r/Karting • u/thequantumguy01 • 5d ago
Karting Tips and Tricks My total cost to compete in my first kart race
Hey everyone! I just completed my first kart race last weekend. I had a fantastic time, and I wanted to put together a list of how much I spent, so that those who are considering getting into the sport can understand how much it will cost. It's possible that some of this could be done cheaper. Here are the main costs:
- $2,000 for a used 2017 Praga kart with an LO206 engine (from FB marketplace). I think I did well on this purchase and got a good deal.
- $600 for a used 5x8 utility trailer to tow behind my car.
- $650 for a Mychron 5S. You could definitely go with the Mychron 5 to save some money here.
- $1,500 for the safety gear from a motorsports outfitting store near me. This includes helmet, race suit, race shoes, rib protector, neck brace, gloves.
- $330 for a kart stand (Streeter kart lift)
- $330 for parts and labor to mount a new seat to the kart (the original seat was too small).
- $440 for an impact driver, drill, tire inflator, and mechanic's tool set. Obviously, some of you may already have these items, and they could also be purchased cheaper used.
- $200 for two test and tune days at my local track before the race ($100/day). I'd definitely recommend this if you haven't driven the track before.
- $300 for Sniper V2 Inox Laser alignment tool
- $370 for a AMB TRANX160 transponder. Required for race events at my track. You can get the new Mylaps transponder for about $200, but it will lock you into a yearly subscription. The old AMB ones are more expensive but don't require a subscription.
- $125 for event registration
- $230 for Shinko Performance tires (required for the event)
Including other small purchases (spare parts, other tools, etc), the total that I spent on karting to get to my first event was about $7,700. Of course, the cost per event moving forward will be much cheaper. I'd recommend that if you're interested in getting into the sport, you should budget about this amount before jumping in.
6
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 5d ago
Fairly solid. I started with a bit less cost as I didn't do a lap timer or alignment tool until I felt like I was getting better, my used kart came with a stand, I mounted my own seat, spent 500 on safety gear (bought a fireproof coat, used jeans and shoes I already had, and not top of the line helmet), and my track fees were much cheaper and didn't require a transponder. I was all in to start at about 5k.
3
u/thequantumguy01 5d ago
All sounds like good ways to save money. Though, I'm not sure if I would recommend mounting your own seat as a beginner. During the mounting process, the frame cracked from bending and had to be welded. There was also a screw that was overtightened and was very difficult to remove (the shop had to weld a new bolt head onto it to get it loose). I was happy that I went to a shop for this step.
1
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 5d ago
The seat before mine was similar sized. I just had to install myself. My dad raced karts when he was my age too so he had experience doing that kinda thing.
2
u/Tall_Midwest KZ2 5d ago
Fireproof safety gear is terrible for karting as it has very very little abrasive protection.
0
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 5d ago
It was a solid jacket. It would hold up to sliding. I didn't get something that was bad, just not as expensive as a full suit. Also most karting suits are fireproof.
1
u/Tall_Midwest KZ2 5d ago
Karting suits are not fireproof. The MiR, FreeM and Offset suits i have are NOT fireproof. The material they are made of are for abrasive.
2
0
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 5d ago
Most of the ones I have come across are. Maybe just looking in the wrong places. My B
2
u/Tall_Midwest KZ2 5d ago
Most organizations its not allowed to use Nomex fireproof suits.
1
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 5d ago
Really? Many people at my track have them, especially those that race at multiple tracks. I don't, I wanted something with better airflow and it took quite a bit of searching to find.
2
u/admiral_sinkenkwiken 4d ago
You’re looking at the wrong suits friend.
Per the regulations there is no requirement for kart suits to have fire resistant qualities, their sole purpose is abrasion resistance should you come out of the kart, which a fire resistant suit does not provide.
1
u/thequantumguy01 4d ago
Also FYI that my local karting club specifies in the rule book that suits must be:
“A full-length, CIK-Approved, 1-Piece Racing Suit (karting specific as they are abrasion resistant).”
So if you are going the route of buying your own fireproof coat and jeans, make sure to check with the rules first to ensure that they meet specifications.
1
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 4d ago
That's fair. My track specifically operates in such a way as to make it easy as fuck to enter. The owner will wave track fee's, give you lightly used tires from other racers who replace them every race weekend and more to help you get started.
1
u/Tall_Midwest KZ2 4d ago
What track is that?
1
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 4d ago
East Lansing Kart Track. He only does that if you are struggling, ask how I know.
1
u/Tall_Midwest KZ2 4d ago
Fun little track.
2
u/JustATaddMaddLadd Lo206 4d ago
It's a great track and owner. He cares so much about getting people into the sport that he is willing to take hits for those that need a hand. Also if you are reading this and plan on visiting, please do not abuse this.
5
u/Late4peX 5d ago
solid breakdown, this should be great for new people going forward. yeah you could probably save ~$1000 shaving corners off of things like shoes/gloves/telemetry etc but this is completely reasonable
2
u/Dharma_yuddha 4d ago
I believe it’s realistic but he got screaming deals on the trailer and kart. Not a lot of used options here in the US west
1
u/Late4peX 4d ago
I suppose it’s different region to region. 2k for a 6 year old briggs kart is about standard for the midwest
1
u/thequantumguy01 4d ago
Should have specified–the trailer that I bought is not enclosed. The open trailers are much cheaper, but definitely less convenient as you have to secure everything every time you drive to/from the event.
4
u/RAFellows2 5d ago
You forgot fuel, but your budget for safety gear could be halved.
6
u/thequantumguy01 5d ago
Should have included a breakdown of the safety gear too. I don't have the receipt in front of me, but I think this was about how much everything was:
- $350 for the OMP KS-3 race suit
- $365 for the Nighthawk Graphics SA2020 Helmet
- $190 for a Bengio rib protector
- $75 for a neck brace
- $250 for Sparco race shoes
- $130 for Sparco race gloves
I would agree that my spending here could definitely be cut. I would probably cut out the gloves and shoes if I did it again, and just buy some good quality non-racing items. However, I would recommend getting all of this stuff new, and also going to a motorsports shop so you can try on different suits and helmets to find one that's comfortable.
5
u/TheoneonSheridan 5d ago
$250 for Sparco shoes and $150 for gloves is expensive.
You could get those brand new for karting at half that. Even with those brands
2
u/RAFellows2 5d ago
You’ll be the best dressed newbie!
5
1
u/dylangoesfast 4d ago
Glad to have you in the sport and it’s cool to see someone take the plunge! You won’t regret it. However…
You do not need: -a mychron or tach of any kind. An rpm tach from Amazon for $20 will do what you need (you’re already getting laptimes from the tracks scoring system). -you do not need a race suit. A $100 karting jacket with jeans will do just fine. Tennis shoes will do just fine. $130 on gloves is insane also. $50 for entry level karting gloves. -used kart stands go for $100 all day -seat mounting is crucial to karting so I’ll let that cost slide -you don’t need an impact driver. A ratchet with sockets and extensions, some wrenches and some Allen keys. Harbor freight $100 for it all. -you don’t need the snipers. You can measure toe with a tape measure until you find a friend who will let you use theirs from time to time -I don’t recall any track ever requiring someone to buy a transponder. You can usually rent them for $15-30 per race day.
Long story short, the salesman at your kart shop did well. I don’t think you were screwed over, or over charged by any means. You have nice new stuff and that’s cool. But you spent a lot more money than you needed to and I don’t think it’s accurate to say someone should expect to spend as much as you did starting out.
I was able to knock $2500 off of your intro costs based on the things I mentioned above. Stoked to have you in the karting community, however and I hope you feel welcomed and are enjoying it!
2
u/thequantumguy01 4d ago edited 4d ago
Thanks for the feedback! This definitely isn’t the cheapest you can get into the hobby, but I don’t really regret any of the purchases.
Agreed that you don’t need a Mychron, but I have found it valuable to have lap times that are accessible during practice days, so that I can see the impact of different kart changes.
Also agreed that you don’t need the impact, but I found it helpful for quick parts changes between sessions.
Transponder rentals are $60/day at my local track, so looking ahead I decided to splurge to buy one of my own.
1
u/opusgutt49 Rok 4d ago
Looks all good but id definitively go for mychron 5 2t as then you can pick if u want 1 or 2 temps
1
u/thequantumguy01 4d ago
I do have the CHT temp sensor that came with my Mychron but from what I have read it’s not super useful on the LO206 so I haven’t installed it.
21
u/padredan 5d ago
Great deals on the kart and trailer and you made really solid investments in the tools, etc that will be worth 90% of what you paid for them years from now.
No shame on spending a little extra on good safety gear.
Off to a great start - congrats!