How To Be A Go Kart Racer

Kart racing is growing in popularity, and we’re seeing more and more drivers joining the ranks all across the globe. Whether you want to get into karting for fun or to forge a career into the world of motorsport, you’ll inevitably be asking how to be a go kart racer.

From Formula 1 to V8 supercars, pretty much every driver has started in karting and worked their way through the ranks to get to where they are. But how do you get started in the first place?

Head to the track
The very first step you need to take is to head down to your local karting track. This is where you can see how everything works. It’s always best to head down there on a race weekend, that way you can gauge how the format of the races works and the kind of drivers that you might be up against.
You can also get an idea of what to expect while you’re racing over weekends. It’s usually a full day of activities, so you can expect to spend a couple of weekends at the track if you want to be racing in a karting championship. This is also a great opportunity to meet the local kart shop owners so you can ask questions about getting started in the sport.

Meet new people
The next step is to get to know some of the drivers and parents at the track. They’ll be able to give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of the costs and sign-up process when it comes to your local championship.
This is by far the best way to get an accurate answer in terms of how much you’ll need to get started. Most karting drivers and their parents are more than willing to help out newcomers and spend a few minutes chatting about the sport. Remember, everyone at some point started in the same position as you to begin with.

Find your kart
Now that you know where to get your kart and your gear, you should head over there and see if you can get one of your own. It’s always best to have your own kart, but it does cost a lot more. You should also consider second-hand karts if you’re looking to save some money. Most drivers starting out will encounter spins and run off the racetrack from time to time, so little scratches on the chassis won’t affect its performance.
From there you need to get your karting gear, the race suit, helmet, gloves, boots, and protective rib vests (If necessary). Then you’ll need some basic equipment and tools for your kart, and from there you’re ready to get to the track!

Start practicing
If you’re planning on racing in a karting championship, you’ll need to practice. You’ll probably be going up against some drivers who have been racing for years, which means that you have a lot of catching up to do.
The only way to get comfortable and confident in your kart is to practice as much as possible. Try to find out when the local drivers meet at the track for practice sessions. You can always get advice from them or keep an eye which racing lines they use.
Don’t be disheartened if you’re 5-10 seconds from the quickest times to begin with. The seconds will drop off quickly once you become familiarised with your equipment and the race track, it’s the final second that is the hardest to find.

Join a championship
Joining your local championship can be intimidating. If it’s your first time in a karting competition you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. However, if you’ve been to the races before to watch then you’ll have a good idea of how it all works, where the start lights are, the in & out grid and the flag points.
When it comes to your first race, it’s important to stay focused and keep in the right frame of mind. Always make sure that you stay hydrated and keep your nerves under control. If you’ve practiced enough then there’s nothing to worry about, you can believe in yourself.

Conclusion
With the sport of karting growing in popularity, tons of people have been asking how to be a go kart racer. It might seem difficult at first, but it’s the easiest and cheapest form of motorsport to get into.