Getting Started
So, I've considered my age & weight and have
selected a class that should suit me .... What next?
Before you can race you need
a number of things ........
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- You need to join a kart club (see
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Getting
a racing license has never been easier
After you have received confirmation from your local club you have two choices:
- Go to your nearest MSA (Motorsport South Africa) office.
You'll need to pay for a restricted karting license. Call MSA at 011-466-2440
or fax them on 011-466-2450 or locate MSA's nearest
office on their web site at http://www.motorsport.co.za
- Apply for your license online. It's really simple http://www.msalicence.co.za/
In total, your club membership (including
a practice card), MSA license fees should
set you back around R800-R1000.
What protective
clothing is necessary?
You will need the following ....
- A good quality crash helmet with visor (R1000+)
- A karting race suit/overall (R1500+)
- Boots which cover your ankles - Driving boots
can be obtained from kart shops for around R650+,
but boxing boots and basketball-style sneakers also
work well. Look for something with a thin sole.
- Gloves which cover your wrists (R250+)
- A 1.5kg dry powder fire extinguisher
- Neck brace - Optional except for Junior GP (R170-R250)
- Rib-Protector - Optional - Compensates for badly
fitting seats and bumpy tracks. (R250)
You can probably get away with R2000-R3000
excluding helmet if you go for the budget options .....
Otherwise the sky is the limit.
Where can
I get a kart, and how much can I expect it to cost?
There are three places to buy
a kart:
- Used, private sale (see Karting SA - +)
- Used, from kart shops (see sponsors shop)
- New, from a kart shop (see sponsors shop)
If you're buying a new kart you can't really go wrong,
however you need a slightly larger budget. To give you
an idea, a new GP Junior will cost you around R23 000
and a new Max kart will cost around R40 000, complete
and ready to race. A new RM1 should cost around the
R70 000 mark. Used karts start at about half the new
price. If you are not sure at this stage consider hire
kart racing.
Buying used presents some issues:
- Buying used from a kart dealer normally costs a
little more (they have to make a living too), however
most will have checked the kart and repaired any obvious
faults. Don't expect a guarantee, but most reputable
dealers are reasonable and will try to assist you
with any problems you may have. They have their reputation
to protect!
- Buying used in a private sale is normally the cheapest
option, but generally leaves you no comeback if you
have problems. You can sometimes get very good "package"
deals when someone is quitting karting. Sometimes
you can pick up a kart (or two), trailer, spares etc,
as a complete package, for bargain prices.
HOWEVER: We suggest that, if you're buying
privately, you should have someone who knows something
about karts to advise you. Even then it's no guarantee,
as you don't know the condition of the motor etc.
If you intend racing make sure that the equipment
you buy is current and racing in your region to avoid
a major disappointment.
When buying used (private or dealer), ask the
following questions:
- What model chassis is it? (This can make a difference
when you want to sell/upgrade)
- Has it been bent or cracked. Bends can be straightened,
and cracks can be welded. Look for untidy welding
on the main tubes. (The struts securing the sides
of the seats often crack and need repairing so don't
worry too much about those)
- What condition is the motor in? A bargain may not
turn out to be such a bargain when the engine needs
major work!
- Does the seat fit you snugly? If not, budget on
having a new one fitted (R800) as a loose seat is
uncomfortable, tiring (your arms will always be fighting
the G-forces), and can result in damaged ribs.
- Are there any spares that come with the kart? Things
such as trolleys, sprockets, chains, carbs, practise
tyres, wet weather tyres, spare rims, hubs & axles
all come in handy.
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