| baileypicks24 | 01-02-2005 08:22 PM |
Karting - just as fun?
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Anybody into karting?
After calculating the costs of running the Scooby at regional tracks, its gonna be just a bit more than I can handle. Not to mention it has to take me to and from work everyday.
Karting is a little more affordable. Theres an initial $3k investment for the kart. After that, everything such as tires, entry fees, etc, is less expensive compared to tracking the Sccoby.
First step is of course to visit a local track to see what chasis/engine is popular.
Any thoughts on pursuing karting instead of tracking the Scooby? Anybody taken this route? Is it really less expensive? Is it anywhere near as fun?
After calculating the costs of running the Scooby at regional tracks, its gonna be just a bit more than I can handle. Not to mention it has to take me to and from work everyday.
Karting is a little more affordable. Theres an initial $3k investment for the kart. After that, everything such as tires, entry fees, etc, is less expensive compared to tracking the Sccoby.
First step is of course to visit a local track to see what chasis/engine is popular.
Any thoughts on pursuing karting instead of tracking the Scooby? Anybody taken this route? Is it really less expensive? Is it anywhere near as fun?
| kwak | 01-02-2005 08:38 PM |
I have raced cars but not karts. Have lots of times in karts though. I especially like them on slick pavement. They will teach you an incredible amount of car control and it is great fun.
Done a shifter kart once = :huh: :eek: :huh: :eek: :huh: :eek: People stay ahead of these things? :D
Not only see what classes are being run locally see if the tracks have rentals. I really like the Rotax class karts.
For doing a car at track days, just don't go nuts spending money on the car. Repeat after me, a street car is not a race car.
Done a shifter kart once = :huh: :eek: :huh: :eek: :huh: :eek: People stay ahead of these things? :D
Not only see what classes are being run locally see if the tracks have rentals. I really like the Rotax class karts.
For doing a car at track days, just don't go nuts spending money on the car. Repeat after me, a street car is not a race car.
| gregr01 | 01-02-2005 08:41 PM |
Karting is as competitive as any form of road racing. It is more physically demanding, however.
It's as much fun, but different than sedan racing. Definitely the least expensive way to go road racing.
Try out a street-car track day (HPDE) and try a rental ride at the karting facility. You'll know which one is for you after you try them. I used to road race, but other priorities have taken those dollars, so now it's just autox, occasional HPDEs and karting days.
It's as much fun, but different than sedan racing. Definitely the least expensive way to go road racing.
Try out a street-car track day (HPDE) and try a rental ride at the karting facility. You'll know which one is for you after you try them. I used to road race, but other priorities have taken those dollars, so now it's just autox, occasional HPDEs and karting days.
| baileypicks24 | 01-02-2005 08:44 PM |
Oh, and if someone searches for this thread or is looking into karting, I found [URL=http://www.ekartingnews.com/NewToKarting/]this (click)[/URL] great resource. Great information.
| mw1029h | 01-02-2005 10:05 PM |
I own a 100cc parilla leopard or a track magic chassis, purchased it new. I've driven it once mixing fuel and keeping the carb clean and empty when not in use is a pain not to mention transporting the thing. If none of the bothers you than try it. I would suggest if you haven't done a couple of karting schools do so.
| Micah Jones | 01-02-2005 11:11 PM |
Do both! (oh yeah... there's that money thing).
I started racing karts this past summer and use my Rex wagon as a tow vehicle, track day car and AutoX car- I guess I have to have my cake and eat it too.
No really, I basically traded my Solo interests for the only wheel to wheel racing I can afford and haven't regreted it. There's no replacement for being at the start of the race in a pack of semi-open wheel karts all diving into the first corner. It's awesome, you have to remind yourself to keep breathing, keep swallowing, and relax- but not too much!
After trying a 125cc TAG kart (non-shifter) at a race school, I was intoxicated, I knew I had to have one because it feels like a race car should, launching from corner to corner. At that point I could only imagine what it would be like in a pack racing wheel to wheel. Now the little know truth about shifters is that if you want to race competitively, you will likely have to race at a regional or national level (read- MegaExpensive!!- travelling, expensive engine rebuilds $$$) but yeah, they are insane to drive, no joke guys. Many local club tracks don't even have much of a shifter class because of the expenses and the physical stamina it takes to run fast and long. Not for beginners.
What I paid last year (what it might cost you) to run 3 sundays a month:
barely used kart chassis: 2000
new 125cc TAG engine set up: 2300
small enclosed trailer: 600
Clothing: 500
Misc. crap: 500
tires that will last about 15-20 runs: 200/mo.
gears and chains you will chew through: 75/mo.
Race/pit fees: 125/mo.
Hardly wore the brake pads down, rotors in great shape (can't say that about car racing).
Nothing beats pulling your sweaty helmet off at the end of a close race to shake the hand of the guy you passed on the last lap after a race of spin-outs and stunning passes. As you can tell, I can't wait for next season!
Go for it man.
I started racing karts this past summer and use my Rex wagon as a tow vehicle, track day car and AutoX car- I guess I have to have my cake and eat it too.
No really, I basically traded my Solo interests for the only wheel to wheel racing I can afford and haven't regreted it. There's no replacement for being at the start of the race in a pack of semi-open wheel karts all diving into the first corner. It's awesome, you have to remind yourself to keep breathing, keep swallowing, and relax- but not too much!
After trying a 125cc TAG kart (non-shifter) at a race school, I was intoxicated, I knew I had to have one because it feels like a race car should, launching from corner to corner. At that point I could only imagine what it would be like in a pack racing wheel to wheel. Now the little know truth about shifters is that if you want to race competitively, you will likely have to race at a regional or national level (read- MegaExpensive!!- travelling, expensive engine rebuilds $$$) but yeah, they are insane to drive, no joke guys. Many local club tracks don't even have much of a shifter class because of the expenses and the physical stamina it takes to run fast and long. Not for beginners.
What I paid last year (what it might cost you) to run 3 sundays a month:
barely used kart chassis: 2000
new 125cc TAG engine set up: 2300
small enclosed trailer: 600
Clothing: 500
Misc. crap: 500
tires that will last about 15-20 runs: 200/mo.
gears and chains you will chew through: 75/mo.
Race/pit fees: 125/mo.
Hardly wore the brake pads down, rotors in great shape (can't say that about car racing).
Nothing beats pulling your sweaty helmet off at the end of a close race to shake the hand of the guy you passed on the last lap after a race of spin-outs and stunning passes. As you can tell, I can't wait for next season!
Go for it man.
| Lafora | 01-02-2005 11:22 PM |
After you race a TAG or shifter, you'll LAUGH at anything with doors and fenders unless it's SERIOUSLY race prepped.
I sold my HPDE / soloII car just to get into karts and after a season I've not looked back. Ran a Biesse / Rotax package last year just to get my feet wet.
This year I bought a Birel CR32-X (2002) with a new Sonik VX125 TAG engine that I'll be racing with next season. Also have a CR125 on another Birel CR32 for ****s and giggles.
The fun factor in karting is MILES ahead of just driving HPDEs / dodging cones / solo. You have the w2w factor involved + somewhat lower racing costs than if you were to do w2w in a full sized car. You don't have to deal with the import "scene" bull**** and not to mention nothing teaches you how to drive and give you a workout like a kart.
My Birel and Sonik in total have cost me UNDER 4000 cdn. That's approx just over 3100 w/ today's cdn-usd exchange rates. The highest expenses I found that I incurred last year were tires.
edit: I see you track the scoob. All the more reason to race a kart. You can go balls to the wall, and god forbid you might happen to stuff the kart in the process. Chances are you will only have minor bruises, pack things up and head home to laugh about it.
Stuff the scoob at a HPDE and I doubt you'll be doing much laughing for a few days.
I sold my HPDE / soloII car just to get into karts and after a season I've not looked back. Ran a Biesse / Rotax package last year just to get my feet wet.
This year I bought a Birel CR32-X (2002) with a new Sonik VX125 TAG engine that I'll be racing with next season. Also have a CR125 on another Birel CR32 for ****s and giggles.
The fun factor in karting is MILES ahead of just driving HPDEs / dodging cones / solo. You have the w2w factor involved + somewhat lower racing costs than if you were to do w2w in a full sized car. You don't have to deal with the import "scene" bull**** and not to mention nothing teaches you how to drive and give you a workout like a kart.
My Birel and Sonik in total have cost me UNDER 4000 cdn. That's approx just over 3100 w/ today's cdn-usd exchange rates. The highest expenses I found that I incurred last year were tires.
edit: I see you track the scoob. All the more reason to race a kart. You can go balls to the wall, and god forbid you might happen to stuff the kart in the process. Chances are you will only have minor bruises, pack things up and head home to laugh about it.
Stuff the scoob at a HPDE and I doubt you'll be doing much laughing for a few days.
| Dussander | 01-03-2005 10:20 AM |
I run a Birel/CR125 shifter w2w and AutoX. It is a blast. Running a car after the shifter is funny because you have all this time to do everything.
| baileypicks24 | 01-03-2005 10:52 AM |
Thanks for posting guys :) Great to see I'm not the only one talking about karting!
| DJ_STI | 01-03-2005 10:55 AM |
can someone post some pictures of these karts. whenver i think karts i think of little toy karts that go 15mph at funworks.
| Section 8 | 01-03-2005 11:05 AM |
Just go to this link (same on posted above):
[URL]http://www.ekartingnews.com/NewToKarting/[/URL]
Depending on track to a certain extent an power source (you just need to slow down more with a powerful engine to turn) you will be going 50-60 MPH easily.
[URL]http://www.ekartingnews.com/NewToKarting/[/URL]
Depending on track to a certain extent an power source (you just need to slow down more with a powerful engine to turn) you will be going 50-60 MPH easily.
| WRX03 | 01-03-2005 11:44 AM |
Come on guys look where he lives, there's going to be very few sprint tracks for racing. It's going to be oval and briggs. I live in Indy where we still have a good selection of the different forms of karting. But I'm planning on to moving to the Asheville area soon. I check with local karters, they said there is hardly ANY sprint racing going on in NC. I'm going to be selling my CRG soon because there isn't any sprint tracks near Asheville. Go to [url]http://www.4cycle.com/[/url] and talk karting for your area. (good news 2-cycle ovals seem to making a come back there-if you like speed :devil: )
In your area I think there is a sprint track. If you really what to sprint race, you also have to ask yourself if you will like racing at just one or two tracks all the time. If you like oval racing, you'll be in hog heaven, the heart of briggs and dirt.
In your area I think there is a sprint track. If you really what to sprint race, you also have to ask yourself if you will like racing at just one or two tracks all the time. If you like oval racing, you'll be in hog heaven, the heart of briggs and dirt.
| supersport | 01-03-2005 05:18 PM |
I raced karts for about 3 and a half years. Moved from a used Tonikart to a new Trackmagic. Both with the basic 100cc Yamaha motor and wet clutch. I had a blast. As a side not I am trying to sell the Trackmagic.
I actually enjoy driving my STi more. More to do and I love the feeling of acceleration from the STi. I am actually looking to move up to SCCA or NASA type racing with an RX7 or 240 or some RWD car.
It is fun bumping around a little but with amateur events drivers make stupid moves and cause accidents often. can't count the amount of times I have been airborne. That goes with open wheel racing though.
It was still great fun and i recommend it to anyone to really teach you the fundamentals of race driving. If you are considering racing competatively then definately take a class. There are a lot of finer details to racing karts that are not done in regular cars. Spend the extra money and go to a quality school at a karting track, not at a little indoor fun karting place.
I actually enjoy driving my STi more. More to do and I love the feeling of acceleration from the STi. I am actually looking to move up to SCCA or NASA type racing with an RX7 or 240 or some RWD car.
It is fun bumping around a little but with amateur events drivers make stupid moves and cause accidents often. can't count the amount of times I have been airborne. That goes with open wheel racing though.
It was still great fun and i recommend it to anyone to really teach you the fundamentals of race driving. If you are considering racing competatively then definately take a class. There are a lot of finer details to racing karts that are not done in regular cars. Spend the extra money and go to a quality school at a karting track, not at a little indoor fun karting place.
| AlpineFD | 01-03-2005 06:08 PM |
Weight is a big factor in karting, so if you are heavy you might not be very competitive.
| [email�protected] | 01-03-2005 06:58 PM |
i didnt get the nickname of Kartboy for nuttin :)
also try national karting news NKN.com i think. buy used if at all possible. Check your local rules. Most will not let you just jump into a shifter kart and start racing, you will need to start out in a clutch kart of a single gear style. trust me they are still a blast!
the last kart i ran were a 250 superkart at laguna seca.
might look into an 80 shifter to play with one of these days
Tom
also try national karting news NKN.com i think. buy used if at all possible. Check your local rules. Most will not let you just jump into a shifter kart and start racing, you will need to start out in a clutch kart of a single gear style. trust me they are still a blast!
the last kart i ran were a 250 superkart at laguna seca.
might look into an 80 shifter to play with one of these days
Tom
| Subaru Gwinnett | 01-04-2005 09:08 PM |
for pics and some video check out my site:
[url]http://www.siegelracing.com[/url]
Karting is the ultimate driver training. There is a reason that most F1 and CART drivers still play in karts. Nothing happens fast in a car once you can handle a full-tilt 125 shifter on a sprint track.
A 125 shifter will do:
0-60 in under 4 seconds
125+ mph (depending on seat height)
3.5 lateral G's
2+ G's negative under braking.
I can't even imagine what a standard slalom could be taken at, normal car 65, Elise 73, kart, maybe 85-90...
If you ever get the chance to drive one TAKE IT. Do your best to stay on the track ;)
I still remember the first time I got in a shifter. Unbelievable, they feel like they just jump from corner to corner. Of course like anything else eventually you get to the point that you are perfectly on the limit all the way around and you would do anything for 1 more hp or 1 more mph worth of grip.
Everybody should try one at least once. Maybe I should rent mine out ;)
Siegel
[url]http://www.siegelracing.com[/url]
Karting is the ultimate driver training. There is a reason that most F1 and CART drivers still play in karts. Nothing happens fast in a car once you can handle a full-tilt 125 shifter on a sprint track.
A 125 shifter will do:
0-60 in under 4 seconds
125+ mph (depending on seat height)
3.5 lateral G's
2+ G's negative under braking.
I can't even imagine what a standard slalom could be taken at, normal car 65, Elise 73, kart, maybe 85-90...
If you ever get the chance to drive one TAKE IT. Do your best to stay on the track ;)
I still remember the first time I got in a shifter. Unbelievable, they feel like they just jump from corner to corner. Of course like anything else eventually you get to the point that you are perfectly on the limit all the way around and you would do anything for 1 more hp or 1 more mph worth of grip.
Everybody should try one at least once. Maybe I should rent mine out ;)
Siegel
| Chris N | 01-07-2005 08:01 PM |
The ultra cheap way to kart...
WKA
Briggs (stock) Medium class for adults up to 65mph!!!
My kids and I used to race WKA tracks
My average costs....
1 used Offset(oval track) chassis for a stock(purple restrictor plate) kid, $1000(approx 2500 in all for competitive kart)
1 used "straight-up" (road coarse) chassis stock(purple restrictor plate)kids, $1500 plus tons of extras. (2100 in all)
1 used Coyote adult. (800 bucks with engine---- hoot!) :banana:
4 5HP briggs engines "stock" w/ suitable cam for track-adult-kid-whatever it needed, approx $500-1200 each, from reliable engine builder. A create engine is 500-800.
$25 per driver pit pass and entry fee. Some events were more.
$15 per day for Methonal
$*** for whatever you break/bash/snap/hit/scuff/burn/cut/destroy.
Nothing is fair in racing, speed costs money, you can't do it on the bench, stock is not stock, ect, ect.
Have fun, don't get mad if you stink your first season, you'll learn the alignments and be wicked fast your second season!
WKA
Briggs (stock) Medium class for adults up to 65mph!!!
My kids and I used to race WKA tracks
My average costs....
1 used Offset(oval track) chassis for a stock(purple restrictor plate) kid, $1000(approx 2500 in all for competitive kart)
1 used "straight-up" (road coarse) chassis stock(purple restrictor plate)kids, $1500 plus tons of extras. (2100 in all)
1 used Coyote adult. (800 bucks with engine---- hoot!) :banana:
4 5HP briggs engines "stock" w/ suitable cam for track-adult-kid-whatever it needed, approx $500-1200 each, from reliable engine builder. A create engine is 500-800.
$25 per driver pit pass and entry fee. Some events were more.
$15 per day for Methonal
$*** for whatever you break/bash/snap/hit/scuff/burn/cut/destroy.
Nothing is fair in racing, speed costs money, you can't do it on the bench, stock is not stock, ect, ect.
Have fun, don't get mad if you stink your first season, you'll learn the alignments and be wicked fast your second season!
| Penguinking | 02-08-2005 05:21 PM |
first of all, being in the south doesnt mean only dirt/oval. run WKA Dunlop Road Race - Road Atlanta, Roebling Road, VIR, Summit Point, Putnam Park, Barber, CMP...all the fun tracks in the southeast.
also, do not think that racing a go kart is cheaper than DE's. when i did DE's it cost me 200 a weekend -average, with 400 for Road atlanta and 150 to run Roebling. i get more track time doing DE's, but not nearly as much fun, nor do i learn as much. karting is cheaper for *entry fees, but will nickel and dime you to the ground. trailer, parts, spares, etc. will end up costing you more.
every time i go out to the track i get frustrated with the kart and how everything is falling apart and i'm about to quit and go home and then my run group gets called to the grid. i get in the kart and go and then i remember why i came here and suddenly all that hard work becomes worth it for those 20min on track.
also, do not think that racing a go kart is cheaper than DE's. when i did DE's it cost me 200 a weekend -average, with 400 for Road atlanta and 150 to run Roebling. i get more track time doing DE's, but not nearly as much fun, nor do i learn as much. karting is cheaper for *entry fees, but will nickel and dime you to the ground. trailer, parts, spares, etc. will end up costing you more.
every time i go out to the track i get frustrated with the kart and how everything is falling apart and i'm about to quit and go home and then my run group gets called to the grid. i get in the kart and go and then i remember why i came here and suddenly all that hard work becomes worth it for those 20min on track.
| CBRDSpeedfactory | 02-08-2005 06:16 PM |
well..
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i have some good friends that started in karts... jason lapoint (moved on to win the ff2000 championship in 2001...) his buddy memo gidley (obviously champ car).....
oliver rowen (close friend of mine, star mazda standout)...bobby wilson...
125cc's especially can teach you alot about car control and some setup... the main thing is...they are sooo quick, when you get in a big car, it slows everything down...
i have a 125cc trackmagic shifter kart.... adjustable digital ignition, dash with data acquisition...4 wheel brakes etc!!!
its the best training i found for me before driving alms cars or whatever.... plus it works the proper muscles you use in a race car....
I am going to do more karting this year...i didnt last year, and definetly felt the effects!!
cb
oliver rowen (close friend of mine, star mazda standout)...bobby wilson...
125cc's especially can teach you alot about car control and some setup... the main thing is...they are sooo quick, when you get in a big car, it slows everything down...
i have a 125cc trackmagic shifter kart.... adjustable digital ignition, dash with data acquisition...4 wheel brakes etc!!!
its the best training i found for me before driving alms cars or whatever.... plus it works the proper muscles you use in a race car....
I am going to do more karting this year...i didnt last year, and definetly felt the effects!!
cb
| WRX03 | 02-10-2005 08:16 AM |
[QUOTE=Penguinking]first of all, being in the south doesnt mean only dirt/oval. run WKA Dunlop Road Race - Road Atlanta, Roebling Road, VIR, Summit Point, Putnam Park, Barber, CMP...all the fun tracks in the southeast.
also, do not think that racing a go kart is cheaper than DE's. when i did DE's it cost me 200 a weekend -average, with 400 for Road atlanta and 150 to run Roebling. i get more track time doing DE's, but not nearly as much fun, nor do i learn as much. karting is cheaper for *entry fees, but will nickel and dime you to the ground. trailer, parts, spares, etc. will end up costing you more.
every time i go out to the track i get frustrated with the kart and how everything is falling apart and i'm about to quit and go home and then my run group gets called to the grid. i get in the kart and go and then i remember why i came here and suddenly all that hard work becomes worth it for those 20min on track.[/QUOTE]
Sorry I don't agree with you on many levels. When I was talking not having any place to run asphalt I was meaning around where he lives, like an hour or two drive. Here in Indy we have 2 world class sprint tracks, the oldest sprint in the country, around 4 small sprint tracks, IRP, Putnam Park, and a boat load of street or special races. You can easily run 20 different tracks a year. You won't find that in NC.
Cost and frustration: yes and no. Some people seem to always be breaking down and always have problems. I never understood that if you maintain your equipment well and watch your budget. But I'm amased how many people come to the track on race day and do their prep then, they haven't touch it since their last race. I've been racing since 1988, I can count all my DNF on one hand. My first year of racing I ran nearly a full year and won 75% of my races, one DNF for a broken seat strut, one topend engine rebuild. Rebuild engine and clutch at the end of the year with new chassis bearings. For racing that's not bad at all, I was in college and working part time in a mom and pop hardware store. Second year won a championship, one DNF for a broken chain, one complete engine rebuild in the middle of the year. Ran the national circuit when I was still in college and working part time, finished 5th, no DNF's or rebuilds needed. Missed two races because of school. I never have gotten frustrated at the track or had to thrash on my kart(s). The closes thrashing I did was helping other people or once putting on my driving gear because I fell asleep and my group was on the track. :lol: I think karting is one of the cheapest forms of racing available, but like anything you can dump money into it if your not careful.
On that note if you go dirt and/or asphalt oval racing and your local tracks have an "open tire rule", tire $$ can really add up quick, real quick.
also, do not think that racing a go kart is cheaper than DE's. when i did DE's it cost me 200 a weekend -average, with 400 for Road atlanta and 150 to run Roebling. i get more track time doing DE's, but not nearly as much fun, nor do i learn as much. karting is cheaper for *entry fees, but will nickel and dime you to the ground. trailer, parts, spares, etc. will end up costing you more.
every time i go out to the track i get frustrated with the kart and how everything is falling apart and i'm about to quit and go home and then my run group gets called to the grid. i get in the kart and go and then i remember why i came here and suddenly all that hard work becomes worth it for those 20min on track.[/QUOTE]
Sorry I don't agree with you on many levels. When I was talking not having any place to run asphalt I was meaning around where he lives, like an hour or two drive. Here in Indy we have 2 world class sprint tracks, the oldest sprint in the country, around 4 small sprint tracks, IRP, Putnam Park, and a boat load of street or special races. You can easily run 20 different tracks a year. You won't find that in NC.
Cost and frustration: yes and no. Some people seem to always be breaking down and always have problems. I never understood that if you maintain your equipment well and watch your budget. But I'm amased how many people come to the track on race day and do their prep then, they haven't touch it since their last race. I've been racing since 1988, I can count all my DNF on one hand. My first year of racing I ran nearly a full year and won 75% of my races, one DNF for a broken seat strut, one topend engine rebuild. Rebuild engine and clutch at the end of the year with new chassis bearings. For racing that's not bad at all, I was in college and working part time in a mom and pop hardware store. Second year won a championship, one DNF for a broken chain, one complete engine rebuild in the middle of the year. Ran the national circuit when I was still in college and working part time, finished 5th, no DNF's or rebuilds needed. Missed two races because of school. I never have gotten frustrated at the track or had to thrash on my kart(s). The closes thrashing I did was helping other people or once putting on my driving gear because I fell asleep and my group was on the track. :lol: I think karting is one of the cheapest forms of racing available, but like anything you can dump money into it if your not careful.
On that note if you go dirt and/or asphalt oval racing and your local tracks have an "open tire rule", tire $$ can really add up quick, real quick.
| GQ | 02-10-2005 01:05 PM |
I recently purchased a Margay Enduro Kart with a KT-100 engine.
I have been involved in HPDE for the past two years and have decided to give karting a go. One of my motivations was that I located a kart localy at a great price and the fact that it is ran on the same tracks (Summit Point and VIR) that I have running HPDE's. I am looking very forward to my first year in karting with the help of the previous owner as a mentor.
Rob
I have been involved in HPDE for the past two years and have decided to give karting a go. One of my motivations was that I located a kart localy at a great price and the fact that it is ran on the same tracks (Summit Point and VIR) that I have running HPDE's. I am looking very forward to my first year in karting with the help of the previous owner as a mentor.
Rob
| AlpineFD | 02-10-2005 01:43 PM |
Is it just me or are there no throttle modulation involved in karting? Maybe it's the karts I've driven, but it seems like you just have to pick your throttle point and floor the throttle, the engines are not very responsive.
| Lafora | 02-10-2005 03:42 PM |
[QUOTE=AlpineFD]Is it just me or are there no throttle modulation involved in karting? Maybe it's the karts I've driven, but it seems like you just have to pick your throttle point and floor the throttle, the engines are not very responsive.[/QUOTE]
you obviously have not tried any 2 cycle karts. :D
you obviously have not tried any 2 cycle karts. :D
| Predwolf | 03-25-2005 05:02 AM |
*bump*
Thinking about getting/building my own cart, just for fun.
People always use 4-5hp B&S engines...it doesnt' seem like enough push for me..I'm a light guy (155lbs), and because I want to build my cart myself, it might weigh a bit more. I've sourced an old 750cc bike motor..think that would be overkill?..The engine is incredibly cheap..
I don't feel like forking out a ton of money for a complete race cart, I just want something I can take out to an empty parking lot and have fun in..common, we've all done it :)
Thinking about getting/building my own cart, just for fun.
People always use 4-5hp B&S engines...it doesnt' seem like enough push for me..I'm a light guy (155lbs), and because I want to build my cart myself, it might weigh a bit more. I've sourced an old 750cc bike motor..think that would be overkill?..The engine is incredibly cheap..
I don't feel like forking out a ton of money for a complete race cart, I just want something I can take out to an empty parking lot and have fun in..common, we've all done it :)
| Section 8 | 03-25-2005 08:37 AM |
You would kill yourself in a parking lot with a 750 cc cart. There are alot of briggs engines that have the same foot print as the 5 hp. 5 HP is quite a bit when it is only propelling you, not power equipment. A 12 horse garden tractor geared for speed will scare the crap out of you.
Here is a guy notorious for putting V8's in things that have no business with them. He built a GXR 1100 cart.
[URL]http://gprime.net/video.php/gixxerkart[/URL]
Here is a guy notorious for putting V8's in things that have no business with them. He built a GXR 1100 cart.
[URL]http://gprime.net/video.php/gixxerkart[/URL]
| gregr01 | 03-25-2005 08:54 AM |
[QUOTE]I just want something I can take out to an empty parking lot and have fun in..common, we've all done it[/QUOTE]
How many times can you really play with just yourself before it becomes boring? ;)
The real appeal of karting is wheel-to-wheel racing, for cheap.
How many times can you really play with just yourself before it becomes boring? ;)
The real appeal of karting is wheel-to-wheel racing, for cheap.
| Dussander | 03-25-2005 10:27 AM |
wheel2wheel is fun, but I also enjoy AutoXing a shifter. Something about only having 3 attempts to put in a real fast time is fun. Also, wheel2wheel is like work if your not in good shape. After 20 hot laps in the summer on a short track, I'm spent.
| kwak | 03-25-2005 01:11 PM |
[QUOTE=Predwolf]People always use 4-5hp B&S engines...it doesnt' seem like enough push for me..I'm a light guy (155lbs), and because I want to build my cart myself, it might weigh a bit more. I've sourced an old 750cc bike motor..think that would be overkill?..The engine is incredibly cheap..[/QUOTE]Have you driven a 5hp race kart? They are still fun. Have you driven a 125cc shifter kart? Those things are freakin nuts! 750cc = over-kill
| Predwolf | 03-25-2005 05:21 PM |
I've seen the gixxer cart movie before..that's nuts.
My original idea was to make it a rally cart, which is why I wanted such a big engine, because it would need to move a pretty big weight around off road, as well as on road. Because we have so many open dirt/gravel trials here, which almost all intertwine, It would be an awesome thing.
I've been in a 5hp race cart on track before, and it was pretty fun. I'd get one of those if I could find one cheap enough, but i'd have to truck it everywhere. I live next to a trail that goes on into the mountains for hours, which is why I wanted the big engineed off road cart..ATV's are too slow, and while dirt bikes are fun, I prefer 4 wheels for high speed..
i'll check out local prices on race karts and get back to you guys..
My original idea was to make it a rally cart, which is why I wanted such a big engine, because it would need to move a pretty big weight around off road, as well as on road. Because we have so many open dirt/gravel trials here, which almost all intertwine, It would be an awesome thing.
I've been in a 5hp race cart on track before, and it was pretty fun. I'd get one of those if I could find one cheap enough, but i'd have to truck it everywhere. I live next to a trail that goes on into the mountains for hours, which is why I wanted the big engineed off road cart..ATV's are too slow, and while dirt bikes are fun, I prefer 4 wheels for high speed..
i'll check out local prices on race karts and get back to you guys..
| WRX_Mundi | 03-25-2005 07:59 PM |
I autocross an STi and just starting karting with a 125cc shifter (I know, not recommended, but whatever). Three of us got together and bought a used one to cut costs and so we'd all learn together. We have a local kart track to do unlimited time on, so it should be relatively cheap. I won't be doing wheel to wheel for a while yet, but it's a lot of fun just to drive the track. I may do an autocross or two with it, and hopefully bring it to a test and tune to play.
Let's see: DE vs. kart costs (Penguinking). I calculated my costs to do a DE, and not even counting possible shunts, it was $800 for a weekend. Tires for an STi are bloody expensive. I have to drive 400 miles to get to the closest track, so gas and everything else makes it add up quick. But that will differ for everyone. It did sounds like you were counting just the entry fees for the car vs. the total running cost for the kart.
750cc kart? Are you nuts? A pretty standard 125cc kart (not uber-tuned or anything) is like driving an STi in first gear [i]all the time[/i]. It'll rotate out from under you just like that (fortunately a quick steering and throttle change will get it under control just as fast). It's funny how after a kart which will in every gear push you back and get squirrily, a car like the STi is kind of disappointing since you're not getting thrust back into your seat in fifth gear. Guess I need to get back in the Miata for a while (which for all its good points, has so little power that I literally look to see if my throttle foot really is planted to the floor).
AlpineFD, regarding throttle modulation, you must be thinking of 4-8hp indoor karts. Even there throttle modulation is necessary to get the best lap times (but not required to get around the course). In our shifter kart on our kart track, you'd be in the dirt if you tried not modulating. Unless you were obviously in the wrong gear watching anyone else around you go scooting off at high speed.
Let's see: DE vs. kart costs (Penguinking). I calculated my costs to do a DE, and not even counting possible shunts, it was $800 for a weekend. Tires for an STi are bloody expensive. I have to drive 400 miles to get to the closest track, so gas and everything else makes it add up quick. But that will differ for everyone. It did sounds like you were counting just the entry fees for the car vs. the total running cost for the kart.
750cc kart? Are you nuts? A pretty standard 125cc kart (not uber-tuned or anything) is like driving an STi in first gear [i]all the time[/i]. It'll rotate out from under you just like that (fortunately a quick steering and throttle change will get it under control just as fast). It's funny how after a kart which will in every gear push you back and get squirrily, a car like the STi is kind of disappointing since you're not getting thrust back into your seat in fifth gear. Guess I need to get back in the Miata for a while (which for all its good points, has so little power that I literally look to see if my throttle foot really is planted to the floor).
AlpineFD, regarding throttle modulation, you must be thinking of 4-8hp indoor karts. Even there throttle modulation is necessary to get the best lap times (but not required to get around the course). In our shifter kart on our kart track, you'd be in the dirt if you tried not modulating. Unless you were obviously in the wrong gear watching anyone else around you go scooting off at high speed.
| kwak | 03-25-2005 10:27 PM |
[QUOTE=Predwolf]My original idea was to make it a rally cart, which is why I wanted such a big engine, because it would need to move a pretty big weight around off road, as well as on road. Because we have so many open dirt/gravel trials here, which almost all intertwine, It would be an awesome thing.[/QUOTE]I get it. In the states we call those off road buggies like the Honda Pilot and Odyssey (the buggy not the SUV).
| Predwolf | 03-26-2005 02:13 AM |
hahaha, yeah, but without the high price tag :).
Still think i'm nuts? :)
Still think i'm nuts? :)
| Penguinking | 03-27-2005 03:43 PM |
i dont stay at a hotel these days since my recent ($20) purchase of a small 2 person camping tent :D. saves me $200 each weekend. hopefully if i can get a nice enclosed trailer by summer i can just sleep in there instead.
DE costs (to me) are minimal - 2-300 for entry fees, gas, plus tires - but i run street tires, no R's, and will get a good 4-5 weekends before getting new ones. if i amortized (?) the cost out it would be around and extra 100 per weekend for tire deppreciation
DE costs (to me) are minimal - 2-300 for entry fees, gas, plus tires - but i run street tires, no R's, and will get a good 4-5 weekends before getting new ones. if i amortized (?) the cost out it would be around and extra 100 per weekend for tire deppreciation
| WRX_Mundi | 03-28-2005 01:48 AM |
[QUOTE=Penguinking]i dont stay at a hotel these days since my recent ($20) purchase of a small 2 person camping tent :D. saves me $200 each weekend. hopefully if i can get a nice enclosed trailer by summer i can just sleep in there instead.[/quote]I try to stay with people if I can, or at least share a motel room, hence I only put $60 down for a weekend of lodging. Camping would also save you food -- eating out adds up too (another $60 which is probably a bit high). At an estimated 70 gallons of gas for one of my weekends that's $160 assuming pump gas. I use street tires or RA-1's, but either is still getting to $150 per weekend, possibly more. 1000 street miles to get there isn't free either, and I'm even ignoring things like brake fluid, brake pads, wheel bearings, and so on. Trust me -- I want track days to be cheap! But I can't logically say they are for me.
I did this for autocrosses and came up with $130 per local race and $520 for an out-of-town weekend at most of the surrounding regions. Tires are a big part of these -- I assumed $12/run which is less than Hoosiers but more than Victoracers (and double RA-1's). The local hillclimbs look cheap in comparison at $250 for a weekend (but there's a multi-thousand dollar bill if you take a corner wrong).
I did this for autocrosses and came up with $130 per local race and $520 for an out-of-town weekend at most of the surrounding regions. Tires are a big part of these -- I assumed $12/run which is less than Hoosiers but more than Victoracers (and double RA-1's). The local hillclimbs look cheap in comparison at $250 for a weekend (but there's a multi-thousand dollar bill if you take a corner wrong).
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