|
|
Posts: 8
| Hello I would really really like to get into cart racing. I have done alot of research but i could not find the answer to my biggest question, how much does it cost? Can someone please give me ball park cost?
I am 26 years young and would like to know the cheapest class? karts? also maintence costs? are the motors rebuildable at home in the garage or is there alot of machine shop work? How about a set of tires? how much? and do they last a whole season?
I have found a couple carts on craigslist and is my assumption true that someone could pick one up for around $1000 put a few hundred in it and go out practice and eventually race?
any help here would be greatly appreciated thank you |
|
| |
 |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
 
| Scott,rule number one is to come out to a race (next one is Dec.2). Do not purchase anything,especially on Craig's List until you have some knowledge of what is raced locally. Talk to the kart shops. Gather as much info as you can. To race you are looking at a used chassis($1000 area),new tires as the ones on a used kart are probably going to have to be replaced and PKRA does have a spec tire.
Presently the largest class at PKRA is the World Formula class which is based on the Briggs World Formula 4 cycle engine. By far the least expensive engine to purchase and maintain as there is minimal maintenance required. Contact me,any time,regarding WF racing. 623 225 9407
Check out the Commercial Classified add, "Holiday Special @ Surfers Kart Parts
Edited by Bernie Lacotta 2012-11-25 5:42 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 396
| Scott, I have everything you need...Total pakage....you will spend hundreds if not thousands on junk on craiglist....This package is newer, fast and legal!!! Call me for a look! 602-295-5842 http://pkra.com/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=3595&posts=7&star... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| if you dont mind me asking Brian why are you selling it?
I will be there on december 2nd but before i fall in love with kart racing and then get denied due to finances I need to know if this sport will break my bank
how much are a set of tires?
come on guys ball park cost how much do you world formula guys spend each year?
I understand there might be large up front costs i got that but is it ok to maintain afterwords?
Thank you everyone for reading please give your feedback! |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Scott,I've run nearly 30 races with a WF this year. Tires are right at $200 per set. A set easily lasts a season-8 races,including practices. Fuel,we use pump gas,I buy $10,use about a gallon per race day,put the rest in my truck after the race. I change oil every race day(after race),it uses 16oz. ,I use the best oil available @$13.50 per quart (two oil changes per quart). You'll probably use an axle sprocket or two per year ($10 ea.). I promise you nothing with 4 wheels and an engine can be raced cheaper. You cannot RACE anything for free,this is as close as you'll come. Looking forward to talking to you next week. No matter how busy I may look to be ( I run three karts and help others) I always have time to talk. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| what time does the race start on Sunday? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 61
Location: Tucson, AZ | If you look around you can get into a good chassis for the World Formula for less then $1,000. The dominant kart in the WF class is probably on the oldest chassis out there, one heck of a driver to make up for it but you can compete with a $500-$700 chassis if you manage to get the right deal. I would also watch out for craigslist if you don't know what you are looking for. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| one more question? can you win any money at this? I'm sure its nothing big but anything is nice? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 61
Location: Tucson, AZ | Not really any races for money |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Scott Johnson - 2012-11-25 5:21 PM
what time does the race start on Sunday?
Gates open at 7:30 a.m.,practice at 9:00,drivers meeting at 10:15,racing begins after drivers meeting and we are usually done by 4:00 p.m. |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Scott Johnson - 2012-11-25 6:07 PM
one more question? can you win any money at this? I'm sure its nothing big but anything is nice?
Actually we are planning a large 4 cycle race to be held in Tucson ( shooting for April 2013) and it will have decent cash payouts. On a club level racing for money isn't a good idea. Trust me. |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Scott Johnson - 2012-11-25 6:07 PM
one more question? can you win any money at this? I'm sure its nothing big but anything is nice?
Actually we are planning a large 4 cycle race to be held in Tucson ( shooting for April 2013) and it will have decent cash payouts. On a club level racing for money isn't a good idea. Trust me. |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Oops! |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 642
Location: phoenix, az | Scott The Yamaha class is probably very similar in cost to run as the WF, Yamaha will be a little faster but so will the rebuilds, Yamaha also runs on VP fuel and is the next largest SR class to run other than Rotax, but I will leave Rotax out of this for now because Yamaha and WF are cheaper to run than Rotax. The WF field is bar none the largest field at PKRA, it runs on pump gas and you can easily go a year plus without a rebuild. Remember large field equals more fun. You can have a competitive kart complete and ready to race for around $1500. (used) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| in the world formula class can someone rebuild the motor in there garage with a few special tools. or is there a lot of machine shop work that needs to be done? or do you have to toss the whole motor and buy a new one? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 86
| I did a complete rebuild of my world formula in Bernie's driveway no special tools, in about an hour, and it only cost about $250 bucks, if my block would have been bad, then it would have been about another 150 bucks on top of the 250, cheeeaaaapppppp!!
Its by far the cheapest easiest class in karting, and has great numbers to race against |
|
| |
|
Posts: 28
| Scott, listen to us, n buy from good n reliable AND known person/shop.
I had VERY similar questions like you. Now I am really pleased to b "pushing" my
world formula because cost are simply NIL compared to other types of motor racing.
Call Bernie, call me(713)382-0344 or another that possibly will amplify what we say...
(World Formula, you won't regret it)
Go check the track n ASK good questions, simple as that! |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| At last night's PKRA we were discussing the cost of racing a World Formula when someone said,"It cost's more to watch!". Nuff said!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 61
Location: Tucson, AZ | Watching is cheaper but not even close to as much fun. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| what should I look out for when buying a used kart? what are the things I have to have and what areas should I pay attention to for wear? |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| Scott, too much to try to explain here. Best bet is to talk to someone in person and actually see a WF installation. I have a variety of frames available to show different issues that may crop up. Again, I'm available just about any time. |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 642
Location: phoenix, az | def get with Bernie he is the expert with WF's. If he's offering up his time I'd take it.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 8
| Bernie will you be at the January 20th race? Do you have time to talk at races? also what color Kart do you run so I can identify you? Thank you for your help. |
|
| |
|
PKRA Board Member
Posts: 286
| I intend to be at the Jan. 20 race and all others at PKRA. My kart is #47 ,red Margay. I always have time to talk to anyone. Look forward to doing so with you. Merry Christmas! Most people there can point you in my direction.
Edited by Bernie Lacotta 2012-12-25 5:58 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 61
Location: Tucson, AZ | Definitely get with Bernie, I have known him for 5-6 years and he is never short on time to talk or things to talk about. I don't know when they are doing it again but Innovative karting has a Thursday Thunder practice night with it's drivers. That might be a good time to watch and ask questions also.
Good luck. |
|
| |
total newbie here
