Karting is a motorsport that involves a small open vehicle that is four wheeled. The vehicles are called Karts or gearbox karts. There also is a modified type called a go kart used mostly for recreation purposes in amusement parks.
Amateur karting is known to be an engaging sport that develops one’s driving experience and skills. The sport is mostly common among young drivers, but is also very active among adults.
Drivers in amateur karting need to be equipped with the necessary gear considering the fact that the kart is an open vehicle. Safety is adamant in any sport, hence the driver should have the following gear:
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Driving boots
- Full driving suit that involves a leather overall
- A neck collar and Rib protector (optional)
With the above gear the driver is ready to get to the track
Amateur drivers need to have the basic knowledge of how the kart operates and its components. A Kart is simple in design containing a chassis and its engine plus the wheels.
The karts run on 2 stroke engines or 4 stroke engines that are water cooled. Some of the karts have systems that help the driver to monitor speed and control. The wheels are smaller than those in cars, but do come in different types for different tracks.
The wheels come in different types to handle different track conditions whether it is dry weather, wet weather or even special condition like icy tracks. Some karts have their chassis built in cages for extra protection.
Amateur karting is available for just about any age beginning from 5 years. For these different age groups the karts are designed not to exceed certain speed limits.
- 5 – 7 years about 30 MPH
- 7 – 11 years about 50 MPH
- 12 – 15 years about 78 MPH
- Other higher groups and adults have a standardized speed limit.
When budgeting for the amateur karting, first one needs to identify that place offering the experience get booking for the session. Having gotten the required gear, then driver is good to go.
Amateur karting will definitely require some guidance or coaching. Most places will have tutors ready otherwise the driver will have to have a side coach. Amateur karting is known to be a stepping stone to professional racing. This is where talent is grown and natured for professional racers.
There are two environments for karting; indoor karting and field karting. This is amazing to mean that there is no one time that you cannot enjoy this engaging sport. Karting is considered the stepping stone into professional motor racing.
Amateur drivers should not be afraid off the working of the karts as they are professionally assembled to ensure best protection for the drivers. The braking system is made up of a disc brake mounted to the rear axle.
The karts come with double master cylinders to allow for smooth rear and front axle changes. Though it has no suspension system the chassis is built in a flexible way such that it can handle sharpen bend turning.
As a form of sporting there usually several racing formats:
- Sprint – which involves a series of short races over some tracks for some laps where drivers collect points. Usually it is done under certain time frames.
- Endurance – In these format drivers skills are tested in tracks for certain duration of time usually 30 minutes up to 20 hours or more.
- Speedway – During this format drivers are expected to race along tracks for certain laps. This format mainly tests the drivers control under speed pressure.
Amateur racing is usually helps one acquire skills for real track races but is also a form of recreation for family events or children fun sport.
As an amateur driver one acquires control, quick reflexes, car control, quick decision making and also arouses that competitive spirit. Karting is fast developing and is being endorsed by many countries bringing in the diversification in the sport.
Since karting was realized in the 19th century in South California it has widely spread and developed. Amateur kart racing itself is quite engaging good for recreation and qualifying as good adventurous sport that is to be recommended for anyone out there ready to have a lifetime fun moment.
If you learn all the fundamentals of the game, it will be very easy to participate and take part.
Karting World 