Help a guy get into this awesome sport?

Tony Herpolsheimer · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 52

Hey Gang,

Like the title says, I really want to get into this sport, but I don't know where to start.

I picked up a 125 shifter kart late last summer. It wasn't running and the price was more than right. I did get it to run last fall, but never got a chance to take it out and get a feel for it. Now that its running, I would like to get it race ready for this season, but I don't know if there are any rules I need to follow to keep the kart within spec?

With as many events that are already shaping up near me (West Michigan), I would really love to get into it this season.

I have tried searching a bit, but I cant find any solid info on what someone like me needs to do in order to race. I don't see myself being too competitive my first year, and I don't necessarily need to be in any kind of points racing or get into a circuit of types. Right now I just want to know what I have to do be able to run on the track.

Where can I find info about kart regulations? Are there any groups I should become a member of? What do I need to do to be able to race this year? Any information would be very much appreciated.

Jeffory Mott · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 6:59 am Post subject:

Tony. Contact the Michigan Kart Club. They will be glad to help you out.

Chuck Ritchart · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:07 am Post subject:

Find the track you intend to practice at and contact them or find out which group runs races there. Then talk with them to get the details you are looking for, start loacal and grow from there because rules will vary from groups to certain orgs.
Specific info reguarding your kart and motor will require you to share kart and motor info.
Most any sprint track will get you racing after you can demonstrate a basic level of experience and safe operation of the kart but you are trying to start in the highest and most difficult class of karting.
Enjoy the journey and be patient it takes time.

John Matthews · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:11 am Post subject:

Hi Tony,

With a shifter in Michigan you'll probably want to contact the Michigan Kart Club.

http://www.freewebs.com/michigankartclub/

They race big tracks and will probably have a good group for you to learn with.

East Lansing doesn't seem to have a shifter class.

http://www.karttrack.com/class.html

And neither does Ravena.

http://www.ravennamotorpark.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43&Itemid=15

Since you're just starting out you may want to consider swapping your motor out for something less powerful and taking the front brakes off. It'll make you a better driver in the long run and you'll be able to practice and race a whole lot more without breaking the bank.

Give me a call at 231-264-8707 if you have any questions.
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

David Cole · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:18 am Post subject:

Here is the correct address for Michigan Kart Club:

http://michkartclub.com/

Also, check out http://www.championshipenduro.com/ for more big tracks to race at.

If you want to get some practice in at a sprint track, go to Michiana Raceway Park: http://www.michianaracewaypark.com/
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Robert Lawson · Joined: 10 Nov 2001 Posts: 2220

Tony,

Being from Western MI you can come out to Grattan Raceway April 14th and ask all the questions you like. There will be mutiple 125 shifters and tuners to help you. If Road Racing isn't your cup of tea the info will still help and it won't cost anything to hang out.

I organized the test, all the info is here:

http://ekartingnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=112042

If your interested give me a call, I'll even buy you lunch.

Hope to see you there.

RPM

Tony Herpolsheimer · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 52

Wow guys, thanks for all the responses!

I had actually tried emailing the Michigan Kart Club, but I have yet to get any kind of response from them. I had been looking through their site a bit, and I like the idea of racing with them, and where they will be racing, I just cant seem to get much info out of them yet.

Robert, you can count on me being there! Is there any chance you would let a newbe like me run around the track with you guys a bit? I have no problem sending a check to get registered. I'm pretty sure road racing will be right up my ally!

Jim Derrig · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 1:53 pm Post subject:

Tony,

A word to the wise. You haven't indicated what your previous racing experience is. My Skip Barber instructor said that the next step up from a shifter kart is a full blown indy car; he thought a shifter is hairier than an Indy Light.

So if your prior experience consists of street cars and watching Speed Channel, jumping into a shifter and going on track with a bunch of other shifters going full speed on a road course might not be the best choice. Especially if, as you indicated, you have no significant track time on the kart and haven't sorted it out at all.

The opposite approach, going to a track alone is also a bad idea, as these babies have no roll cage and you can wind up injured or pinned with no help. It's best to find a relatively uncrowded day at a track where you'll be able to get up to speed without getting in everyone's way.

Robert Lawson · Joined: 10 Nov 2001 Posts: 2220

Tony,

Absolutely. The testday atmosphere is contagious. Very laid back, plenty of track space at any speed.

To be sure you enjoy the experience e-mail me here: f-125@hotmail.com I'll just have some simple questions to start....type of kart, engine, your size and age group, etc.

All the guys are good at helping newbies. If you bring the right ballpark set-up for a big track and the Gods are with you.......man you'll love Grattan!

The track website:
http://www.grattanraceway.com/

My helmet cam from last Oct.:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvTM0hQ3wrk

I agree with Jim, a 12 year old isn't going to get on any track in a ride above his age and skill level. Any adult individual with basic operating knowledge, an introduction to the group and a heads up (big "X" on helmet) will be fine after some orientation and laps with no other traffic.

Last Spring I sold my 125 Superkart to a guy with nothing more than Bike Track days for experience. He's a very level headed young man. Took his time feeling things out and by the end of the day he made great improvements. He still has much to learn but was most gratified by all the encouragement and pointers from the experienced guys.

Look forward to hearing from you.

RPM

Jeffory Mott · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:40 pm Post subject:

Tony. Go to Grattan and listen to everthing Robert tells you. He has forgotten more about karting than most of us know. Just take it slow and LEARN. Enjoy yourself. Welcome to the best time you can have with pants on.

Tony Herpolsheimer · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 52

Jim McMahon · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:53 pm Post subject:

Be sensible and you'll be fine. Although speeds on road courses offer are typically higher than a "sprint" track, things are on a bigger scale too so generally the rate at which corners come at you is much reduced compared to sprint. You'll have more time to think about things at somewhere like Grattan.
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Robert Lawson · Joined: 10 Nov 2001 Posts: 2220

Tony and I have swapped a couple notes.....well, my last one was an epic but he's asking all the right questions.

He has a VERY nice GP5 with CR Honda. Looking at the classified he forwarded it is not a Spec Honda, has a good supply of spares and has been raced so alot of the details have been addressed.

Very little will have to be done to get it ready for a big track. Baby steps, not too much info all at once and give the kid a chance to make mistakes without chastizing him. The group heading out to this test is very experienced for the most part and will be good educators for a new guy.

I remember my first RR ride, I was 14, Dad didn't give me 1/2 the info were giving Tony. I guess he assumed since I had been around it that I knew what I was doing. I was scared stiff, one of his buddies "buzzed the tower" and ran me off the track then laughed with my Dad about it.

That won't happen to Tony, not if I have anything to say about it. Some things you just can't teach, you explain it but until you get passed right at an apex when you don't think there is room to be passed it all starts to come to you. Things happen in a hurry, they happen over and over, and after much repetition you start to become less shaken by them. If your having fun it starts to become second nature, you expect that fast guy to bomb you at the apex and your ready for it even if it doesn't happen.

He'll get good amounts of encouragement and advise and with any luck he will be hooked! Having just gone through this last Spring with the new owner of my CIK/SK (complete greenhorn) Tony is already ahead of that curve by being mechanicaly inclined. I was very impressed with Jamal last Spring, he was surgical in following instructions took notes and would not stop asking questions!!!! Laughing

This is the best situation for a guy in his position. With a limited amount of karts he will have plenty of room to learn with no pressure.

I look forward to meeting and helping the other guys guide Tony through a safe and enjoyable day. He'll leave with a bunch of new friends and an education.

RPM