What do I need to get started in kart racing in B.C.?
This page is intended to be a concise guide for new karters and to
hopefully
answer all the FAQs of those wanting to get into karting. The
information
presented here pertains to the British Columbia scene. Some specifics
will
not apply in other areas. If you still have questions or feel I have
missed
something that should be here then please send call email me at jgregg
at vip dot com. Follow these six steps, then head to the track
and have some
fun!
1. Join a club.
In most cases you will want to join the club closest
to where you live. In some areas you may have two or more clubs to choose
from. Pick the club that offers what you are looking for. Not all clubs
offer the same classes, or participation levels in the class you want to
run. Attend a club meeting and a race before you join. All clubs that I
know of welcome prospective members. Most BCKCA affiliated clubs have reciprocal
agreements with other clubs that will let you race at other clubs in the
province without joining them. These arrangements vary from club to club,
so check out the situation for the club you want to join. SIKA
membership form.
2. Get a copy of the rules.
You need the rule books from three levels of the
karting government; your club rules, B.C.
regional (BCKCA) rules, and National
(ASN Canada FIA) rules. Your club may be able to sell you a consolidated
rule book containing these, or you can download them from the respective
web sites. The hierarchical protocol for interpreting these three sets
of rules is as follows. The national rule applies except when a regional
or club rule takes precedent. The regional rule applies except when a club
rule takes precedent. READ THE RULE BOOK FIRST.
3. Choose your race class.
Note that some classes require one year experience
before you can qualify, so stay away from these. One year experience is
required in; Junior Inter-Continental A (JICA),Rotax Junior, TAG Junior,
Junior 3, Intercontinental A (100cc reed valve), and all Shifter Classes.
Pay particular attention to the BCKCA regulation governing licensing, as
all affiliated clubs including SIKA must conform to these requirements.
Consider the classes your club offers and also
whether or not that class is offered at the regional level or at other
clubs you may wish to travel to.
In choosing a class, we highly recommend that you research the situation.
This means attending races, talking to participants, and attending club
metings. Beware of taking the advice of those that are selling karting
equipment. They may be more intersted in you buying what they have for
sale, rather than helping you chose what's best for you.
Obtain a "Driver's Log Book" from your club. This
is a requirement for keeping a history of your race experience, and is
required when applying for licenses and license upgrades.
4. Choose your kart.
Now that you have thought about the class you will
be racing you can look for a chassis and engine that will fit your needs.
A smoking deal on a kart is no good if it does not fit your objectives,
pass. If you are shopping for new equipment, its pretty easy. The local
kart shops can help you with what you need. If you are shopping for used
equipment then there are a few things to consider.
When inspecting the condition of a used chassis
be sure to flip it over and look at the bottom side of the frame. Look
for wear to the frame tubes from scraping on the ground. If it is excessive
the frame could be weakened. Also check for any frame twist, weld cracks,
uneven front wheel camber, and rear axle run out. Determine who the dealer
is for the kart you are interested in and is there adequate supply of spare
parts available should you need them. Pay particular attention to the availability
of brake components and spindles which may be specific to a particular
chassis. Never assume that a used kart is ready and legal to race as purchased,
even though the former owner was racing it. I suggest a full disassembly
and inspection of all parts, especially fasteners and bearings before you
bring it to the track. Remember you will be traveling at high speed and
you don't want it falling apart under you. If the chassis is being purchased
without a motor, make sure it is suitable for the class you want it for.
For example if you are going to use it for 4 cycle, the frame must have
clearance for an inboard chain drive. Because the rules pertaining to chassis
are quite stable, many older chassis can still be quite competitive today.
Bumper rules are one area where changes have occurred and some older chassis
may need to be up-dated. This is not usually a big deal but does need to
be addressed.
5. Outfit yourself with safety gear.
-
Helmet - Must be a full coverage type and be Snell M2000 or SA2000
or the Snell 2005 equivalent rating certified. The Snell certification
label must be intact and readable. Helmet must be in good un-damaged condition.
-
Neck brace - An approved karting type helmet cushion, neck collar
is reccomended.
-
Rib protector - Available from kart shops or I have seen lacrosse
rib protectors used that work well.
-
Protective Suit - Abraision resistant coveralls designed for Karting
are highly recommended. Full coverage suit or jacket and pants of abrasion
resistant material or leather is required.
-
High top shoes - Shoes must cover the ankle bone. Kart shops sell
racing shoes or look for wrestling shoes at specialized sporting goods
stores.
-
Gloves - Leather or abrasion resistant material required.
6. Medical requirements.
You are required to submit a "Medical Self Declaration" to your
club annually.
For drivers 50 years and over a Medical Examination Summary
completed by a doctor is required to be submitted
to your club before you can drive a kart in any club
event. I suggest you also keep several copies with you as
proof of compliance
if you visit any other clubs. The form can be obtained from your club
or
downloaded.
6. Drivers license.
You will need a BCKCA driving license to race
at any ASN sanctioned clubs in BC. You can download the license application
form from the "forms" section of the BCKCA
web site (regulations menu). New (rookie) racers can apply for a "B"
license if 16 years & up or a "C" license if 10 to 15 years old, or
a "D" license if 8 to 12 years. Along with the license application Minor
drivers are required to submit a Parental
Consent signed by both parents and a Minor
Waiver, both are available from the BCKCA web site. A copy of a "proof of age" document (Driver's Licence or Birth
Certificate) must also be submitted. The license application is to be submitted
to your home club licensing committee. You also must have a "Drivers Log
Book". These are available from your club and are used to keep a history
of your racing activities. This is required for licence applications and
upgrades. Your log book will be signed by the Clerk of the Course for each
event that you enter.
It may seem like there are a lot of things to
do here, and that may be so. With insurance requirements today, we can
not just show up at the track and race, as in the old days. Foillowing
the six steps above will ensure that you get maximum enjoyment as a new
kart racer.
Revised March, 2009