Kid go-kart racing [10 main tips to get started]

Kid go kart racing is a great hobby to choose and try! If your child is interested in this kind of sport, don’t hesitate to get started.

As an experienced kid-kart dad, I’m going to share some essential points on what you need for a good start in motorsports.

Good start in kid kart: what should you know?

So, is your child eager to race along with all your family and needs speed? Then, it is high time to start kart racing!

Even if it seems that your child is too young to be a racer, don’t hesitate. The average starting age in kart race sport is about 5 years old.

However, the youngest racers can even be 3-4 years when they start!

The main point is that starting motorsports at a young age is not a science. The training is quite easy and the practice is really fun. As for my son, he tried a few kinds of sports when he was 5 and enjoyed kid-kart most of them all!

Here is a super-easy list of what your child needs to start motorsports:

• Racing suit
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Protective gear (head sock and neck collar)
• Closed-toe shoes (tennis shoes or something similar)
• Kid kart
• Basic snacks
• Drinking water

All of these are mostly provided by the kid-kart programs, so you don’t need to worry much about how to get the items from the list above. The packages are included in the program service to save the parents money.

To get your kid started, you need to know which kart racing clubs offer for beginners. There are special programs oriented toward the youngest kids who are new to motorsports, so you can learn more on the clubs’ websites.

The extra points to check are whether the track is available at your planned time, and what are the holiday pricing and hours in comparison to other days.

Generally, most kid-kart class rules are common all over the country. However, some of them can differ depending on the club you join. A good rule of thumb that I follow is to consult with your local club and get more information about their own rules.

Points to keep in mind

• There is a minimum requirement for common weight (kart and driver) for taking part in the race.
• Offset karts are not mostly allowed in kid races, as the young kart driver should sit at the center of the kart. When the driver can switch from road racing to hitting the oval track, moving on a dirt track, coke syrup track, or asphalt track, then offset karts with shifted weight will be allowed.
• As for the finishing position, you can choose if you want to compete or just train your children. Most kid-kart courses don’t aim to compete, as they are oriented toward young driver training and having fun. However, some other clubs offer awards for each finishing position, so your child has extra motivation to move up.
• Watch out for car safety! Be sure that a rear bumper is included to protect the tires, and remember to check the safety belts.
• Choose the model that fits the track size and structure.

Kid-kart progress levels

At the very start, kids can join the kid-kart/ putt-putt level. They are allowed to race karts that are flat and small (just several feet long). The starter models are usually equipped with a Comer C-50 2-stroke engine. These engines have 1.5 hp, which allows them to reach speeds up to 25 mph.

Since they are 8 years old, children can move up farther, step-by-step, into the junior divisions.

Young drivers from the ages 8-9 can move further and join the Restrictor division. This means driving full-size micro-sprint cars. As a rule, these cars have a restricted 600cc 4-cylinder motorcycle engine. A typical restricted engine has 60 hp and is equipped with clutches or shifters.

Then, the next step is available from the ages of 12 to 13. The drivers can move up to the A-Class division. The car is just the same as in the Restrictor division, but the restrictor plates are absent now.

Finally, the drivers from the age of 14 can reach the top division, which is also known as the Outlaw division. This means entering shifter karts that have bigger motors and higher speeds.

What about any extra tips?

Here are a few extra tips at the very start and for more advanced drivers as well:

#1. Opt for the electric go-karts. I surely recommend trying this as the safest option:

• The main feature of electric go-karts is their eco-friendly performance. Say goodbye to all that crazy noises and nasty smells all the way long! The engine works on electricity with no harmful fuel and loud sounds.
• Kids enjoy racing in their own karts, so a perfect option is to get one of those battery-powered karts that are designed for the child race specifically.
• Such a racing track is available for the youngest kids to get started the very first racing.
• The models vary from easier to more powerful with higher speeds as the kids are growing and developing their racing skills.
• Electric racing is fun for all your family, so adults can hit the suitable track as well.
• A great option is to get an electric cart designed for two!

#2. Try some fancy options. For a more experienced young driver, a good idea is to try something fancy.

Try such models as mini mods, mini legends, cage karts, off-road racing, and many other special variants.

For example, my son enjoys driving Bandolero cars: they look like mini NASCAR models, which is so cool to hit the racing track in!

Another awesome option for those who like loud and speedy models is Junior Drags. These are mini-versions of the full-sized NHRA Top Fuel dragsters that come in different variations for 5-17-year-old drivers.

#3. Take care of the safety points! Before letting your child race over the track, make sure that all the safety gear is present and working. In the clubs, the kart instructors take care of these points. But if your kids have their own cars, I recommend making sure they use a helmet and protective gear, as well as the car has the safety belts, rear bumper, tires, and other essential parts in order.

FAQ

Final thoughts

Motorsports are fun to enjoy with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to start from the youngest age as you have more time to enjoy the thrilling race!