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Start with TaG class, i do not have the energy to explain why, but Chaz or Doug will
Call me at the shop at your convienence. 303-781-7829. I can give you some ideas of where to start and how to go about it. If you want a shifter, get a shifter. But they are one brutal animal. Unless you have driven at least an Atlantice car, you’ve never climbed into anything near as fast. To give you an idea, a 125 shifter will do a 1.07 out a Second Creek and a FF is in the 1.21 range.
Go out to the tracks and meet the people that are driving them. we love to talk about our karts. selecting a kart is tough. but if you spend some time talking and looking, the picture will get much clearer.
Well you just missed tha last race of the year at IMI. All the suggestions above are excellent.
Go out to the track on a nice weekend and there will be guys practicing, yes even now, even in Dec /Jan. Talk to all of them.
If you want a shifter, get it but be prepared with costs, maintenance time, it is a comitment.
I think you should ask your self why you want a shifter in the first place.
Yes, they are faster than other karts and you get to shift gears, and that is a strong attraction for many.
However, fast or the sensation of speed is relative. A Tag kart won’t go as fast as a 125 shifter, but even though they only reach a paltry 75-80 mph, you will still feel like you’re going like a bat outta hell. This has a lot to do with the minimal body surrounding you.
Having gears is tough to beat, but I think the gearbox is a bit over-rated. There are skills to be learned in non-shifter karts like the TaG that a shifter can’t teach as well. One is learning how to conserve speed through turns. If you blow a turn in a shifter you can drop a couple gears to make up for your error. In a TaG kart you’re screwed, so you have to learn to do it right the first time, every time.
Other factors in favor of the TaG kart is lower cost, and easier maintenance. The on-board electric start is a big advantage, too.
But if you are set on getting a shifter, by all means go for it.
There are plenty of good used machines available right now. You should find something to fit your needs and budget. Check the local shops and by all means go to the tracks on nice weekends. Don’t be shy about aproaching anyone. Most karters are more than happy to talk about their stuff and what they do.
@raymrajak wrote:
I’VE BEEN DRIVING FORMULA CARS AND AM INTERESTED IN A 125 SHIFTER. ANY ADVISE ON FINDING A CAR AND GETTING STARTED?
I have both a 125 shifter and a TAG kart, both are great fun but I too feel the TAG kart is a better place to start if your new to karting.
a) the TAG is about half the cost to maintain
b) I feel the TAG kart is a better tool to learn the art of chassis tuning
c) lap time wise a TAG is not much slower than a shfter
As in any motorsport, the faster you want to go is directly related to the money you are willing to spend.Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have: [email protected]
@chazilla wrote:
There are skills to be learned in non-shifter karts like the TaG that a shifter can’t teach as well.
yea, “like the 4 point hesitation roll”, hows that going by the way? 😯
Cute, Graeme………
Let me state for the record there was no hesitation involved. I did not brake going into that turn, and only lifted enough to settle the kart for the turn and immediately returned to full throttle.
Howz it going? Not bad save for constant pain and lack of sleep. Other that that, I’m doing okay.
@Graeme Davies wrote:
@chazilla wrote:
There are skills to be learned in non-shifter karts like the TaG that a shifter can’t teach as well.
yea, “like the 4 point hesitation roll”, hows that going by the way? 😯
I really appreciate all the info and I’m sure every bit of it is accurate. I’ve done enough racing, karts back in the 60’s and Super Vee’s lately, to know that a shifter is a handfull. A TaG would keep me busy for quite a while I’m sure. I did notice that a lot of the people suggesting TaG were driving shifters. I was at the race last weekend and talked to a couple of shifter drivers and was surprised at the amount of setup being done, probably more than I’m use to on a race car, at least more seperate settings to look at. I don’t even know if my old body is capable of the physical requirements of a 125. I’m going out and drive whatever is available at Bandemere and go from there. One thing I noticed at the race is that everyone was having a good time and were very friendly and helpful. Looks like a good place to spend some time even if you can’t drive..Thanks again for all the advise and looking forward to more.. Ray Morgan
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