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After talking to some karters I have realized that TAG is the class I want to go into. Are there any places in the Denver Metro area that sells used karts at good prices or do you reccommend new? Also, are there any good magazines that I should subscribe to, or have I already read everything online from research? Are there any other ways to get educated besides online and going to local tracks? Thanks in advance.
Much of the knowledge you need about karting is only found from talking to other karters. The good thing is that karters in general are very willing to share what ever they know about karting with new karters.
As far as purchasing a used kart, some of the best deals on used karts are right here on this web site. A quality used kart can save you several thousand over a new package. On the other hand, a cheap beat up used kart is no bargin as many of the componets will need to be replaced. For example, a tired brake system can be expensive to replace as you just about have to buy all new componets as often times they are not rebuildable. Kart brakes tend to wear out after a couple of years of use. Ask any older Tony kart owner what brake parts cost! If the frame tubes are excessively flat spotted, the chassie is junk no matter what the price. A $4,000 used kart can be a much better deal than a $2,000 used kart depending on the condition. New karts can range from $4,000 to $6,000. Yet the $6,000 kart maybe the better deal once you look at the quality of the componets and the dealer’s service. The bottom line is that you can’t talk to enough racers or look at enough karts.
The main thing you have to determine is which Tag engine is right for you. The first thing I would do is answer two questions, what is your weight and where do you intend to race?
Your weight will in part determine which engines you should look at. For example, if you are 175# or under (195# if you are a 35+ age driver), you won’t want to look at any of the high weight engines such as Sonic. You would have to add too much lead to the kart to make minimum weight. On the other hand, if you are 210#, then the light weight engines like Rotax or Leopard are out as you will be way over weight for your class.
The second part on where you race is also a major factor. Since the engines are so different in performance characteristics, some are better at certain tracks than others.
Other factors to consider is how much do you wish to spend and what is your mechanical skill level. Some packages require more maintenance than others. The Rotax is king in the low cost to maintain department, along with the Biland. The high winders are higher maintenance engines. If you can do the work yourself, then it may not be as big an issue than if you need a shop to the do the work.
If you wish to call and talk aobut karting, I would be happy to answer any questions you have. My number at the shop is 303-781-7829.
Welcome to Colorado Kart Racing.
***Suggest you check out e-Karting News website-excellent for tech and news; do some searches on some of the questions you ask.
***Find a mentor that has the same package as you will buy.
***Pick one kart ship and deal with them.
***Determine your budget to match your excitement in karting (how much do you want to practice and race/how many series/etc.
***You will need more than just a kart: suite, stand, tools, spare parts, how to transport kart to track, $$$$ for fees/practice/registration, electronics, etc. plan on spending $5-10,000 the first yr to get started. It all depends on how deep you want to get into it.
***Spend 3-5 hr to prep your kart for a day of racing. Do you have the time.
Just some things to consider.
You guys rock! As far as where I plan to race it would be Bandimere and IMI. And from what it sounds like TAG is one of the more popular karts to race. I was talked out of any type of shiter kart for several reasons, though I have a huge need for speed and am very competitive. One being the amount of mechanical work. Though it doesn’t bother me to do any, I don’t want to be in the shop, I want to be on the track. I think that I will have plenty of time to practice, atleast one day a week. How much do you guys practice? I already have a suit, helmet, etc., so that will help cut on the cost. You say tools, are there very many specialized tools that I will need?
Here is what I am looking at so far – TAG with a Leopard (I am about 165lbs). Frame is unknown. I guess I am at the demand of what is for sale? Is there a high turnover rate?
The videos from kartweb.com were great, as they helped me get started.
Now that Scockwave is in Arvada I will drop by sometime this week.
Thakns again,
MikeMike,
***tools: not that many special tools, don’t cost much but sure help in working on the kart-must have: Doug at Shockwave can help.
***practice: not that much but when you run 3 separate series that is where I get my practice.
***High Turn-over rate: I would say low to mid but there are many used karts for sale at the local shops; IMI has many
Suggest coming out to the next race and talk to the guys-all are great and helpfull; look me up; IMI Sept 25 (Sunday) then the CSC race at Bandi in October
Don’t know if I will be able to make IMI but I will be at Bandimere for sure. See you there.
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