Noob Question

Michael Hervey · Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

I would like to get into sprint kart asphalt racing (I've only driven rental karts so far, but enough to know that I like it) and there is a great kart track an hour away, Carolina Motorsports Park and a new track next year in Mooresville NC. I've been reading and learning as much as possible and understand that it is important to select a class that is well represented and supported at my local tracks.

I'd like to race a TAG kart, but finances won't allow that for a year or so and I don't want to wait.

There seems to be a good contingency of clone karts at the CMP races and that seems like a great starter class. Hopefully the new Mooresville Motorplex will have a race series that has a clone class.

A specific question: Can a Birel AR30 roller chassis that was previously set up for a KT100 be used with a clone motor? What all would be involved to swap it over?

Most of the clone karts I've seen have a driving position that is lying down while I want to have a kart that I sit upright in like a TAG chassis. Can you have a sit-up kart in a clone class? Something like the AR30 chassis would let me move up to a Yamaha class with the same chasis.

What am I overlooking?

Thanks for the patience and any help or suggestions.

John Matthews · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:23 am Post subject:

Hi Michael,

Running a lower powered kart will make you a better driver in the long run, getting into something you can afford will also be better than going broke and selling out before you get competitive.

Yes the Birel can do what you want, the lay down position is mainly a function of the seat you use. Sit-up may be faster depending on driver, track and kart.

Depending on the cross bar location you may have to do some modification but that's not such a big deal.

Is this a kart you have already or one you're looking at buying?

Thanks,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Michael Hervey · Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

Hi John-

Thanks for responding. I've read a lot of your previous posts here while I have been trying to learn about karting.

This a a kart I am looking at, actually for sale on this forum. It is being sold as a roller. I like the Birel becasue of reputation and the fact that my local track/shop is a Birel dealer, so help with set up, etc would be available.

If I bought the kart as a roller, what is a realistic, ball-park figure to buy a clone motor and the necessary hardware to get it running? I have purchased a helmet, neck brace, etc and am ready to get started!

My original plan for the next 18 months or so was to rent a clone kart for a few races to get started, but I think I could buy my own clone kart and get it running for what I would spend on renting a clone kart.

Mike

mike clements · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject:

Michael,
You are going to have a great experience. Running a BSP clone will make you a very smooth driver as you will learn to use momentum as your friend. Once you are proficient at momentum racing you can move on to more hp and outrun most of the guys who started out with higher hp karts. Very wise move.
Enjoy your racing,
Mike Very Happy

_________________
Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

Ryan Knowlton · Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 4:43 pm Post subject:

The sprocket situation is one to be aware of.
On many karts, there isn't enough room to move the drive sprocket inboard because the rear crossmember gets in the way.
It can be cut and relocated, but then the chassis should be re-normalized(chromoly) which requires stripping everything from it and heat treating it from what I've been told. Then new paint and everything back together.
There is a reason many of these kart rollers are sold so cheap while you won't find many 4S chassis's for sale...
My Italkart frame allowed the sprocket to fit, but I can't go as big on the rear sprocket as I would like to. Anymore than a 58T and the chain rubs on the x-member. Our track is big so for me it's not a problem, but a small track where you want to run rear sprockets in the 70's tooth sizes it could be a big problem.
_________________
03 Italkart Supersonic V
420cc Predator Clone

Jeff Sligh · Joined: 21 Oct 2010 Posts: 57

Where are you located Michael? I'm in Charlotte and would be willing to help.
Jeff

Michael Hervey · Joined: 28 Nov 2011 Posts: 3

Ryan-thanks for telling me about that..I am going to go by the kart shop at CMP and talk to them before I spend any money. Maybe the AR30 with the KT100 already installed would be less hassle to set up and would still be an OK learning experience...Or maybe I can talk to some guys that race clones there.

Jeff- I am actually in Locust, a little east of Charlotte. Do you race at CMP by any chance? I'd be glad to help you out on a few race days for the opportunity to watch and ask a lot of questions. I did this before I started road racing in the SCCA a long time ago and it was a lot of fun. I got a gift certificate for a few sessions in the rental karts for Christmas as well as a gift of an hour of driver coaching in a kart at CMP, so I am looking forward to going down there in the next month or so. As soon as they post the kart race schedule for 2012 I can make some plans.

John Matthews · Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 7:50 am Post subject:

Most of the Italian karts are made from mild steel, not 4130 chromoly so not such a big deal relocating crossmembers. I did it with an easykart frame without any negative results. Burris also makes a jackshaft motor mount that allows 4/ use with just about any frame.

In my experience though most kart chassis can be setup for clones because on sprint tracks the rear sprocket required is just about the smallest available. Seat struts interfering with the clutch is usually more of a problem but they can be cut off and a bolt on unit used.

However, if you're not terribly mechanical buying a kart already set-up for the class you intend to run is a much easier route to go. There are quite a few other things that will need to change in the set-up and getting a kart that is known competitive at your track in the class you want to run will save lots of headaches in the long run.

Michael, your idea of crewing for someone is a great one Very Happy

I crewed for a couple racing GT3 in San Francisco Region SCCA for a few years before buying my car and getting licensed.
I wish more folks would do this before they take the plunge into racing. There's a lot to know and getting familiar with the club and the way race days flow will help anyone get going faster. Also consider volunteering to flag a few races since that really gets you inside the club and out on the track where you can see what the fast guys are doing.

Finally, I heard from someone that this track is allowing LO206 to run along side clones next season. If this is true it'll be a great situation for new racers and veteran sportsmen alike. The lap times will be close enough to avoid on-track problems and it'll allow folks who either don't want to assemble their own engines, or would rather buy American to compete.

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.