Discussion
Just looking for abit of an insight please if anyone can help.
I’m looking at getting my son into karting, he’s 8 years old and been on some of the arrive and drive karts in the past. I’m considering taking the next step and getting him his own cadet kart.
I know the costs involved in buying the karts and necessary kit but can anyone give me some info on the general running costs and there experiences?
Is it possible for him to compete at a midfield amateur level on a normal budget or is it a waste of time unless your throwing loads of money at it?
What sort of costs are involved? Engine rebuilds? Other general maintenance schedules/costs? Do you need to change gears ratios and tyres etc every race to even stand a chance
I’m looking at getting my son into karting, he’s 8 years old and been on some of the arrive and drive karts in the past. I’m considering taking the next step and getting him his own cadet kart.
I know the costs involved in buying the karts and necessary kit but can anyone give me some info on the general running costs and there experiences?
Is it possible for him to compete at a midfield amateur level on a normal budget or is it a waste of time unless your throwing loads of money at it?
What sort of costs are involved? Engine rebuilds? Other general maintenance schedules/costs? Do you need to change gears ratios and tyres etc every race to even stand a chance
Thanks for the replies. I’m off down to Norwich to pick up a secondhand Honda cadet kart in the morning, cost just over £1k with a few spares.
Iv been to my local track at tockwith and had a chat with some of the other dads. Most of the serious people seem to be running iame cadets, apparently at some places they run the Honda cadets in the same races as the Iames but they aren’t as quick. A nice bloke I was speaking to said his lad has 6 Iame engines for the season!
I’m going to let my lad have a run about on it on Sunday and see how he gets on, I’m hoping he will like it. Then spend abit of time stripping the kart down and rebuilding it with him as he always takes an interest in how things work and as we have a newborn it’ll be nice to spend some quality time just me and him.
It’s all just going to be about quality time to start with and I’m keeping my fingers crossed he’ll take to it!
I understand the benefit of different gearing for the different tracks but the karts coming with 3 different diameter rear axles, what is to gain from using different sizes?
Iv been to my local track at tockwith and had a chat with some of the other dads. Most of the serious people seem to be running iame cadets, apparently at some places they run the Honda cadets in the same races as the Iames but they aren’t as quick. A nice bloke I was speaking to said his lad has 6 Iame engines for the season!
I’m going to let my lad have a run about on it on Sunday and see how he gets on, I’m hoping he will like it. Then spend abit of time stripping the kart down and rebuilding it with him as he always takes an interest in how things work and as we have a newborn it’ll be nice to spend some quality time just me and him.
It’s all just going to be about quality time to start with and I’m keeping my fingers crossed he’ll take to it!
I understand the benefit of different gearing for the different tracks but the karts coming with 3 different diameter rear axles, what is to gain from using different sizes?
Edited by PPEhero on Friday 2nd October 20:15
Didn’t get out at the weekend due to the unfortunate weather.
Took the kids upto tockwith and had a chat with Nigel Moore and his wife. Nigel said he would have a look over the Kart so I took it up yesterday for him to put his eye over.
He said it needed a new clutch and a spacer on the carb. Knowing that the boy was wanting to use it at the weekend he talked me through fitting it but then took it upon himself to do it there and then for me incase I ran into any problems. He was leaving for Italy today for racing (think he runs an LMP car) and was clearly extremely busy trying to sort it out. So massive thanks to him and his wife and tockwith motorsport, we’ve only been up a couple of times but talked to some friendly people that are always willing to help and advise. Top marks Tockwith!
Took the kids upto tockwith and had a chat with Nigel Moore and his wife. Nigel said he would have a look over the Kart so I took it up yesterday for him to put his eye over.
He said it needed a new clutch and a spacer on the carb. Knowing that the boy was wanting to use it at the weekend he talked me through fitting it but then took it upon himself to do it there and then for me incase I ran into any problems. He was leaving for Italy today for racing (think he runs an LMP car) and was clearly extremely busy trying to sort it out. So massive thanks to him and his wife and tockwith motorsport, we’ve only been up a couple of times but talked to some friendly people that are always willing to help and advise. Top marks Tockwith!
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