Couple'r questions!

[toby]

Hi. I've got a few questions that i'd like to be answered. They're rather basic, so bare with me!

I'm interested to get into karting and it's between track-racing and dirt-racing. I know the obvious differences, but what are the differences in:

*kart (engine, chassis etc)?
*expenses?
*rules?
*groups and levels

What are the positives and negatives of dirt racing?

Are there any significant racing differences between tarmac and dirt racing?

Are dirt karts generally cheaper or more expensive to acquire?

How much of a difference is there between individual karts and how can this affect the outcome of a race? For example, how much of an advantage would a recently-bluebrinted kart have over one which has an engine that has done 4-or-so hours?

Your time is appreciated.

[moved into information/talk so guests can answer you questions]

[Mr X]

You could run a bitchemen chassis but dirt chassis are commonly not as stiff so they can grip better. Expenses would be about the same. Rules are different don't know how different might pay to ask Tom (site member) about the major differences between AIDKA (dirt) rules and AKA (bitchemen) rules.

Here's a link to a thread that will tell you the basics on how to get started into dirt karting: dirtkartracing.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=info&action=display&thread=44

Dirt karts are generally cheaper than bitchemen karts.

Are there any significant racing differences between tarmac and dirt racing?
Dirt you get 4 heats and a final in one day and setup doesn't contribute a lot to how you run. Dirt is more driver ability as any kart can win races if the driver can drive, bitchemen requires a lot of setup changes etc wets and dry tyres etc. (Dirt you can't run in the rain).

For a full range of classes you can visit the AIDKA website.

Information on dirt karting can be found here:
adelaidedirtkartclub.com.au/techtalk.htm

or

www.lightningkarts.com.au/
(click on the info section)

On the lightning karts website you can also find out the costs of parts and equipment involved in karting.

Sorry mate I couldn't answer all your questions as I am in a rush and have to get somewhere hopefully simebody else on the site can help you out.

[tom]

I'll try to answer some of your questions:

Kart: If you are just looking to start out, the cost of the kart will be be similar between dirt and bitumen. Generally the cost of licence/entry fees etc are slightly cheaper with dirt.

Rules: Similar for engines with the exception of the KT class on dirt.. In either case if you want the quickest engine you need to spend a bucketload. Chassis rules are also similar, but you will be better off getting a "dirt" chassis for dirt racing.

Groups and levels: In either case, you will be required to start at the rear of the field for the first few meetings, then you can join in the grid. From there the more you drive the better you will get and the further up the grid you will end up.

For me the main difference between dirt and bitumen is you can't test on the dirt.. This is a good and bad thing.. You can drive around the bitumen track for hours on end if you like, and the top drivers in the state will be putting in at least one test day a week throughout the year. If you wish to compete with them you will have to do the same. If you want to compete at the top level on dirt you will need to get out and do a lot of racing, and luckily there are a lot of tracks around so this isn't a problem (other than the cost).

The best bet is to go to watch a few meetings on both the dirt and bitumen, and see what looks the most appealing to you.. Try to talk to a few people in the class you are looking at racing.

Don't get hung up on "trick" chassis or motors, concentrate on doing as many laps as possible in whatever kart you end up in. Make sure you have fun.. Try to talk someone else in to starting out with you, it's a lot more fun if you have a few mates with you.

[toby]

Thank you both for your help. It's appreciated.