How to Start Karting

Start Kart Racing Tips

Karting offers something to suit everyone from age 8 to 80!

You just need to consider what suits your age, weight, mechanical ability and experience.

• Don't buy the first kart you see, take time to go to your local circuit and find out which classes they race there.
• Chat to the drivers, officials and traders there. Choose a well supported class that suits you requirements.
• You will need to complete a mandatory ARKS test to determine that you are safe and competant to race. From 01/01/2008, the ARKS test fee will be £88 including VAT. The test is in two parts, a driving competency test and amulti-choice questionnaire covering flad signals and regulations. The fee does not include any hire fee for a kart, this can be arrange for a small additional cost, if you cannot use a kart of your own.
• Before you take the test you will need the MSA Start Karting pack which includes a DVD or video, licence application form and a handbook of rules and regulations. MSA Go-Karting Pack
• Anyone over 18, or with a medical condition, is required to have a medical examination with their GP before attending the test.
• You will need appropriate racewear, this includes an approved crash helmet and racesuit, along with gloves and boots. Visit our Reacewear section to find all you need Karting Racewear

Get a copy of the FREE Come Karting DVD from the ABKC here Come Karting DVD

Kart Racing Classes

Karts are divided into two basic categories: those with direct drive (which race on short circuits), and those with gearboxes (which race on both the long and short circuits).

Comer W60 cadet

8 - 13 years old. Uses a 60cc sealed 2-stroke Comer W60 engine, engine rebuilds must be carried out by an approved service agent. Has a centrifugal clutch and a recoil starting cord. Top speed is about 50mph. This class has championship series with BRDC Stars of Tomorrow British Cadet Championship and the Super One ABkC series.

Junior Kart Classes 11 - 16 year old

The 125cc water-cooled Rotax Max TAG (Touch and Go - electric start) classes are now the most popular classes in the UK. There is also the more traditional Formula TKM which is 100cc air-cooled two-stroke. The Rotax is a TAG class and therfore have a press button start whereas the TKM have to be either lifted and pushed, or use an optional plug in portable electric start box. The new Formula Blue has a 100cc 2 stroke Parilla Lynx water cooled racing engine and an electric on board push button starter.

Rotax Max

MiniMax

(11-16 years old) this a restricted version of the Junior Max class using the same Rotax FR125. All Rotax engines are sealed and have a log-book showing the service history.

Junior Max

(13 - 16 yrs old). This class attempts to provide performance similar to Junior ICA but with lower running costs and noise levels. Just remove the restrictor from a MiniMax and it is converted to a Junior Max. It is one of the most powerful junior classes, with top speed about 70 mph.

Junior TKM

(11-16 yrs) is a popular traditional kart class using a BT-82 piston-port engine to a strict non-tuning regime. The junior engines have a restrictor between the carburettor and the engine to limit the power. A Junior Intermediate class is for bigger or heavier drivers (62kg or above) and has slightly larger restrictor so the two classes can compete with equal in performance

Junior Formula Blue

(11 to 16 yrs) The aim of this class is to provide an economy / club class enabling progression from Cadet to Junior racing. It uses a 100cc 2 stroke Parilla Lynx water cooled racing engine with on-board electric push button starter. Uses different restrictors to adjust the engine power output in relation to the driver weight in both junior and senior classes means close competitive racing. Senior and Junior classes use the same equipment and engine so when ready a Junior can move into Senior on the same equipment.

JICA (Junior ICA)

The premier championship class for 13-16 yrs (12 for experienced drivers). Also raced at European and world class level.

Senior Kart Classes

There are more powerful senior equivalents to the Junior clases for drivers aged 16 and above. It is a good idea to check out your local circuit to find out the classes taht are the most popular. Once some experience has been gained there are further options for the premier championship classes. All use high-revving powerful 100cc 2-stroke racing engines. The premier class is Formula A, the MSA British Championship class raced in Super One, then ICA (Intercontinental A), almost as powerful, then the slightly more economical 100 National. These classes will top out at 85mph

Rotax Max

Uses a very powerful 125cc TAG engine. Although the maximum revs are limited electronically, they are nearly as quick as ICA, but much lower maintenance, and sealed to prevent unapproved tuning.

TKM

Senior TKM use a 115cc variant of the BT82 engine. The chassis have to be registered, and new designs are only permitted every three years, to keep costs down.

Formula Blue

Using the same euipment as the Junior class above. A 100cc 2 stroke Parilla Lynx water cooled racing engine with on-board electric push button starter. Uses different restrictors to adjust the engine power output in relation to the driver weight in both junior and senior classes means close competitive racing.

100 National

A class for seniors only, using the previous generation of 100cc full race engines, but less costly because of the more durable tyres used.

ICA - Intercontinental A

A premier championship class using reed-valve engines which can rev to 20,000rpm. Primarily raced in the Super One Series, and also as the entry point in senior European level racing. Not a class to start in

Formula A

The premier 100cc direct drive class for seniors, for British, European and World Championship racing. Uses very grippy tyres and is expensive.

Gearbox Classes

Gearbox karts offer the highest powers and speeds

125 ICC

ICC is the most popular gearbox class. Although a little more expensive than a direct drive class, they can be surprisingly economical to run. The 125cc water cooled engines have six gears, sequentially operated like a motorcycle using a gear-lever mounted next to the steering wheel. 0-60mph times are less than 4 seconds, top speed is 90mph on short circuit, 110 - 120mph on long circuit.

Super ICC

Super ICC is identical to ICC except that the class weight is lower for this premier class. The ABkC championship is held in the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow series. Like ICC, the tuning of the reed valve engines is fairly restrictive, to prolong the life between rebuilds, and the tyres are very durable. The ICC and Super ICC are very popular in international racing.

210 National

A classic class using the Villiers 197cc engine or derivatives.

250 National

This is the most powerful short-circuit class using 250cc single cylinder motocross 5-speed engines. The karts are often equipped with large full width nose cones and wings, especially when used on the long circuits. Top speeds are 100mph on short circuit, 140mph on long circuit.

Formula 250E

The fastest gearbox class uses powerful twin cylinder 250cc 2-stroke engines with 6 gears. Twin cylinder Superkarts can reach 170mph Mostly raced in Europe