What equipment, what cost and where to buy?

You can spend as much as you like, but we decided that for the first year at  least we would be on a fairly tight budget and buy second-hand equipment where possible.

Used equipment - see adverts in Karting magazines, through your local club, or on-line at UK Karting's Market Place. Purchase of 2nd hand equipment - between £1200 - £2,000. This cost would cover everything to get you started and on the track - that is: 

• 2nd hand Kart chassis and engine
• Boots, helmet (try to buy the best you can afford)
• Race suit, gloves etc.

It is possible to get a 2nd-hand kart and engine for £700-£800, but this would not be as competitive, except maybe for the Cadet classes.

Alternately you can hire a kart if you do not want to go to the expense of purchasing until you know if Karting is for you.

A rough guide is practice day would be in the region of £200 to £250 including Racewear, use of mechanic and expert advice. To hire a Kart for a race day - from approx £250 including Racewear, use of mechanic and advice on track lines etc.

To go club racing with your own equipment is a very economic form of motor sport. Apart from the equipment needed (listed below) there are entry fees of about £50, tyres will last several meetings, although at championship level most drivers will use a new set per meeting.

You need to buy fuel and racing 2-stroke oil for your kart, and have the engine rebuilt every so often. Other costs include the occasional new chain and spark plug, different sprockets for different tracks, cleaning fluids and chain lubrication spray and some basic tools including a tyre pressure gauge and pump. So what are you waiting for, come race with us!

Kart
trailer and tow bar
tools
spares
helmet
race suit
boots
gloves
wet racing suit cover
neck brace