|
 |
|
| |
01.  COST EFFECTIVE MOTORSPORT
One of the main attractions of Karting that brings thousands of
people to race every weekend is the cost of racing in comparison
to other forms of motorsport.
Karting is the worlds cheapest form of motorsport and gives the
same level of fun and excitement when compared to any other
motorsport, all at a fraction of the cost.
Karting is the purest form of racing, and gives drivers a chance to
show their skills, as competition is conducted to a set of strict rules
and regulations that is aimed at keeping all competitors on a fair
and equal playing ground. |
|
|
02. SAFETY
Competitor and spectator safety are of prime consideration to
both the governing body of Karting, the AKA and local authorities.
Safety officers and track inspectors are employed by the
Governing Bodies to ensure racing is conducted in the safest
environment possible. |
|
 |
03. DRIVING FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION
Perhaps the greatest benefit the entire community derives from
Karting is the involvement of young people in a healthy,
competitive sport which ultimately produces better drivers.
What better grounding for a boy or
girl than a sport where they can
develop their confidence and
driving skills.
This means that these
drivers may have years of driving
experience well before they are old
enough to qualify for a road licence.
Karting can be a sport that will give them a good grounding for
future development within motorsport or simply be a fun way to
spend their weekends.
They will soon be tomorrows road drivers and Karting teaches
them car control, defensive driving techniques and gives an
appreciation of other vehicles in close proximity while teaching
them about the dangers of overdriving. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
05. DRIVERS WHO STARTED IN KARTING
A large percentage of Formula One, Indycar and V8 Supercar
drivers developed their skills in the world of Kart racing. Drivers
such as Webber, Schumacher, Alonso, Raikkonen, Senna, Prost,
Mansell, Skaife, Lowndes, Ambrose, Whincup and Winterbottom
to name a few, all began their racing careers in Karting. |
|
| |
|
06. SPECIFICATIONS
Karting is considered to be the purest form of motorsport because
the Kart itself is made up of only a small number of components
that can effect its overall performance. This keeps everyone on an
equal level, which generates close wheel to wheel racing and
places emphisis on the skill of the driver.
Engines
Most of the engines used today in Karting are 2-stroke
100cc engines. The engines range in power from a
restricted Yamaha J, that produces around 10 HP capable
of 90pkh. Through to the Rotax / Leopard 125 that
produces around 28HP and is capable of 120Kph.
|
|
Chassis
With so many classes in Karting, manufacturers generally
produce 4 or 5 different types of chassis to suite the
various classes. Chassis’s are specifically designed for
Rookies & Midgets, Juniors, Seniors and for the higher
performance classes Rotax, Leopard and Formula 100. |
|
Tyres
As with any motorsport tyres are critical to performance.
In Karting only 1 or 2 of the classes let competitors select
the type of tyre to run. Most classes have a strict brand and
type of tyre that must be run. Karting uses slick tyres in the
dry and grooved tyres for wet weather conditions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07. CLASSES
(Listed below are the classes run in Karting.)
|
|
| |
|
08. RACE MEETINGS
Races are conducted on every
weekend of the year starting from
late January through to late
December. Each club gets to hold
2 Open Meetings a year and a
Clubday each month. 2 clubs each
year are selected to hold a State Championship event.
Clubdays
Clubdays are held for the beginner level
and occasional Karters and are run
on the last Sunday of every month at
most clubs.
Series Meetings
Two racing series are
held in Victoria each
year. These
race meetings
are contested
in a
championship
format, with points from each meeting going
towards a tally at the end of the series for each driver.
State Championships
Each state in Australia holds 2 State Championships per years. The first is
an Open State championship (competitors from other states are eligible to
compete). The second is the Closed State Titles (only that States licence
holders are eligible to compete). State Championships are highly regarded
and the winners of these events are awarded either a blue number plate
(Open Championship) or black number plate (Closed Title), which only
they can use for 12 months. |
|
 |
Australian Championships
The Australian Championships are
the pinnacle of Karting in Australia.
This meeting is held once a year at
a selected club in Australia and is
conducted over 4 days of racing
and qualifying.
Competitors can spend many months in preparation for this event as a
win can reap great benefits now and later on in their racing careers. Being
crowned an Australian Champion is the highest accolade any Karter can
receive and each winner is given the right to use a Green & Gold number
plate and be entitled to use the Number #1 on their kart for 12 months.
09. GETTING STARTED
Getting into the exciting sport of
Karting only requires a few short
simple steps. Once you have
gained an AKA licence, signed up
for a membership at one of the
VKA clubs, decided on a class that
suites you (and your budget) and have purchased all of the necessary
equipment required, you will be able to start racing right away.
Licencing & Memberships
New drivers must contact and sign up for membership at a
Victorian Kart Club and then apply to the State Body for a licence,
which can be done through your Clubs Secretary.
(Midgets/Rookies/Juniors)
The first four (4) meetings for new drivers are run on "P" plates.
(Seniors)
Drivers must start from the rear of the grid. "P" plate drivers must
participate at a race meeting as a Flag Marshall, under the supervision of a
corner flag steward, which gives them a closer appreciation of other drivers
and the flag rules. Once this is completed the driver is then granted a full “C” grade licence. Competitors can then proceed to collect endorsements
from race meetings to be upgraded to a “B” grade licence holder.
New licence holders wishing to use a 125 engine now require the engine to have a restrictor fitted for practice and competition.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
10. ASSISTANCE & ADVICE
| There are many Karting dealers who are on hand to offer you
their expertise and advise in helping you choose the correct class
and equipment to suite the level of racing you want to compete in. |
 |
11. CONTACT
VKA Office 9:00am to 5:30pm weekdays
Phone: (03) 9362 1144 (Melbourne)
or (03) 5449 6362 (Country)
Fax: (03) 5449 6442
Website: www.vka.asn.au
Email: vka@bigpond.net.au |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
