Ex Karter here- gave up %$ years ago when I was at the top. 100 cc and 6/12/24 hour endurance was my thing- It was also my business. So I was fully into Karting. It is expensive- Even more so if you want to stay at the top.
I did not go into biking when I gave up Karting but I can assure you that Biking gives me just as much a buzz as Karting- And it is a lot cheaper.
So How much money do you have for the new stable of Bikes?
I did not go into biking when I gave up Karting but I can assure you that Biking gives me just as much a buzz as Karting- And it is a lot cheaper.
So How much money do you have for the new stable of Bikes?
Senior Member
after road racing, autocross might not provide the rush you want, with only 4-5 1 minute runs, and never going over 60, but its still a blast. and a lot cheaper, as you can use your DD and still be somewhat competitive (locally/regionally) in a few classes. national competitiveness requires a dedicated car. check out miata.net for info on spec miata racing- typically a car will cost north of 20k for a somewhat competitive car, add to that tires... you know what else goes with it.
this is coming from a guy who is about to sell his miata... im a bit jaded as of now. (its also my only car, it would be a different situation if it was a second car.)
this is coming from a guy who is about to sell his miata... im a bit jaded as of now. (its also my only car, it would be a different situation if it was a second car.)
Senior Member
The national level is a whole different animal. I wish I had that much money and vacation time to run a full season. I usually try to get to 2 or 3 national races when they come to the Mid-West. The transports and trailers that I have seen easily cost $100+K. Years ago there was a karter that had a hired truck driver to bring the trailer and equipment to the track while they drove the Ferrari 308 to the track 
. I love whipping on those boys when they come to my area. I may not have the unlimited budget but I know how to spend wisely.
I started racing when I was around 8yo. Driving at racing speeds taught me car control so when I finally got my license @ 16, I was already a very good driver. I knew how to handle a car in all weather conditions without having to think of what to do.
One bad thing about motorsports at the sharp end of the grid is that we have already been conditioned as far as the cost of remaining up front. So my biking habit doesn't nearly "shock" as much as my karting does. My last two engine rebuilds were $1200 & $950
. Unfortunately, I'm getting into biking as much as karting so the gap will be narrowing. Looks like I need another job.
. I love whipping on those boys when they come to my area. I may not have the unlimited budget but I know how to spend wisely.I started racing when I was around 8yo. Driving at racing speeds taught me car control so when I finally got my license @ 16, I was already a very good driver. I knew how to handle a car in all weather conditions without having to think of what to do.
One bad thing about motorsports at the sharp end of the grid is that we have already been conditioned as far as the cost of remaining up front. So my biking habit doesn't nearly "shock" as much as my karting does. My last two engine rebuilds were $1200 & $950
. Unfortunately, I'm getting into biking as much as karting so the gap will be narrowing. Looks like I need another job.
TRAIN HARDER.
p1 what class? Thats true. Once I got into karting I learned how to spend money. I wish i got into basketball or walking or something. hahah.
Banned.
Quote:
. I love whipping on those boys when they come to my area. I may not have the unlimited budget but I know how to spend wisely.
I started racing when I was around 8yo. Driving at racing speeds taught me car control so when I finally got my license @ 16, I was already a very good driver. I knew how to handle a car in all weather conditions without having to think of what to do.
One bad thing about motorsports at the sharp end of the grid is that we have already been conditioned as far as the cost of remaining up front. So my biking habit doesn't nearly "shock" as much as my karting does. My last two engine rebuilds were $1200 & $950 . Unfortunately, I'm getting into biking as much as karting so the gap will be narrowing. Looks like I need another job.
Stay out of big cars then, 950 was my weekend tire budget!Originally Posted by p1jrevely
The national level is a whole different animal. I wish I had that much money and vacation time to run a full season. I usually try to get to 2 or 3 national races when they come to the Mid-West. The transports and trailers that I have seen easily cost $100+K. Years ago there was a karter that had a hired truck driver to bring the trailer and equipment to the track while they drove the Ferrari 308 to the track . I love whipping on those boys when they come to my area. I may not have the unlimited budget but I know how to spend wisely.I started racing when I was around 8yo. Driving at racing speeds taught me car control so when I finally got my license @ 16, I was already a very good driver. I knew how to handle a car in all weather conditions without having to think of what to do.
One bad thing about motorsports at the sharp end of the grid is that we have already been conditioned as far as the cost of remaining up front. So my biking habit doesn't nearly "shock" as much as my karting does. My last two engine rebuilds were $1200 & $950
. Unfortunately, I'm getting into biking as much as karting so the gap will be narrowing. Looks like I need another job.
RacingBear
Quote:
Three years after getting out of karting, I'm in my first real season of road bike racing, and I'm much happier.
But then again, I left out a lot of the full story.
Wait how is that different from cycling racing?Originally Posted by CrimsonKarter21
I used to race Yamaha Can karts for 5 years. I gave up karting because the expense and (I didn't know it then) I hated car guys, because they're living in a perpetual pissing contest and have huge ego's.Three years after getting out of karting, I'm in my first real season of road bike racing, and I'm much happier.
But then again, I left out a lot of the full story.
I did a little kart racing, It was ok but I did not care for the way the track was being run. I raced stock cars for several years and for me it was cheaper than karting.
I have not nor do I have any desire to race bicycles. I just like the purity of riding.
I have not nor do I have any desire to race bicycles. I just like the purity of riding.
Senior Member
The other great thing about racing a bike is you don't have to go drive hours away to practice! The closest track to me for the car is 3hrs away....until NJMP gets built....for the bike I can roll out my front door and go train for a few hours!
Senior Member
TONYKART125, I mostly run in the WKA Sprint pipe class. I also run some Piston Port Sprint can races. Most of the time I run in the Championship Enduro Series. I also run in World Karting Association National Road Race Series, KART / MARRS, and Dart Kart Series. I mostly stay in the Mid-West. So far the farthest races have been Nashville and Mid-Ohio. This year I will try to get to Road Atlanta and Virginia. Eventually I will make the trip to Daytona.
El Diablo Rojo, that's why I said full sized cars would increase the budget 2 or 3 times. At one point I had 13 sponsors for my efforts and I still spend $10 - 15K. I would never even consider moving up to cars unless it was on some elses dime. Racing is not for the faint of heart or pocket.
The best part about karts is the cornering power. Pulling over 3G's is typical of most corners. Our laptimes are very competitive with cars at most of the tracks that I run for a fraction of the cost. I can only imagine what driving a shifter kart would be like.
While I don't get the same rush from biking that I do from racing karts, I do see where the gap is closing. As I am getting to the end of karting, I'm glad I found a replacement for my passion
.
El Diablo Rojo, that's why I said full sized cars would increase the budget 2 or 3 times. At one point I had 13 sponsors for my efforts and I still spend $10 - 15K. I would never even consider moving up to cars unless it was on some elses dime. Racing is not for the faint of heart or pocket.
The best part about karts is the cornering power. Pulling over 3G's is typical of most corners. Our laptimes are very competitive with cars at most of the tracks that I run for a fraction of the cost. I can only imagine what driving a shifter kart would be like.
While I don't get the same rush from biking that I do from racing karts, I do see where the gap is closing. As I am getting to the end of karting, I'm glad I found a replacement for my passion
.
Wheelsuck
Racing karts is awesome. Most people don't get how physical is actually is. If you can get out and kart every day, then you can get in really great shape. The problem is that you'll spend a huge amount of money and time doing it.
As I've gotten older, I've had less of each to spend on toys. The karting took a backseat to wife, kids, work, etc. I just can't justify ignoring everything else every night for a week so I can get prepared to race, then leave Friday, race on the weekend, and get back late Sunday night wiped out. Even leaving in the wee hours on Saturday morning to be gone all day for a club race is a bit much.
On the other hand, I can do _anything_ mechanical to my bike in the matter of an hour or 2. They just aren't that complicated. I can train every day for anywhere from 1 to 4 or even 5 hours and the clock starts when I roll out of the garage.
The bike racing is different, but every bit as intense. It's more like restrictor plate racing. You buzz around in the pack and try to position yourself the best you can. You can't just 'check out' unless you're racing against people who are both much weaker and dumber than you. I haven't found that group (still looking). The situational awareness that it takes to do everything right in a bike race is pretty amazing. It's every bit the mental game that karting is and more physical. I can tell you that I never worried about getting hurt in a kart, but on the bike it is a big concern. It's not just because I'm older. It's because cycling is a hell of a lot more dangerous.
At this point in my life, I think that cycling is a great replacement for karting. I get to race, my time and money investment is much lower, and it has really improved my physical shape. I let my gym membership die. I haven't once been on a ride and thought to myself, "Wow, I really wish I was inside on a rower"
YMMV
(Oh ya, I've raced all sorts of karts...4/, Yami can, Yami pipe, 125moto, 125 ICC, and TAG. TAG was probably the best combination of the lot.)
As I've gotten older, I've had less of each to spend on toys. The karting took a backseat to wife, kids, work, etc. I just can't justify ignoring everything else every night for a week so I can get prepared to race, then leave Friday, race on the weekend, and get back late Sunday night wiped out. Even leaving in the wee hours on Saturday morning to be gone all day for a club race is a bit much.
On the other hand, I can do _anything_ mechanical to my bike in the matter of an hour or 2. They just aren't that complicated. I can train every day for anywhere from 1 to 4 or even 5 hours and the clock starts when I roll out of the garage.
The bike racing is different, but every bit as intense. It's more like restrictor plate racing. You buzz around in the pack and try to position yourself the best you can. You can't just 'check out' unless you're racing against people who are both much weaker and dumber than you. I haven't found that group (still looking). The situational awareness that it takes to do everything right in a bike race is pretty amazing. It's every bit the mental game that karting is and more physical. I can tell you that I never worried about getting hurt in a kart, but on the bike it is a big concern. It's not just because I'm older. It's because cycling is a hell of a lot more dangerous.
At this point in my life, I think that cycling is a great replacement for karting. I get to race, my time and money investment is much lower, and it has really improved my physical shape. I let my gym membership die. I haven't once been on a ride and thought to myself, "Wow, I really wish I was inside on a rower"
YMMV
(Oh ya, I've raced all sorts of karts...4/, Yami can, Yami pipe, 125moto, 125 ICC, and TAG. TAG was probably the best combination of the lot.)
Mitcholo
Quote:
Apparently you've never been around car guys. They take it to an exponential level.Originally Posted by UmneyDurak
Wait how is that different from cycling racing?
Gary, while I wish I had pictures still, they were on my computer before it crashed a few years ago. I had a good one from a street race in all my [FatKid] glory.