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.

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