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| Features |
| Tech Talk: Helpful Tips For New Kid Kart Racers |
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by Michael May
 | | Thomas in grand national competition |
When we got started three years ago we had four boys, three karts and no instructions other than “put oil in the gas”. It was a matter of trial and error. With a 45-minute drive to the Liberty, Mo., track, the trial and error took a while. Luckily none of the errors ruined the motors. Because we had three on the track at a time we could test things and come up with answers faster. The best part was having fun with the boys and discovering together. Here are some basics to help you get started.
The motor in a Kid Kart is a 2 cycle Comer 50cc motor. It needs oil in the gas because there is no oil placed in the crankcase like your car. The first thing people try is more expensive gas to go faster. It’s a waste money and speed, the higher the octane the slower you’ll go. Use a good quality low octane gas and at least six ounces of oil per gallon. There are two major types of oil synthetic and Castor, test them both, one is much faster than the other. You can add up to 10 ounces per gallon and it will probably make you go faster. The oil takes place of the gas coming through the jet and in effect leans out the engine. This will make it slower off the start but faster when it gets up to speed.
Don’t fill the gas tank up all the way because it will spray gas out when the motor is running. Usually half to three quarters of a tank will work just fine for up to 20 laps. Don’t run the motors out of gas because the gas has the oil in it and no oil in any engine is a bad thing. Most race groups allow you to changes jets in the carburetor. Under the carburetor is a black bowl with two screws. Turn off the gas and take off the bowl and you will see a screw with a 58 stamped on it, that is the jet. You can usually put in a 54, 55, 56, 57 or 58 jet. Try some of the smaller ones first if you have a stock air filter. It may be harder to start, but will run better in a race. The fastest karts at the track are usually the ones that bog on the start and light up during the race because they are running a lean fuel mixture.
Add a longer fuel line for safety and performance. The air bubbles in the gas tank can work their way down the standard length gas line and lean out the motor or cause it to stall on long tracks. Check your rulebook, you probably need to add safety wire or tie wraps to the fuel line ends for safety.
The most important thing when getting started is seat time. The more your driver is having fun, the more seat time, so remember to mix up practices with different goals and tasks. While winning a race is exciting, all the time spent together is the best part you will remember for life. Praise the correct moves and take notes about the mistake for future practices. Giving negative feedback during a practice or race day is a mistake. The best coaches find what is going right and build on it. Set out cones to help your driver see the apex or driving line. Take it one corner at a time until you both get it right. Learning the whole track is a big challenge, so take it one step at a time.
Once your driver has gotten good at the track, start getting them out with other drivers. New parents are almost always amazed that their drivers slow down in a race. You have other drivers to worry about, the flagman, corner workers to watch and a wave at Mom or Grandpa in the stands. If you have other kids that can practice with you some night, set up small Le Mans style races where the drivers run to the karts. Handicap one driver and let them run up front. Take turns letting each driver pass to win. Winning all the time does not prepare you for older classes where motor differences won’t be so great. Learning to drive in traffic is an important safety measure. Race day can be an exciting time, but not the best time to learn about passing or being passed.
You get out of this sport what you put into it. If you eventually decide to compete for a top spot, it usually takes practice time and homework. Do your best to focus on what you know works from your testing and not the wild ideas you may hear at the track. Always read the rulebook fully and stay within the rules. Setting small goals makes the rise to the top of the pack more enjoyable. Keep good notes at practice and go for ice cream or pizza when you break your own track records.
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