Any FFA Karters out there ? (1 Viewer)

[SwampDawg]

Not talking the kiddie/boardwalk type karts but regular racing karts either at a local club/track level or touring series level. Have gotten my son involved this past year and he is loving it, great way for us to spend a Sunday afternoon together as well as some time in the garage during the week.

 

[squidrope]

I used to race enduro karts 30 years ago. My father and I did this for about 5 years, and I still remember the good times that we had. It's a great way to learn to drive and get some wrenching skills. It can get expensive, which is the main reason why I stopped racing karts(got married and bought a house). There were also a few serious accidents I saw or heard about (paralyzed, broken back, multiple broken bones, etc.). Karts don't offer much protection when you hit Armco or a cement wall. From what I've seen the safety aspect has gotten much better than when I raced (more run-off, neck braces, etc).

There is a TV show called Kart Life http://www.trutv.com/shows/kart-life/index.htmlSome of these people have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on their set ups. Crazy!

A couple years ago I got involved with "crap-can" racing. 24hoursoflemons.com and the skills that I learned 30 years ago in karts has helped me a lot racing these cars.

Glad you and your son are doing this. It's a great bonding experience, and you'll both have some great memories.

 

[Battles]

The price tag scared me off before I could even get my son started. I did watch the train wreck Kart Life that squid mentioned. I thought the select soccer parents were bad till I watched that.

 

[SwampDawg]

Yea it is a little pricey compared to baseball and soccer but I have friends involved in youth hockey and I swear with all the travel they spend as much. Kart Life from what I have seen is pretty much like the rest of reality TV, they look for the extreme parents and then show only the craziest 5% from them. We're running at a local clubs sprint track (1/5 mile road course) and everyone couldn't be nicer, everyone is willing to lend a hand and answer questions. He usually has 3 to 5 karts in his class (Jr Sportsman 1) each week which is perfect for his first year. He picked up his first win a few weeks ago which made his week.

What I have found amazing is what a change just a tiny adjustment can make. I helped on friends bomber and street stock cars and while you tried to baseline things you just sort of ball parked it. On the kart a 1/16 of a turn on the carb or clutch can be the difference between 10,500 rpm a half second a lap slower and 12,000 rpm and being right up front.

Safety has certainly improved since Squid's day but there is still a danger and even as an 11 year old he is well aware of that. I think it's a great character builder because he knows what he does out there can not only affect him but the other kids seriously. He's spun into the grass a couple times but that is it so far.

 

[squidrope]

99% of the people at the track are very willing to help. Tiny adjustments do make a huge difference. As you become more competitive, things will become more expensive if you want to run up front. The engine builders dyno 100+ engines. The engines that dyno best, go to their best customers. There's always a "new" "hot" clutch, tire, pipe, etc. Unless you have real deep pockets, be happy running mid pack at the higher levels.

It's a heck of a lot of fun for both of you. Congrats to you and your son on the first win!