Welcome to TAKartsports

Welcome to the exciting world of kart racing. 

 Kart racing has something to offer everyone regardless of gender, nationality, race or religion.  With minimal investment you can enjoy the weekend together as a family, train to become a professional race driver or race some of the most famous tracks in the world.  Why be a spectator when you can participate?

 Competition kart racing is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the world. It provides all the fun and thrills of full scale, high performance racing at a fraction of the cost. It appeals to people of all ages and from all walks of life, blue collar to professionals, who wants the challenge of competition at an affordable price. Karting provides a place to develop and fine-tune driving skills in a controlled environment. For young racers, karting is a super training ground for teaching respect. Many of today's professional race drivers began their careers as kart racers.

 Karting is a great family-oriented sport. The entire family can participate as there's a job for everyone to do from taking lap times to cleaning the chassis.  It provides an opportunity to do something together as a whole team.

 Karting appeals to girls and boys, men and women from ages 8 to 80. There's a place for everyone from local level up to national level competition.  Many programs and classes are available so it's easy to be competitive and feel the thrill right away.

How to get started in karting

Do the Steps

Step 1 - Check it Out!
The first step in getting started is to take the family out to a local race. You might want to buy a pit pass, wander around the pits and watch the races from there. This way, you are right where the action is. You will get a good feel for how races are run plus the opportunity to ask questions.

Most racers are extremely enthusiastic; very willing to tell you about the sport and help you get started. Information about rules, schedules, classes, engines and recommended karts may be obtained from track officials, racers or at the registration desk. Most tracks have a Tech Manual—try to get one while you are there.

Step 2 - Read Up!
There are several excellent books on karting readily available from TAKartsports. Three of these book are from Steve Smith Autosports Publications; The Complete Karting Guide: Four Cycle Karting Technology, The Beginner's Complete Karting Guide and Racing The Yamaha KT100-S. These are comprehensive books you will find helpful. Also we have other technical books and manuals.

Step 3 - Come see us!
Visit TAKarting Not only do we have a showroom and complete inventory for all your karting needs, our employees are not just employees, they are technicians. They race several different types of karts and can help you select the proper equipment for your karting needs.

Come with your questions and comments; and leave with solid knowledge and information.

So come by and let us help you become a karter!

Becoming a NEW Karter can be a fun and enjoyable experience. We at TAKartsports would like you to have a long racing career. When we talk to new potential karting customers and they ask our opinion for their specific needs we ask several questions. The most important question we ask is, "How long and are you going to work and plan to commit to your hobby?
In answering this, we can suggest whether you purchase a new or used kart for your first kart.
If a new karter believes they are going to commit a year to their racing career and wants to work hard enough to win, we suggest NEW Equipment. The reason for this is that buying a used kart may seem affordable at first, but fixing up an used kart can get very expensive. Most used karts have not kept up with the latest advances in technology.

We try not to make this a "Sales Pitch". But we have seen so many times beginning karters get frustrated trying to make used equipment perform up to their expectations. The result is they spent more money on their equipment or eventually buy a new karting set-up anyway.

The exception is a used kart at a good used kart price for a first kart. This can be done by looking at your local track and asking several karters about a particular used kart that is being displayed. We suggest when looking at a used kart, look at it as if no engine is on it. We say this because, generally it will need rebuilding or the entire kart and engine may need some work on it. Also most all local tracks have engine rules and you need to know what you are buying is legal for the class or classes you choose to race in. Buying an used kart is like buying anything else, you get what you pay for.
We at TAKartsports try to take the time to explain this due to the fact we want your business, whether you buy new or used. We know you will need spare parts no matter what. We just don't want you, the NEW Karter, getting frustrated soon after you get started.

After following the above steps, see if your local track may have practice days available. This will help you get familiar with your new equipment.

Be sure to practice the basics: starting, stopping and tuning of the engine. Learn to signal by raising your hand in the air to let others know you are exiting the track, slowing down or when you've spun out and are still on the track. If the kart comes to a halt on the track or your engine quits, immediately push it off the track and into a safe position.

On your first and every other race day always take advantage of all practice time. For several practice and race days, go with the kart set-up from the help you received from your local or distant kart shop. You as a driver have a lot to learn on driving techniques. After which you can start changing
gears, tire pressures, etc. We at TAKartsports will get you a very close set-up from the beginning.

We have spent the time to get you familiar to karting through the WWW. If you feel this has been helpful please e-mail us and give us your opinions and thoughts on what further questions you may have.

Costs to get started in karting

As with any sport, karting has a wide variety of choices.  New vs. pre-owned, oval vs. sprint vs. enduro, 2 cycle vs. 4 cycle.  Sometimes the choices can be overwhelming to new karters.  We will try to list some options here for you so you can make a better informed decision.

New vs. pre-owned

This is the hardest of the choices to make.  The saying "You get what you pay for" does apply in this instance. The most important question we ask is, "How long and how hard are you going to work and plan to commit to your hobby?
If a new karter believes they are going to commit a year to their racing career and wants to work hard enough to win, we suggest NEW Equipment. The reason for this is that buying a used kart may seem affordable at first, but fixing up an used kart can get very expensive. Most used karts have not kept up with the latest advances in technology. We try not to make this a "Sales Pitch". But we have seen so many times beginning karters get frustrated trying to make used equipment perform up to their expectations. The result is they spent more money on their equipment or eventually buy a new karting set-up anyway.  The exception is a used kart at a good price for a first kart. This can be done by looking at your local track and asking several karters about a particular used kart that is being displayed. We suggest when looking at a used kart, look at it as if no engine is on it. We say this because, generally it will need rebuilding or the entire kart and engine may need some work on it. Also most all local tracks have engine rules and you need to know what you are buying is legal for the class or classes you choose to race in.
We at TS Racing try to take the time to explain this due to the fact we want your business, whether you buy new or used. We know you will need spare parts no matter what. We just don't want you, the NEW Karter, getting frustrated soon after you get started.

New kart packages

Below are links to several new kart packages.  This will give you an idea of the costs to get started with new, state of the art equipment. 

These machines were designed for drivers 4 to 7 years
old. These karts come with a 50cc engine.
Kids karts run on Sprint or
Speedway tracks and allow the young karter to develop
their skills in a safe and controlled enviroment.
The design of this kart allows for maximum fun time with a
minimum of maintenance. This package comes with a 50cc engine.

Oval Kart

Oval kart racing is the largest segment of the industry.  Oval racing is family based, close competition available in all parts of the country.  Racers can choose between dirt and pavement racing at a facility close to home which reduces travel time and expense.  Most oval karts use 4 cycle engines that maximize track time and reduce work

Cadet Sprint Kart

This package includes the popular Comer 80 engine.  The Cadet classes are among the most popular and race all over the country.  This is the next step for sprint racing after kid karts.  Low initial and maintenance costs make this a very popular choice.
Specs:
Cadet ages 8 to 12
80cc air cooled Comer 80 engine with centrifugal clutch
Runs at sprint tracks
Cadet classes
Top speed of 60 MPH

Touch and Go Kart

This is one of the newest and quickly becoming one of the most popular classes in karting.  The TaG kart is a sprint chassis, complete with FIA tested bodywork, that uses a water cooled, electric start, 125cc single speed engine.  The popularity of this class is the low maintenance, durability, and ease of use.  You can now go to the track, unload, sit down, push a button and race. 
Specs:
Junior TaG ages 12 to 15
Senior TaG ages 15+
125cc single speed, water cooled engine
On board electric starter
Runs at sprint or enduro race tracks
Top speed of 115 MPH, cornering at 3.0 G's

125cc Shifter Kart

The ultimate ride.  Formula 1 style performance at a price everyone can afford.  This class is for experienced racers that want maximum performance.  Features include a water cooled, 125cc engine with a 6 speed gearbox, massive 4 wheel hydraulic brakes and a power to weight ratio unequalled in racing.
Specs:
Age 16 and up
125cc water cooled engine, 6 speed sequential gearbox
Runs at sprint or enduro race tracks
Top speed of 125 MPH, cornering in excess of 3.0 G's.

Other items required to get started.

Safety

There are some risks associated with any type of motorsports, however karting has a good safety record due to the diligence of the people involved with the sport.  

The organizations have done a good job in implementing rules to protect the racers. 

Examples are: 

       sprint karts have FIA crash test bodywork that is designed to absorb impacts

       enduro karts are required to have dual braking systems

       oval karts have bodywork designed to protect the drivers feet.

These are just three examples out of hundreds to protect the drivers and crews at the race track.

In addition all karts are inspected before the race to be sure they are race ready.

You will be asked to sign a waiver of liability when registering. Familiarize yourself with the insurance coverage the track provides, as some local tracks might not have insurance. Anyone entering the pit area must purchase a pit pass to gain admittance.

You must attend the driver's meeting before the race begins. Be sure to pay attention to the starter's instructions and what each flag means. Most of all remember to have fun!