Karting Classes: A Beginner’s Guide

ByThe Old Racer
Table of contents

If you’re new to the world of go-kart racing, understanding the different karting classes is essential. Like any other motorsport, Kart racing is divided into classes to ensure fair competition and allow drivers of all ages and skill levels to participate. 

Each class is based on the driver’s age and the engine type used in the go-kart. In addition, specific rules regarding tires, gearing, and fuel apply to each class. This comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through various karting classes and the average cost to race for each. 

Karting Classes and Age Groups

karting classes

Kid Karts (Ages 5-7)

Kid Karts is the entry-level class for the youngest racers, typically aged 5 to 7. At this stage, the focus is on learning the basics of driving and having fun on the track. 

The karts used in this class have a smaller chassis, about half the size of adult karts, and are equipped with a 50cc 2-stroke engine. While a brand-new chassis and engine can cost around $3000, opting for a second-hand kart is cost-effective.

Cadet (Ages 8-12)

Cadet class is the next step up and offers a more competitive environment for young racers, usually aged 8 to 12. However, the age range for this class can vary depending on your region. 

The karts used in the Cadet class are nearly three-fourths the size of full-sized karts and are powered by 60cc engines. Maintenance and engine rebuilds for these karts require more attention, and a brand-new kart and engine combination costs around $4000-$4500.

Junior (Ages 13-15)

The Junior class is for early teenage drivers aged 13 to 15. Karting becomes more competitive in this class, and drivers experience a full-sized kart for the first time, which can be challenging. 

The engines used in this class include popular options like the 100cc and, in some regions, the LO206 for cost-effectiveness. The cost of a brand-new chassis and engine combination ranges from $5000 to $8000, depending on the engine choice.

Seniors (Ages 16-30)

The Senior class is typically for racers above 16, though this can vary. Full-sized karts with 125cc engines, including TaG style and Shifter engines, are popular in this class. 

Additionally, the LO206 engine is prevalent in the US. Investing in a new chassis and a 125cc 2-stroke engine can cost between $5000 and $10000. However, buying a used chassis and engine can significantly reduce the budget needed to compete.

Master (Ages 30+)

The Master class is for drivers over 30. It shares similarities with the Senior class, including the engines used and the cost of competitive racing. 

The 125cc engines, TaG and Shifter, are commonly employed in this class. Prices for a brand-new chassis and engine combination align with the Senior class, ranging from $5000 to $10000.

Engine Classes in Kart Racing

50cc Engines

50cc 2-stroke engines are utilized in Kid Karts, producing around 2-3 hp power. These engines are typically pull-start, and adjustments are limited. The top speed of a 1/2-size go-kart with a 50cc engine is usually restricted to 30-35 mph. 

In certain regions, speed restrictions can be removed for more skilled young drivers, with separate classes offering unrestricted engines capable of reaching up to 50 mph. A brand new 50cc 2-stroke engine costs approximately $800.

60cc Engines

The 60cc engines are popular in the Cadet class and offer greater power, producing up to 10 hp. Machines like the IAME Mini-Swift are commonly used in this class, which features Touch and Go (TAG) technology instead of pull-start. 

The top speed of a Cadet format with a 60cc engine is around 50 mph. These engines allow for adjustments, but consulting an expert is crucial to ensure fairness and avoid disqualification. A brand new 60cc engine from a reputable brand costs approximately $1600.

100cc Engines

The 100cc engine class is the most popular choice for beginners transitioning to full-sized karts in the Junior, Senior, and Masterclasses. IAME KA100 and Vortex’s 100cc ROK engines are commonly used options. 

A brand new 100cc 2-stroke karting engine cost around $2500. This engine class balances performance and affordability, making it an attractive choice for adult beginners seeking a 2-stroke engine experience.

125cc TaG Engine

The 125cc TaG engine class is widely popular worldwide, predominantly used in the Senior and Master classes but also gaining popularity in the Junior classes. 

Engines like the IAME X30, Vortex ROK GP, and Rotax’s 125cc TaG engines are favored in this class, producing approximately 30-35 hp power. The top speed of a full-sized kart equipped with one of these engines reaches around 75 mph. A brand new X30 or ROK GP engine costs approximately $3000.

125cc Shifter Engine

The 125cc Shifter class stands out from the TaG class by utilizing manual transmission rather than automatic. A wide variety of engines are available in this class, with popular options being Honda and ROK Shifters in the US. 

Some KZ engines can generate up to 50 hp power. Shifter engines are generally expensive, and frequent engine rebuilds add to the overall cost. These engines are more commonly used in advanced racing, and the cost of participation can vary significantly.

4-Stroke engine

While 2-stroke engines dominate kart racing, 4-stroke engines, especially the LO206, are gaining popularity, particularly in the US. The LO206 engine is known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements. 

Numerous US clubs and championships feature LO206 classes for juniors, seniors, and masters. These engines offer a cost-effective option for entry-level racers, contributing to the growing popularity of 4-stroke engines in karting.

Kart Racing Formats

Kart Racing Formats

Kart racing is an exhilarating motorsport that attracts enthusiasts of all ages. With its fast-paced action and adrenaline-fueled competition, kart racing offers a thrilling experience for participants and spectators. This article will delve into kart racing formats, specifically focusing on three popular formats: sprint, endurance, and speedway.

Sprint Racing: The Classic Karting Experience

Sprint racing is the most well-known and widely participated kart racing format. Tracks can range from a quarter mile to nearly 2 miles, providing ample space for competitors to showcase their skills. 

The main objective in sprint racing is to achieve the fastest lap times and secure favorable track positions. Typically, a qualifying session determines the starting grid for the main event, followed by a series of 15-minute sprints to determine the winner.

Occasionally, races may consist of only one qualifying run and a single sprint race. In contrast, others involve multiple sprint races before averaging the results to determine an overall winner. The specific race series and classes will dictate the organization of events, as each class and subdivision may have its own set of rules and procedures. 

Sprint racing is highly popular in international race series, such as the Karting World Championship, as well as on the West and East Coasts of the United States.

Endurance Racing: The Test of Strategy and Consistency

In this format, races have longer durations, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific race series. Some endurance races even push the limits of karting by lasting up to 24 hours, rivaling the famous Le Man’s endurance race.

Unlike sprint racing, raw speed is not the sole determinant of success in endurance racing. Instead, factors such as race strategy, driver consistency, and kart reliability play crucial roles. 

Endurance races often divide into sprint enduro races (30 minutes) and laydown enduro races (45 minutes), with the latter being held on standard road circuits. This format is one of the more cost-effective ways to participate in karting since the emphasis is on endurance rather than top speed. 

The parts of endurance karts last longer and offer excellent reliability. The definitions and distinctions between Enduro and Endurance karting may vary depending on your location.

Speedway Racing: Unleashing the Thrill of Oval Tracks

Speedway racing, also known as oval karting, takes place on oval tracks, typically shorter than sprint tracks. These oval tracks range from 150 yards to a quarter of a mile. Speedway racing is particularly popular in the South and Mid-West regions of the United States.

These karts allow more precise maneuvering during competitions that predominantly involve left turns. Speedway races can vary in length, ranging from 4 to 20 laps, with longer races often reserved for feature or main events. 

Depending on the governing organization, heat races or timed lap qualifications may be employed to determine starting positions. For example, the International Kart Federation (IKF) uses heat races, while the World Karting Association (WKA) operates timed lap qualification.

In summary, Sprint racing provides the classic karting experience, emphasizing speed and lap times. Endurance racing tests drivers’ strategic understanding and consistency over more extended periods. Speedway racing offers unique thrills and challenges with its oval tracks and specialized karts. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different classes, age groups, and engines is essential for beginners looking to start their karting journey. The cost of participation varies based on the class and engine chosen, ranging from several thousand dollars for a brand-new kart and engine combination to more budget-friendly options through the purchase of used equipment. While kart racing can be an expensive sport, go-karting remains one of the more affordable options in motorsports.

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