New member here

[LarryM]

I joined over the weekend after stopping by the track Saturday. Met Mark and Craig (?). I've been into drag racing my entire life, even built a blower pro street car while living in Alaska. Took it to Texas in retirement and had to sell it, heat was too much.

Looking to get into karting, looking around the State for something affordable, not much out there this time of year. Thinking a lower end, maybe Clone style for my wifemate to mess with at practices, I would like something with a little more power but haven't figured out what is what in the classes other than Clone and what motors are what power-wise, you all know that drill from newbies I'm sure. Not interested in anything sealed (Rotax, etc.). Wondering what's the difference between WF Senior and 4-Stroke Senior, etc., average speeds, what mods are allowable. Found a couple of chassis' for sale, just not sure what's considered an "adult" size looking at the descriptions, i.e. Cadet, Jr1, Jr2, like are they a full size chassis?

I'll figure it out, meantime see you all at the track, you'll know me, I'm the PITA picking your brain ;D

Larry

[mach429]

welcome to TCKC

[LarryM]

Thanks Mach. Starting to look around Tri-Cities, I've found karts in Idaho, Vancouver, BC, karts seem pretty overpriced, just not sure, but nothing's blown my skirts up yet, being a green horn is tough, but I'll learn what's what. I imagine end of season is when folks sell and I'll keep an eye on club sites around Eastern Washington. Have a great day! ;D

[Ricky Worley]

Welcome Larry,

To start off, a cadet kart is for drivers from 8-11 years old and is smaller, also called Jr.1 at times. A full size kart is utilized by both seniors and Jr.2.

As engines go, at our club in 4cycle we have clone and WF classes at the moment, I would suggest the latter. Speeds on those are around 55-60 if I were to guestimate. 2cycle-wise we have KT-100, rotax and PRD. KT-100 speed is similar to WF, but a little faster. Rotaxs and PRD's run in the range of 65-70. We also have 125 shifters which run 70+. The WF class is a great one to start in, low maintenance engine, plenty fast, but slow enough to learn to drive smooth.

Any other questions feel free to ask. I am in the 50' trailer along the fence at races. Hard to miss

Ricky Worley
Midnight Motorsports

Sent from my PG06100 using proboards

[LarryM]

Thanks Ricky, what is PRD? If it's a sealed motor I couldn't work on it wouldn't interest me. I saw your trailer last Saturday, huge!

I'm going to be looking for something in a Clone for "her" and probably a good WF for myself, they're not that plentiful in the classifieds here, but something might pop up. A gentleman named Ricky has a shifter 80cc but she won't go for shifting. I'd consider a 125 shifter, see if I could keep up with the pack, if not revert it to a WF if that was possible. Found an '04 SKM in Olympia for $2k but just don't know what it really is and if it's legal, etc., wishing it was local...wish in one hand, right? ;D

Thanks, Larry

[stang6990]

Personal experience I would say go with your gut and get a WF and clone. Shifters are awesome but it is a handful and can be very taxing on the body. Don't know if that is something that would be a big deal for you. Now if you do get a shifter I would recommend spending the money and get something realatively new. I run a 12 year old chassis and I lack a ton of adjustment factors compared to most others in the class.

You'll find a lot better selection T the end of the year so be patient.

[rocketshoes]

Jul 15, 2013 17:59:17 GMT -8 LarryM said:

A gentleman named Ricky has a shifter 80cc but she won't go for shifting.

That 80cc kart is a blast to drive. I should know, I sold it to him! If for some reason you want to know more about it, PM me and I'll give you some details. (BTW, that's not the same Ricky that is responding here.)

stang6990 and I both started racing in the Clone class a couple years ago and now race shifters. Piloting a slower kart really taught me to 'drive' the kart. I really would have been lost if I had jumped straight into shifting... But everyone is different.

[Craig]

Welcome to TCKC Larry, it was nice meeting you on Saturday. As you can see by the responses to your posts this is a very good club to be a part of and everyone is willing to help. I will try to offer some clarity on the classes but feel free to call me if you want any further explanation.

The “4-stroke” adult classes that we run currently at TCKC are World Formula (WF) and clone. These are the two engine packages that I was showing you on Saturday. Both of the classes have a rules package that does not allow much modification at all (the clone slightly more than WF but still not much). This is what makes both classes competitive and fun to race. The “tinkering” that has been referred to with the clone is mostly maintenance items and some guys do more of this than others. The WF can be run an entire season just changing the oil and maybe checking valve lash. If your lucky and nothing goes awry this can also be done with a clone but most guys like to “tinker” with them before they make it that far…

If I were in your shoes I would strongly consider the clone and if you want more speed start with the WF. I think a clone would be the perfect class for her to start with also…especially for practice. The natural progression would be from clone to WF but you could start in a WF if you wanted to. The other 2-stroke classes you have looked into are also an option but a much steeper learning curve with the engine, driving, and physical demand in the seat.

Again I hope this information is helpful but feel free to give me a call anytime.

Craig Chiesa
TCKC Board Member
302-1249

[LarryM]

Great information, I do have some questions and would like to call you when it's good for you, I assume you're still in the work force unlike us lazy bums, so maybe this evening?

I'm mixed between buying a couple of chassis' and finding motors or going turn-key. I don't see any of those supposed 'inexpensive' 4-strokes I hear about, I see motors for $600 to $1,000. Also curious about the Animal motor, is it sealed, 2 or4-stroke, legal for Clone and WF, or even competitive in an adult kart?

I also see a chassis or two that have the sprocket to the outside, different from your karts, and wonder if they are moveable to avoid seat contact.

Guys here are friendly for sure, thanks to all for the tutoring. I'm a super moderator over at hotrodders.com and know how multiple posts from the same guy can be irritating to other members, I don't want to do that to y'all.

[mach429]

I think Keith Land still has his Top Kart & World Formula package deal still available, check classifieds & call him, may be able to negotiate a deal on it, he has been very competitive with it

[Ricky Worley]

$600 for a WF is inexpensive. I know Matt keiser has a CRG with a WF on it for sale.

Sent from my PG06100 using proboards

[LarryM]

Thanks.

I couldn't find anything for sale from Matt Kaiser, or any contact information, he has it all blocked. I did send him a PM.

I sent Keith a reply through his craigslist ad, I doubt he would come down much having listed it for $2,500, but we'll see if he contacts me, I'm curious how much wear the motor has.

In the mean time I'll keep looking, thanks again.

[mikezamora]

Larry,

If your wife only wants to practice and not race at this time I would suggest giving Steve Peterson a call. He has a Wildkart with a Briggs Animal engine (cousin to the World Formula) listed in our classifieds section as "Hydroman 6". It's very reasonably priced and would be a very good package for her to start driving in.

If she decides down the road that she wants to race then all you have to do is add your engine of choice and she's ready to go.

[LarryM]

Thanks, is that Animal motor sealed? I assume it's an adult kart, what size motor? I'll try to call him a little later.

[reiswigt]

You might call Andy Dressler, he has several chassis, as well as complete Karts including a shifter kart.

Andy [phone]