Hi all,

Being totally a newbie in karting.. been searching around the forum for some info...
Juz need some advice before certain decisions are made....
I'll need to set my budget right before i start searching for a used kart..
Could anyone fill me in with the cost
- for one day of practice runs in a kart track..??
- for an engine rebuild
- tyres -- Mojo's would be around 600+ a set
- mechanics?? how does this work?? i need to bring along me own mechanic?? or do they have adhoc basis mechanics around the track??
- the rest of cost that i should know of?? wear and tear etc??

Storage?? Is it safe to store at the kart tracks?? I assume there's a charge for storage??

Next question would be searching for a used kart.. I'm gathering that it's best that i approach kart track owners on karts for sale?? am i right?? would appreciate if there's someone that could point me to the right place for a used kart.. i'm hoping tat i could keep the cost of the kart below RM 10k mark...

Racing -- how much do you normally spend on one single race.. a breakdown would be appreciated.. like tech support, race fees, tyres etc..

Next would be a choice of which kart track to start of my karting hobby.. my aim is actually to pick up the sport and eventually do some casual racing ( I'm juz in for the adrenaline )- Rotax seems like the way to go on this in msia.. Elite? Shah alam? Sepang??
I'm 32 this year.. so tat should qualify me as a veteran eh??

Racewear.. Can i use an auto racing suit for kart racing?? a 2 layer in particular...

Sorry for the lengthy questions.. Juz have to sort all this out before i decide on making the move..

Thanks in advance

I'll try to answer as many questions as possible but the best thing to do is come down to the track one day (we're racing at USJ Elite on 19/20 July) and talk to one of us.

the big ones first:

You can get a second hand Rotax for anything from RM6000. The cheaper end will be 3-4 years old and probably a second or more off the pace of the latest ones. If you pay RM12000 you'll get something which is close to the pace of the latest karts - probably. If you're just starting, it's probably best to buy a reasonably old one, use it for a year and then buy something better - you'll be able to sell the old one for not too much lose.

There's always plently for sale - most of the drivers and teams have got "spare" karts we'd sell.

Tyres and maintenance are the biggest cost. A set of Mojo's is RM600. I use a set for a race weekend and then use that set for practice for the next race. Engine rebuild are RM500 plus - depending on the parts you need but only really need to be done once a year on the Rotax's. The really competive guys do it more often - I do a full rebuild once a year and a quick check and ring replace halfway thru the year.

Unless you're completely tireless, best to bring a mechanic or join one of the teams that will run the kart for you. There's a number that will do that.

On tracks, there's not much choice. All the Rotax challenge races in KL are run at USJ Elite although we all practice at other tracks as well.

As I said, best come down when we're at the track but I'll also send you a PM on how to contact a few people if you're serious.

Good advice from John.


Track fee in the ranges from RM35 to RM70 for a day depending on track.



As John said. If you have a bad blowup you might have to spend RM2000++. Best to get the engine checked once every 20 hours or so of running to make sure you don't have a costly failure.


680


If you're doing it on a budget be your own mechanic or have a friend be your mechanic. It really isn't difficult - you just have to have the energy to do it. In fact doing a lot of the mechanic work yourself even if you aren't on a budget is good because you learn a lot.

You can get yourself a simple set of tools and then all you would need to pay for is storage at a track or transport to the track if you want to go to another track or store it at away from a track (if you have a Naza Ria or another large car you can transport it yourself).

In Europe the norm is to be your own mechanic or for kids it is to have your dad be your mechanic. In Malaysia the norm is to pay someone to do the work.

Expect to pay anywhere from RM200 to RM500 a day for a mechanic including fuel and oil and chain lube.


Chains, RM120. Rear Sprockets RM90. Up to about 10 hours tracktime on a set is safe as long as it's properly aligned and lubed at all times.



There have been a few theft cases. Yes usually there would be a charge, probably around RM100/month.


Track Owners don't necessarily operate a kart shop or sell karts. Post a thread in the classifieds section of these forums with your budget and requirements and have a look at what's available there as well.


You can spend a lot or you can spend a little.

Here's a minimum:
1 set of tyres = 680 (can be slightly used if you use them a few laps of practice the day before for example)
chain/sprocket = RM210ish, can use old one.
entry fee = RM250
be your own mechanic = 0
transport of kart to track if needed = whatever it costs.
Fuel/Oil/Chain Lube = 200 should be enough.


Most racing this year is at Elite, although that might not be next year. Next year should be at Elite, Ulu Yam, hopefully Sepang, maybe Shah Alam as well.

Find out the charges and availability for storage at the different tracks and make your choice.


Get a kart suit.

At 32, you should be racing in the Masters Series. Here, you will be able to race with some very experienced karters & the competition can be very challenging too.
You can, if you want to - race in the Senior Series. This is where the more serious karters race to get a spot & represent Malaysia to the World Rotax.

As for engaging a Team to race or simply DIY, there are pros & cons.

Based on my experience of actively racing for the past 7 years using the DIY way,
First 2 to 3 years - you can't even smell the middle group. ( maybe only me - ha!ha! )
After the learning curve ( mostly is in engine tuning & kart setting ) then, you start to climb up the ladder. A great driver with a poorly set-up kart will not be able to win but an average driver with a fantastically setted-up kart may get to the podium - trust me.
Besides that, it also depends on how much you are willing to spend on good equipment.

As for those who started off with engaging a Team or Professional Mechanics, there are those that can chase the Top guys after a few races. I have seen some significant cases.
In fact, with a good Team like one of the serious + good driver, Masedenal Ali - he was the Senior Champ on his 1st year in 2007! ( you can imagine if Lewis were to drive for Honda now, where would he be. Or how would the table turn if Alonso is driving a Ferrari this year)

So, the DIY way is fun ( if you like to meddle things yourself ) & cheaper but result comes slower. But when you start winning races, the satisfaction will be greater.
It all depends on what you want to achieve & of course, how soon you want to achieve it.

Happy Karting.

.... and now you've got advice from 3 of Malaysia's team to last years Rotax World Finals - and we all race in a different way. Mikko races from a very established team, I race in my own team but with a dedicated and experienced mechanic and James does the DIY bit although with a friend helping

.... and now you've got advice from 3 of Malaysia's team to last years Rotax World Finals - and we all race in a different way. Mikko races from a very established team, I race in my own team but with a dedicated and experienced mechanic and James does the DIY bit although with a friend helping

Thanks for all the advice guys... .
Appreciate it..

Guess i'll start searching for a kart and decide how i'll run it then..

For a start i think i'll definitely need some mechanical assistance juz to learn the ropes.. so guess i'll have to engage a mechanic on track... are they readily available on tracks??

Will be checking out a mykart event tomoro and try to learn a thing or two...

Cheers

Come down to Elite this 18th, 19th or 20th. The RMC rd4 + AMC rd3 will be held. Feel free to walk around & talk to anyone of us. Here you will be able to meet with the occasional racers, mechanics, racing teams, dealers, promoters & of course the race organizer + ROTAX distributor ( Datuk James Leong ).