Getting Started
Karting is the most dynamic form of motor sport in the world. Simple in concept and easily accessible to the average Australian, it has grown since 1958 to become a professional, well-organised sport in every state and territory of Australia. The instinctive thrill of driving a racing machine capable of incredible performance at relatively little cost, remains one of the main attractions of kart racing today.
Karting has developed into a diverse sport today with 100 circuits nationwide that run every kind of karting event from a club day through to international championship races. There are events held somewhere on every weekend of the year, giving endless opportunities for you to race or just practice as often or as little as you wish. Karting is an incredibly diverse pastime attracting weekend hobby racers through to professional drivers.
The kart itself has developed immensely and remains the centrepiece of the sport. Basic, although impressive in appearance, a modern racing kart is a highly developed, sophisticated racing machine. Every component on the kart has been specifically designed, tested and manufactured to be a vital part in the performance and reliability of a kart at full racing speed. The main part of the kart is the chassis or ‘frame’ which is designed to flex at specific points. This allows the kart to corner at the best possible speed under the given track conditions. The kart also has a number of adjustable components, which alter the karts handling.
The engines used are purpose built for kart racing. The entry level, beginner classes use identical engines of equal performance and are quite reliable. The more advanced classes use faster engines that offer increased performance. The tyres used are also purpose made for racing.
Popular Kart Classes (in Australia)
The following are the most popular engine/chassis combinations for each of the classes.
Cadet 9 (6 – 9 years)
The purpose of this class is to teach young people to drive karts of restricted performance at a limited cost. Competitors use a Vortex 60cc Mini Rok fitted with a restrictor plate or Comer SW80 engine with a clutch. Drivers aged between 6 and 7 are only able to practice and must be 7 years of age before starting racing.
Approx. Power – 6hp
Cadet 12 (10 – 12 years)
Using the same principal of the Midgets class the Rookies use a Vortex 60cc Mini Rok or Yamaha KT100J engine fitted with a restrictor plate.
Approx. Power – 8hp
KA4 Junior (12 – 16 years)
With two weight divisions this class allows close competitive racing in karts with reliable engines (IAME KA100 Reedjet (fitted with a restrictor) or Yamaha KT100J) still fast enough to teach the basics of racecraft at a low cost.
Approx. Power – 11hp
KA4 Senior (15+ years)
The engine used is the reliable IAME KA100 Reedjet (fitted with a restrictor) Yamaha KT100J which is the same as used in the Junior National class.
Approx. Power – 11hp
KA3 Senior (15+ years)
Utilising the IAME KA100 reedjet or Yamaha KT100S, this class offers relatively low cost, yet fast and competitive racing. The Clubman class, as with all ‘controlled’ classes, uses a single brand and compound tyre, with wet weather tyres also an option for inclement conditions.
Approx. Power – 16hp
TaG 125 Restricted (Touch And Go – Formula Rotax, IAME X30, PRD Galaxy etc) (15+ years)
The TAG Restricted class caters for entry level competitors using push button or key start engines such as the Rotax MAX, X30 and PRD Galaxy engines fitted with a restricter plate. The engines used in these classes are watercooled and are fitted with a clutch and provide an easy step from beginner into the more powerful 125cc Open categories.
TaG 125 (Touch And Go – Formula Rotax, IAME X30, PRD Galaxy etc) (15+ years)
The TAG 125 is for competitors that have completed the minimum number of races in the TaG 125 Restricted class.
Each class is required to use an approved control tyre. Please check with your club or local kart supplier for the appropriate class tyre.