From: scs@scotty.mv.com (Steve Scott)
Newsgroups: rec.autos.sport
Subject: kart racing from the start
Date: 27 Jan 93 01:19:53 GMT
Reply-To: scs@scotty.mv.com
Organization: Scott Motorsports



                    Getting started at the track

   So you've picked out a kart, an engine, a pipe, all your safety
gear, loaded it up and are ready to set off to the racetrack. Wait,
there are still a few other things that we shouldn't forget. 

   Since kart racing engines have no onboard starter, you`ll need
one of those, they`re hand held and electric powered. You`ll need a 
5 gal. fuel can to mix your racing gas and oil in. You`ll need a  
small abc fire extinguisher (mandatory in the pits). Don't forget
your tool box either, and make sure and throw in a good tire press-
ure guage. Another thing you should never go to the track without
is a stopwatch...especially rookies!...racing is a sport of time,
and if you can't keep track of time, you can't tell if you're 
improving. A pushstick is a tool that lets you push and steer your
kart around in the paddock, your back can get quite sore bending 
over to push a 18" kart around the garage area. Probably the last 
thing worth mentioning here is a kart stand, basically this is a
folding framework about 30" tall that you put your kart on to work
on it.

  When you arrive at the racetrack you'll purchase a paddock pass at
the gate. This is your insurance policy for the weekend...hopefully  
you`ll have something else to compliment it. Once you find a spot in
paddock and unload all your gear you`ll have to go to registration 
and decide what you want to do. Roadracing clubs often have a testing
day prior to the race weekend. This is great for rookies to get a 
little seat time before raceday. These clubs also have novice schools
that you can attend for free where you can learn a great deal about 
the sport from expert racers. After you get all your paperwork it`s 
time to get your kart teched. Don't get nervous, if you read your tech 
manual and did all your prep work right you'll breeze right through, 
don't forget your helmet and pass. If there`s anything wrong the 
official will tell you and you'll just have to go fix it and try again. 

   So you swallowed your pride and went to the novice school with a  
few other racers and even a couple of spectators and it was worth it.    
At this point you`re going to be either totaly lost or ready to go.
Totally lost means that you didn't do your homework before you got to
the track. On the other hand, nobody expects you to have all the  
answers your first time out. If you still have any questions, about 
setup or anything, ask your instructor, or a racer that you`re pitted 
next to. It's hard to find a kart racer that won't help.

   You learned what a entry, apex and exit are, what all the flags
mean, you maybe walked around the track, or took a ride in a pickup.
They explained other protocols associated with the club as well as 
the track and now you`re ready to take a few laps. OK, fire it up... 
clutch at 10K?...shut it off if it's not close. If everything`s 
looking good then hit the track, but take it easy. Rookies should
take a lot of laps carefully exploring the capabilities of the kart
and themselves. It makes no sense to blast into some corner and spin
and stall the kart and spend the rest of the session standing behind
the barriers when you could be out on the track PRACTICING! You`ll
improve faster if you nibble your way to speed rather than gobble
your way to broken equipment or worse, bones.

  I think I've gone about as far as I dare in this segment, except
to say, use the stopwatch.

  In the next segment, something you`ve probably all been wondering
about, costs.



Steve Scott      Manchester, NH. USA     scs@scotty.mv.com
Karting: Racing's best kept secret.
Newsgroups: rec.autos.sport