Beginner's Guide General Info

The Beginners Guide To Karting In Arizona

If you’re thinking about getting into the sport of karting, welcome!

With a little preparation, it can be an enjoyable and thrilling experience.

We hope this guide will help get you started.

There are some things you should know prior to diving in so that you can make choices that will allow you to enjoy karting and remain in the sport for years to come.

When starting in karting, one of the most important things to decide on is, do you seek the competition of side by side racing, or the speed and excitement of solo practicing. Don’t worry; you can always change your mind later.

There are a few practical things to take in to account before moving forward.

Where is the local kart track or tracks?
What are the local clubs / organizations near you?
What type of racing do they offer?
When do they run racing events and practice days?
What are the regulations that they follow on practice and race days?
What are the costs for Membership, Practice Sessions, and Race Entries?
What is your estimated yearly budget?
How will you transport it to the track and back home?
What days will you be able to go to the track?
What are your storage options?

Once you have figured out these items you’re ready for part two.

Go to the local racetrack or tracks on a RACE DAY to see the karts in action, the classes run, and the participation in the classes to see what gets your juices flowing.

Get a pit pass, walk the pits and talk to the drivers, spectators, kart shop representatives, and other participants. They will be glad to talk and welcome you to the sport.
The used market is pretty healthy with modern clean equipment that can be had at great introductory prices but can come with unknown reliability or maintenance issues.
Do not seek or expect to find the best deals on Craigslist. Usually this equipment is out of date and not compliant to the rules run currently in your local market. Unless you know what you’re looking at, Buyer Beware!

Visit the local kart shops (Plural)

Try to arrange a test drive in a kart.

The PKRA.COM Discussion forum can be a great resource for information, scheduling, and even used equipment. There are other forums out there that speak to karting at other levels.

It’s usually best to keep within a 5 year window of production. Older karts can be harder to find replacement parts and support.

It’s much easier to buy a brand of chassis that has local parts availability.

Buy a brand of engine that has local parts availability.

It is not recommended you get a shifter kart as your first kart. While thrilling to drive, the experience can be overwhelming. The performance of a Shifter can place demands on your body and wallet you may not be ready for. It is not uncommon to find Shifter setups for sale after only a few sessions.

Get out and enjoy karting!!!!!