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Jerry Jolly jollyje1239@aol.com 239-775-8199
Candice Jolly Candyj60@aol.com 239-289-6696
Don Jolly jollytruckinginc@yahoo.com 239-455-2495
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Must have a minimum of three kart registered in any one class to make a racing class on any one race date. Notes: Discrepancy between noted weights and WKA Tech Manual defer to WKA Tech Manual. All tire sizes are according to WKA 2004 Tech Manual. All 2-cycle classes must use spec fuel and spec oils. Spec oils include Redline, TS 2-cycle Oil, Liquid Power/Manhattan, Blendzal Castor #460. Mix 6-8 oz of oil per gallon of fuel; Shifters mix 4-6 oz of oil per gallon of fuel. Drivers will drop two races. Must run fifty percent of scheduled races (not including rained out or cancelled dates) to be eligible for year-end awards. All racing will have two qualifying heats and a feature heat. Grid line up for heat one will be established by draw at registration. Heat two grid line up will be the opposite of heat one. The feature will be established by points earned in heats one and two. In the event of a tie in points from the qualifying heats, the draw at registration will determine grid spot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karting by Carl Mason
Q: What is Karting? A: Karting today is long removed from its humble beginnings over 40 years ago. Back then, karts didn't have the sophisticated clutches, live axles, disc brakes and ergonomics we take for granted today. They are still minimalist racing vehicles, but they are much more sophisticated than they look at first. The garden variety yard "go-kart" is functionally similar to a modern racing kart, but can't match a racing kart in terms of acceleration (including lateral), braking, or speed. Many of the world's greatest drivers got their starts in karts or use them to hone their skills and stay sharp. Names like, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Paul Tracy, Michael Andretti, Jeff Gordon, Sam Hornish, Central Ohio's Sarah Fisher, and many, many, more. Q: How fast do karts go? A: The old adage, "Speed costs; how fast do you want to go?", certainly applies to karting. The fastest type of kart racing is called Enduro, or road racing. Some of these karts will exceed 130 mph and obviously are for the experienced driver. Sprint and Speedway racing features karts that are slower, with speeds in the 40-60 mph range. Q: What do you mean by Enduro, Sprint and Speedway? A: These are the basics categories of kart racing. Let me explain. Enduros are run on full sized road courses. Races are held on tracks like Mid-Ohio, Road America, Putnam Park, and the infield courses of Daytona, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, etc… Races are between 30 and 60 minutes in duration. There are two basic styles of enduro karts; they are called "lay-downs" and "sit-ups" which refer to the driver's position. Lay-downs have the driver reclined with only his head and shoulders slightly elevated. Sit-ups use an upright driving position much like a car. However, the driver still sits very low in the vehicle. Sit-up karts are also known as Sprint karts. This is because they are used in another from of kart racing called Sprints. Sprint racing is done on scaled down road courses which are usually under 1/2 mile in length; though some are much longer. The racing is usually much closer than in road racing and there is more contact between vehicles. However, the speeds are lower, so the consequences of a mishap are reduced (not eliminated). Top speeds, in the fastest classes are in the neighborhood of 60 or 70 mph. The races typically last only a dozen laps or so.
The third type of kart racing is known as Speedway. As the name implies, these karts are raced on small dirt or asphalt oval speedways that are usually less than 1/3 mile. The same basic kart as is used in Sprint racing can be used in Speedway racing. However, there are specialized chassis' available to optimize weight distribution. These are called 'left-turn only' or 'offset' karts. Another type of specialized chassis is known as a Kage or Champ kart. These karts have the same basic layout and mechanicals of a Sprint kart, but they feature a full roll cage and belts (other forms of karting leave the driver unbelted). The increased protection make these karts about as safe as racing can be while still offering all the action. Top speeds for Speedway racing is similar to Sprint racing; 60-70 mph. Average speeds are considerably less. Races typically last 15-30 laps. Q: O.K., How much do these contraptions cost? A: Again, speed costs. The fastest Enduro and sprint karts can cost more than $8000 when new. However, perfectly useable equipment for all forms of kart racing can be had for as low as $1000. Q: How do I get started in karting? A: Look in the Yellow Pages for a kart shop near you (you'll probably have to dig). Tracks are usually not listed. If that fails, you can contact the major sanctioning bodies. They are: International Kart Federation World Karting Association Karters of America Triad I recommend you go to the tracks nearest you and observe the action. Talk to the drivers and crews. Most karters are very happy to share their general knowledge about the sport, as long as you're not looking for speed secrets!
Q: Would you recommend used or new equipment? A: Personally, I would (and did) buy used equipment for my first kart. That way when you make contact or have an off track excursion (and you will), you aren't tearing up that new paint job or body work. You don't need the best of everything until you develop your skills. Too, you can spend pennies on the dollar compared to new. The best deals are usually from someone leaving karting altogether, or someone who's moving to a different class and wants to get rid of all their old equipment. While the kart might not look like it's worth $2500, what kind of spares are you getting? Gears, spindles, tie rods, clutches, tools, stands and starters all cost a lot of money when purchased separately. Consider that before making a purchase. Q: I'm forty and weigh 200 lbs... Can I be competitive? Yes, and you'll have plenty of company! Karting is a great family sport because there are classes for nearly every member of the family. Class age and weight limits ensure there will be a class where the playing field is fairly level. Depending on the track you wish to race at, there may be a class for children as young as 5. Many tracks have "heavy" and "Over 35" classes to accommodate those of us who started our racing careers a little late in life. Finding a class to race in will be the easy part! Q: What kind of motor should I race? A: That depends on what type of racing you want to do, how far you want to travel, and to some extent how much money you can afford to spend. Again, I recommend you visit the tracks near you featuring the kind of racing you think you'd like. See which are the biggest classes; they are the biggest for a good reason. Usually they are the most cost effective and the most fun. Q: Are there any kart racing schools? A: Yes, quite a few. Most of the schools advertise in the national magazines and many kart shops offer driving classes. Each of the sanctioning organizations listed above publish their own magazine. One magazine I like in particular (No, I don't work for them) is National Kart News (219) 277-0033 - www.nkn.com). They have lots of ads and usually have very good technical articles. Additionally, The Inside Track (www.theinsidetrack.com) is a very good karting magazine that has lots of ads. Q: Do you have any more recommendations? A: Yes. The sport of karting is competitive, but unless
you're at the very upper echelons, it's just for fun and trophies. Race
cleanly, don't cheat, learn, learn, learn, and have fun.
Buying Your First Kart by Carl Mason LOOKING FOR YOUR KART Whether you buy new or used (which I recommend for your first kart), your biggest concern should be support. Are parts and advice readily available locally for both the chassis and motor? It does you no good to save a few bucks buying a chassis that is cheap, but no longer imported for example. Where will you get parts when (not if) it breaks? Foreign or domestic is a matter between you, your god, and your pocketbook. There is no doubt the foreign chassis' were quite a bit ahead a few years ago. However, the domestic manufacturers have made giant leaps forward. I'd wager Emmick, Trackmagic, Invader, Margay, etc. have a chassis that can run head-to-head with most of the foreign stuff . . . for less money. I don't have any karting related business interests, so I am not going to benefit either way. However, I am a firm believer in supporting your local kart dealer. Sure, I buy some things mail order, but I also spend a fair amount at the local dealers. While I may pay more locally, I know if I go there with a question, I'll get some answers. And if you develop a good rapport with them, you may get a few 'specials' thrown your way. I also know the local dealer will stand behind his products, many mail-order places (not all) will refer you back to the manufacturer. Another run-around waiting to happen. BUYING A NEW KART
Each chassis will 'like' a different weight distribution. The dealer should know this and should help you achieve a good starting point. They aren't likely to hit the magic combination right off, but they should get you close enough until you have lots of seat time and can start making adjustments. Ask the dealer to adjust the toe-in to his recommendations with you IN the kart. The chassis is your suspension. As such, it flexes when your weight is added. This flex will change the toe-in (a function of weight and king-pin inclination). Make a note of the resulting measurement with you OUT of the kart. Write this number down for future reference. Speaking of writing things down, good records cannot be over emphasized. Sure, the first few times out, it's easy to remember what adjustment was made. However, after a few dozen races or more, it's not as easy. The Amazing Kreskin might be able to keep track of all that was done and what the conditions were on a given day, but I sure can't! I'd wager you can't either. Write it down. Get a set-up sheet from the dealer when you buy the kart. They should have some recommendations for tire pressures, gear ratios, track widths, pipe flex length, etc. for the track/chassis/motor/class combination you're going to run. It's easy to overlook all the miscellaneous 'stuff' you need at the track when you're buying a kart, but they need to be factored into the overall cost of your racing effort. As with any hobby, there are always goodies and gadgets to make you flashier, faster, smoother, smarter, etc… Here are some of the basics you'll need. Kart Gear: * * * * * * Tire pressure gauge * * * * * * * Safety Gear: * * * * * * BUYING A USED KART Remove the seat and measure from each king pin (spindle bolt) to the rear bearing hanger on the opposite side. The measurements should be within 1/4" of each other. If they are not, the chassis is sprung and should be avoided. If buying a sprint or enduro chassis examine the spindle washers. The same number of washers (within one or two) should be on each side of each spindle. In other words, if the left spindle has four washers above and four washers below the spindle bearings, the right side should be the same (within one or two). These washers are used to fine tune the left/right weight ratio on the front. If there is a significant difference between sides, it indicates the frame is bent and the seller has compensated by moving the washers. While a bent frame can be helped by bending it back, it is best not to start with such a chassis. This check does not apply to a chassis used on ovals as it is desirable to have more left side weight on an oval. As with a new kart, get any set-up notes the seller has for this kart. These notes reflect many days of racing/testing and are worth almost as much as the chassis itself. Without the notes (or copies), don't be in a hurry to purchase the kart unless your research shows it's a better than average deal. It seems like every motor ever sold is 'fresh' or only has '2 races on it.' There are only a few things you can check, but you should insist on them or push for a discount. Have the seller start the motor. Don't take no for an answer; if he doesn't have any fuel, arrange to come back a time when he does. This doesn't guarantee the motor is 'fresh', but at least you'll know the ignition and carburetion are good enough for it to run. Using the seller's compression gauge, check the compression after a warm-up. There are no universal absolute compression numbers. However, if the seller kept good records, he should be able to tell you what is good for his motor with his compression gauge. If he can't, be wary. On a 2-cycle (Yamaha in particular), look through the exhaust port at the piston skirt. If it looks scuffed (dull with vertical lines in the piston skirt), the motor has some time on it and is not fresh. While looking in the exhaust port, note whether or not the port has been cleaned up (smoothed) which is a sign of at least minimal blueprinting. On a 4-cycle (Briggs in particular) most of the above applies. Also, find out what cam, rod, and dipper are installed. Briggs class' rules vary significantly; make sure the motor is legal for the class you want to run. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE DEAL? Have the seller specify exactly what is included with the kart. Some people consider a 'roller' (kart with no motor) as a kart with wheels and no tires. Others don't include either wheels or tires. Get the specifics. If you go to a seller and there are several karts and spares lying around, have them segregate everything included in the deal from what isn't. The more spares, tools, and equipment you can get, the better. The items listed in Buying a New Kart are only the beginning; you'll need more. If the seller will throw them in to sweeten the deal, so much the better. Gears, chains, plugs, etc. are not cheap. Their worth should be considered when weighing buying options. I'm sure I've missed a few things, but you can see there is a lot to consider when buying a kart, be it new or used. Good luck and good hunting.
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For further information call:
Don Jolly, 239-348-1234
Jerry Jolly. 239-775-8199
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