HOW TO GET STARTED IN KARTING

Karting is a thrilling and rewarding experience. It appeals to those with various personal objectives. Whether you are looking to drive fast and have a good time, or view karting as the first step in a racing career, the Calgary Kart Racing Club has a place for you. Regardless of your objectives, you will find, as in any new sport or activity, karting has its unique challenges and complexities.

The Calgary Kart Racing Club is the only organization in Southern Alberta which promotes and organizes kart racing at its own track, the Calgary Speed Park. The CKRC is dedicated to introducing new participants to the sport. CKRC operates under rigid safety and technical guidelines mandated by governing body ASN Canada FIA.

There are a number of recommended steps to follow, to become involved with karting;

1. Become a CKRC Member – Annual membership dues include the following:

1. Voting privileges at regularly scheduled club meetings reviewing current issues related to club administration, regulations and Calgary Speed Park operations.
2. Unlimited access to Calgary Speed Park for practice during operating hours,
3. Free racing school, graduates of this school are qualified to make application for kart racing licenses.

2. Select the class that is right for you.

Kart classes are determined by driver age, weight, engine size and type. There are classes for children, starting at 8 years of age, to those for adults from 16 and older.

The 4-cycle classes are the most cost effective form of kart racing and are where the majority of new drivers begin racing. They require low maintenance and are generally less powerful than the other classes, thus require a smooth driving technique, which prepares a driver for the higher performance classes.

The 2-cycle engines can propel karts to over 130 km/h, are more physically demanding to drive, and provide more intense racing. 2-cycle karts generally require more maintenance than their 4-cycle counterparts.

The “Shifter Kart” category is the highest performance level of karting with performance characteristics similar to that of a Formula Atlantic racecar. They have four-wheel disc brakes, powerful 125cc engines coupled to 6-speed sequential gearboxes, body fairings and wider, stickier tires for maximum traction and acceleration.

The following is a list of current CKRC classes:

 
3. Acquire the appropriate equipment. Here is a list of recommended equipment and approximate prices:

1. Kart and engine
   1. New Kart Chassis start at approximately $3,500
   2. Used Kart Chassis start at approximately $1,000
   3. 4 stroke engines start at approximately $650
   4. 2 stroke engines start at approximately $1,500
2. Driver equipment
   1. SNELL 2000 rated helmets start at approximately $250
   2. Abrasion resistant suits start at approximately $150
   3. Rib protector, support collar, gloves, driving boots totaling approximately $200
3. Tools and support equipment
   1. Kart stand
   2. Tool box with basic tools
   3. Assortment of drive train gears, engine jetting, miscellaneous spare parts and consumable items

Sources of equipment, including karts and engines, are available from local kart supply shops:

Calgary Kart Shop Tel: (403) 249-1080 briangrant@3web.net
Overdrive Motorsports Tel: (403) 270-0160 info@overdrivekarts.com
All Terrain Motorsports Tel: (403) 503-0992 atmr@efirehose.net

Pre owned equipment is also available locally through the CKRC website classified section.

4. Enroll in a racing school. Although you cannot buy experience, the most effective way to learn about driving technique, chassis dynamics, equipment preparation and set up is to take a kart racing school offered by experienced qualified instructors. Apart from the CKRC School, there are also various kart schools throughout Canada and the US offering beginners courses. You can burn a lot of laps on your own to achieve the same level of expertise you will gain in a class from karting instructors.

5. Participate in the technical seminars. These are organized by local kart shops and the CKRC on a regular basis and include tips and guidelines for maintaining and preparing your kart. Also, read the technical sections on the CKRC website, acquire karting manuals and magazines.

6. Set realistic goals. Most CKRC competitors have been racing for many years, and have learned the nuances of karting along the way. It will take more than a few races to achieve this level of competitiveness. CKRC members are an enthusiastic tight knit group, which are happy to assist newcomers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but as in anything, asking the same question to various people may result in different answers! In order to avoid confusion it is best at first to try to limit your source of information to one or two experts.

7. Work on your kart. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Although a kart may appear complex and intimidating at first, most participants quickly learn to maintain and prepare their own kart. The local kart shops are always a good source of reliable information.

8. Practice!  Don’t just show up at a race event without practicing first. The CKRC is one of the only karting clubs in Canada with its own facility. Make sure you take advantage of this!

9. Know the Rules. ASN Canada FIA Sporting and Technical regulations, as well as CKRC Supplementary regulations and club bylaws are available on the CKRC website.

10. Visit the CKRC Website. Check the site frequently for news, upcoming events, competitor information and technical updates. It is your best source of information for Karting in Calgary.

For more information, contact Fred Causer – Manager
Tel: (403) 305-9170
Email fredcauser@hotmail.com
Visit our website at www.ckrc.com