Post by Admin on Nov 12, 2007 16:00:56 GMT 9.5
[glow=red,2,300]Getting Started![/glow]
So you're interested in dirt karting but don't know where to start? Okay, you probably want to sit into a "real" kart with "real" power with your seat scraping along the ground? Well, there are a few things that you should probably do first.
[glow=red,2,300]Visit a Race Meeting [/glow]
First off, go and visit a local race meeting. You can find out which dirt kart club is nearest to you by contacting the Australian Dirt Kart Asscoation (AIDKA) on 08 8241 1453. Go along and watch a meeting and pick out what classes you like and ask questions! Most dirt karters are friendly people and they are only too happy to offer advice and information. Speak to the club secretary if you like. He or she will provide you with a wealth of information or introduce you to someone who can answer all your questions. There are some classes that are restricted, either in weight or age and some especially for young children just getting into karting. You'll get an idea of the way things work at the track, how these guys (and gals) drive so fast.
[glow=red,2,300]Choose A Class [/glow]
Now, hopefully you've seen all the classes in action and know a little more about them. If not, more info can be found on our classes page.
If you are under 13 years of age, you must do your first race meetings in the Rookies class. This class is non-competitive class where the emphasis is on education. Rookies can run either 4 stroke motors (usually Briggs & Stratton) or Yamaha 100cc J motors with a restrictor plate. But once you're up to the Junior class then only the Yamaha 100cc J motors are allowed so you might want to take this into consideration.
All new drivers must start their first three races rear of field.
The biggest classes at tracks for adults are the single KT classes. There is a class for just about everyone here. They all run Yamaha 100cc KTS motors and you choose your class according to either your weight or your age. There is a Statesman class which is for drivers 40 and over and is not weight restricted. If you're under 40 then you have to go into either the KT Light, Medium or Heavy Class which are governed by the weight of the driver (when dressed in your racing outfit minus your helmet). Other than maybe the J Open class, the KT classes are by far the most economical 2 stroke classes for seniors to run when compared to 100cc or 200cc Open or the KT Twins. There is also a special KT class for ladies which is not age or weight restricted - your just have to be a female! However, if you are a female and you'd rather mix it with the boys, you can go into the other classes if you prefer. You just can't race in both unless you have two separate karts.
[glow=red,2,300]Buying a Kart [/glow]
Depending on your budget, you can buy a new dirt kart or a second hand one. New karts range from around $2,000 for a rolling frame minus a motor. New J and KT motors are around $1,000 stock standard and the Briggs & Stratton motors are even cheaper. We won't go into the cost of the 100cc, 200cc Open motors or the Rotax - these classes are for the experienced dirt karter. In dirt karting, you can blueprint and port your KT motor as well which is an additional expense but not really needed when you're first starting out. You can also modify 100cc and 200cc motors but as we said, these classes are really for the experienced dirt karter or serious motor sport enthusiast and there are age restrictions. Some of these classes may also run methanol and take quite a bit of upkeep compared to the other classes.
Most second hand karts available on the market are suitable for dirt karting with a few modifications. Second hand KT and J karts range from around $1,000 upwards but obviously a kart with a race winning record is going to be more expensive. Just make sure its in good condition and if possible, take someone who knows about dirt karts along with you to help you when looking at a frame, a motor or a complete unit.
[glow=red,2,300]Racewear [/glow]
Again, depending on your budget, you can buy a brand new one piece kart race suit and special boots and fancy gloves (the list goes on) but in dirt karting , the minimum acceptable racing attire is a one piece abrasive resistant overall. That means that you can wear a pair of work type overalls if you want, just as long as they're one piece with long sleeves (not the bib and brace type). Disposable overalls are out of the question. Any footwear that covers your entire foot and fastens securely is acceptable.
You will still need a pair of gloves but they don't have to be anything special - just as long as they give you the right sort of protection.
Neck braces are optional for all classes but they are highly recommended, especially for juniors.
You will need a good helmet that fits correctly with a shatterproof visor or goggles and you'll need to have the fittings for the plastic tear-offs. Helmets must be a minimum of AS1698, Snell 1990, 1992, 1995 and SB6658/85 type A approved. If you have long hair, you need to make sure it's securely concealed under your helmet or clothing.
[glow=red,2,300]Tools Needed [/glow]
You'll need some basic tools as well. Things like metric spanners, sprockets, Allen keys and a tire pressure gauge. Some spare parts that you could keep handy would be sparkplugs, spare sprockets and a chain but most clubs have people there on race days that sell those sort of things. You'll also need a thick web strap for starting the kart (unless you're racing a Briggs & Stratton or a Rotax) and something like a block of wood or a stand so that you can start your kart with the back wheels off the ground. Also, don't forget your tear-offs. You'll definitely need a good supply of these for dirt kart racing! A trolley comes in handy also for wheeling your kart from the run-off area back to the pits or, dare we say it, you end up on the in-field because the bl--dy thing wouldn't start!
[glow=red,2,300]Practice [/glow]
The Clubs in South Australia schedule in a few practice days during the season. Unfortunately, you can't just go and practice at most clubs other than on specific days so use these practice days to change a few settings on the kart if you need to. Take note of how it effects the handling etc. These days are also a good time to get in some driving practice without the pressure of having a whole field around you. When you make changes to your kart set-up, keep notes so you can remember what you did. Keep notes about track conditions and weather as well as this can affect your kart set-up.
Basically with dirt karting it's a matter of "get out there and go". For your first three meetings you'll automatically be placed rear of field anyway so this will give you some time to get the feel of everything. If after three meetings you still don't feel confident to go into the draw, you can request that you be placed R.O.F. (Rear Of Field) for as long as you want.
If you are having problems with your kart, ask someone to help. Dirt Karters are a competitive lot but they're also more than happy to help each other out.
[glow=red,2,300]Join a Club [/glow]
You'll need to join a club to race. Most likely, you'll want to join your local club and you can contact the Australian Independent Dirt Kart Association for a a list of dirt kart clubs in your area. You'll also have to get a licence from AIDKA and this is done through the club that you join. You can't hold a licence without being a member of a club but once you've got both, you can race at any other club within the Association without joining each one of them by just nominating and paying the club entry and nomination fees on race days.
[glow=red,2,300]First day Karting [/glow]
On your first time out there are a few things to remember: The brake is there for a reason! It's your first try at karting. You won't be used to handling dirt karts and you won't be used to the track so don't go too fast... take it easy, only build up speed as you get more experienced. You'll be rear of field anyway so there's no pressure to perform and win races right away and you'll have a much better time if you actually get through the rounds rather than sitting on the in-field watching the others go past because you've spun it round the first corner.
Make sure you are familiar with all the basic rules of racing and especially the flags. It's not unusual to get shown the blue flag the first few times out - do you know what a blue flag means? If you don't then you should definitely visit our "Tech Talk" page. Another way to get to know the race rules and the flags is to do some flag marshalling during the day. Most clubs depend on their members to help out with these sorts of things on race days so you'll be doing your club a favor as well as learning some very important stuff. Don't send your 7 year old budding karter out there by him or herself though - juniors should always have adult supervision when there anywhere near the track.
Don't fiddle around with the jets on your motor if you don't know what you're doing. Ask someone who's more experienced to tune your kart for you at first. You'll find plenty of experience karters in the pits that'll be more than happy to give you a hand. It's far better to run your kart on a slightly richer setting rather than leaning it off too much. Really lean motors have a habit of stopping very quickly!
Introduce yourself to other karters - ask questions - ask for help if you need it. Remember, you're there to have a good time like all of us.
[glow=red,2,300]Visit a Race Meeting [/glow]
First off, go and visit a local race meeting. You can find out which dirt kart club is nearest to you by contacting the Australian Dirt Kart Asscoation (AIDKA) on 08 8241 1453. Go along and watch a meeting and pick out what classes you like and ask questions! Most dirt karters are friendly people and they are only too happy to offer advice and information. Speak to the club secretary if you like. He or she will provide you with a wealth of information or introduce you to someone who can answer all your questions. There are some classes that are restricted, either in weight or age and some especially for young children just getting into karting. You'll get an idea of the way things work at the track, how these guys (and gals) drive so fast.
[glow=red,2,300]Choose A Class [/glow]
Now, hopefully you've seen all the classes in action and know a little more about them. If not, more info can be found on our classes page.
If you are under 13 years of age, you must do your first race meetings in the Rookies class. This class is non-competitive class where the emphasis is on education. Rookies can run either 4 stroke motors (usually Briggs & Stratton) or Yamaha 100cc J motors with a restrictor plate. But once you're up to the Junior class then only the Yamaha 100cc J motors are allowed so you might want to take this into consideration.
All new drivers must start their first three races rear of field.
The biggest classes at tracks for adults are the single KT classes. There is a class for just about everyone here. They all run Yamaha 100cc KTS motors and you choose your class according to either your weight or your age. There is a Statesman class which is for drivers 40 and over and is not weight restricted. If you're under 40 then you have to go into either the KT Light, Medium or Heavy Class which are governed by the weight of the driver (when dressed in your racing outfit minus your helmet). Other than maybe the J Open class, the KT classes are by far the most economical 2 stroke classes for seniors to run when compared to 100cc or 200cc Open or the KT Twins. There is also a special KT class for ladies which is not age or weight restricted - your just have to be a female! However, if you are a female and you'd rather mix it with the boys, you can go into the other classes if you prefer. You just can't race in both unless you have two separate karts.
[glow=red,2,300]Buying a Kart [/glow]
Depending on your budget, you can buy a new dirt kart or a second hand one. New karts range from around $2,000 for a rolling frame minus a motor. New J and KT motors are around $1,000 stock standard and the Briggs & Stratton motors are even cheaper. We won't go into the cost of the 100cc, 200cc Open motors or the Rotax - these classes are for the experienced dirt karter. In dirt karting, you can blueprint and port your KT motor as well which is an additional expense but not really needed when you're first starting out. You can also modify 100cc and 200cc motors but as we said, these classes are really for the experienced dirt karter or serious motor sport enthusiast and there are age restrictions. Some of these classes may also run methanol and take quite a bit of upkeep compared to the other classes.
Most second hand karts available on the market are suitable for dirt karting with a few modifications. Second hand KT and J karts range from around $1,000 upwards but obviously a kart with a race winning record is going to be more expensive. Just make sure its in good condition and if possible, take someone who knows about dirt karts along with you to help you when looking at a frame, a motor or a complete unit.
[glow=red,2,300]Racewear [/glow]
Again, depending on your budget, you can buy a brand new one piece kart race suit and special boots and fancy gloves (the list goes on) but in dirt karting , the minimum acceptable racing attire is a one piece abrasive resistant overall. That means that you can wear a pair of work type overalls if you want, just as long as they're one piece with long sleeves (not the bib and brace type). Disposable overalls are out of the question. Any footwear that covers your entire foot and fastens securely is acceptable.
You will still need a pair of gloves but they don't have to be anything special - just as long as they give you the right sort of protection.
Neck braces are optional for all classes but they are highly recommended, especially for juniors.
You will need a good helmet that fits correctly with a shatterproof visor or goggles and you'll need to have the fittings for the plastic tear-offs. Helmets must be a minimum of AS1698, Snell 1990, 1992, 1995 and SB6658/85 type A approved. If you have long hair, you need to make sure it's securely concealed under your helmet or clothing.
[glow=red,2,300]Tools Needed [/glow]
You'll need some basic tools as well. Things like metric spanners, sprockets, Allen keys and a tire pressure gauge. Some spare parts that you could keep handy would be sparkplugs, spare sprockets and a chain but most clubs have people there on race days that sell those sort of things. You'll also need a thick web strap for starting the kart (unless you're racing a Briggs & Stratton or a Rotax) and something like a block of wood or a stand so that you can start your kart with the back wheels off the ground. Also, don't forget your tear-offs. You'll definitely need a good supply of these for dirt kart racing! A trolley comes in handy also for wheeling your kart from the run-off area back to the pits or, dare we say it, you end up on the in-field because the bl--dy thing wouldn't start!
[glow=red,2,300]Practice [/glow]
The Clubs in South Australia schedule in a few practice days during the season. Unfortunately, you can't just go and practice at most clubs other than on specific days so use these practice days to change a few settings on the kart if you need to. Take note of how it effects the handling etc. These days are also a good time to get in some driving practice without the pressure of having a whole field around you. When you make changes to your kart set-up, keep notes so you can remember what you did. Keep notes about track conditions and weather as well as this can affect your kart set-up.
Basically with dirt karting it's a matter of "get out there and go". For your first three meetings you'll automatically be placed rear of field anyway so this will give you some time to get the feel of everything. If after three meetings you still don't feel confident to go into the draw, you can request that you be placed R.O.F. (Rear Of Field) for as long as you want.
If you are having problems with your kart, ask someone to help. Dirt Karters are a competitive lot but they're also more than happy to help each other out.
[glow=red,2,300]Join a Club [/glow]
You'll need to join a club to race. Most likely, you'll want to join your local club and you can contact the Australian Independent Dirt Kart Association for a a list of dirt kart clubs in your area. You'll also have to get a licence from AIDKA and this is done through the club that you join. You can't hold a licence without being a member of a club but once you've got both, you can race at any other club within the Association without joining each one of them by just nominating and paying the club entry and nomination fees on race days.
[glow=red,2,300]First day Karting [/glow]
On your first time out there are a few things to remember: The brake is there for a reason! It's your first try at karting. You won't be used to handling dirt karts and you won't be used to the track so don't go too fast... take it easy, only build up speed as you get more experienced. You'll be rear of field anyway so there's no pressure to perform and win races right away and you'll have a much better time if you actually get through the rounds rather than sitting on the in-field watching the others go past because you've spun it round the first corner.
Make sure you are familiar with all the basic rules of racing and especially the flags. It's not unusual to get shown the blue flag the first few times out - do you know what a blue flag means? If you don't then you should definitely visit our "Tech Talk" page. Another way to get to know the race rules and the flags is to do some flag marshalling during the day. Most clubs depend on their members to help out with these sorts of things on race days so you'll be doing your club a favor as well as learning some very important stuff. Don't send your 7 year old budding karter out there by him or herself though - juniors should always have adult supervision when there anywhere near the track.
Don't fiddle around with the jets on your motor if you don't know what you're doing. Ask someone who's more experienced to tune your kart for you at first. You'll find plenty of experience karters in the pits that'll be more than happy to give you a hand. It's far better to run your kart on a slightly richer setting rather than leaning it off too much. Really lean motors have a habit of stopping very quickly!
Introduce yourself to other karters - ask questions - ask for help if you need it. Remember, you're there to have a good time like all of us.