[Craig Butt]

Paul,
It looks like FJC is the class of choice (5-7 year olds)- that makes it pretty simple:
1) Be sure your region is approved to run FJC (just because they have FJA & FJB does not mean they are approved for FJC – probably are, but check)
2) Your engine choice is a Comer 50/51 – basically a big weed eater motor, no mods, simple clutch with no adjustments. Keep fresh fuel in it mixed with good 2 cycle oil and maybe once a year take off the muffler and clean out any buildup.
3) Maintenance – karts are basically trying to “disassemble themselves” whenever they are running – check all the nuts and bolts regularly
4) Read the FJ rules. Be sure you have the legal tires (Cadet or MG Red). Be sure you have the safety cable on the brake linkage. Safety wire/safety clip critical hardware.

Based on the way the rules are written today – look for a Briggs World Formula when the kid(s) are ready to move up to FJB. You’ll want a new “full size” chassis then anyway. Talk to karters in the Solo community, these karts get handed down as kids grow out of them. We have a FJC kart in the region that’s on its 3rd or 4th local owner and it has had at least 6 kids grow through it into other classes. Good luck.

[Mathieu Bruneaux]

Paul. AS #35.

 

I know it’s an old thread but how did you make out?  I am getting my boys into Solo in a kart after years of indoor karting.  I can’t find very much information anywhere about the redundant brake set up.

” <span style=”font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;”>A “brake safety cable” or redundant brake pedal connection is required in all karts.<br style=”font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;” /></span>

[Scott Boito]

I’ll second what Craig said.  Comer 50 or 51 on a baby kart or a cadet-sized kart, depending on the size of your kid(s).  The Comer is indestructible and the worst thing you’ll really ever need to worry about is a grain of sand in the carb jet.  Well changing the clutch is worse, but you can get help for that.  The kart chassis rattles itself to pieces, so safety wire and nylock nuts are definitely your friend.  The axle gear is a spec size (89), so they can’t go much more than about 25 mph.

[Craig Butt]

Paul,
As my friends in Texas say “the truth as it was told to me” is yes. As a kart steward when the MG’s became the “spec” tire, I inquired about grandfathering the Bridgestones for a year and was told no. I have heard of some regions not enforcing this – you might ask your local kart steward, but I was told it could affect insurance for the event….

Two suggestions. If you have to buy new, just buy the cadet tire – taller and thinner, but they will last forever – out local kid kart has been running on a set for many years. Option 2 – MG’s are the tire of choice for our local kart track – good used takeoffs are usually available for a song. In FJC it’s more about learning to drive, the tires aren’t a huge issue starting out.

[Alan Sheidler]

Mathieu,

Look for internet images of the linkage between the brake pedal and the hydraulic master cylinder on karts.  Basically, the standard is a rod with clip-pin joints or clevis types on the ends.  The backup is a cable which would act to provide the linkage if the rod fails.  It is commonly located parallel to the rod, either above or below it, and attached to the pedal and MC lever independently from the rod.

Parts like this:  https://cometkartsales.com/Metric-Brake-Rod-and-Clevis/

[Paul SCCA AS #35]

quick question on tires. the rulebook states

For Junior C class: … Tire brand and compound is restricted to the MG Brand -HZ model or MG “Red”. Also, “Cadet” designated tires from any manufacturer are allowed.

My kid kart came with Bridgestone kart tires that were WKA compatible last year.  Does that mean they are allowed?  The tires don’t specifically say “Cadet” anywhere.  Or do I have to go buy MG tires?

Thanks!

[Author]

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