HOW TO GET STARTED IN KART RACING
HOW TO GET STARTED IN KART RACING
I know it seems strange to put this point but you have to decide whether you want to start racing. I say this because competitive racing is a commitment and a discipline and like all motor sport it can be dangerous and potentially expensive.
Most people interested in karting have tried the sport at a track in the UK or France where they can hire a kart for ten minutes or so, which is great fun, but does not fully prepare a driver for the speed and exhilaration of competition racing.
Competitive racing starts from the age of 8 in the cadet section with karts that can reach speeds of up to 45 MPH, using Honda or Comer engines. Other classes run with air cooled engines or water cooled Rotax engines, with senior karts reaching speeds of up to 75 MPH. The fastest and most physically demanding class is the 125 Open (gearbox) karts which reach speeds of up to 85 MPH on the Jersey track.
Do not go off and buy the first kart you see! go to a race day and see the various classes of karts being run and talk to drivers in the pits. Racing in a well supported class will mean that no matter how fast you are there will be someone of your standard to race against. The fun of racing is mixing it with others.
The downside to racing in Jersey is that you must own your own kart. Second hand karts are available from time to time (you may find some in our Sale/Wanted section by clicking on the button to the right of this page) and there are many UK companies who sell championship winning new karts who will ship one to Jersey for you.
To race competitively each driver has to obtain a MSA drivers licence. To get a licence you must start with a MSA ARKS drivers pack (which can be obtained from the Club) which includes the Application Form, MSA rules and a video about kart driving. Training is given by the Club to novices who must reach certain standards of driving and a minimum time for consecutive laps, as well passing a test on the MSA rules. Do not be too worried about taking these tests, there is nothing to be frightened of and the MSA officials will know when you are ready.
It must be remembered that karts are not toys and karting is not a contact sport or a sport for pranksters or hot-heads. Karting is a demanding sport both physically and mentally but enormous fun all the same.
The Club and its members are keen to help one another, especially new members and give advice, but the best way to see what karting is all about is to come up and see the racing at the next meeting.