DannyyTBH.
21-05-2007, 08:11 PM
Classes
Cadets (8-13)
Boys and girls can start racing karts at the age of 8 in one of the Cadet classes, although some tracks will allow youngsters to practice from the age of 7. They can continue until the end of the year of their 13th birthday, although they may be getting too heavy by then and so can move into certain Junior classes from the age of 11. The three Cadet classes are described below and all are permitted to race together. All have a centrifugal clutch and a recoil starting cord. The special minikarts used are registered with prices controlled to an agreed maximum. Top speed is about 50mph. BRDC Stars of Tomorrow holds the British Cadet Championship whilst the Super One Series has the ABkC series. WTP has its own Little Green Man championship.
Juniors (11/12/13)
There is no doubt that the 125cc water-cooled Rotax Max TAG (Touch and Go - electric start) categories have taken over as the most popular classes in the UK from the more traditional 100cc air-cooled two-stroke that is Formula TKM. Drivers can start racing in Rotax MiniMax or Junior TKM at age 11, then move into the more powerful Junior Max at age 13. If they are a bit bigger in size they can easily change from Junior TKM to Intermediate. Being a ‘TAG’ class, the Rotax have a press button start whereas the TKM have to be either lifted and pushed, or use an optional plug in portable electric start box. Rotax are more expensive initially but the engine runs longer between rebuilds, so the running cost can be less. The TKM’s are at the economy end for initial purchase with strict price controls. Top speeds in the junior classes vary from 55 to 75mph. The best advice here, as in all classes, is to visit your local circuit to see what is popular in your area.
Seniors 16 - On
The junior classes all have more powerful senior equivalents. The most popular senior class in the country is Rotax Max, but there are other options worth exploring at your local circuit. The once all-conquering TKM Extreme class is now only popular in certain areas, eg in the Midlands, and if you live in such an area it should be investigated. There are other TAG engines as well as Rotax, and TKM has a senior 4-stroke class. Once some experience has been gained there are further options for the premier championship classes. All use high-revving powerful 100cc 2-stroke racing engines. At the top of the tree is Formula A, the MSA British Championship class raced in Super One, then ICA (Intercontinental A), almost as powerful, then the slightly more economical 100 National. These classes will top out at 85mph.
Gearbox 16 - On
Other than the Junior 85cc category for 13-16 year olds, gearbox karts offer the highest powers and speeds. They can have either 2 pedals - brake and accelerator - like the direct drive classes, or 3 pedals, one of which is a foot clutch, like a car. Most 125’s use karts very similar to the direct drive karts except for the four wheel brakes. They have a hand clutch mounted next to the steering wheel, which is only used to move off from a standstill. At most circuits a standing start is used, as opposed to the rolling formation start that direct drive karts have.
Gearbox karts can also be used on the long motor racing circuits, although everyone should start on the short circuits which are typically 900 to 1300 metres in length.
Licences
Globally all motorsport is governed by the FIA from its office in Switzerland, and it devolves the organisation of motorsport in each country to individual bodies. In the U.K. it is MSA that governs motorsport and issues competition, officials and track licences. The CIK is the part of the FIA that sets the international kart regulations. The MSA’s Kart Sporting Committee sets the overall safety and general kart regulations, which are contained within the MSA Competitors Yearbook, also known as the ‘Blue Book’. Once you have your competition National B kart licence (the starting grade) you need to complete to the MSA Steward’s satisfaction five more races after your ARKS Test, as a Novice, using black number plates on your kart, and starting from the back of the heats. Thereafter you may use the normal coloured number plates for the class, enter long circuit racing (subject to age) and upgrade to National A status for the bigger meetings. (From 2008, it is likely that another six signatures will be required to upgrade to a National A licence.)
The Motor Sports Association is at Motor Sports House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, Slough, SL3 0HG Tel: 01753 765000 Fax: 01753 682938 Website: www.msauk.org (http://www.msauk.org/)
Disabled Drivers
It is now possible for disabled drivers to obtain a kart race licence, although each case is considered on merit. Any potential applicant should contact the British Motor Sports Association for the Disabled in the first instance for specific advice. The MSA can give details. Karts in many classes can be successfully converted to full hand control, even the gearbox categories. Drivers have to display a D number plate in addition to their class numbers.
Pro-Racer Card
Another route to obtaining a MSA Kart Competition licence is through the purchase of a £10 ARKS-KCB Pro-Racer Card. Once the driver’s photograph is attached, he or she can collect signatures at participating circuits or promoter’s series. When eight signatures for successfully completing races are obtained, of which at least four must be for outdoor races, the driver earns an exemption from the driving part of the ARKS Novice Driving Test. The driver must still purchase the Start Karting pack from the MSA, and if over 18 have a medical examination, and then take the written part of the ARKS test. Many of the circuits who are members of the National Karting Association (NKA - www.nationalkarting.co.uk (http://www.nationalkarting.co.uk/)) can issue the cards. The NKA is the trade association for the commercial circuits, indoors and outdoors.
Volunteers in Motorsport
Officials and marshals are always required in kart racing, and even if you are unable to race you can help your local club in other ways. Training will be given. See www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk (http://www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk) for more details.
Organisations
The ABkC was formed in 1990 to act as an interface between the kart clubs and the MSA, with whom there is a high degree of discussion and co-operation. The member clubs are represented by a Steering Group that is elected every year at the AGM, held in the Autumn. Representatives from all kart regional associations, the MSA, the BKIA, NATSKA and championship organisers are also eligible to sit on the group, which is also recognised as the MSA Kart Regional Committee. The Kart Regional Committee is the ‘guardian’ of the MSA Kart Race Yearbook (the ‘Gold Book’), which contains the class regulations, whilst the MSA Kart Sporting Committee is the ‘guardian’ of the kart regulations in the Competitors Yearbook (the ‘Blue Book’). All clubs undertake to organise meetings to the ABkC regulations in the Gold Book, so for instance competitors can use the same type of tyre in a class throughout the country. The ABkC promotes national and single weekend - ‘O’ Plate - championships. The Super One Series (www.s1series.co.uk (http://www.s1series.co.uk)) holds all the national direct drive champion-ships (for karts without gears), whilst the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow (www.brdcstars.com (http://www.brdcstars.com)) and the NKF hold the ABkC gearbox championships. The top 15 numbers (9 in gearbox) are reserved for the top drivers from these championships.
Association of Racing Kart Schools (www.arks.co.uk (http://www.arks.co.uk/))
ARKS is the U.K.’s trade association for the professional kart schools, and holds a contract with the MSA to administer and operate the novice kart driver test. Together they have set up a licensing system for instructors and club examiners. The ARKS Schools can fulfil different roles, from a kart experience day, through one to one tuition for novice or expert, as well as offering the test. Some run there own race teams, offering a full arrive-and-drive service. Whatever your particular agenda, and ARKS recognised school is the place to start, and perhaps continue, your active involvement in motor racing.
British Kart Industry Association (www.bkia.co.uk (http://www.bkia.co.uk/))
The BKIA is the ‘not-for-profit’ trade association for the kart industry. On behalf of its members the BKIA represents the industry’s manufacturers, retailers, circuits, associated businesses and organisations. All BKIA members adhere to a strict code of conduct. Present and future participants in karting are encouraged to talk to a BKIA member.
Cadets (8-13)
Boys and girls can start racing karts at the age of 8 in one of the Cadet classes, although some tracks will allow youngsters to practice from the age of 7. They can continue until the end of the year of their 13th birthday, although they may be getting too heavy by then and so can move into certain Junior classes from the age of 11. The three Cadet classes are described below and all are permitted to race together. All have a centrifugal clutch and a recoil starting cord. The special minikarts used are registered with prices controlled to an agreed maximum. Top speed is about 50mph. BRDC Stars of Tomorrow holds the British Cadet Championship whilst the Super One Series has the ABkC series. WTP has its own Little Green Man championship.
Juniors (11/12/13)
There is no doubt that the 125cc water-cooled Rotax Max TAG (Touch and Go - electric start) categories have taken over as the most popular classes in the UK from the more traditional 100cc air-cooled two-stroke that is Formula TKM. Drivers can start racing in Rotax MiniMax or Junior TKM at age 11, then move into the more powerful Junior Max at age 13. If they are a bit bigger in size they can easily change from Junior TKM to Intermediate. Being a ‘TAG’ class, the Rotax have a press button start whereas the TKM have to be either lifted and pushed, or use an optional plug in portable electric start box. Rotax are more expensive initially but the engine runs longer between rebuilds, so the running cost can be less. The TKM’s are at the economy end for initial purchase with strict price controls. Top speeds in the junior classes vary from 55 to 75mph. The best advice here, as in all classes, is to visit your local circuit to see what is popular in your area.
Seniors 16 - On
The junior classes all have more powerful senior equivalents. The most popular senior class in the country is Rotax Max, but there are other options worth exploring at your local circuit. The once all-conquering TKM Extreme class is now only popular in certain areas, eg in the Midlands, and if you live in such an area it should be investigated. There are other TAG engines as well as Rotax, and TKM has a senior 4-stroke class. Once some experience has been gained there are further options for the premier championship classes. All use high-revving powerful 100cc 2-stroke racing engines. At the top of the tree is Formula A, the MSA British Championship class raced in Super One, then ICA (Intercontinental A), almost as powerful, then the slightly more economical 100 National. These classes will top out at 85mph.
Gearbox 16 - On
Other than the Junior 85cc category for 13-16 year olds, gearbox karts offer the highest powers and speeds. They can have either 2 pedals - brake and accelerator - like the direct drive classes, or 3 pedals, one of which is a foot clutch, like a car. Most 125’s use karts very similar to the direct drive karts except for the four wheel brakes. They have a hand clutch mounted next to the steering wheel, which is only used to move off from a standstill. At most circuits a standing start is used, as opposed to the rolling formation start that direct drive karts have.
Gearbox karts can also be used on the long motor racing circuits, although everyone should start on the short circuits which are typically 900 to 1300 metres in length.
Licences
Globally all motorsport is governed by the FIA from its office in Switzerland, and it devolves the organisation of motorsport in each country to individual bodies. In the U.K. it is MSA that governs motorsport and issues competition, officials and track licences. The CIK is the part of the FIA that sets the international kart regulations. The MSA’s Kart Sporting Committee sets the overall safety and general kart regulations, which are contained within the MSA Competitors Yearbook, also known as the ‘Blue Book’. Once you have your competition National B kart licence (the starting grade) you need to complete to the MSA Steward’s satisfaction five more races after your ARKS Test, as a Novice, using black number plates on your kart, and starting from the back of the heats. Thereafter you may use the normal coloured number plates for the class, enter long circuit racing (subject to age) and upgrade to National A status for the bigger meetings. (From 2008, it is likely that another six signatures will be required to upgrade to a National A licence.)
The Motor Sports Association is at Motor Sports House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, Slough, SL3 0HG Tel: 01753 765000 Fax: 01753 682938 Website: www.msauk.org (http://www.msauk.org/)
Disabled Drivers
It is now possible for disabled drivers to obtain a kart race licence, although each case is considered on merit. Any potential applicant should contact the British Motor Sports Association for the Disabled in the first instance for specific advice. The MSA can give details. Karts in many classes can be successfully converted to full hand control, even the gearbox categories. Drivers have to display a D number plate in addition to their class numbers.
Pro-Racer Card
Another route to obtaining a MSA Kart Competition licence is through the purchase of a £10 ARKS-KCB Pro-Racer Card. Once the driver’s photograph is attached, he or she can collect signatures at participating circuits or promoter’s series. When eight signatures for successfully completing races are obtained, of which at least four must be for outdoor races, the driver earns an exemption from the driving part of the ARKS Novice Driving Test. The driver must still purchase the Start Karting pack from the MSA, and if over 18 have a medical examination, and then take the written part of the ARKS test. Many of the circuits who are members of the National Karting Association (NKA - www.nationalkarting.co.uk (http://www.nationalkarting.co.uk/)) can issue the cards. The NKA is the trade association for the commercial circuits, indoors and outdoors.
Volunteers in Motorsport
Officials and marshals are always required in kart racing, and even if you are unable to race you can help your local club in other ways. Training will be given. See www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk (http://www.volunteersinmotorsport.co.uk) for more details.
Organisations
The ABkC was formed in 1990 to act as an interface between the kart clubs and the MSA, with whom there is a high degree of discussion and co-operation. The member clubs are represented by a Steering Group that is elected every year at the AGM, held in the Autumn. Representatives from all kart regional associations, the MSA, the BKIA, NATSKA and championship organisers are also eligible to sit on the group, which is also recognised as the MSA Kart Regional Committee. The Kart Regional Committee is the ‘guardian’ of the MSA Kart Race Yearbook (the ‘Gold Book’), which contains the class regulations, whilst the MSA Kart Sporting Committee is the ‘guardian’ of the kart regulations in the Competitors Yearbook (the ‘Blue Book’). All clubs undertake to organise meetings to the ABkC regulations in the Gold Book, so for instance competitors can use the same type of tyre in a class throughout the country. The ABkC promotes national and single weekend - ‘O’ Plate - championships. The Super One Series (www.s1series.co.uk (http://www.s1series.co.uk)) holds all the national direct drive champion-ships (for karts without gears), whilst the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow (www.brdcstars.com (http://www.brdcstars.com)) and the NKF hold the ABkC gearbox championships. The top 15 numbers (9 in gearbox) are reserved for the top drivers from these championships.
Association of Racing Kart Schools (www.arks.co.uk (http://www.arks.co.uk/))
ARKS is the U.K.’s trade association for the professional kart schools, and holds a contract with the MSA to administer and operate the novice kart driver test. Together they have set up a licensing system for instructors and club examiners. The ARKS Schools can fulfil different roles, from a kart experience day, through one to one tuition for novice or expert, as well as offering the test. Some run there own race teams, offering a full arrive-and-drive service. Whatever your particular agenda, and ARKS recognised school is the place to start, and perhaps continue, your active involvement in motor racing.
British Kart Industry Association (www.bkia.co.uk (http://www.bkia.co.uk/))
The BKIA is the ‘not-for-profit’ trade association for the kart industry. On behalf of its members the BKIA represents the industry’s manufacturers, retailers, circuits, associated businesses and organisations. All BKIA members adhere to a strict code of conduct. Present and future participants in karting are encouraged to talk to a BKIA member.