Go Karting - How can I get more involved?
Discussion
I did some 'proper' go-karting last week. 'Proper' meaning it was a 1.5 hour experience of non-stop, wheel to wheel racing/driving in a field of about 20. I was quite pleased with the result: fastest lap and second overall.
I'd love to do this some more in a fairly organised fashion. Is there some sort of London karting league of a program you can join where you do a race every couple of weekends or so? I love competition and have been looking to do something new for a while. I don't expect to come top of the pops, but am looking to do something new, exciting and motorsports related.
I saw that F1 City have a racing team event.
Is there anything that individuals can participate in?
Oh, I'm 29 so it's unlikely I am going to have enough time to 'grow' from karting to F3000 to F1! I just want to chuck a car someone else maintains and go home at the end of the day. Not tremendously serious, just want to combine my love of cars with my sporty side for a reasonable price. I don't want to spend the kind of money you need to race a sensible cars in a season.
It really was fantastic fun.
Looking for something in and around London if possible. Also, I work fulltime so hopefully it is a weekend thing too!
I'd love to do this some more in a fairly organised fashion. Is there some sort of London karting league of a program you can join where you do a race every couple of weekends or so? I love competition and have been looking to do something new for a while. I don't expect to come top of the pops, but am looking to do something new, exciting and motorsports related.
I saw that F1 City have a racing team event.
Is there anything that individuals can participate in?
Oh, I'm 29 so it's unlikely I am going to have enough time to 'grow' from karting to F3000 to F1! I just want to chuck a car someone else maintains and go home at the end of the day. Not tremendously serious, just want to combine my love of cars with my sporty side for a reasonable price. I don't want to spend the kind of money you need to race a sensible cars in a season.
It really was fantastic fun.
Looking for something in and around London if possible. Also, I work fulltime so hopefully it is a weekend thing too!
Edited by AdvocatusDiaboli on Friday 8th August 14:42
pfi near newark
forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
DucatiGary said:
pfi near newark
forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
100cc 2strokes @ 15000rpm are hardly nonsense, somewhat faster than the twin engine lawnmower prokarts you mention.forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
Even my TKM was quicker than those.
@the op - have a go in a 2stroke as you will be amazed at the light steering and acceleration compared to the average indoor hire kart. Club 100 is TKM like I used to run, or be it rev limited slightly to extend the engine life irrc. great fun
Edited by dogbucket on Friday 8th August 15:42
DucatiGary said:
pfi near newark
forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
Please do everyone a favour and shut up when you know nothing. First of all PFI is no where near London, second it is one of the most boring tracks in the whole of the UK, sure it has nice facilities, but that isn't why you go to a circuit.forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
Also are you being sarcastic when you say:
DucatiGary said:
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
I mean a 100cc race kart (don't race them anymore), is on another level to a corporate prokart, in fact I won't even bother explaining to you.But anyway to the OP get yourself down to Rye House http://www.rye-house.co.uk/Default.aspx have a good look around on a race weekend and you will see some proper karts in action. Just don't rush off and buy anything yet. Also if you don't want to get too involved time-wise it may be worth running with a team instead. But ask plenty of questions when your down there, and I'm sure you'll be hooked.
http://www.buckmore.co.uk/content.php/000
Try Buckmore Park in Kent
http://www.lakesidekarting.co.uk/seethetrack
Or Lakeside out near the Dartford tunnel / bridge
Try Buckmore Park in Kent
http://www.lakesidekarting.co.uk/seethetrack
Or Lakeside out near the Dartford tunnel / bridge
DucatiGary said:
pfi near newark
forget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
are you making sforget all these pretend go kart tracks that boast about being the biggest, PFI is the best in UK, thats why they use it for the go kart GP finals!
ohh and all this 100cc kart nonsense, the std karts you hire at PFI are twin 160cc honda engines, or if your brave (and a bit of a death wish) 3 speed 250cc two stroke comp karts, although id advise having a fair old blat of the twin engined karts before even looking at a 250cc two stroker.
t loads from computers?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTWzUMwfKLE
I still think Club100 is the best next step for you, and you can do this out of Rye House (just off the A414 nr Harlow) or Buckmore. Buckmore is a better track, but Rye maybe better while you get used to the extra speed of the kart. Go and do a Club100 test see if you like it or not, it is certainly different to Pro-Karts!!!
If you're in London you really want to spend a day at Rye House just watching what goes on. It is in Hoddesdon, Herts and the train station is by the track.
I'd also go to Tilbury Circuit (in Tilbury, Dunlop Rd if I recall). It is not the Ritziest of places but it is a good circuit.
Once you have an idea of what you would be letting yourself in for, deciding if you want to buy versus just hiring.
You could simply do what many people do which is buy an oldish 100cc machine, thrash it to death at oen practice at Tilbury or Rye and then go home. A lot of [eople do this, it is cheap and a lot of fun. Alternatively you could race, so this means buying an eligable kart, with correct engine, tyres, then setting up to be competitive. That costs a lot of money and isn't necessarily that satisfying.
I have run a University kart club on a shoestring budget, raced and owned a number of karts, including a 100 TKM, 100 National, 125 National, 250 Formula E. They are all very different to drive.
My recommendation would be to buy a 100 National kart secondhand from Deavinsons at Rye House, practice with it for a few months and then race next year. They are a lot faster than 100 TKM, the cost is reasonably controled and you can use them at most circuits. The gearbox karts are much faster but the costs are very high and there are very few places you can use them at. That said, a 250 E will redefine your view about what performance really is.
I'd also start reading Karting magazine (get it from WH Smiths) and look at the classifieds to get a good idea as to what a kart should cost you.
I'd also go to Tilbury Circuit (in Tilbury, Dunlop Rd if I recall). It is not the Ritziest of places but it is a good circuit.
Once you have an idea of what you would be letting yourself in for, deciding if you want to buy versus just hiring.
You could simply do what many people do which is buy an oldish 100cc machine, thrash it to death at oen practice at Tilbury or Rye and then go home. A lot of [eople do this, it is cheap and a lot of fun. Alternatively you could race, so this means buying an eligable kart, with correct engine, tyres, then setting up to be competitive. That costs a lot of money and isn't necessarily that satisfying.
I have run a University kart club on a shoestring budget, raced and owned a number of karts, including a 100 TKM, 100 National, 125 National, 250 Formula E. They are all very different to drive.
My recommendation would be to buy a 100 National kart secondhand from Deavinsons at Rye House, practice with it for a few months and then race next year. They are a lot faster than 100 TKM, the cost is reasonably controled and you can use them at most circuits. The gearbox karts are much faster but the costs are very high and there are very few places you can use them at. That said, a 250 E will redefine your view about what performance really is.
I'd also start reading Karting magazine (get it from WH Smiths) and look at the classifieds to get a good idea as to what a kart should cost you.
There is an excellent way to find out all you waqnt to know. Contact Gary Chapman at http://www.karttraining.co.uk/index.php?page=0&...
Gary and his father Steve are very heavily involved in all aspects of MSA karting in the UK, their large awning is seen at all the major races and they also compete extensively in Europe. They do one day courses which are not expensive, you get a full days training and you'll be knackered at the end of it and will have had a great time. Gary can talk to you about the different classes and help advise which would be best for you bearing in mind age, size and weight.
The normally do their courses at Whilton Mill but i know they do them at Buckmore Park too.
I can't recommend these guys highly enough. There is simply nothing they don't know about the sport, and they and their team are great guys too.
I'd just add that 100cc (or thereabouts, i think the water cooled classes are slightly larger) forms the fastest and most competitive classes all around the world.
Gary and his father Steve are very heavily involved in all aspects of MSA karting in the UK, their large awning is seen at all the major races and they also compete extensively in Europe. They do one day courses which are not expensive, you get a full days training and you'll be knackered at the end of it and will have had a great time. Gary can talk to you about the different classes and help advise which would be best for you bearing in mind age, size and weight.
The normally do their courses at Whilton Mill but i know they do them at Buckmore Park too.
I can't recommend these guys highly enough. There is simply nothing they don't know about the sport, and they and their team are great guys too.
I'd just add that 100cc (or thereabouts, i think the water cooled classes are slightly larger) forms the fastest and most competitive classes all around the world.
wow that club100 is real bargain racing if its as well organised as they claim.
£45 for a sprint race using their kart is similar price to using your own kart at some of these venues.
It really is cheap and anyone who thinks 100cc is slow has obviously only ever been on the mower engined things.
£45 for a sprint race using their kart is similar price to using your own kart at some of these venues.
It really is cheap and anyone who thinks 100cc is slow has obviously only ever been on the mower engined things.
PF international Sucks for driver involvement, boring and too predictable.
There are British championships rounds all over the country. Ask most racers and PF is not there favourite track.
Real Karting begines in 2 stroke. Well for me anyway. 100cc 2 stroke will outperform any 250cc 4 stroke all day long.
When I was racing (early to late teens) My father was paying in the region of 10-15k a year for us to go racing (had 3 chassis and 2 engines). We were competing against kids whose parents were spending 100k a year, and we did beat them, now that satisfying.
Depending how far you want to take it and how much you want to spend. I Would recommend Rotax Max. 125cc water cooled two stroke, fast and reliable.
Get a RACMSA license join a local kart club and go racing mate!
look at this link if you want to start ''real karting'' (You can pick up a 2nd hand rotax for appro 1500 quid) Get a decent helmet, i recommend arai (spend in the region of 300+ if you love your head)
You will get hooked. You will spend lots but love it!
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentViewArticle.a...
If not stick to renta style karting
There are British championships rounds all over the country. Ask most racers and PF is not there favourite track.
Real Karting begines in 2 stroke. Well for me anyway. 100cc 2 stroke will outperform any 250cc 4 stroke all day long.
When I was racing (early to late teens) My father was paying in the region of 10-15k a year for us to go racing (had 3 chassis and 2 engines). We were competing against kids whose parents were spending 100k a year, and we did beat them, now that satisfying.
Depending how far you want to take it and how much you want to spend. I Would recommend Rotax Max. 125cc water cooled two stroke, fast and reliable.
Get a RACMSA license join a local kart club and go racing mate!
look at this link if you want to start ''real karting'' (You can pick up a 2nd hand rotax for appro 1500 quid) Get a decent helmet, i recommend arai (spend in the region of 300+ if you love your head)
You will get hooked. You will spend lots but love it!
http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentViewArticle.a...
If not stick to renta style karting
Edited by dxb335d on Saturday 9th August 13:58
Edited by dxb335d on Saturday 9th August 14:01
The OP suggested he was interested in endurace racing rather than sprints. If he entered Club100 as an individual he would only be able to do sprints which I don't like, its a bit too stop start to really get into your rythem. He could try and get a couple of mates together and enter the enduro events but Club100 moves around a lot, Lydd, Clay Pigeon, Rye House, Buckmore Park Ellough Park, Bayford Meadows etc not exactly London based.
Personally im going to do the The Team of Steel 2hr Thunder Enduro winter series a Buckmore Park with a 2 man team and possibly do the summer Man of Steel (one hour, one driver). Not as quick as Club100, I did four years racing Club100 and was reasonably successful. I have not really raced for the last few years so thought the thunders would be an easy way back into the driving seat.
Personally im going to do the The Team of Steel 2hr Thunder Enduro winter series a Buckmore Park with a 2 man team and possibly do the summer Man of Steel (one hour, one driver). Not as quick as Club100, I did four years racing Club100 and was reasonably successful. I have not really raced for the last few years so thought the thunders would be an easy way back into the driving seat.
Myself and a chum from work entered the endurance series at lakeside last summer, Thursday evenings after work, outdoor track, with new karts and if you were fast enough some air before sideways into the final corner.. Came third overall which wasn't too shabby considering we missed the first round..
Happy days
Couldn't recommend it more
Happy days
Couldn't recommend it more
http://www.buckmore.co.uk/content.php/21120?cha_re...
Have decided that my "team-mate" and myself will be doing this! Perhaps going in the deep end but we're off to have fun.
We going to do at least one practice season at the track before the race though. Would be stupid not to!
How often would you have to refuel in the 2 hour race at this track? I guess we'll change drivers at the refuel as "strategy"...
Have decided that my "team-mate" and myself will be doing this! Perhaps going in the deep end but we're off to have fun.
We going to do at least one practice season at the track before the race though. Would be stupid not to!
How often would you have to refuel in the 2 hour race at this track? I guess we'll change drivers at the refuel as "strategy"...
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