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Karting is one of the fastest growing forms of motor sport in the world offering speed, thrills and great competition. As skilful and exciting as Formula 1, Karting is a more flexible form of motor sport where drivers can begin at the age of eight and adults can show off their expert driving skills on the racing track.
Kart racing is controlled by Motorsport Ireland and has similar rules and safety regulations as Formula 1 and other forms of motor sport.
How to get started in Karting
Go to a race meeting
Kart Races are held at tracks all over the country from March to October. Visit www.irishkarting.com for dates of races.
Decide on what Class you want to race.This will depend on your age:
Cadets age 8-12
JICA & Mini Max age 12-16
Rotax Max & Formula A age 16+
Do the introduction to Motorsport Course.
Details available from Motorsport Ireland.
For 2008 Training Dates, just click here and scroll to the end of the page.
Join a Motorsport Ireland affiliated club
• Southern Karting Club, Chairman - Mike Carty, 0872569524. Home track Pallas Karting, Tynagh, Co Galway.
Get a Competition Licence
Apply to Motorsport Ireland, the governing body. Motorsport Ireland 01 6775628. You can download the (first licence) application form from here.Tel: + 353 1 6775628 Fax: +353 1 6710793 email: info@motorsportireland.com
Buy a kartWhen you go to a race meeting ask other drivers what they recommend. Check out the Buy & Sell section of www.irishkarting.com
Always check the Karting Regulations before purchasing. They can be found in the Karting section of the Motorsport Ireland yearbook. You can download it from this from the website
Buy Kart Race Gear
You will need:
Helmet - Never buy this second hand. Check the regulations in the Motorsport Ireland yearbook.
Race suit, boots, gloves. Can be bought second hand but should be CIK approved.
Make sure you have the right tools and equipment
A selection of spanners, allen keys and screwdrivers will be enough to start with.
You will need a trolly to wheel your kart to and from the starting grid.
You will need a transponder for race timing.
Get a race number
You can get an official Motorsport Ireland race number. Contact Zita Markey 087 2831756 or email zmarkey@sdublincoco.ie
Now you are ready to races
Race entry forms and supplementary regulations are published on www.irishkarting.com 2-3 weeks before each race.
Other things you need to know about race meetings:
Pit space is on a first come basis so set up where you can while not blocking anyone in.
Sign on will be announced over the tannoy. Sign on will be available the day before the race and early in the morning on race day.
Scruitineering - Club officials will check that the kart is safe for use and complies with all standards. This will also commence on the day before the race. This will also be announced.
The Drivers Briefing will take place on the Morning of the race day, YOU MUST ATTEND. So keep a listen for the announcement. Get the Schedule of Racing and make sure you arrive at the grid in plenty of time. You are due to be ready once the previous race leaves the grid.
There will be a number of practice sessions followed by heats and a final. New drivers will start at the back of the grid for their first 6 races. The grid marshal will tell you where to go. This gives you a chance to get used to racing and watch what the other drivers are doing.
Practice sessions are usually available at the tracks on the day before a race meeting and many tracks allow testing at other times if you ring and book first.
As with all sports Karting is something to be learned, although some people have a natural aptitude for it there is nothing more beneficial than time testing to learn the vagaries of the mechanics and get used to driving at speed.
Most tracks have open testing for a small fee where you can come along with your kart and run on their track for the day. Other karts will normally be there also. See the directory for more details. Some tracks require that you have a Motorsport Ireland License prior to open testing so it is worth checking.
Racing is controlled by a variety of officials, marshals, timers and even a childrens liaison officer. They are there for your safety and welfare and you should obey their instructions.
Most of all have fun and enjoy yourself. Everyone will be willing to help.