need info on getting my kid setup for karting

[zxtwou2]

well...i have a year to get things in order for my son to start racing. he's going to be 5 in october...so that means his novice race season starts in just about 12-14 months from now. i've been browsing websites and the likes...but there's no definite "how to get started" that really answers all my questions. i want him to be able to get as much track time as possible...so at autoX events and and purpose built kart racing tracks.

a few questions (this is just the start, i'm sure i'll come up with more).

what is the best kart to start a 5 y/o off in?

what equipment will i need, and where can i find it on a budget?

how do i get him started? i can't very well just show up and expect him to know what to do...are there schools? should i buy some cones and let him loose in a large parking lot?

what's the best way to get him used to driving it, and getting the feel for speed without scaring him off right away?

he's very eager to get started racing...and he SAYS he wants to go really fast and all...but i don't want him to freak out his first time he gets a taste of adrenaline...i want to ease him into it a bit. i have found 2 tracks somewhat close to me...one in Springfield, IL, one up near Ottawa, IL.

[iceracer]

Some will depend on the track. Find a used cart that has run that track. The stock B&S is the engine usually used for the novice junior class.
If you can, take him to the track when there is no racing and let him drive and get used to it.
You are aware that karting is not a cheap sport, but then so is any other racing.

[tre2000zx2]

what kind of cart? what sanction body? wka? i can help ya some..it been YEARS since I was in it.. but my younger bro still does.. past 4 years track champion in at least one class. 2 times in 2 classes.. run 3-4 karts between him and dad ..
best place for budget is to find someone moving up in classes can make alot of the lil stuff yourself like kart stands, pit boxes and carts.. tire warmers and track bite additive aplicators.. tire storage racks, engines can be expensive ..
lemme know what kind of kart, class, track type and sanctioning body and ill help however i can ..

[zxtwou2]

Some will depend on the track. Find a used cart that has run that track. The stock B&S is the engine usually used for the novice junior class.
If you can, take him to the track when there is no racing and let him drive and get used to it.
You are aware that karting is not a cheap sport, but then so is any other racing.

oh..i know it's not cheap. i'm already considering 4-5000 in equipment from the get go...and that's without the extras like pit boxes and tire warmers and the likes :p i'm looking for a used kart in the 1500-2000 range, then i have to figure in suit, helmet, and all the other safety gear. i'm also willing (if after the first year he loves it and wants to keep with it) to give up racing my car to give my time and budget over to his racing...i'm just that kinda dad 8)


what kind of cart? what sanction body? wka? i can help ya some..it been YEARS since I was in it.. but my younger bro still does.. past 4 years track champion in at least one class. 2 times in 2 classes.. run 3-4 karts between him and dad ..
best place for budget is to find someone moving up in classes can make alot of the lil stuff yourself like kart stands, pit boxes and carts.. tire warmers and track bite additive aplicators.. tire storage racks, engines can be expensive ..
lemme know what kind of kart, class, track type and sanctioning body and ill help however i can ..

yeah, SCCA and WKA are probably the sanctioning bodies he'll be doing the most with. only reason i want him to race SCCA is because he'd be running at the same events as me...just in a kart instead of car..so it'd be convenient, and we can use it as seat time for him. not sure what kind of kart i want yet..what's the best for a 5 year old?? as far as track side amenities, i have some stuff of my own from autoXing...like a 10x10 canopy, cooler, air tank, gauges, and a nice tool bag and all....but nothing kart specific. and the 2 tracks i found within 2 hours of me either way is in Springfield, IL, and the other is Norway, IL...i guess it's a nationally known track that holds national level events.

[tre2000zx2]

dirt or asphalt... oval or road course style?

[zxtwou2]

asphault...road course/autoX

[TSmiley98]

http://www.ufranks.com/ the place I work does tons of coatings for them, check out the forum on there ,

[tre2000zx2]

asphault...road course/autoX

well that sucks.. most of our stuff was all on dirt ovals.. with the ocasional paved oval.. no idea on left AND right ones..

[iceracer]

Basically you can start simply. Used cart, gas can, tire pressure gauge and a few hand tools.Plus the safety gear. All the ancilliary stuff is nice, but won't make the cart any faster.

[zxtwou2]

i've narrowed my search down to a few karts between 1500-2200 bucks..which i find very reasonable. most come with spare engines. how often do you have to tear these suckers down for overhaul, anyway?

for safety gear..i still dont know what i'm going to do til about a year from now..i'd hate to get him the wrong sizes. but what should i expect to pay for used firesuit and helmet?

[TSmiley98]

take him in to fit different helmets, then buy some used gear that others outgrew, helmets are spendy . $250-$500 for a good SN05 or newer helmet, firesuits can be had new for $150 for adult sizes, then you want gloves ($50ish) and boots, (not sure I always wear my leather boots)