If you’re interested in getting started in motorsport, but the prohibitive cost of equipment, licenses, and entry fees has put you off, let alone actual cars, then you may want to consider go-kart racing. Amateur-level karting is relatively expensive compared to the vast majority of auto racing, and if care and attention is applied, a ticket to one of the junior karting series doesn’t have to cost the earth.

In addition, many participants, particularly younger go-kart entrants, see the sport as a stepping stone to the more advanced types of open-wheel car racing, such as the world-famous Formula Ford series; in fact, many of today’s F1 drivers can trace their careers. to humble beginnings at the wheel of a kart. Go-karting teaches its competitors a lot about how race cars are designed, built, and groomed, not to mention the advanced driving skills the competitor will develop over time.

Sound like you would like to get involved? Great, here are some things to start considering on your way to racing that first race. The first thing you will need to see is what form of kart racing you want to compete in; This is because, as with single-seat racing, on open wheel tracks, there are a large number of classes and categories to choose from. Despite the temptation to jump into the more powerful leagues right away, it’s generally worth spending some time on junior karting formulas so you can learn basic driving skills and disciplines early on. However, if you’re particularly ambitious and really don’t want to stick with junior formulas for too long, it might be worth considering buying a used junior kart to start with, before buying a new pro-spec. go kart for your desired racing series, once you are ready. Whatever your preference, always try not to bite off more than you can chew. A basic kart shouldn’t cost you more than £ 300- £ 350 on the second-hand market, although expect to pay five or even ten times as much later on if you want to upgrade to a more professional machine.

There are also some safety considerations worth considering before taking the plunge. Due to the relatively low speeds, karting is incorrectly viewed as a safe way to race. However, you should be aware that all forms of motorsports, regardless of engine size or speed, carry risks. Although speeds are lower, collisions can and will happen, and because of this, it is vital that you are adequately protected. At a minimum, you will need to consider purchasing a karting suit, a karting helmet, and a pair of racing gloves. Together these might cost you more than the kart, but their price is easily justified. Remember that no matter how good it is, accidents are an integral part of motorsports. Lastly, also keep in mind that you will need to budget for parts, fuel, and tires. Expect to pay £ 250 for these all-important pieces, but with these and the racing accessories on hand, you’re ready to race – enjoy!