The Colorado Karter.com provides the resources below in an effort to further enhance the basic resources available to kart racers in an online setting. While we do sincerely hope that these links and documents will serve this purpose, we also wish to mention that they should not be viewed as a comprehensive, or all-inclusive list of all there is to know about the sport, whether in regards to safety, technical matters, or regarding rules.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each racer to continue to enhance their understanding of the technical aspects of the sport. The Karter hopes that these resources will spur initial thought and clarity on many issues surrounding karting competition.
If you are looking for a specific subject, resource, or article, this list may indeed have it. To shorten your search time, use “Ctrl + F” to open the ‘finder’ dialogue on your browser. Type in key words you may want to find on this page, and areas with that term on this page shall be highlighted.
Brake Components, Maintenance
Brake Fluid Reference Documents
Brake Bleeding Tech Tips: Acceleration Karting’s tech tips for effectively bleeding your brake system.
Brake Fluid Overview: An in-depth overview of various brake fluid “DOT” ratings, and explanation of system. Note: Some karts require DOT 5.1 brake fluid. Always check with manufacturers!
Karting Brakes: While not super technical in nature, ‘karting historians’ might find this article interesting, to learn how karting brakes have evolved to models seen in use today.
Brake System Maintenance, Fitting Info
AN Fittings and Hose Sizes Guide A fantastic writeup on how AN sizing came to be, what the different sizes mean, and how to plumb basic AN fitting systems. While unlikely that your braking system has AN fittings, it has been seen at the track…
Bedding Karting Brake Pads, Rotors –Frixa Brakes: A fantastic article about how to properly break in your brake pads.
Hose Assembly, Construction Info, “PTFE” Lined Hoses: Commonly used in karting brake lines, this link provides basic tips on steel-braided brake line construction and maintenance.
Hose Assembly Instructions: For standard, steel braided hose with AN type fittings.
Identifying Brake line Plumbing Fittings: If you are new to brake line and fluid system maintenance, this guide may be helpful to help you learn the proper terminology for components.
Threaded Plumbing Fitting Identification Guide: Useful for water/cooling system maintenance, and sometimes brake line/fitting construction.
Manufacturer Data
Brake Pad Catalog (2007): While possibly dated, this document has been updated several times, and contains part #’s and other model info useful for late-model braking systems.
Birel ART Brake System: Homologation, Technical Diagrams
CRG Brake System Homologation: Homologations and technical documents for CRG Chassis Brake Systems.
Carburetors, Maintenance
Briggs
Briggs 206 and World Formula Carburetion Guide, Tips
Dellorto
Dellorto VHSB Carburetor Diagram (EVO and FR125)
Acceleration Karting.com Diagrams for Rotax carburetors. Dellorto VHSH Carburetor Diagram: Accelerationkarting.com diagram.
Power Republic: Basic Dellorto Carburetor Maintenance
General
Air Density and Carburetor Jetting Conversions: A document discussing air density as it relates to carburetion.
Recommended Initial Carb Settings: Most engines listed here are not common in Colorado. However, a couple are, hence its listing.
The Venturi, and Airflow Control: While most carburetors are strictly controlled and therefore ‘spec,’ understanding the physics and behavior of a carb is always good.
Keihin
Keihin Needle Chart: For jetting/needle adjustment for Keihin PWK and PWM carburetors.
Rotax
Dellorto VHSB Carburetor Diagram (EVO and FR125): Acceleration Karting.com Diagrams for Rotax carburetors.
Jetting the Rotax Motor: A simple article explaining how to change main jets on Rotax DeLorto carburetors, as well as adjusting the needle in the air/fuel slide.
VA. Mec SRL
Tryton Hobby 27-C Carburetor (IAME X30) Carburetor Tuning and assembly guide.
Walbro
Walbro Carb Overview by KartPedia
Walbro WB-3A Rebuild: While specific to the WB-3A, many tricks and tips shown in this tutorial are applicable to all 2-cycle, dual-needle, carbs (or indeed many other types of carb).
Walbro WB-3A Rebuild (2): Yes, we already posted a link to this! But, this article was too good to pass up.
Clutches, Maintenance, Manufacturer Resources
Horstman
Horstman Steel Nytro Clutch Setup, Maintenance
L&T
Manufacturer Data
Bully Clutches Technical Resources
Noram
Noram Clutch Info and Setup–TS Racing
Chassis Maintenance, Technology
Chassis and Component Maintenance
Adding New Life to Your Chassis: A great article and writeup detailing some things to consider if you are looking to ‘spruce up’ or clean your kart, or a newly purchased used kart.
Axle Installation, Removal: While TCK has some great videos on this already, reading another resource can’t hurt.
Tie Rod Length Measurement and Sizing
Chassis Theory, Adjustment, and Physics
Axle Knowledge: An article that explains some of the basics behind why different thicknesses, lengths, and rebound rates of axles exist. Note: Some modern karts react to changes in a different manner. Regardless of the year, make, and model of your kart chassis, consider reaching out to local dealers or representatives to learn more about axle adjustments.
Bodywork Guide–Mid 90’s-2005 (ish): TS Racing has this very nice little guide to the bodywork and fixtures for ‘bread box’ and unico style bodywork. This info is somewhat dated, but useful for older karts.
Differentiating Between Power and Torque
Free It Up: When Too Much Grip is a Problem: An article about how you may deal with an ‘overstuck’ chassis handling situation.
Front End Adjustment: An article about various aspects of front end alignment, such as caster, sweep, toe, camber, and ackerman. Note: TCK has hosted some videos on this as well.
Front Track Width: An article discussing some of the basics of adjusting the front track width on your kart, a very common adjustment.
Rear End Adjustment: An article about various settings and adjustments you can make to the rear area of your chassis. Another huge area for basic knowledge!
Scaling and Alignment: An article that goes over some basics if you are going to throw your kart on the scales. *Note* Your kart’s ‘factory settings’ may vary from those mentioned in this article. Consult with local kart shops or representatives on what may be best for your chassis.
The Physics of Racing: Weight Transfer
The Physics of Racing: Keeping Your Tires Stuck to the Ground
The Physics of Racing: There is no Such Thing as Centrifugal Force
Manufacturer Supplied Data, References
Azusa Engineering Parts Lists, Specifications
Birel ART Homologations, Technical Resources: Everything from homologation documents, to technical diagrams of braking systems, etc. for current Birel ART and Ricciardo Kart models.
CRG Axle Chart: Various Axle Stiffnesses. From Acceleration Karting.com.
CRG Chassis Catalogue (2016): Possible updates to this catalog may be issued! Click link to find out…
CRG Chassis Homologation: CRG Official website with Homologation data and resources.
Freeline Catalogue: Freeline manufacturers chassis components primarily for Birel chassis lines, but also for many other chassis manufacturers.
Intrepid Kart Chassis Guides (Parts Diagram)
Intrepid Kart Chassis Exploded Diagram
Veloce Chassis Schematics: Does anyone use a Veloce chassis? Unlikely. Still, looking at these generic assembly diagrams can be helpful for those ‘ohhh, so that’s how that is supposed to go together!’ moments.
Colorado Karting Series Forms, Resources
Colorado Karting Tour (CKT)
Colorado Karting Tour Competition and Registration Documents
Rok the Rockies
Data Acquisition Devices, Tech Info
AIM / MyChron
AIM MyChron Download Page: Central Page for all firmware, software updates for AIM MyChron products.
AIM MyChron Technical FAQ, Resource Page (AIM Website): Landing Page for FAQ documents and updated tech info for all AIM MyChron supported products such as MyChron, Race Studio.
AIM MyChron Technical Details: This list (albeit likely in some places out of date, includes part numbers for MyChron products, and a description of their application in Data Logger units.
AIM SmartyCam–Identifying High-Speed USB Ports: Still rare to see in use in Colorado, but for those that do, a quick note on proper USB port configurations to utilize SmartyCam.
Exporting a Single Lap from Race Studio
MyChron RPM settings for 4-cycle Engines.
AMB / MyLaps
AMB and Mylaps Transponders: FAQ: While not all encompassing on a technical side, this article is helpful if you have basic questions about the MyLaps and AMB Transponders.
MyLaps Connect Tips, X2 Race Transonder LED Decoder: A quick article about how to determine how many days of active subscription you have left on your transponder without wifi.
MyLaps X2 Quick Start Guide: The MyLaps Manual for getting started using your MyLaps X2 Transponder, a very popular and common transponder option for kart racers.
MyLaps X2 User Manual: User manual for MyLaps X2 System.
Driving Theory, Resources
The Physics of Racing: Introduction to the Racing Line
The Physics of Racing: Slow in, Fast out: A cardinal rule for most racing vehicles in technical corners or corner combinations!
The Physics of Racing: Trail Braking: Rare to truly see in karting, but worth a read nonetheless.
Electrical Circuit Equipment, Resources
Circuit Identification and Numbering Guide: Useful if you have a complex electrical system on your kart that you need to quickly organize for fast maintenance at the last minute.
Battery Charging – What You Need to Know: Turnology’s “Juiced: Why you Should Be Charging Your Batteries Right Now” is a great light-level article focusing on the importance of keeping batteries topped off, and why letting them fall below minimal voltage levels can damage the battery.
Manufacturer Supplied Resources
Rotax and Dellorto Ignition Installation Update Notes
Engines (Maintenance, Manufacturer Technical Specifications)
Autolite (Spark Plugs)
Autolite Technical Training Manual
Bosch (Spark Plugs)
Current Bosch Models: Bosch plugs commonly used for Comer C-51, Kid Kart Classes.
Briggs & Stratton: 206
206: “16 Common Mistakes New Users Make”: If you’re going to read anything about your 206, we strongly urge it is this!
206: Briggs Engine Parts Catalogue
206: Engine Technical Drawings
206: Engine Technical Overview, Specifications
Setting Valve Lash on 206: While a how-to video by Brigg’s will be coming to this site, this article explains the same idea. Great resource!
206: Technical Inspection Tools Catalogue
General Engine Maintenance
2-Stroke Engine Lubrication: An interesting article by Bel Ray Oils regarding different classes of oils, and their uses.
Compression Testing vs. Leak-Down Tests: Provides some clarification regarding the equipment, and techniques used to conduct each test, which are guages for determining engine health.
Deflection Correction: How to Evaluate and Minimize Lost Valve Lift
The Differences in Intercoolers: Air-To-Air Vs. Air-To-Water: Not necessarily karting related, but interesting!
Engine Valve Springs: A great writeup discussing what a valve spring does, and technical aspects to consider when replacing or modifying valve trains.
Exhaust Gas Temperature vs. Cylinder Head Temperature (EGT vs. CHT): An overview of these two values, and why you may want to care about them.
Measuring Flex Length: A brief explanation of why one would measure exhaust flex, and what it adjusts.
Multi-Viscosity Engine Oil Ratings Explained: Another excellent article by Bel Ray Oils about nomenclature for motor oils.
Spark Plug Maintenance, Analysis: A solid writeup on analyzing spark plugs, for automotive and karting applications.
Spark Plug Reading, Analysis: Another article and source, but also a great writeup. Very easy to read and understand.
Valve Train Geometry 101 with T&D Machine Products
Honda / HPD
Honda Official CR125 Engine Specs: Not terribly insightful for most racers, but important to be able to reference..
IAME
KA 100 Rule Book and Maintenance | USPKS / SKUSA
Parilla Leopard MY09 Assembly Catalog, User Manual
Parilla Leopard MY09 Assembly Catalog, User Manual (RL-TaG- ‘K’ engine)
Parilla Leopard MY09 Parts Catalogue, Service Manual: From Acceleration Karting.
SKUSA: TaG Engine Spec (X30): Note* This is a technical ruleset governing regulations for SKUSA-governed events. IAME Technical rules may differ in other series.
SKUSA: TaG Engine Spec (Micro/Mini Swift): Note* This is a technical ruleset governing regulations for SKUSA-governed events. IAME Technical rules may differ in other series.
X30 Overhaul and Service Manual
X30 Technical Specifications Diagram
X30 Parts Catalogue: While it may be true that part numbers and specs change over time, this manual is helpful for those looking for a specific component.
X30 Assembly & User Manual (Shifter): For 175cc IAME Shifter–KZ1, KZ2
X30 Shifter Technical Diagrams
PRD USA
PRD Fireball 125cc TaG Installation and User Guide
Motor Builder Supplied Documents
SRS Best Reeds for SKUSA Stock Honda CR125
SRS Best Stock Honda CR125 Shift Points
SRS Cooling Down Stock Honda CR125’s on Hot Days
SRS Honda CR125 Cold Weather Jetting
SRS Octane Requirements for Shifter Kart Engines
SRS Pump-Around Carburetor System Installation
SRS Stock Honda CR125 Cylinder Comparison: 1999 vs. 2000,2001
SRS Why PWK vs. PWM Carburetors
Swedetech Technology Information: Information regarding break in procedures, and initial settings for carburetors etc. for a variety of engines they service.
Swedetech Tech Tips Page: Information on various tricks and simple ideas to help you improve the performance of your engine package.
TS Racing: NGK Spark Plug Designations
Rotax
Kartpedia: Rotax Max 125cc Maintenance: While not from BRP Rotax, this rundown by KartPedia is decent, and provides some more applied ‘daily’ maintenance.
Kartpedia: Rotax FR125 Jetting Chart: Your mileage may vary on this chart, as the Rotax package has evolved considerably over the years. No substitution for testing!
KartParts Depot.com: Jetting the Rotax Engine: An overview of adjusting main jets, throttle slide on engine.
Power Republic: Servicing of Rotax Clutch, Driver Sprocket
Rotax: Service, FR125 Max, Junior Max Repair Manual (Jan 2010 Edition)
Rotax: Service Manual, 125cc DD2 (Jan 2006 Edition)
Rotax: Technical Specification, Rotax FR125 Max, Junior Max (Feb 2002 Edition): While not useful for many current EVO engines, useful perhaps to those with older style Rotax engines.
Rotax: Technical Specification, Rotax FR125 Max, Junior Max (Nov 2000 Edition)
TM Racing
TM K9B Parts Catalogue: From Acceleration Karting. The TM engine is an ICC 125cc shifter-kart engine.
Gearing Charts, Info
Chain Information
Chain number system, sizing, care: Useful rundown of the nomenclature for #219 and #35 chain, as well as #428 chain, the most common pitches used in kart racing.
Chain: Understanding #35 vs. #219 chain. A great article discussing the pros and cons of each option.
Pitch Calculations, Differences
Gearing Charts
Comet Kart Sales Gearing Chart
*Note: “Final gearing ratio” is typically expressed as the division (or fraction) of front driver sprocket teeth # divided by rear sprocket teeth #, or vis-versa. Depending on who you talk to and which sprocket they put in the numerator or denominator, you may get a decimal, or a whole number and decimal. Don’t panic if your values are different, they could be expressing the same ratio!* For more on gearing, and how to adjust it, consider reading this blog post by Comet Kart Sales. Still slightly confused? Here is another sprocket ratio diagram by Pegasus Auto Racing presenting the same info slightly differently.
Pegasus Auto Racing Sprocket Pitch Diameter (for some #219, #35 sprockets)
Graphics, Maintenance
Custom Vinyl Graphics Installation Tips: While the article is intended for race car graphic installation, many of the tips are great for kart racers too!
General Technical and Maintenance Resources
AN Fittings, Bolt Sizing
AN Bolts: Sizing, Nomenclature: Breaks down naming conventions, methodology behind AN bolts.
AN Fittings and Hose Sizes Guide A fantastic writeup on how AN sizing came to be, what the different sizes mean, and how to plumb basic AN fitting systems.
General Bolt, Threading Identification
General Technical Reference Page Contains info on different pitches for bolt threads, unit conversions, copper wire specifications, and safety wiring techniques and tips.
Threaded Plumbing Fitting Identification Guide: Useful for water/cooling system maintenance, construction.
Karting Tools
Technical Tuesday: The Top 5 Toolbox Essentials (Karting Magazine)
Rules, Bulletins, and Regulations
Briggs & Stratton Racing Regulations (Primarily Local Option “LO” 206)
Briggs & Stratton Racing 206 Engine Regulations (Briggs & Stratton Web Link: Main Page)
Additional Clarifications to Briggs 206 Rules for 2018 (Updated Jan. 22, 2018)
International Karting Federation (IKF)
*Note: As of October, 2017, An online ‘rulebook’ from the IKF is not currently available, although some small sections are published at random times. Upon registering with the IKF, all members should receive a hard-copy of the IKF rulebook. Documents included here should not be considered an acceptable substitute for a full copy of the IKF Rulebook.*
IKF Technical Bulletin: Chest Protectors, Helmet Regulations (2017 Season Revisions)
IKF Official Rules Updates Page (IKF Website Link)
Membership Application (Per IKF Website, Oct. 2017)
Membership Application: One-Day Membership (Per IKF Website, Oct. 2017)
Membership Card Designations, Applications (IKF Website Link)
Minor Release Form (Per IKF Website, Oct. 2017)
Official IKF Tech Appeal Form (2017)
Official Grievance Form (2017)
Pre-Tech Certification Sheet (Revision 01-2017)
Pre-Tech/Raceday Certification Sheet (Revision 04-2016)
Waiver Procedure Update (2011)
Superkarts! USA (SKUSA)
SKUSA Affiliated Clubs: Click around this if you wish to view regional, national, and international events hosted by SKUSA.
SKUSA Dealers: For the SK-1 Spec Honda pipe, required for SKUSA Stock Moto categories.
SKUSA Membership: Licensing levels, online registration, and information can be found here.
SKUSA Rulebook (SKUSA Website Link): At time of including link latest version dated Oct. 2017. Look to this web link for the latest official version.
Rotax
Rotax Karting International English Home Page
Rotax Karting Products: Engine packages, tires, official Rotax lubricants, etc.
2018 U.S. Rotax Max Technical Regulations
2018 U.S. Rotax Max Technical Addendum for Micro Max, Mini Max
2017 Rotax/MaxSpeed Membership Application (2017)
Rotax Tech Appendix, Updates: Mini, Micro classes (Jan. 2017 Update)
Rotax Tech Appendix, Updates: Mini, Micro classes (2016)
ROK
Rok Cup USA Regulations and Addendums
Safety Equipment
Helmets
Helmets: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s): Some basic questions and answers about helmet technology, how they may fit, and various helmet ratings.
Organizations
Manufacturer Data, Resources
Arai Helmet Product Information and Technical Documents
Bell Helmets Product Information
CRG FIA Racing Suit Homologations
FreeM Manufacturer Downloads, Sizing Charts
Seats
General
Kart Seat Installation: Another area that TCK will have a video for, but here is a great written article as well.
Power Republic: How to Install Your Kart Seat: A fantastic article that illustrates the basics for installing your kart seat.
Seat Mounting, Installation (2): Another article discussing various dimensions and factors to consider when mounting the seat.
Repair, Maintenance
Seat Repair Tips: In general, TCK recommends racers to carefully consider if fixing your broken seat is really the best idea. Still, here are some tips if you really feel you must.
Manufacturer Data
Tillet Seats: Technical and download materials
Technical Blogs, Articles
Acceleration Karting : Catalogs, Manuals: This resource is referenced elsewhere on this page. For the most up to date listings, this link is best.
Maximizing Reliability: A fantastic, fantastic article on some basic technical tips so that you can finish the race, rather than have a mechanical DNF. All karters should read this!
Proper Testing Procedures: Intentional practice yields intentional results. A thought-provoking article about how you may want to modify your testing program.
Tires
General Performance References
An Introduction to Kart Tires: A short, but helpful resource discussing the sizing conventions for kart tires.
Tire Dimension Guide: Understanding the sizing-convention on tires can help you select the right one for your kart!
Listen to Your Tires: A great, albeit lengthy, article about reading kart tires. As with all handling and tuning articles, your mileage may vary.
MG Karting: Tire Tips
Russel Karting: Adjusting the Tire to Match Driving Conditions
The Physics of Racing: Keeping Your Tires Stuck to the Ground
The Physics of Racing: The Traction Budget: A great article illustrating how a tire can perform multiple functions at the same time, but can’t do both well. Excellent to consider when driving.
Mounting Tires, Safety Info
Balancing Kart Tires, Wheels: At high speeds especially, it is helpful to balance your tires to prevent vibrations or mechanical issues.
Important Safety Information for Mounting Tires: While some of the info presented in here has dated slightly, most is applicable to all tire mounting applications for kart racing.
Tire Construction and Anatomy: An interesting composition by Russell regarding tire construction. Useful to know as a racer!
Manufacturer Data
Bridgestone Application Chart: While Bridgestone isn’t currently utilized in karting events in Colorado, this chart breaks down various compounds.
Burris Tires: The website seems to be pretty…terrible honestly. Still, there are some pieces of info here.