New Guy - Chassis Selection

Ryan Edwards · Joined: 06 Oct 2012 Posts: 1

All,

I have been trolling this site for several weeks trying to become more educated in karting.... Its been a slow process. I have a five year old which I hope to have on the track next spring, but for this topic I am focusing on myself. I have read many threads about picking the right kind of chassis for the kind of racing you plan to do, but wanted to get a little more specfic. I appreciate your patience with a topic that has been beat to death.

What chassis would be a good one for me to start with?

I live in southern Indiana, so New Castle Raceway will be homebase.
I am 33, 6 foot tall and weight 200lbs.... just bought a treadmill (that purchase was easy)
Since I have only rental experience with karts I plan to start in the Yamaha series. This appears well supported in the area and doesnt look to be as confusing as the clone arena. Also, going over 80mph inches off the ground sounds nuts at this stage of my experience (no shifter here).

Now for the choice.... In reading all the topics I am confused if I should be looking at a 30mm chassis, a 32mm chassis, or some hybrid? I want something that will last a long time (bang for the buck) since I need a ton of seat time just to get lap times down (there seems to be confusion on what type of chassis last longer aka gets soft). Factoring in my age and weight I am leaning towards a 32mm chassis.

Maybe its all marketing but I like the Margay's, Arrow's and Merlin's. I'm in Indiana so what chassis is the best support wise in my area?

Please help and let me know if any of my assumptions are way off. I'll be at Robopong this weekend looking at a few karts posted on this site.
_________________
Ryan

jeff grose · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 3:44 pm Post subject:

Ryan
You're thinking is correct, chose a chassis that is supported well in the area that are planning on running/competing Cool

_________________
jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
Driver: Jesse Grose
Remember: "No matter where you go,there you are"

Dan Haynes · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 4:26 pm Post subject:

With NCMP being your home track I would definitely suggest the Arrow. We have an Arrow X1-CIK (running TaG) and love it. We have owned a Birel and 2 Kosmics and like the Arrow best by far. Comet (owned by Dismores who also own NCMP) is an Arrow dealer. Talk to people this weekend and check out all the brands but I suggest the Arrow. Mark might be a little busy this week but he could answer any questions you have.
_________________
Blaise Haynes
#3 Arrow X1-CIK
TaG
Cook Racing Engines Parilla Leopard

TJ Koyen · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 1422

Arrow, Merlin, and Tony Kart all seem to be pretty popular around NCMP.

For most guys your size, I'd recommend a stiffer chassis, so either 30/32 or 32/32mm.

As a newbie, getting a nice piece that will last you a while and take some abuse is probably most important. So as long as it's support in your area, you can go with lots of different brands. Talk to Mark and the guys at Comet Kart Sales at the track at NCMP and they can probably advise you best.
_________________
T.J. Koyen
OKTANE VISUAL - Custom Helmet Paint & Graphic Design
www.oktanevisual.com
www.facebook.com/oktanevisual
--------------------------
DB Motorsports
Exprit/Leopard

Jim Stine · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: Re: New Guy - Chassis Selection