The budget classes are the cheapest from of motorsport going.

In my area there are multiple kart places that will do adult only leagues.  Good way to beat the winter blues if you can find a legit indoor facility.  The outdoor track has a rental league as well with their gas karts.

Tom1200 said:

Kart racing will have drivers from 5 years old to 75 years old

So here are the basics of adult classes:

Shifter Karts -  these include karts with engines built specifically for Karts and Karts with 125cc motocross engines. 35-40HP. 

TAG - touch and go electric start karts. In my area Rotax spec engine karts were popular. They are around 30hp.

L0206 or other 4 stroke  - these are popular adult budget classes, the engine is around $600 and they tend to run a long time. 9-10hp.

Some places even run vintage karts.

Kart racing is a fantastic sport. The budget classes are the cheapest from of motorsport going.

How much would a kart cost in one of the budget classes? I have seen karts for sale up to $10,000.

In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :

I've seen complete ready to race new karts for around 5K.  Used for between $2000 & $3500.

If you just want to get in a Kart and drive you can find karts for $1500................naturally these won't be front  runners.

I'd recommend you go pay the track a visit and ask them what the popular class is in your area. I know the 206 karts were hot here for a while - not as fast as the shifters, but when you're in the middle of a pack and trying to gain a half inch on the guy in front that doesn't matter. It's like racing Spec Miata vs having a formula car.

The track probably also knows who's getting out and selling their kit.

In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :

For arrive and drive rentals there you're looking at:

That probably gives you an idea of the running costs of a shifter versus the others too :)

In reply to johndej :

I take it the $30 would be the 206 kart with the four stroke engine.

Dallas Karting Complex has been around for a number of years. They have expanded their track, recently, which I assume they're advertising as new.

They have rental karts to get you started and, if you can lay down a fast enough lap time, you can rent one of their faster karts (single speed or maybe shifter).

Karting can be cheap to get in to, but it's also easy to drop $20k on a whole kart package, so don't get discouraged if it seems crazy expensive. 

I think DKC has club races and North Texas Karters (up in Denton) definitely does.  NTK has a decent L0206 senior class that are almost all people over 30.  L0206 is probably the cheapest to get into as it's a sealed Briggs and Stratton 4-stroke motor.  Low HP, easy maintenance, but the motors are incredibly consistent, so you'll see 6+ karts nose to tail for the whole race.  Lots of close racing.

FWIW, NTK is a "club" where you can (but don't have to) buy a yearly membership and drive pretty much whenever you want.  You'll get a code to the gate.  There will be no on site shop for things like parts/fuel/tires.   DKC is a rental business and pro shop.  They offer karts for sale, karts for rent, race weekend packages, team packages and gear while also maintaining a healthy "average Joe" rental business.  I mention it because there can be a bit of sticker shock when first looking into karts, especially at a full shop vs. buying one from an individual.

If you're interested, besides going out to DKC, I'd recommend checking out the NTK website and going up to watch a club race.  You'll have to pay a nominal admission fee (basically for insurance) and will have full access to watch the races, walk through the pits, talk to other karters, watch karts come through the tech barn, etc.  Defintely more low key/hobby than what you would get at DKC and might reduce the shock. 

(BTW, I'm not knocking DKC at all, there's just a difference between hobby racers and "pro" racers)

-Rob

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to johndej :

I take it the $30 would be the 206 kart with the four stroke engine.

Actually, it's a Honda 4-stroke. Probably around the same HP as a L0206, but the rental karts have rock hard tires and probably weigh a good 50-75 lbs more than a racing Lo206.  So, if you drive one, know an L0206 would be the same in acceleration, but much more nimble. 

-Rob

rob_lewis said:

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to johndej :

I take it the $30 would be the 206 kart with the four stroke engine.

Actually, it's a Honda 4-stroke. Probably around the same HP as a L0206, but the rental karts have rock hard tires and probably weigh a good 50-75 lbs more than a racing Lo206.  So, if you drive one, know an L0206 would be the same in acceleration, but much more nimble. 

-Rob

Sounds like the snowmobiles I used to rent in Colorado.

Probably way more info that you need to know, but here goes....

Kart costs (for an L0206, other classes are more expensive):

1. Chassis - New ~$6000, Used $1000 to ~$5999
2. Motor - L0206: New $1200, Used $500 and up. 
3. TIres - About $200/set.  Depending on what the track has specified, they could last just a weekend or months.  With practice and club races, you can chew through tires fairly quickly, but the race tires you use one weekend can be practice tires for the next 4 weekends
4. Fuel - Track dependent.  Some require race fuel ($15/gallon), some pick a local gas station where everyone has to buy 87 octane from (for tech).
5. Personal Gear
   1. Helmet - Most tracks require full face Snell helmets.  Automotive, karting or motorcycle helmets all qualify as long as it's Snell rated
   2. Neck Brace - Anything from a foam donut ($30) to a neck brace system ($200) to none at all.  Usually driver's choice what to use. 
   3. Suit - You will need a karting specific suit.  Automotive racing suits will not work as they're designed for fire protection vs. kart suits designed for skid resistance.  I've seen fleabay ones as cheap as $100 and custom ones that run $1500. 
   4. Gloves - $20 to $200
   5. Shoes - Wrestling shoes work and are cheap (under $20), kart shoes can range from $50 (on sale or clearance) to $300 for custom
   6. Rib Protector - WIth no suspension and older bones, I highly recommend one that fits well.  Under the suit or over the suit is driver preference.  Average cost of about $150-200.
6. Tools
   1. Kart stand - Used $100, New $300, One person powered lift $600 (great for a weekend when you're the only one at the track).  You can try to go without a stand, but working on a kart that's on the ground sucks.
   2. Hand Tools - Just your standard (metric) tools.  A good set of hex wrenches are needed
   3. Decent tire guage, karts run less than 30 psi (usually around 15)
   4. Compressor - A cheap hot dog or pancake one is perfect
   5. Fluids - Carb cleaner, chain oil, bearing lube, cleaning supplies, rags, paper towels, etc.
   6. Bead Breaker and Tire Tongs (you will end up changing tires)
   7. Alignment tools specific for karts. Used are usually the way to go.  As you get into it, you'll want to adjust things.
   8. Racing fuel jug
   9. Transponder (tracks usually offer transponder rental on race days)
7. Other/Optional
   1. Rain tires and rain rims (if you decide to race in the rain, you don't have to)
   2. Second set of rims to have for practice.  That way you're not swapping tires mid day to put on race tires
   3. Extra chains and gears are always good to have to adjust for conditions.  Well, and chains break.
   4. Extra parts - Not like major items, but it's the little things like extra wheel nuts for when you're in a hurry and drop one, extra nuts and bolts.  Most tracks require safety wired or double nuts (I know DKC and NTK do)
   5. Tuning parts - Different axles, hubs, wheels, chassis braces, etc can all be used for different track conditions and personal driving preference.  Not needed on day one, but will be as you get more into it.
   6. Entry fees - For a local race, $50-100. 

If you hit both NTK and DKC for local races, you'll get an idea of what karts are common (Sodi at DKC, Tony Kart or Birel at NTK) which helps when you break something and need to buy/borrow a part and for setup from some of the more seasoned guys.  Kart racers generally want to help each other and it's a lot easier when you're not on a chassis that nobody's heard of. 

Here's an example of a package deal $2100 that would have been a great starter from the NTK FB page.

NTK has a club race this Saturday if you feel like heading up there to check it out.

-Rob

In reply to rob_lewis :

Thanks for the information. I actually like working on and building my own stuff.

It's been a few years, and please correct me if this is innacurate, but I recall that:

-Where I am, there weren't usually enough adults to fill out heats, so they'd have to share the track with youths. This might make some uncomfortable.

-LO206 Karts are nowhere near as quick as shifters, but they are a lot easier to drive and maintain. You can run multiple seasons without opening up a 4-stroke, whereas the 2-strokes wear MUCH faster.

- I may have to get back in it before I get too old. A friend who raced cars for many years keeps a shifter kart and goes out once a month for lapping sessions as much for a nostalgia trip as anything.   

Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to rob_lewis :

Thanks for the information. I actually like working on and building my own stuff.

Always happy to help when it comes to karting.  My son did it for 10 years with 1000's of laps at the tracks around Texas.  If you've never done it, I'd recommend renting a kart at DKC to get a feel for it and start to understand how karts drive.  When you're spending more on rentals than you would owning your own kart, that's when you buy.  Absolutely make time to check out a few club races.  DKC and NTK both will be hosting regional races this year (just a bigger more serious event) that are fantastic to watch for some close racing.  DKC has held national races, too, but not sure if they have any coming this year, but might be with their new track.  That's the serious folks that pull up with giant 5th wheel trailers, enclosed work spaces with sliding doors, team karts and suits, etc.  Rivaling any automotive race team.  Serious money flows at those races, but the racing is top notch.

-Rob

Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:

It's been a few years, and please correct me if this is innacurate, but I recall that:

-Where I am, there weren't usually enough adults to fill out heats, so they'd have to share the track with youths. This might make some uncomfortable.

-LO206 Karts are nowhere near as quick as shifters, but they are a lot easier to drive and maintain. You can run multiple seasons without opening up a 4-stroke, whereas the 2-strokes wear MUCH faster.

- I may have to get back in it before I get too old. A friend who raced cars for many years keeps a shifter kart and goes out once a month for lapping sessions as much for a nostalgia trip as anything.   

 - Yes, depending on racer turnout (some weekends are packed, some are not), they'll run juniors with seniors.  Junior karts are the same size, just lighter with a more restriciive carb.  Age for a junior starts around 12.  As far as ability, there is rarely anything to worry about.  I know my kid at 10 would get asked advice and offered coaching for several adults on how to drive faster.

 - It's common for a "car guy" to state that they "NEED" to buy a shifter.  Sure, they're a bit faster, but damn near any kart is fun to drive.  60mph when you're 1/2" off the ground is plenty fast for most people.  Plus, racing is about competing.  Would you rather drive a slower L0206 but have 30 people in your class or a shifter where it's you and two other drivers? 

 - Never too old to get into it, but unless you have lots of extra money to spend on karting, I'll always recommend the single speed classes.  I also think single speed makes you a better driver because you have to learn to maintain speed, take better lines, setup passes, etc.  If you screw up a turn in a shifter, you can just drop it down another gear to get out of the hole.  Shifters are absolutely the top of the karting chain, but racing the other classes are much better ways to get into it.

Just as a quick comparison to auto (in my opinion):

1. An L0206 kart is like a Formula Vee.  Low HP, but low cost and close racing
2. A KA100 kart is like a Formula Ford
3. An X30 or Rotax is like a Formula Mazda or Formula Continental
4. A Shfiter is like a Formula Atlantic or F4 car

-Rob

I'm trying to remember the polite term used for the class of 4 stroke karts for old, fat guys like me.  Its much more polite than "Old, Fat Class", but we all know what it means.

Loads of fun, anyway.  Teaches you lines, and conservation of momentum really well. Also teaches you about the importance of fresh tires, unless the club has budget rules.

Streetwiseguy said:

I'm trying to remember the polite term used for the class of 4 stroke karts for old, fat guys like me.  Its much more polite than "Old, Fat Class", but we all know what it means.

Husky class? Of course that means something else at my house.