Beginners Guide to Go Kart Racing

If you’ve never been to a kart race, chances are it’s not at all what you think it is. Words can simply not describe the sounds, the speeds, the action. Seeing is believing!

Toronto kart Club has a long history of providing entry level motorsports in the form of go kart racing. Many famous drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton all got their start racing go karts early in their careers. Toronto Kart Club is run completely by volunteers with a passion for grass roots motorsports. Our senior members are eager to teach new members and offer help to get them quickly on their way. Our goal is to make each and every event safe, fun and fair for everyone!

FOLLOW OUR 3 PART PROCESS TO GET STARTED NOW:

STEP 1 - Join Toronto Kart Club

One of the first things to do if your serious about racing is to join the club where you intend to race. The reason this is so important is that your club will have a number of classes that are normally divided by driver age and engine type (and to some degree driver and kart weight). Not all clubs may have the same rules although many are the same or similar. This is important when selecting the right kart based on the class you intend to race in. Your kart club is also your first source of information. Some of the benefits of joining The Toronto kart Club are:

1. Obtaining an interclub racing license.
2. Access to technical information such as chassis set up, engine tuning, go kart alignment, tire management.
3. Support and comradery among other members when participating in events.
4. Participation in a season long championship battle.

Our "Race at TKC" page has all the information you need to obtain your Toronto Kart Club membership and qualify for your Kart racing License.

STEP 2 - Getting a Go Kart

This is the part everyone wants to get to. There is nothing more compelling than wanting to get your own kart, the sooner the better right? When selecting a kart a number of factors have to be considered such as:

1. Driver size and weight
2. Engine class
3. Driver's experience & skill level

The Toronto Kart Club is a not for profit organization and as such does not sell go karts and go kart parts however we do offer advise and guidance to new members looking for go kart equipment. Typically new members purchase used go karts when they are getting started. Used go karts offer a reasonable cost investment to determine if karting is really something for them with out too much risk. Many of our members who move on to other types of racing often sell their go karts. We are generally aware of which member has what for sale and what may be most appropriate for the buyer. Under these circumstances we can introduce you to someone who has the right kart for you but its up to you and the seller to make the transaction. To give you some idea what to look for check out this link for "buying a kart".

STEP 3 - Preparing The Driver

The third part of the process is preparing the driver for racing. Each driver requires appropriate safety equipment consisting of:

Approved safety helmet
Abrasion resistant racing suit
Neck brace
Rib vest
Racing gloves
Racing or sturdy running shoes

In addition to the required safety gear each rookie driver is required to participate in a training and orientation session prior to racing. Rookie drivers must have an "X" marked on the rear number plate and must start at the rear of the field for their first three races. Find out more about getting the driver ready by clicking on our "Karting Driver Requirements page"