New Guy

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Hey everyone. I have just purchased my first Kart (Shifter) and I plan to race this season (2010) I just want to say hey to all and look forward to meeting everyone soon. Any help getting ready for the new season will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[Fred]

Welcome to the sport of Karting Chris if you want any more info call me after I get back from Vegas 24th. Contact info on contacts page.

Fred

CKRC Club Manager

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Thanks Fred I will do that. Best of luck is Vegas.

[John Kwong]

Hi Chris,

As a long time shifter kart driver, welcome, we always want more shifter drivers out there.

What brand of kart and motor did you purchase?

Our local shifter class allows pretty much any 125cc shifter package. These include the Japanese motocross based motors, European shifter motors (Formula C & ICC) and now the Rotax DD2 2 speed shifter. All are competitive in the right hands and in the right conditions.

John Kwong
#15

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I have a 2005 Tony Kart Venox chassis with a Vortex RVS motor. I purchased the Kart with a cracked crankcase and have just finished repairing it. I am pretty much ready kart wise (I hope) to be competitive. I look forward to banging gears this spring and hope to be up to speed with everyone ASAP.

[John Kwong]

That should be a good package. Tony kart has always made good stuff and the Vortex is a nice light motor package. Keep me posted on your repairs and setting up for this season and I will help out where I can. For instance, you will need a rib protector and one of the best ones and most reasonably priced ($50 vs $100+ for "racing") ones are the lacrosse rib protectors from Sport Chek.

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Thanks John. I am in need of just that. I would of never thought to go to a sport store for rib protectors. I have been trying to get myself educated as much as I can from reading on the net. I think all I really need is some seat time, can you help with this?? I assume not LOL so I guess I will have to wait till spring.

[John Kwong]

Actually, I do driver coaching but we can talk about that more,if you are interested, when the season gets going. Until then, let me know what you need, info or parts, and I will help you source them. Shifter karts, once they are set-up can be less maintenance between racedays than the RotaxMax karts. Surprisingly, rebuild costs are very similar even though it has the transmission. You should be able to get away with 1 maybe two re-builds during a regular race season depending on how many practice days you put in and if you are starting the season with a fresh motor. Tires and VP racing gas (VP98) are your main expense. I would recommend MG yellow tires, Bridgestone YKB or Vega Blues. These tires will give good performance for 2 racedays plus a practice day and you can run them down till the dimples are gone. If your kart did not come with a padded Tillet seat, I would recommend buying one to make it easier on the body. Our track is pretty smooth but there is a real G-load in a shifter kart that tends to beat on the ribs. If you replace the seat, let me know, there are a bunch of tricks to getting it in the right place so that the driver's weight is distributed properly for good handling. Anyway keep me posted.

John K

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This is all helpfull info John. I am sure I will be looking into driver training. As getting to know the Kart as fast as I can is important. I will be in touch after x-mas to discuss further or if you want you can just email your prices for your training. ctooley@hotmail.com

Thanks,