How to get into go-kart racing

In this current day and age, motorsport seems to have a renaissance of sorts. So many people have gained an interest whether it be through the Netflix show Drive to Survive, or through other mediums such as games and viral videos. Many have also begun to dream of driving fast, and even becoming race car drivers themselves. This can be done through go-karting, which is the first step into the world of motorsports. This is what aspiring drivers of all ages aim for. However, with so much information one needs to remember and the fact that go-karting can get quite expensive, suddenly, this dream already seems like such a daunting and impossible task. This is where we come in. By following these steps, you can get your foot into the door of motorsports and figure things out as you go along.

Step 1: Find your nearest go-kart track

The very first thing you need to do is to step onto a go-kart track. Here you will be able to understand the environment in a go-kart track, how things work, and you get to meet new people while you are at it. Now, nearest may be a big understatement, as the quote-unquote nearest go-kart track could be 1-3 hours away from you. However, if you plan your trips properly (and your passion for karting is very much burning), this won’t be an issue to you.

Step 2: Try rental go-karts

Rental go-karts are by far the cheapest option if you want to experience the thrill of racing. Sure, sim racing can be an option as you have more cars to play with, but nothing beats the real thing. For a 15-minute ride, the price is around $12-20, which is the same price like that of a book. This is a crucial step in getting into go-kart racing as this will most likely be your very first time driving an actual go-kart. And when the ride is over, you can decide if this is something you want to embark a career on.

Step 3: Talk to the people you see on track

Connections and relationships are everything in motorsport. Not only do they support your career in the present, but also are the ones who can open doors and present opportunities for you in the future. Whether it be an indoor or outdoor go-kart track, you are bound to meet people there, whether it be drivers, mechanics, marshals, or the owner of a team if you get lucky. Make sure to engage with these people as not only will you gain more knowledge about karting, but also find out the next steps to take to progress your career.

Step 4: Analyze your financial situation

Because go-karting can be an expensive sport, saving a dollar or two will go a long way, especially if you don’t have a lot of cash to burn. This is where analyzing your financial situation comes in. Knowing how much you can spend on things such as the go-kart you will use, the racing gear you will need, and the championships you plan to join can help you make wiser decisions in terms of spending money efficiently. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to afford the high-quality materials, because at the end of the day, the goal is to get yourself on track, master the basics, and maximize your potential. Search around for secondhand packages, even used tyres (that some racers have only used a couple of sessions) can help burden the load for racers.

Step 5: Find ways to make money

This last, but sort of bonus step, is entirely up to you as it depends on your dedication and commitment to racing. If you want to continue, eventually the money will have to come from your own pocket as your parents nor the people who support you won’t always be able to shoulder the burden that comes with participating in such an expensive sport. Therefore, making money is an important step to continue racing and some may find making money whilst staying in karting a real possibility. Can you mechanic on the kart? Well, you might be able to earn some extra money for your own racing by working for others on your spare weekends. Have a driver’s licence? You could potentially help transport people’s equipment to the racetrack earning money along the way. This keeps you at the track, learning, whilst providing an income that you can put towards your racing.

So, these are five steps to get into go kart racing. Focus on the present and maximize every opportunity that is given to you. Motorsports is hard to get into, but the thrill you experience is very much worth it. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and take the first few steps! Don't forget to check out our free category