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Provisional 2009 ulster Cup SR's

Provisional 2009 Ulster Cup / NIKA SR's

Interested in starting karting? If you are between 11 and 16 then Junior TKM is a good class to learn the skill. Not only are the engines and chassis cheap to buy second hand but they are simple to run and maintain. If you are over 16 then Senior TKM uses the same engine and chassis as the junior class but with the engine un-restricted. You could use the kart to race both junior and senior on the same day! It's only a two minute job to remove the restrictor.

If you would like to hire a chassis or an engine or need set-up advice, engine or carburetor rebuilds or you just need someone to give a hand on race day then give me a call on 02838882690 or e-mail rutherdale@btinternet.com

General Information

Kart racing is less expensive, but just as skilful and exciting as car racing, and can be pursued from age 8 upwards. It is controlled by the RAC MSA to basically the same rules as car racing, and most of the current top F1 drivers acquired and developed their skills and race craft through karting.

The safety rules are also similar, with drivers wearing approved Helmets, Racesuits, Boots and Gloves. The two most obvious differences are that the drivers are not surrounded by bodywork, and Karts have no suspension units, but rather depend on the frame of the kart to provide some twisting and bending movement to assist the dry slick tyres or wet grooved tyres to grip.

Karts are all rear wheel drive with no differential and one brake disc on the rear axle, and driving them to their limit is a fine judgment of feel to get maximum cornering without spinning or leaving the track.

How do I start Karting?

Go to a race: Find out when a race is on at your local kart circuit (go to ‘2004 diary’) and go to find out how things work. This is useful as you can find out many things such as where to sign on and where scrutineering is conducted and lots of other little but important things

Buy a kart: Firstly and most importantly, find out or decide which class you should race in .The classes are listed below:

The following will give you an indication of the major differences between classes

(Note: Novices in each class have Black number plates and start at the back of each race grid.)

Cadets

Age – 8 to 12. Use a Comer 2 stroke or Honda four stroke. This is the starter class for all junior karting all over Great Britain and Ireland.

Black numbers on Yellow background.

Minimum weight of kart and driver must be 95kg.

Minimax

Age 11-16. 125cc water-cooled 2 stroke engine with push button electric start. This is a restricted version of the junior Max engine and is very popular at present. The engine is sealed and very reliable.

Junior Max

Age 13-16. 125cc water-cooled 2 stroke engine with electric start. Most popular junior class.

White numbers on Red.

Minimum weight – 140kg.

Junior TKM

Age – 11 to 16. 100cc TKM air-cooled engine with a 19mm air restrictor fitted to the intake so the power is controlled and the racing is therefore close.

White numbers on Blue.

Minimum weight – 125kg.

Intermediate TKM

Age – 11 to 16. Same engine as above, but with a larger 20.5mm air restrictor to give heavier young people similar performance as Junior TKM.

Black numbers on White.

Minimum weight – 135kg.

Senior TKM

Age – 16 upward. 115cc engines, with NO restrictor. Cheap class to start in and learn the driving skills required in karting.

White numbers on Red.

Minimum weight – 145kg.

Rotax Max

Age – 16 upward. Similar to Rotax Junior, but fitted with a Power Valve and more highly tuned to give around 26hp. This is the fastest non-gearbox class.

White numbers on Blue.

Minimum weight – 160kg.

Honda Senior (Pro-Karts)

Age – 16 upward. Use two four-stroke Honda engines of 5.5hp each. They provide the cheapest form of competitive and close racing.

Red numbers on White.

Minimum weight – 172kg.

It is normally best to start out on a second hand kart as they are cheaper and the previous owners may be able to give you some helpful tips. Also, make absolutely sure the kart is legal. You wouldn’t want to turn up and be sent straight home at your first race meeting after failing to pass scrutineering. It will be very useful to have a set of slick tyres and also a set of wets. (Tyres on wheels will set you back about £160-£180 for one set) However, you can easily buy a set of part worn tyres for about half the price.

Get the right equipment: Make sure you have a set of boots, gloves, a suit and most importantly a helmet. Helmets must be ‘Type A’ and approved by the MSA for Kart racing.

· Get a competition license: Write to the RAC MSA (RAC Motor Sports Association, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, Slough, SL3 0HG) to obtain a ‘staring karting’ pack, which contains a license application form, plus a video and other information. You must successfully complete your ‘ARKS’ test which is a driving test and simple theory test based on flag signals and other general driving safety questions. The information needed to pass this test will be found in the competitor’s yearbook which comes in the pack. (Details of ARKS test examiners can be obtained from the club).

Make sure you can transport your kart: You will need a Van or a Trailer to transport your Kart. It is probably best to start with a trailer, as they are cheaper.

Get the correct tools: Your basic tool kit will probably not be enough to get you through a race meeting. You may be able to borrow some more sophisticated tools from other racers, but soon you will need to expand you tool kit. You can buy many tools from dealers at the races, although you may find it cheaper and easier to get them through a mail order catalogue.

Get a race number and driver’s book: You will need to obtain a race number by contacting the club. Also, get a ‘drivers book’ which is published by the Northern Ireland Karting Association (NIKA). This will include information on the forthcoming season and will also include race entry forms. You can also print out entry forms from this site. Go into ‘Entry Form’ and follow the given instructions.

You are now ready to begin racing

It is always best to go to a practice meeting before competing on each different track. Find out when there are practice sessions in the page on this web site. (They are normally ran on the Friday evening before a race meeting.) Practice is usually split into classes, unless there are a low number in a certain class, and in this case classes may be amalgamated. During each practice evening there are normally 5+ ten minute practice sessions ran for each class.

Race day: These may seem a little scary if it is your first time. Always make people aware that it is your first race meeting and ask around for help. First sign on at the club house and fill in the scrutineering card which will be given to you. Ask people for help on how to fill these in. You will be given a transponder which you should attach to your kart. There will be a minimum of three laps practice session which will lead into the racing. Racing consists of at least two heats, possibly pre-final and always a final. Trophies will be given out after the final to a ratio of 1 trophy : 4 drivers to a maximum of six trophies per class.

Do not forget to get your licence signed by the MSA steward at the end of the days racing.

Above all have fun and enjoy yourself!

IF YOU WANT FURTHER INFORMATION ON KARTING, COME TO ANY RACE MEETING AND SPEAK TO AN OFFICIAL OR E-MAIL THE ADDRESS BELOW.

Send mail to info.ukc@btinternet.com with questions or comments about this web site.