[Sam]

[quote quote=16607]Sam- I PMed you here – am local to your area – happy to give you a crash course on karts, getting started in karting, and the local scene. Maybe some seat time in a real kart too Leo. [/quote]

Leo, thanks for reaching out and it was really great talking with you.  Keep me updated on this Saturday as I’d love to meet you and see you in action!

[Sam]

[quote quote=15755]Sam I’m in the Denver area and have had a race at every track this year. I can tell you that the Tag groups are consistently the most attended classes right now. Most every race had 10-15 people racing. Pretty exciting stuff. The shifter classes vary from 5-10 people. Racing at the track at centennial is the most competitive on the front range. Grand Junction probably hosts the most talented (probably start an argument here!) group of folks. IMI is my home track and has the most laid back atmosphere. I run shifter and I love it. Right now I’ve got some transmission trouble that I’m fixing, but when I’m up and running I’d be willing to let you take my kart out. Give me a PM. Ray [/quote]

That’s very generous of you, Ray! PM sent.

[Sam]

Seems like TAG is the way to go then.  I’d love to do shifters, but I certainly don’t have the experience that you guys do to argue that point.

So, if it’s TAG, which package should I be looking at?  I want what everyone else does – fast and reliable.  Thoughts?

Thanks again, everyone.

[Sam]

Thanks, Juan!  And thanks for the response.

I’d love to swing by a track day, but the season is over from what I can tell.  I’d also like to connect with some people before I head out there because I don’t want to be that creepy guy that just wanders up and starts asking all kinds of questions, especially when they’re trying to focus on what they need to do that day.

I’ve read several times that the shifter kart is a steep learning curve.  I’m curious – what makes that such a steep curve?  Focusing on shifting while focusing on line choice?  Chassis set up?  I’d really like an opportunity to drive a TAG kart and a shifter kart before making the plunge, but I’m not sure how I could make that happen.

Are there any other major expenses besides initial purchase, gear, and helmet?  I’m expecting to do the top end once a season and bottom end once every other season as well as the typical chain/sprocket swaps.  What other maintenance is common?

Thanks again for the input.

[Sam]

[quote quote=15756]Sam I all you’ve done is rentals a TAG kart will knock your socks off It’s a good ride. You can start in shifter. I did but it will take much more seat time to be competitve and safe in a racing format. It’s OK for me because I have a local track to practice that’s available 5 days a week plus I’m in FL so the season never ends. Definetly try to rent or borrow a TAG Kart. After that the decision will probably be easy. If you ever get down this way I can set you up. Brian [/quote]

So the tag karts are considerably quicker than the rentals are, huh? Well that’s good to know. Are rotax karts two speed? I feel like I’ve read that somewhere.

Fortunately I’m pretty close to a few tracks myself – The Track at Centennial being the closest. I know it’s $45/ day, but I’m not sure if you can just buy a season pass or not.

I truly appreciate your offer, too!

[Sam]

[quote quote=15526]

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Sam wrote:</div>
I’ve read several times that the shifter kart is a steep learning curve. I’m curious – what makes that such a steep curve? Focusing on shifting while focusing on line choice? Chassis set up?

Everything happens faster and there’s more “everything” to do. My Skip Barber instructor said the next step up from a shifter is a full Indy Car. If you think auto crossing a WRX has made you ready for the next step below an Indy car, then by all means get a shifter. ;) If, on the other hand, you suspect that you possess a somewhat lower level of skill, start in a TaG or even a 4-stroke. [/quote]

I’m not sure if it’s the WRX that has me ready so much as the motocross. I’m used to banging through gears while setting up for the next section. Having 50+ horse power between your legs and doing 50+ mph through a jump section (while shifting), things tend to happen pretty fast.

[Author]

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