New to karting (Englishtown)

Adrian Baran · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 8:40 pm Post subject: New to karting (Englishtown)

First and foremost I've been lurking these forums for quite a bit, and am interested in getting into karting. I'm currently a mechanical engineering major at Penn State, and part of my university's Formula SAE team I've caught the racing bug big time. With that being said I've purchased a roller chassis for $500, and intend to race it (maybe practice at first on track). I'm slowly working on gathering the parts and equipment necessary, but my biggest question about classes mainly at Englishtown, which is my local track since it's the closest to my home.

I've read up and looked at the most cost effective classes I could run as a beginner. It seems that the two most logical choices would either be running in one of the 4 strokes either the Clone or the Animal, which are listed on the tracks website. Obviously this question is geared toward the Englishtown regulars who know what's more popular over there since I don't' want to just be a loner out on track. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Adrian Baran
Mechanical Engineering Student
The Pennsylvania State University||Penn State Racing (FSAE)
Birel AR 30|Hoosier R60a|Yamaha KT-100

jeff grose · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 5:23 am Post subject:

Welcome Adrian to the fabulous world of karting.
While not familar with Englishtown or its class types it's important to buy a chassis that you can grow with, meaning if you start with a 4 cycle mtr. get a chassis that you can put a 2 cycle on later when you feel you're ready. Go to the local kart shops/tracks and ask plenty of questions, don't be afraid to ask silly questions either, the more you know, the better off you will be in the long run. People starting out will sometimes get the wrong equipment for their driving experience and end up being discouraged with the sport, they end up being in over their head. With that said, get your stuff, become familar w/it, start out slow, learning the kart and track. The best thing for beginners is SEAT TIME. And then there's more seat time. Take your time, oh and SEAT TIME. Don't forget to go out and have FUN. A few people charge out there and just go silly and they're a danger to themselves and others on track. Be sure to get a chassis that is supported in your area by kart shops that can supply parts and anwsers when you need them.
Go out and have fun to start with, speed will come with experience.
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#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
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Anthony DePalo · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:56 am Post subject:

I race there all the time and I would start in the Yamaha Supercan class. This year they will be switching over from the can to the new WKA pipe. When I first started I started last every race until my lap times dropped and I felt comfortable and learned how to drive. The tag classes at etown are very hard for a beginner and you will need to buy a lot of tires.

Jim Maxson · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:21 am Post subject:

Plus #1 on what Anthony posted. Always plenty of guys in those classes. Welcome to Karting.

Anthony DePalo · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:09 am Post subject:

The spec PRD class is not a bad choice either. The guys at Etown are great and most will be willing to help and answer any questions that you have. Karting is not as easy as it looks. It takes time to go fast.

Adrian Baran · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:19 am Post subject:

Thank you for all the great replies! More than likely it seems that the KT 100 class would make the most sense for a beginner like myself. I'm not in any rush when it comes to finishing piecing together this kart I want to do it correctly the first time.
_________________
Adrian Baran
Mechanical Engineering Student
The Pennsylvania State University||Penn State Racing (FSAE)
Birel AR 30|Hoosier R60a|Yamaha KT-100

John Matthews · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:14 am Post subject:

KT100 is a great choice, there are plenty of good used engines out there to choose from. It's where I started 35 years ago.

The biggest challenges for most folks starting out is the clutch and carb. If the package you get doesn't come with one make sure you get a heavy duty clutch, you can always upgrade later if you want. Lots of folks like wet clutches for beginners since they tend to hold up better to abuse. Get with the guys already running the class to see what's working for them. Make sure you get the clutch set-up for someone your weight and experience, don't worry too much about optimum settings for now just make sure it locks up at the right RPM so you don't cook it. Carb adjustments you just have to learn, find someone who is willing to help and pit next to them.

Welcome to karting, have fun and be safe Very Happy

Cheers,
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Marco Oldhafer · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:40 pm Post subject:

Yamaha and Prd are inexpensive but have some flaws not with the engines but with limited programs available elsewhere. OVRP , NJMP , F1 outdoors, have almost no competition regarding these engines. Unless you have a big budget to travel far away then you will be forced to stay at Etown and never find a good race anywhere else Sad

You may be OK with that in the beginning but I would always consider thinking about the future. The reality of Yamaha is even a start package is about $1600 $100 for motor mount $300 for clutch, motor $1000 for an ok used motor and 200 for a starter. PRD $1750 that motor is useless anywhere but Etown or California that would be nearest place where you would find another PRD race. I realize some of the other options are a little more expensive but either buy it right once or buy it twice !!

In my opinion there are only two options for an adult in the northeast that will give you the option to attend all tracks and all series's Leopard or Rotax. OVRP,NJMP, F1 Outdoors and etown will have good tag races that will work for these two engines. Rotax series, F-Series, NJSS, Wka and Skusa will work well for rotax minus rotax series for the leopard. Brand new a leopard will cost $2500 for an 06 or $2900 for the 09 Rotax is a little more at $3300 but with more reliabilty but also a little harder to tune at first. You can find a used Leopard for around $1500 same for Rotax. Another plus about these packages if you decide in the future to sell...... it is will alot easier since they are used everywhere. Good luck
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Adrian Baran · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject:

I'm just getting into karting, and will be in school for a few more years so I'm not sure I'd travel much outside of Englishtown. This is mainly to have some fun, and become a better driver over the summer months. Once I'm out of school with a stable income I'll look into traveling and more fancy packages.
_________________
Adrian Baran
Mechanical Engineering Student
The Pennsylvania State University||Penn State Racing (FSAE)
Birel AR 30|Hoosier R60a|Yamaha KT-100

Marco Oldhafer · Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:15 pm Post subject:

Not really about fancy packages just about not having to buy twice !!

It is the most common mistake in karting and the #1 reason for people leaving the sport Sad

especially in junior programs since Dad's and sons get discouraged with the wrong or inadequate equipment.
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