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First go-karts, then........?

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Silverghost

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My 6 y/o son just turned 7 and wants his Uncle Terry to build him a go-kart. I did some digging and it turns out there are 2 indoor facilities here. They have a Junior program but he needs to be 8. So he has to wait until next February. The bigger surpise was my wife's reaction - she is more excited about it than the little guy! We are going to one of the facilities this weekend to check things out. Looks like there will be a future of "racing" in our family!

I've often heard go-karts is where it all starts. Who'd like to share their experiences? I am SURE there are more than one BCF members who had them in their early days! :smile:
 
Ummm, ask Danica Patrick, F. Massa, Mr. Lewis "Current World Champion" Hamilton, and a host of other notables! :laugh:
 
I had one in the early 60's. They are a blast!
 
My buddy used to race them in Ireland and ended up racing formula b atlantic and formula 2. and at 64 he now drives a ralt rt4
 
I'm going to ~GP-New York~ next weekend with a bunch of my vintage-racer buddies.
GP-NY is an indoor/outdoor kart racing facility. I've done this before....it's a hoot!

I've always loved karts and wished I'd been able to race them as a kid.

I'm the faculty mentor for our college SAE chapter. We're building electric karts right now. ~Click Here~ to see them.
 
I raced them back in the 70s & 80s when they had two kinds-- Enduro & Sprint. I raced Enduro, hour long on a 1-3 mile sportscar track in a laydown kart @130mph.
see here for history/pictures... www.lostenduros.com

Back when I raced, there were lots of families involved. Still a good sport to start young drivers in.
 
Just remember, Pete: Mom may have concerns LATER when he refuses to race anything with DOORS. Or fenders. :smile:
 
Doc, if he had it HIS way, his first car would be a Mach 5!! LOL AND he wants Dad to have a "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" car.... :laugh: Gotta love that kid!!
 
aeronca65t, i met the owners last summer at a car show in pound ridge n.y, nice guys, been wanting to try it myself, that track is 15-18 minutes from my house, its a bit pricey but ya cant put a price tag on that much fun.
 
Anthony:
Yeah, we're dropping about $120 for 1+ hour of karting including lunch. But it's with a bunch of racing buddies so it'll be worth it. But you're right....it ain't cheap and I won't be doing it *too* often or the missus will be getting after me. :laugh:
 
Peter, how far are you from Dousman WI? It's next to Waukesha. They have a nice little track there. Check out their website and the classifieds. I can also see if my brother is ready to sell his boys Kart if you want.

https://www.badgerkartclub.com/
 
The place here, Chicago Indoor Racing, has a 2 day Junior Driver's School for kids 7 - 17. After that it's $25/race for the first 2 races and $15/race after that. We're going there tomorrow to check it out!
 
sorry im going to miss you guys this weekend Nial, I was hoping to make it up there but the whole family me included has gotten this wicked stomache bug that apparently swept through here. I felt so bad I hadnt even turned on my computer for 3 days!
 
Sorry to hear that Scott! Feel better!

I'll try to stick my video camera in my top pocket and get some shots. :laugh:

Peter:
If you just want a "fun kart" (and have a suitable place to run it), you can find many on the internet (plus lots of sites with free building plans). ~Here Is~ a new fun kart (minus engine) for $477. Engines are about $250. If you look hard you'll see better deals, but this is just one idea.
 
Try looking for your local WKA World Karting Association. They are the major sanctioning body and have a great junior program. I raced sprints with both Briggs and 100cc yamaha, now I'm trying to race Spridgets
 
Went to check out Chicago Indoor Racing....VERY impressive! Turns out it is the brain child and pet project of a guy from across the pond no less! Gentleman from England brought the idea over here! Gotta love the Brit connection! They have it all planned out. Leagues, Junior Driving School, Enduros, the works. They provide the carts - they're quick enough and powerful enough to spin out in the corners and slide around turns!, helmets, suits, etc. Looks like I know what we're going to be doing in the future! :smile: They have group rates for 8 or more....any BCFers want to do a get together?? I'll take on setting it up!
 
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