Getting Started in Karting

The majority of kart racers participate for pure enjoyment, however, for certain individuals it is a serious stepping-stone towards a professional racing career (most current Formula-1 drivers have started racing with karts, and many still drive karts between seasons to keep their reflexes and skills honed).  

Do you want to be next?
Since the sport is affordable, karting is a perfect venue for learning the basics about competition racing, vehicle setup and engine tuning. Whether you have aspirations to become a professional race car driver, or you just like the technology of racing and enjoy the idea of tinkering with your own vehicle, karting is a fun, friendly, exciting and competitive sport for everyone to enjoy. Kart Racing is the best and cheapest "Family Oriented" form of Motor Sport with driver ages starting at 5 years old and continuing into their sixties.

Competitive Nature
Just like any other racing activity, the purpose of professional karting is to reach the finish line first. The act of changing the tunable settings on the kart is straightforward and can be done without expensive tools or complete pit-crews.

Its for everyone
Professional karting is accessible for individuals from all levels and backgrounds. Being successful in the top levels of kart racing requires the same peak physical condition and mental strength as other forms of motor racing. 

Simple but Competitive Race Karts
Specifically designed competition race karts are extremely responsive and agile vehicles; however, they are not complicated or expensive. They have no suspension, no differential, no roll bars, no seat belt systems…just four wheels and an engine! This basic system makes it easier for novice racer to comprehend the vehicle in its totality and to identify and focus on those components that may be adjusted or tuned for optimum performance.

What Do I Need to Go Karting?
Italian Motors can provide you with everything you could possibly need to enter the world of professional kart racing, and a relatively modest budget can get you started. Click here for our current used inventory!

Chassis’ Kart New or Used
The amount of money you choose to invest initially in the kart is up to you. As a beginner, a used kart in good condition (not more than 5 years old with the frame still straight) is an option worth consideration. Approximate price range: between $2,500 to $5,000. These costs can, however, be completely open-ended and can get more expensive in some classes of karting. You should also compare prices and options for a new set-up.

Engines Kart New or Used
Two types of engines are used in karting: Two-stroke and four-stroke. Traditionally, most karts internationally were, and still are, powered by two-stroke engines.  

Track Membership and Race Fees
Include in your budget club membership and race fees. Italian Motors is home to Sumas International Motorsport Academy (SIMA) karting facility in Sumas Washington. Different levels of track Membership and drop in fee's are available at SIMA. Additionally, the track hosts 9 club races a year; 3 Winter Series Races and 6 Summer Series Races. Registration fee's for these events are $75 per racer per event. 

Spare Parts
Include in your budget approximately $500 to $2,000 for additional spare parts, extra tires and professional engine maintenance for a season. Transporting your Kart: The back of a pick-up truck, a small trailer or the back of a van will usually be quite sufficient to transport your kart to a race. Racers have also been known to transport their kart in the back of a station wagon or strapped to the roof of their vehicle.

Storing your Kart
A shed or small garage will work well as a working/storage area for your kart. A kart can also be stored up-right against a wall, and therefore does not take-up much space.  SIMA also offers storage and garage rentals!

Tools
As far as tools are concerned, a good set of metric wrenches will be most important. Other tools such as a tire gauge and fuel measuring kits will also be needed. We have gone ahead and made up a simple checklist of items that are essential as well as optional: