Fastest go karts in the UK?
Discussion
jenzo said:
Fantastic feedback. Thank you : ) This is why I love PistonHeads!
If you've ever been on the toughest roller coaster in the world,,,wherever that is,,,, it'll seem child's play compared to a real cart. ClassiChimi said:
Well yes 
I was understating it somewhat as I don't know if the OP has driven these things before,
Head ripped off, hips battered and bruised, arms fading as your trying to turn the blighter's,
The nearest thing I can think of is an F1 car as in the 80's and 90's, Brutal but fantastic.
I read an interesting article once about an experienced race car test driver who'd driven some mighty beasts but never grew up in carts,,,
He had a test in a 250cc cart and it blew his mind,,, until you've done it it's hard to explain or even imagine, inner organs shifting about your body, if your not training for this stuff it will leave you totally spent within a few laps!
It takes such physical effort if your not fit you'll notice your brain lacking oxygen and a sense of slowly loosing conscienceness as your driving,, I'd raced some Iron man races and was very fit so I coped ok but after a day's testing, every muscle aching etc,
It's worth it for the knowledge of pain and big G's that real racers experience, crash gearbox allowing you to barely lift the throttle between gear changes and that smack in your back as you do it,, pure adrenalin fuelled stuff, these guys wear leathers,,,, ?
The final thing I'd like to point out is the brakes, gearbox carts employ front discs as well as the single rear disc,,
My little 125 does 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds,,,, but it stops from 60 mph in 1.5 seconds,,, you can't change gear fast enough,, phenomenal feeling and braking from 6 th gear down to 2nd for a hairpin at such high speed and stopping so fast is inspiring,, it takes some bottle to trust it but they will respond to good driving and you'll feel epic.
I was understating it somewhat as I don't know if the OP has driven these things before, Head ripped off, hips battered and bruised, arms fading as your trying to turn the blighter's,
The nearest thing I can think of is an F1 car as in the 80's and 90's, Brutal but fantastic.
I read an interesting article once about an experienced race car test driver who'd driven some mighty beasts but never grew up in carts,,,
He had a test in a 250cc cart and it blew his mind,,, until you've done it it's hard to explain or even imagine, inner organs shifting about your body, if your not training for this stuff it will leave you totally spent within a few laps!
It takes such physical effort if your not fit you'll notice your brain lacking oxygen and a sense of slowly loosing conscienceness as your driving,, I'd raced some Iron man races and was very fit so I coped ok but after a day's testing, every muscle aching etc,
It's worth it for the knowledge of pain and big G's that real racers experience, crash gearbox allowing you to barely lift the throttle between gear changes and that smack in your back as you do it,, pure adrenalin fuelled stuff, these guys wear leathers,,,, ?
The final thing I'd like to point out is the brakes, gearbox carts employ front discs as well as the single rear disc,,
My little 125 does 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds,,,, but it stops from 60 mph in 1.5 seconds,,, you can't change gear fast enough,, phenomenal feeling and braking from 6 th gear down to 2nd for a hairpin at such high speed and stopping so fast is inspiring,, it takes some bottle to trust it but they will respond to good driving and you'll feel epic.
As others have said, they are as serious a driving task as your likely to ever face,, if you feel old now just wait until your trying to walk afterwards
Enjoy
http://www.donington-park.co.uk/news/superkart-fla...
"this is the most frightening thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
"this is the most frightening thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Edited by alfie2244 on Thursday 4th August 01:03
alfie2244 said:
http://www.donington-park.co.uk/news/superkart-fla...
"this is the most frightening? thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Hi Alfie, Martin was a rock in those carts, formidable man, "this is the most frightening? thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Edited by alfie2244 on Thursday 4th August 01:03
I'm sure you enjoyed the day Alfie regardless of the massive challenge you faced.
My little 125 on the short circuits is a blast, geared down and jetted well, 14,000 revs, huge power curve and once you get flowing, your really circulating at a heck of a rate,
This is making me want to get it out and warmed up!!! Hahahah.
Gearbox carts are the best thing other than f1 so beware, train and build up, you'll soon get used to it and you will become a very advanced driver
Just found this thread and really want to scratch the 250cc SuperKart itch - but wondering how much experience you need to have a go on these? I'm fine with normal 4-stroke karts but still getting used to 2-stroke (125cc) .. need some lessons on braking as I find the rear-brake setup a bit unsettling. I'm always told to brake in a straight line but there's no way you can carry speed through some of the corners unless you do otherwise, or am I doing something wrong?
Edited by fido on Wednesday 17th August 14:25
fido said:
Just found this thread and really want to scratch the 250cc SuperKart itch - but wondering how much experience you need to have a go on these? I'm fine with normal 4-stroke karts but still getting used to 2-stroke (125cc) .. need some lessons on braking as I find the rear-brake setup a bit unsettling. I'm always told to brake in a straight line but there's no way you can carry speed through some of the corners unless you do otherwise, or am I doing something wrong?
I have a friend, posts here from time to time, IIRC he had only done a bit of hire kart driving before buying a 250 gearbox kart and going racing... gearbox karts do have front & rear brakes btw. See my earlier link for Darley Moor......was run by Terry Bateman I seem to remember and a nice man....go for it you will be fine Edited by fido on Wednesday 17th August 14:25
Is your 125 fixed axle? if so try a sideways flick just after braking to scrub off speed thru corners, in effect drift (takes practise and a few spins to get right)......braking going through corners not good a idea.
Probably 25 yrs since I drove 100 national but had some great weekends...pre internet so very few records just this photo and a few trophies but lots of good memories, Buckmore Park & Rye House mainly.(some not so good at the time)
Edited by alfie2244 on Wednesday 17th August 15:00
alfie2244 said:
Is your 125 fixed axle? if so try a sideways flick just after braking to scrub off speed thru corners, in effect drift (takes practise and a few spins to get right)......braking going through corners not good a idea.
Probably 25 yrs since I drove 100 national but had some great weekends...pre internet so very few records just this photo and a few trophies but lots of good memories, Buckmore Park & Rye House mainly.(some not so good at the time)
I can imagine - it is quite fun when you start to get into it. A friend took me to the kart track in Esher and I've had a few goes in their two-stroke karts since - love the sound and smell but not so much the handling and braking dynamics! I think you can get away with some shoddy driving in the 4-stroke karts. There is one corner in particular that I cannot brake confidently for - tried braking mid corner and it is a bit hit and miss [in a spinning off way]. Thanks for the tip - not tried the sideways flick technique.Probably 25 yrs since I drove 100 national but had some great weekends...pre internet so very few records just this photo and a few trophies but lots of good memories, Buckmore Park & Rye House mainly.(some not so good at the time)
fido said:
alfie2244 said:
Is your 125 fixed axle? if so try a sideways flick just after braking to scrub off speed thru corners, in effect drift (takes practise and a few spins to get right)......braking going through corners not good a idea.
Probably 25 yrs since I drove 100 national but had some great weekends...pre internet so very few records just this photo and a few trophies but lots of good memories, Buckmore Park & Rye House mainly.(some not so good at the time)
I can imagine - it is quite fun when you start to get into it. A friend took me to the kart track in Esher and I've had a few goes in their two-stroke karts since - love the sound and smell but not so much the handling and braking dynamics! I think you can get away with some shoddy driving in the 4-stroke karts. There is one corner in particular that I cannot brake confidently for - tried braking mid corner and it is a bit hit and miss [in a spinning off way]. Thanks for the tip - not tried the sideways flick technique.Probably 25 yrs since I drove 100 national but had some great weekends...pre internet so very few records just this photo and a few trophies but lots of good memories, Buckmore Park & Rye House mainly.(some not so good at the time)
daniel-5zjw7 said:
I can't help you diagnose your issues last time I'm afraid, as has been said there are stacks of variables, balance, tyre quality/pressure, tyre temp, track conditions, general kart set up and not least the driver. It takes a lot of seat time to really learn how to set up and get the most from a kart, it's a very different proposition to a car and requires different techniques. However the type of experience your looking to do should be about having fun, so don't worry about all of this, jump in and enjoy it!
As with all things tuition on the bits of track you struggle with is a huge advancer in getting on top of a fast cart, it takes huge commitment and belief, having someone who knows the carts around that track can really help in giving you clear pointers,
More to the point what not to do,, then just build up, I'm a firm believer in laps laps and more laps, fitness in a really quick cart is most likely the biggest issue until you build up some carting stamina that is.
If we're still talking about someone doing this sort of speed for the first time,, your biggest asset will be to get some braking reference points clearly worked out early, before going fast, upto speed these will be bouncing around so you need to know where they are!
The easiest way to do this is use a map of the circuit and decide what gears you will be in for the corners and mark the map accordingly, do some sighting laps and go slow, decide what road furniture or buildings or a cone or whatever it is that your eyes can easily pick for your braking point, right these things on the map, break it all down, then when your getting chucked at the scenery at break neck speed you'll have some idea where your headed
If your going into a gearbox cart you have to be quite aggressive to get the best out of them, getting your track knowledge upto top form before you do so is quite important as these things are rocket ships.
Applying the throttle to early or abruptly can lead to instant power under steer, knowing when to use the throttle is really the key.
Once you've got your head around the basics then listening to another experienced driver and especially when and how he applies the throttle at or before apex points etc can save you some difficult moments, it's simply vital to be pressing the right pedal at the right time, or both!
This is advanced driving at its best in unforgiving machinery which will bite hard but controlled correctly will give you the ride of your life.
This is like testing an F3 car, you don't just get in and floor it.
That's a lie, once you've had a few practices that's exactly what you will be doing,
Nothing will ever be quite the same again,,,, be warned
Enjoy
Oh and I missed the carting!! I'll catch up;)
More to the point what not to do,, then just build up, I'm a firm believer in laps laps and more laps, fitness in a really quick cart is most likely the biggest issue until you build up some carting stamina that is.
If we're still talking about someone doing this sort of speed for the first time,, your biggest asset will be to get some braking reference points clearly worked out early, before going fast, upto speed these will be bouncing around so you need to know where they are!
The easiest way to do this is use a map of the circuit and decide what gears you will be in for the corners and mark the map accordingly, do some sighting laps and go slow, decide what road furniture or buildings or a cone or whatever it is that your eyes can easily pick for your braking point, right these things on the map, break it all down, then when your getting chucked at the scenery at break neck speed you'll have some idea where your headed
If your going into a gearbox cart you have to be quite aggressive to get the best out of them, getting your track knowledge upto top form before you do so is quite important as these things are rocket ships.
Applying the throttle to early or abruptly can lead to instant power under steer, knowing when to use the throttle is really the key.
Once you've got your head around the basics then listening to another experienced driver and especially when and how he applies the throttle at or before apex points etc can save you some difficult moments, it's simply vital to be pressing the right pedal at the right time, or both!
This is advanced driving at its best in unforgiving machinery which will bite hard but controlled correctly will give you the ride of your life.
This is like testing an F3 car, you don't just get in and floor it.
That's a lie, once you've had a few practices that's exactly what you will be doing,
Nothing will ever be quite the same again,,,, be warned
Enjoy
Oh and I missed the carting!! I'll catch up;)
If you've only ever driven circuit hire karts, try http://www.club100.co.uk
The guys who run it are great and the grid is very competitive, you'll be shown just how fast a kart can go.
If budget is tight, look for a test day or their advance leisure races.
Eta: for reference, as someone who has driven 3 years of club100, a season of mx5 racing and have had 350bhp+ cars, I'd be s
tting myself getting into a gearbox kart
The guys who run it are great and the grid is very competitive, you'll be shown just how fast a kart can go.
If budget is tight, look for a test day or their advance leisure races.
Eta: for reference, as someone who has driven 3 years of club100, a season of mx5 racing and have had 350bhp+ cars, I'd be s
tting myself getting into a gearbox kart Edited by bicycleshorts on Thursday 25th August 09:09
bicycleshorts said:
If you've only ever driven circuit hire karts, try http://www.club100.co.uk
The guys who run it are great and the grid is very competitive, you'll be shown just how fast a kart can go.
If budget is tight, look for a test day or their advance leisure races.
Eta: for reference, as someone who has driven 3 years of club100, a season of mx5 racing and have had 350bhp+ cars, I'd be stting myself getting into a gearbox kart
Many thanks for sharing this. A test day with club100, where you can arrive and rive one of the race prepared karts looks like a great option. Will def be giving them a call - also fact that they offer such a service on a Sunday is great.The guys who run it are great and the grid is very competitive, you'll be shown just how fast a kart can go.
If budget is tight, look for a test day or their advance leisure races.
Eta: for reference, as someone who has driven 3 years of club100, a season of mx5 racing and have had 350bhp+ cars, I'd be s
tting myself getting into a gearbox kart Edited by bicycleshorts on Thursday 25th August 09:09
The big boy gearbox karts are really something else, if you can find a drive in one it will be an experience you won't forget.
Quote: "this is the most frightening thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Old vid of some at IOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOYjQpEO0RM
Quote: "this is the most frightening thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Old vid of some at IOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOYjQpEO0RM
SpeedyDave said:
The big boy gearbox karts are really something else, if you can find a drive in one it will be an experience you won't forget.
Quote: "this is the most frightening? thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Old vid of some at IOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOYjQpEO0RM
IOM streetrace was top of my bucket list but never managed to get there............defunct now I believe Quote: "this is the most frightening? thing I've ever had to do"
David Coulthard, Autosport Magazine, 1994 after doing a test drive of Formula/E World Champion Martin Hines' ZipEagle 250cc Twin Superkart while a test driver for McLaren.
Old vid of some at IOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOYjQpEO0RM
Yeah, I only see old video & references to the IOM stuff.
I have a 250 single gathering dust. Didn't get to use it much before leaving it in the garage back in Aus. It's a bit rough & nothing like as fast as a new Div1 / twin but still bloody ferocious.
YZ motor tuned with such a vicious spike of power at the top end. If it was still in the bike it would be a complete bd to ride but in a kart its manageable.
I have a 250 single gathering dust. Didn't get to use it much before leaving it in the garage back in Aus. It's a bit rough & nothing like as fast as a new Div1 / twin but still bloody ferocious.
YZ motor tuned with such a vicious spike of power at the top end. If it was still in the bike it would be a complete b
d to ride but in a kart its manageable.SpeedyDave said:
Yeah, I only see old video & references to the IOM stuff.
I have a 250 single gathering dust. Didn't get to use it much before leaving it in the garage back in Aus. It's a bit rough & nothing like as fast as a new Div1 / twin but still bloody ferocious.
YZ motor tuned with such a vicious spike of power at the top end. If it was still in the bike it would be a complete bd to ride but in a kart its manageable.
My 1st engine was a YZ but majority were Honda CR250's..all tuned to the max, stupid revs, requiring rebuilds almost every race meeting.........being a builder more used to wielding a club hammer I was always going to struggle.........awesome fun though I have a 250 single gathering dust. Didn't get to use it much before leaving it in the garage back in Aus. It's a bit rough & nothing like as fast as a new Div1 / twin but still bloody ferocious.
YZ motor tuned with such a vicious spike of power at the top end. If it was still in the bike it would be a complete b
d to ride but in a kart its manageable.
Hannahbmx5 said:
Hi! I'm searching for a track in the UK that offers something like the rt8 400cc?
Drove these on holiday (mainly sideways) and I'm itching for another go but the fastest I've seen around my area is 200cc!
Where do u get your kicks?
Daytona are using 390cc RT8s. Only been to Milton Keynes personally so can't comment on other venues, but the track at MK is superb, one of the more challenging A&D tracks I've ever been on! I did the 24h there this year and it was awesome!Drove these on holiday (mainly sideways) and I'm itching for another go but the fastest I've seen around my area is 200cc!
Where do u get your kicks?
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