Full Throttle

PAGE 46 - KA TIPS
KARTING TIPS - WITH TROY HUNT
SIx times Australian Karting Champion Troy Hunt brings you a series of basic tips that makes your entry
to the sport easier. Whether you’re new to the sport or been around a while, it always helps to have
some gentle reminders.
Troy’s tips form a 16 part video series by Karting Australia, which is available at http://www.karting.net.
au/how-to-get-started-in-karting/how-to-go-karting
PURCHASING A KART
When you first go looking for a second hand chassis to get involved in the sport, there are a few things
that you need to be aware of. There are a few tricks for young players and it never hurts to have an
expert check the chassis for you or purchase direct from a reputable kart shop.
If you are doing it yourself, here’s my tips to ensure you get the best possible chassis to go racing.
First place to check is underneath the chassis and make sure it isn’t worn - if it has taken some hits, the
chassis rails will be flattened off underneath - avoid the chassis if you do discover this damage.
Another problem you need to watch out for is a crack in the chassis. This commonly happens in front of
the bearing hanger at the rear of the kart (adjacent to the sprocket).
It is important to check the front alignment to ensure the front of the chassis is straight and not bent. An
easy way to do this is the put the kart on the ground and lift both front wheels to check if the weight is
the same on both sides. Before you start, ensure the ground you are checking the kart on is level.
Pick the kart up at the front by the nosecone, make sure the steering wheel is absolutely dead straight.
Spin both front wheels and slowly lower the front of the kart down. Both front wheels should touch the
ground at the same time. If they don’t, there is a fair chance that the chassis is not straight.
This isn’t a huge problem compared to a worn or cracked chassis. You can take it to your local kart
shop. Most of these shops will have a bench where they can straighten the chassis on. If not, they will
at least be able to tell you whether the kart is repairable or not.
I can’t stress though that your best bet is to deal with a reputable local dealer.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The most important purchase you will make when going karting is your safety equipment. Karting
Australia has a standard that your equipment must meet and remember when purchasing - it is SAFETY
equipment - it will protect you if you have a crash.
It is vitally important to not purchase cheap or inferior equipment.
When choosing your helmet make sure it is full faced and meets the Karting Australia Safety Regulation.
Try it on and ensure that it is well fitted at the point of purchase. Out of all the safety equipment that you
buy to go karting, your helmet is your most personal and most important.
This is not an area that you want to cut corners, you want to buy the right product and the best product.
Race Gloves are there to protect your hands while racing and from any collisions - make sure your
gloves are full fingered and that they come up above or to the wrist.
Race Boots are similar - they must be a style that comes up and above your ankle.
The neck brace is an optional safety item and there are many different variations, this is down to personal
preference as to if you wish to use a neck brace, it also comes down to your race fitness throughout the
course of a race weekend. You’ll soon know after some practice days where your fitness sits!
The rib protector is a compulsory item for all cadet and junior drivers. It is also a fantastic option for all
senior drivers to protect the ribs. Sometimes when the grip goes down, it is the ribs that cop the brunt
and it is not uncommon for drivers to have broken ribs in particularly grippy conditions.
Your race suit should be the minimum of a single layer. It has to be one piece from four neck right down
to your toes. This to should also be purchased to a correct size, you don’t want it too tight for comfort -
and to ride up and expose your legs or arms and you don’t want it too baggy either.