For all F1 wannabies (Karting in General)

Member Name: bigdave

Product:	Karting in General
Date:	24/09/01 (141 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: race experiance, high octane thrills

Disadvantages: expensive, specialist circuits

Karting offers the rare chance for the "Ordinary bod" to have a go at a motorsport.

The concept is very simple drivers compete in Karts, small, lightweight vehicle powered by either single or twin engines( sometimes propane powered) and the driver who completes the race first is the winner.

Apart from the karts and the fact that often the race track is indoors, everything else is similar to professional motorsport. All the same rules and penalties apply.

Most karting facilities over the same service which allows for the public to turn up and have a go. These usually consist of getting kitted out in protective gear( overalls, helmet and glove's) next follows the most important part of the event, the safety talk! The marshals will explain in great depth the rules of the track and the event, explaining what the flags mean, and how to react to each one.

Most circuits offer similar types of events, the most common are:
1) A straight session where all drivers race over a set time period

2) A grand prix event, all drivers are split into groups of 5/6 depending on how many people are there. These groups are rotated so that every driver has the oppertunity to start from a different grid position, with each mini race lasting 5/6 laps. Once these are completed the fastest 15 or so go through to semi's and then the final.

3) Endurance event, this is usually a team event over a couple of hours, basically the winners are the team who cover the most distance in that set time period.

The good thing about this sport is the fact that you go at the speed you feel most comfortable at, if you feel you are going to spin the kart then ease off!

Most people's views is that motorsport is dangerous, and indeed it can be but with the correct precautions karting can be as safe as any other hobby/sport. All tracks are well protected with tyre barriers. The track marshals make sure that if the
re are any incidents that the rest of the competitors are aware of this and adjust their spped accordingly. One of the most common injuries from Karting consist of people trying to get out of the vehicle and placing their arms on the hot exhaust!

Most people dont realise how physically demanding this sport really is! A short 20 minute spell will leave the majority of people's arm's aching!! This is due to the fact the force that need to be excerted in steering the vehicle.

As far as price goes, it can be quite expensive, for between 15 minutes and 30 minutes the price can be anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds. For those who aim to take up the sport seriously then they should bear in mind that karts are over £1000, you will need to maintain it and have a way of transporting it, and then you have the rest of the safety gear to consider.

I would definatly recommend that everyone at least gives this a go, as the thrill of speeding round corners and beating your mates, and then covering them in bubbly is unbeatable!

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