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Nick:
You have a great start…I’ll list a few additional items below for you in addition to my personal list of ‘take to the track’ items. To answer your question, I have a medium-sized plastic toolbox which carries everything I need. The table is really a must…it’s a cliche’ but true, organization is the key to success and as karters we have too many small parts to let things get disorganzied in the pit.
Karting Tools:
– Metric open/box end wrenches
– Metric open/box end wrenches w/ ratched capability a huge plus!
– Metric socket set
– Metric allen set…t-handle w/ a long side and an allen in the handle is the best option for torque capability.
– BFH…Big F….. Hammer, 3 or 5 lb plastic-faced dead blow hammer
– Rubber Mallet…good for small ‘convincing’ jobs…you know, convince this part to move a little this way, etc.
– Set of dykes, pliers, needle nose pliers, small metal file, a set of picks (small ones work best), large~medium~small screwdrivers.
– Spark plug wrench.
– 22 MM socket for your front spindles.
– Tire gauge
– Supply of air (I used a small nitrogen bottle all last season and didn’t even put a dent in it – nitrogen is much better than compressed air (but not a “must”) as the source is controlled, thus the amount of moisture in the product is controlled and you always get a consistent expansion at temperature from the tires). You can rent (you can’t buy them) a bottle at any welding supply store and they will sell you the regulator (about a hundred fifty dollars) and hose.
– Supply of zip ties, multiple sizes.Things you need or your day could end quickly:
– Sprocket alignment tool. Available at any on-line kart parts supplier.
– Chain breaker (same availablility). Tag = 219 chain.
– Extra brake and throttle cables, spark plugs, chains, and sprockets. Brake pads are not a “must” but a good idea.
– Fluids: WD 40 (cleaner and moisture protectant), Simple Green (bio-degradeable cleaner), Chain Lube, Brake Cleaner (will damage painted surfaces on the kart, but as you have ATV’s you know this) 🙂 , Brake Fluid, Motor Oil, at least a gallon of water in case you need to drain the radiator at the track.
– Rags, lots of rags.
– Extra tires…karters typically utilize their used race tires for practice and you build up a supply/stock quickly. Post on the “General” forum and you will get people willing to give you practice tires for cheap if they charge you at all!
– Set of extra hardware (contact the guys over at Shockwave or Barry at Billet Performance and they can line you out or check online at http://www.wewantmetric.com).
– Safety wire tool & spool of safety wire (AAI Speedworks in Arvada, $20 for the tool, $17 for the wire).Track Stuff & Miscellaneous Thoughts:
You said you have ATV’s so I assume you know all of this, but as long as I’m typing, I’ll put it out there anyway…
– Track = Asphalt = much hotter than a dirt ATV track. I always bring a cooler w/ plenty of fluids and snacks.
– Sun, same way…easy up tents are great, about $100. Nothing like working on the kart in the direct sun… 😯
– Sunblock, some kind of hand cleaner (we have GREAT tracks here in CO but you will need to bring some basics for cleaning up), etc…
– A magnetized tray available at any auto parts store is great. With all the small parts, springs, etc…these come in very handy ~ you can clip it right to your frame and put all of your parts there (I’d recommend that you not get in the habit of using your seat as a tool/spare parts storage bin; you’ll find everything you own will get filthy quick and you will lose small parts (trust me on this one, personal experience) 😯 ). If you look online, some companies also make a tray which sets on your seatback and provides you with a flat tray to set things…not necessary, but very handy to have.
– Hose clamps…check your kart for sizes and grab a few.
– Batteries…if you plan on running a Mychron or other data acquisition computer.I think that about covers it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Welcome to karting.
Best,
Troy
Cody:
You and Jeff are both correct. Bottom line is this; first and foremost, it is a safety issue for the corner workers and therefore, for us as drivers. Second; yes, it is easier for race officials to identify which class is on track when all participants have the same color number plates on all four sides of the vehicle. Third, it will not change so call Erron and take advantage of the great deal he’s offering all of us!!!! 😀
Call me if you need further clarification. 😆
Your teammate,
Troy
303-995-8910Maybe one of the more experienced guys can speak directly to the ratings; I don’t have the knowledge base.
The CIK/FIA is the European governing body for motorsport. The ratings levels relate to different protection levels provided by the various equipment including driving suits. In Europe, more so than here in the US, the different racing levels carry different equipment requirements for everything from Professional Racing all the way down to entry level Karting. If you stop to think about it, it’s almost a necessity as many European countries are about the same size as many of our states…so in Europe races are frequently attended by drivers from many different countries and they all must have the same set of rules & regulations. In the US, Karting is either regulated by a national, regional or local organization. As a new karter looking to race locally, no you need not concern yourself overly with the ratings.
SJP:
Agree 100% w/ Curt. I would add this; to keep your suit clean, plan on washing it often. Spray & Wash w/ a cold-water wash will get most of the track grime out of the suit. Also, my team GM made a great suggestion to me…buy a practice suit and a race suit. I know this can be pricey but on a hot race weekend it is always nice to pull on clean, dry attire! You can get a great K1 suit for under $100 at http://www.k1racegear.com.
I’m one of the few guys who actually wears nomex under his suit (at least that I’m aware of). You can get many brands of nomex if that is a concern of yours. My attitude is this…they’re called “accidents” for a reason and a little nomex is a small price to pay for the piece of mind I get when driving around w/ 2 gallons of highly-flamable race fuel lodged between ‘the fellas’. This being said, I don’t have a nomex suit (cost upwards of $1,000) but I do, as stated, wear the fire-resistant ‘undies’.
When it comes to the oil, there will be little splatter marks on your suit but they will be lessened by the washing. Once you wash it, turn it inside out, zip it up and hang it to dry on a plastic or wooden hanger (most of the driving suits have a type of terry cloth interior)- about 3 hours to dry here in CO. Also, take Greg Welch’s advice from the last seminar…don’t put any tools or parts in your seat when working on the kart; the leftover dirt/grime will then be ground into your suit. Lastly, get into the habit of taking off your suit to work on your kart between races or sessions. When you do, hang it and pull the legs and arms inside out to dry and air out…you’ll thank me for this little tidbit mid-July – late August. A little drying will go a long way!!! 😀 By removing the suit to work on the kart, it will help you to keep your suit MUCH cleaner and keep your mind focused that when you put on the driving suit it’s time to do just that, drive (this sounds trivial but it makes a difference…when you put on the suit and helmet it’s time to think about nothing but driving).
Best,
Troy
Mikey:
No flaming, just facts…
A few months back I signed on as the “Marketing Director” for the CSC. In real-terms this means I’ve been working behind the scenes w/ the Track Owners (also known as the CSC Board of Directors), Curt & Angie to help the CSC Grow in terms of Stature and Numbers as we grow both our sport and the level of competition within the sport. The “prizes” to which you refer are, like trophies or any other prize for that matter, a factor of cost. Cost not just to the Track Owners but also to the CSC which is its own Financial Entity and ultimately to us, the racers. Any additional ‘prizes’ beyond trophies would come from some financial pocket and, you guessed it…that financial pocket belongs to us, again, the racers. Couple of things to consider…
A) Weakening dollar and most chassis (excellent Shockwave chassis’ not withstanding) coming out of Europe = Cost of Karting going up.
B) $100/barrel for oil = Cost of karting going up.
C) Etc…you get it w/out me berating the point.I have asked more than once on the karter for people to come forward and give me names of people potentially interested in sponsoring our organization. The results have been lackluster save for a few dedicated people who immediately ‘answered the call’…you know who you are and I thank you.
However, to answer your question in short form now that I’ve jumped off the soap box.
Yes, our Track Owners have thought about prizes, etc…this is where I come in…if you keep your eyes on the news section I will be making some announcements in the next few weeks regarding deals which are already done and several still ‘in the works’. I have already secured some sponsors for us this year and have several meetings scheduled in the upcoming weeks for more! The Track Owners are committed to ‘giving back’ to the racers and you will see that this year. Our ‘silly season’ sponsorship efforts will mean rewards & prizes on the podium and beyond. Curt’s efforts along w/ the Track Owners will result in a better race-day experience for all. Be patient, you will see results very soon…we’re still ironing out the details!
See you at the Races…
I understand…it looks awesome even in an ‘unjust’ photo. Look forward to seeing it in person!
Kudos to the Gunslinger team…
Hey, all! CSC Class Sponsorship opportunities are moving quickly! I have the following classes in search of Sponsors:
Kid Karts
Junior 1 Classes
Mini Max
80/Spec 125 Junior Shifter & Novice 80 Shifter
125 Shifter and 125 Shifter MastersAll other classes are spoken for plus a few nice $urpri$e$…we will start making announcements in the next few weeks so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you know of anyone looking for sponsorship opportunities, let us know!
Thanks,
Troy
Larry et all:
I had the same issue and used the company Greg is suggesting (although it was at Doug’s suggestion) and I bought & received one delivered to the house at a VERY reasonable price. They don’t carry a 50 mm, 2″ is 51 mm but it is the same one Greg demonstrated to us. Careful when ordering…there are two compounds and one is quite pricey. I purchased the lesser-priced of the two which is identical to the one Greg showed us. You’ll just need to dig a little bit when looking it up on their web site.
Thanks, Greg & Doug!
Troy
Marketing Update:
Sponsorships are ELIGIBLE FOR ‘SALE’!!!!
The sponsorship packages, in general, will have a lot more ‘bite’ than in years past thanks to Jim Keesling, the entire CSC Board and Curt Kistler’s dedication to making this a ‘first class’ series. Sponsors, and future sponsors, you will receive much more ‘press’ from the CSC by way of banners placed at host tracks, the usual ‘naming rights’, increased exposure via more (much more) verbal recognition at races, stickers on karts (the three ‘biggies’ plus all class sponsors), etc.
I will not attempt to upload the entire files for the packages (too many to add) but I will post the prices below (before you question the pricing, look at the packages!!!! E-mail me and I’ll gladly send them over to you.):
Partner Sponsor: $250/year
Class Sponsor: $500/year/class (these are GOING FAST!!! – thanks Angie – contact me ASAP if you want one)
Hospitality Sponsor: $5,000/year – one year commitment
Safety Team Sponsor: $5,000/year – one year commitment
Presenting Sponsor: $10,000/year – two year commitment (working on a company, but always room for more)
**Don’t see something to your liking? Let’s talk and put together a package for your business!!!**
Rick:
My wife and I will be out of town that weekend but we’re in!
As you know from personal tasting experience, we own a boutique coffee roasting company and we will gladly put together a big Gourmet Coffee & Food Basket for a silent auction item!
Count us in; I will get with you to arrange delivery of the basket before we head out of town next month.
Glad to help.
Troy & Jen Smith
Everyone does…that is unless you’ve grown up in a construction family and you’ve ever been “initiated” with it. 😳
