newbie questions

[Jeff Sanders]

I am a long time desert racer, both motorcycles and buggies. I am now highly interested in getting into this kart racing thing. I went to 2 of the indoor raceways in Phx recently, did decent in league competition, so now I have the bug I will be purchasing a turnkey ready to race package in the very near future.

So on to the questions. After some research, attended a local race, visited a couple of shops, talked to others on the phone, I think this TAG class is what I need to start with. Because of my location, (3 hrs from Riverside, 3 hrs from Phx, and 2 hrs from Vegas), I have several places I can race at on any given weekend. The local Phx racers seem to lean towards the Leopard setup, but after reading about all this Rotax series stuff, what would be best for me, that is compatible to race in all areas?

Jeff

[steve dzurilla]

Jeff, You may have a few more racing options with the ROTAX but I think the LEOPARD is a better over all motor which will give you less problems, especially with the carb. from what I've seen and heard at the tracks.Some people may not agree with me but I think they will agree when they start seeing a lot more leopards in the so cal. area.I know there bigger in ARIZONA and take a look at the results from region 11, they had over 30 karts in the class.Get a leopard and come race TRI-C at MORAN.I originally was ganna buy a rotax,but I bought a leopard and glad I did.

[Greg Mason]

If you are running TAG rules, then look at your bodyweight, and what motor package will give you the best advantage. Also know that the "Dust" has not settled yet as far as weights go in the TAG classes, and motors that clearly show an advantage at this time, will likely be penalized with weight in the near future. Also look at things like :Recent mechanical failures of some of the TAG motor packages, and also look at the types of carburetion used, some work a lot better than others.
Rotax in its sealed form definately has a place as well, but liked stated above has tuning limitations, and does not necessarily cross over well into TAG.
For me, I like to be able to work on, and service my own motors, and not have somebody else doing the work, and paying to have it done. But some people would rather not have to do that.
Look at your racing goals, getting into karting. What kind of racing do you really want to do. Do you want to begin in TAG, then move up to some sort of shifter? Do you just want to "Lean it against the wall", and go out and play from time to time? Do you want to commit to a series points championship? Take your time, and talk to a lot of different knowledgable people, and the right answers will sort themselves out.
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[Jeff Sanders]

Thanks for the replies guys. Altho its difficult to accurately predict exactly where I will be with this in a year, I can fairly assuredly say that I will most likely jump in with both feet, in the deep end, LOL. I will probably race at least every other weekend, if not more often, and look for a good series or 2 to hit and gain experience, then do a points run next year. I can also see moving up to a shifter probably around the end of next year or so. Thats why I was thinking of starting with a kart that already has 4 wheel brakes, and just remove the fronts for now. (not sure if that is even legal or not) Then at the end of next year, just throwing in a shifter motor and start that learning curve at that time. Some physical stats on myself, 6', 160lbs, and 43yrs old.

Thanks for the help
Jeff

[Greg Mason]

Sounds to me like a really good plan! Realistic, if nothing else, and heck yes, just unhook the front brake master cylinder from the brakerod, and away you go!
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