Looking for an adrenalin rush?, or maybe you consider yourself or your siblings to have a little Michael  Schumacher in you. Then karting is the right sport for you. Getting started is quiet a simple affair, with the most difficult part being which class you should look at. A reputable karting dealer will point you in the right direction. Please feel free to set up an appointment with The Kart Shoppe to discuss your needs. Then follow these simple steps:

Step 1

We strongly recommend trying your hand at Indoor Karting first, especially for the younger ones, as it gives you an idea of whether you are suited to the sport of karting. Try out Xtreme Indoor Karting (www.xtremeindoorkarting.co.za) or Randburg Raceway (www.randburgraceway.co.za), they are both very good indoor kart facilities with top of the range equipment.

Step 2

Class selection - Consult with a karting dealer to help you decide which is the right class for you, it can be complicated but a good dealer will put you in the right class.

Classes in South Africa

Step 3

Selecting your equipment. The Kart Shoppe strongly recommends that you start off in decent second hand equipment. A - Because it is cheaper, and B - because you need to learn the ropes first. However if you want new equipment simply go for it. The Kart Shoppe stocks a range of new and decent second hand equipment. We strongly recommend buying your equipment from a karting dealer to make sure you don’t buy a dud. If you are going to buy privately, make sure you have it checked out by a dealer first. The Kart Shoppe allows you to try before you buy giving you peace of mind.

Once you have your kart you will also need the following to make your life easier:

A kart trolley  - 2nd hand from R 600 to R 2000 new
1.5 kg fire extinguisher
Basic Toolkit
Timing Devise ( option)
A helmet – we recommend spending a minimum of R 1000
Overall – start from about R 1100
Gloves – start at R 350
Boots – start at R 550
Rib protector – optional start at R 300
Neck Brace – optional start at R 300

Step 4

Join a karting club. This is necessary so you are kept up to date with what’s happening, and you must join a club in order to obtain a racing license. We recommend Northern Regions kart clubs – www.nrkc.co.za , but other karting clubs can be found – there are links on NRKC website
Contact MSA (Motorsport South Africa) . You need to apply for and pay for a restricted karting license. Call MSA at 0861 MSA MSA to find out the closest location that suites you... or you can simply apply for your license online- http://www.msalicence.co.za/
 
Step 5

Go out and practise, before you start racing. We strongly recommend plenty of practise before you decide to race so that you may learn the ins and out of karting. Tracks charge you a daily practise fee of around R 200,or they will sell you a yearly practise card for about R 1500.

 A general rule of thumb is you must get to within two seconds of the front runners before you start racing. The Kart Shoppe offers driver training to get you going (email leeroy@thekartshoppe.co.za). Once you have decided that you are ready to start racing, visit your local clubs website to determine when the next race is on. The whole process of a race day is explained on the website www.nrkc.co.za.
And that is that, you have now started kart racing, enjoy it and be safe!