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Getting StartedSo you want to race a Superkart? Of course you do, you'd be mad not to!!! Value for money and pound per performance there is nothing else that comes close to any of the Superkart / gearbox kart classes in British motorsport! This is not a definitive guide to Superkart's but it should hopefully be a push in the right direction and help your investigations further. If you want to race I would recommend taking your time deciding what class, level and type of venues you wish to compete on. Taking your time in deciding class, chassis and engine that might be suitable for your needs and budget will save a lot of heartache, time and money in the long run Beginners Guide
How do I start? What do I need to do?If you are not sure and you want to try one then there is a school at the Darley Moor Circuit. It is approved by the MSA and ARKS (Association of Registered Kart Schools). Visit their web site
Next step is to gain a licence, this is a very simple task, you must purchase an ARKS pack from the MSA (Motorsport Association), the pack can be bought online so go to the MSA website for further info. You can always contact the Series Co-ordinator - He's and ex racer and winner. He knows the sport inside out. There are a few directions from which you can start racing gearbox karts on long circuit. As a complete beginner, from short circuit, from car racing or from ACU bike racing. In all cases you will need a competition license supplied to you by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) AS A COMPLETE BEGINNERBuy the “Starting Karting” pack from the MSA or your local ARKS School. It costs £45 including postage. In it you will find a video and copies of all the regulations you need to learn to pass the test for your competition license. There is also your license application form. If you are covered by any exemption to the test, you do not need to take the test. The exemptions include having had certain grades of kart, foreign or racing licenses in the past, or holding a NATSKA Schools karting licence, or applying for an endurance licence. Assuming you have a kart and have had sufficient practice and have learnt the regulations you can book the ARKS novice test. This can be taken with an ARKS school or with your local club who will have a club examiner. If you are 18 or over, you need to have a medical, both you and the doctor need to complete the relevant parts of the license application form. You need to pay the doctor for this, usually around £90. Take the ARKS test, this costs £85. The test is in two parts, a driving test and multiple choice questionnaire covering the flag signals and regulations. If you do fail either part of the test, you can re-take it for an additional fee. Next you need to send off for your MSA competition licence, this costs £30. (free for under 16’s) You will be issued with a National B NOVICE licence to start with. At this stage you are classified as a Novice driver and have to collect six signatures of competence from an MSA steward. Passing your ARKS Test will qualify you for one signature. You can only compete at this stage at a Closed to Club or National B permit event. This can be done at either a short circuit or long circuit event. If you race at a short circuit event you will need to have black number plates with white numbers attached to them. On Long Circuit it is different and you will require only a yellow number plate 22cm x 22cm with a black diagonal cross with strokes 15cm x 2.5cm fixed to the back bumper beside the rear number plate Once you have got six signatures you can now remove your novice plates and upgrade your licence to a FULL National B grade. You must then continue to race at National B events for a further six signatures after which you can upgrade your licence to a National A grade All British and National Superkart Championship events on Long Circuit are run to at least National A permit so that grade of licence is mandatory. FROM SHORT CIRCUIT KART RACINGIf you have raced previously on short circuit, have a National A licence and have never raced on long circuit before it is easy to transfer to competing on long circuit. In the first instance you will be regarded as a Long Circuit Novice and will have to attach a yellow number plate 22cm x 22cm with a black diagonal cross with strokes 15cm x 2.5cm fixed to the back bumper beside the rear number plate. Four signatures are then required from the MSA Steward before you can remove your novice plate. Unlike short circuit you will not be required to start from the back of the grid. Don’t forget that for long circuit you will need to wear a leather racing suit. FROM CAR RACINGIf you have a Race National B licence it is valid for Clubman and National B kart events. Once you have the required Upgrade signatures for karting you can add a National A kart licence. If you have a Race National A licence. it is valid for Long Circuit Kart Events. For the first four events you well need to carry the Long Circuit novice numbers plates as detailed above and receive four signatures from the MSA Steward. However for some reason it is not valid for short circuit at National A permit kart Meetings. FROM ACU MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACINGA bike competitor holding a ACU National Motorcycle Road Race licence is eligible for a National A Kart Race licence. For the first four events you well need to carry the Long Circuit novice numbers plates as detailed above and receive four signatures from the MSA Steward.
Once you have got the licence you may need the equipment, I would recommend you take your time and do your research, the end of the year is the time to pick up a bargain as the top guys will be replacing there equipment. The best sites are our own & UK Karting, I would also advise you to order Karting magazine as they not only have some good adverts but its worth reading up on what's happening in the UK scene.
Or do you want to help within the organisation?
The Different ClassesSuperkarting can be a little confusing when you are new, all the classes and formula. Thankfully we have unified the classes a little more these days, so read on to find out what they are. Superkarts are split in to several classes.
F125 Superkarts
These are a very competitive class of Superkart, with less ferocity in terms of engine performance compared to that of a 250 Superkart, but still capable of keeping within a couple of seconds on lap times in comparison to that of a 250 single. There is a vast array of engines eligible for use in the class, with the most popular ones such as Pavesi, TM and SGM being favoured, which are specifically designed for use in karting. There is also a vast array of Chassis options available for use as well, the chassis can be divided into "short circuit" and "long circuit" use and they can be very different looking machines depending on the discipline, with some chassis that perform well on both. Its just a matter of bodywork, but again the most favoured tend to be that of the Anderson and Formula 1 in 125 Open and Energy and Tonykart in 125 ICC. The 125 Superkart class is split into two categories, the 125 Open and 125 ICC. The 125 Open class is for all single cylinder Reed and Rotary Valve engines comprising of six speed gearbox’s, tuning is allowed together with big Carbs. The class also runs full long circuit body work and open tyres. The 125ICC is very much similar, using the same engines, but they are all reed valve induction, and the Carburettors are restricted to 30mm in size and a set head volume also has to be adhered to. Tuning in this class is very restricted so driver skill is very much the thing. The ICC’s run with the standard short circuit body work best suited to the short circuit but produce extremely close racing on both short & long circuit. The 125 Superkart is a very cost effective class, with plenty of good quality second hand outfits available for as little as £1500 upwards. But if you fancy the more competitive option then a full new outfit can be bought for around £6000. While you don’t need to be a bit of a mechanical guru to run one of these as you do a 250 Twin Superkart and they are relatively a lot less costly, don’t underestimate the performance of these little beauties!!!! The handling and performance of these mini superkarts will certainly leave you gob smacked!!! Performance Facts :- Top speed is 120mph - 0 – 60 in 3.5secs - Power Output = 42 to 48bhp Fastest 125 Open Lap Record = 0.47.166 - 103.04mph - Justin Doherty - Mallory Fastest 125 ICC Lap Record = 1.29.913 - 94.331mph - Matt Clarke - Thruxton
Safety Equipment?"You only have one life so get the best you can afford"
What safety gear do I need?
In long circuit karting its compulsory to wear leathers, the only stipulation is that they must be a minimum of 1.2mm thick, that means you can either buy a 2 piece motorcycle "road suit" or buy 1 piece racing leathers.
As an ex racer my advice would be listen to common sense, and the experts in the field. And get the best you can afford.
LeathersOne piece or two piece? The Problems that can occur with every 2 piece leather set is that because you have the facility to remove either the top or bottom half independently via a zip, that is always going to be a weak point, as the Auto Cycle Union will tell you in a heavy impact the two parts can come apart exposing your pink bits! that is why they are not allowed for bike racing, we don't generally hit the floor like bikers do, but it does occasionally happen, I wouldn't take the chance for the extra bit of mobility round the paddock, would you?
Also be aware that because the 2 piece leathers are not generally designed for racing, so the body armour inside them may not come up to any CE standards, so it could actually do you more harm than good! And if you don't use body armour of some description then you have obviously never hit the floor hard before!
The most important thing to think of when it comes to safety is that we are 4 wheeled motorcycles, admittedly we very rarely "fall out" but we have no roll cages, head restraints etc this is not a car.
Look around see what the bike racers wear, preferably the ones that fall off a lot, if you cant afford a new set try some on in the shop anyway, get your size right them look on Ebay, I bought my sons new Alpine Starts £400 without the speed hump with armour from Hein Gerick.
Don't be put off by the new style leathers with the speed hump on the back, any decent leather place, or saddler will be able to remove it for about £20.
Bikers are great, every time they buy a new road bike they have to get the new leathers to match!! Once you have got them, try them on in the kart, then only if you have to remove the minimum armour you can get away with for comfort.
HelmetsRemember new motorcycle helmets are no longer acceptable, (don't get me started on this one) only helmets bearing the latest spec markings are acceptable!
Do not forget the following if you have never bought a helmet before. All helmets are different. They have different construction, different shell shapes and fit, even between the same manufacturers different models.
You can be a size 56 euro in one helmet and a 60 euro in another. Certain head shapes suit certain makes of helmets. I would recommend trying on every model of helmet you fancy, & no two makes are the same. I would not personally order a helmet online unless I had already tried and tested that model in that size, and I was certain that it fitted perfect. Try checking out the suppliers at the Autosport Show or International Kart Show.
Why? Because of the lazy streak in all of us thinks, "that will do, its a bit loose but not a problem, can't be bothered to send it back, I'll get used to it." You are always better off getting a helmet that is a little tight rather than the other way. A loose helmet is a useless helmet!!
A helmet will always "bed in" and as long as its the lining that's the only tight bit, not the shell, don't worry to much as long as you are not going purple!! Anywhere that sells helmets should have trained staff to advise you on fitting.
Useful tip. - Something I have seen people do over the years is they leave helmets in the "done up" position, they leave the buckles fastened, but loosen them off to remove the helmet, you should never do this for a few reasons, the strap will eventually gain a "memory" of the tight position when in fact its not actually that tight. As the strap & lining gives with age it will gradually get looser and you may not notice until its to late! Also you could quite easily fatigue the strap over time, one of the reasons the ACU makes you bin helmets every three or so years and get a new one, why doesn't the MSA, ask them?
Gloves and boots.These are more of a comfort issue rather than safety, so its down to personal preference. We don't have to have fire proof ones like the car racers so at least the karting ones are inexpensive. Suggestion from my side is if you wear the fireproof underwear it will help absorb the sweat and stop your leathers smelling plus give so some safety from the 8 litres of fuel that's between your legs!
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow fast is that?Superkarts are quick, there is no getting away from that, but in my humble opinion, not as quick (in a straight line) as many people will tell you. Most Superkarts due to the nature of UK circuits are geared for between 120-150mph depending on venue.
If you have ridden motorcycles then you will be quite used to the acceleration and speed, a good 250 single feels on par with a modern 250 production 250 2 stroke road bike or 400 4 stroke. The twin cylinder karts feel like a 600cc supersport bike of a couple of years ago in performance. That's just my seat of the pants opinion.
How come you guys are as fast as Formula 3's and faster that virtually all production cars at some circuits? We are all just bloody hero's, legends , driver's of such sheer skill that we can make a "go kart" do amazing feats, no not really, well some of us can. The truth of the matter lies somewhere in the middle ground. To be fast in a Superkart does take great skill, and some bravery. But we cant take all the credit these little pocket rockets are quite awesome in two area's going round corners and stopping.
The cornering ability of these things cannot and will not be appreciated until you have driven one, and got the bruises to prove it! To be honest unless its a hairpin bend of quite horrific proportions we don't really need to slow down very much for many corners, and when we do need to slow down the brakes on these things are just a bit silly yes they are that good.
That's the thing I remember most about my first drive in a Superkart, the first time I hit the brakes hard it was like being hit in the face with a shovel it slowed that violently WOW. After a go in one of these driving a Scooby turbo, evo, cateram, gsi 16v blah blah etc, etc feels like riding a pregnant cow at the Grand national.
Is it Expensive?All motor sport is expensive, but in real terms Superkarts are a mere drop in the ocean compared to racing "real cars". I have not done the research as yet but I would dread to think what one might pay to race a single seater or tin top to gain similar lap times to us and have the track time we do at the top venues we get to race at. As mentioned earlier in this article the karts can be purchased for very reasonable money, check out our for classifieds section regularly.
Why karts?Well for me It was price and practicality initially to be honest, I had done a few track days in cars and found it mind numbingly pointless flying round in circles with a load of posers who for the most couldn't really drive their over the top cars and I wanted to have a go at the real thing, racing a car. Then after research into it I found that to buy the type of car I was interested in was going to cost a lot of money, plus the logistics of storing it, transporting it plus preparing it put the dream right out of my league straight away, I'm glad it did now for I would have never taken up karting!
LogisticsSo lets look at the logistics of racing a Superkart, firstly if you have a garage you don't have any storage issues. Most people either have a van to transport the equipment in, or otherwise the good old "tow-a-van" trailer behind the car, either of these can be bought as you know for sensible money. You don't really need a vast amount of equipment either, just a reasonable tool kit (doesn't have to be snap on) and if you buy cheap tools you don't feel so bad when you leave some behind by accident! Obviously a race suit (leathers), helmet, boots, gloves spare pants can all be bought for as little or as much as you want.
Second Hand or NewYou can pick up a good outfit second hand. As most drivers know who's kit is who's its best to chat to a Driver or even one of the drivers class reps. (See Contacts Page). For New karts see our Links page for manufactures.
Cost of a meeting estimate: · Average entry fee for 2 races and 15 minute qualifying session : £180 · Tyres : £150 per set (depending on type will last more than one meeting) · Control fuel 25lt drum (if racing in British champs) : £65 · Fuel to and from meeting plus sundries, food etc £125 est. So really you are looking at say £500 and that's as long as nothing breaks or goes wrong obviously we haven't included costing out engine rebuilds during the season, maintenance, registration fee of £50 for years club membership etc, this is a rough guide, and you could do it for a lot less or a lot more! So if the above hasn't frightened you off to look at the Carp angling for beginners web site.....Read on! But do check out how much it costs to race a decent car!
So yes its quite expensive I suppose but so is that new kitchen/car/holiday/tv/bathroom etc, Which one of those are you going to be able to tell your friends about with interesting stories of valour, courage bravery, and skill in the pub on a Sunday night while grasping a little plastic trophy? And which one of those will make you new and lifelong friendships and bring a smile to your face when you think back 20 years from now?
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