Hi everyone, total newbie here so bear with me. This is going to be a long first post, so I apologize already.
I am interested in getting into kart racing, but I'm not sure the best way to go about it or if it is in my price range. First a little about myself.
Racing is in my blood. My grandfather was a stock car racer in the 50's, and just a few years ago was inducted in the NY state stock car hall of fame. My father must have gotten the racing gene from him, as he went into motorcycle racing (motocross) and was a local pro in the 80's. Naturally he got me into motocross at the age of 4, so I have been racing bikes my whole life. I turned pro when I was 16, but was never good enough to go anywhere with it. So I went to college and got a mechanical engineering degree and a real job, while still racing competitively in the pro class at local events for fun.
Basically, I am very familiar with the concept of racing, and the type of commitment it takes mentally, physically, and economically. In motocross it does not take a lot of money to be competitive at the beginner level, I am hoping karting is similar in this aspect.
Now for my kart experience... I have never owned my own kart, but I have raced in a few leagues at places that provide karts (places like pole position and canastota kart speedway) and have been pretty successful. I want to find the next level of competition, and I figure the guys that are serious enough to own their own karts and are serious about racing would be a much more competitive level.
So where so I begin? Realistically, how much would it cost me to get into racing karts at a beginner level? I am a very mechanical person, so I would not mind being able to find a cheap used kart and fixing it up. I already have an enclosed trailer for my bikes, so I'm sure that trailer would work for a kart as well. I already have a few good quality helmets and a leatt neck brace. I feel like the kart itself is where most of my expense will lie. Thanks for any advice you may give.
I am interested in getting into kart racing, but I'm not sure the best way to go about it or if it is in my price range. First a little about myself.
Racing is in my blood. My grandfather was a stock car racer in the 50's, and just a few years ago was inducted in the NY state stock car hall of fame. My father must have gotten the racing gene from him, as he went into motorcycle racing (motocross) and was a local pro in the 80's. Naturally he got me into motocross at the age of 4, so I have been racing bikes my whole life. I turned pro when I was 16, but was never good enough to go anywhere with it. So I went to college and got a mechanical engineering degree and a real job, while still racing competitively in the pro class at local events for fun.
Basically, I am very familiar with the concept of racing, and the type of commitment it takes mentally, physically, and economically. In motocross it does not take a lot of money to be competitive at the beginner level, I am hoping karting is similar in this aspect.
Now for my kart experience... I have never owned my own kart, but I have raced in a few leagues at places that provide karts (places like pole position and canastota kart speedway) and have been pretty successful. I want to find the next level of competition, and I figure the guys that are serious enough to own their own karts and are serious about racing would be a much more competitive level.
So where so I begin? Realistically, how much would it cost me to get into racing karts at a beginner level? I am a very mechanical person, so I would not mind being able to find a cheap used kart and fixing it up. I already have an enclosed trailer for my bikes, so I'm sure that trailer would work for a kart as well. I already have a few good quality helmets and a leatt neck brace. I feel like the kart itself is where most of my expense will lie. Thanks for any advice you may give.