KARTING 101 v3

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

1/22

KARTING 101KARTING 101by Chito Benitoby Chito Benito

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

2/22

www.philippinekarting.comwww.philippinekarting.com

What is Karting?What is Karting?

Kart racingKart racing ororkartingkarting is a variant of open-wheelis a variant of open-wheel

motorsport with simple, small four-wheeled vehiclesmotorsport with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles

calledcalled kartskarts,, go-kartsgo-karts, or, orgearbox/shifter kartsgearbox/shifter karts

depending on the design. Karting is commonlydepending on the design. Karting is commonly

perceived as the grassroots of motorsports and isperceived as the grassroots of motorsports and is

used as the stepping stone to higher and moreused as the stepping stone to higher and more

expensive ranks of motorsports.expensive ranks of motorsports.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

3/22


History of KartingHistory of Karting

Art Ingels is generally accepted to be the father ofArt Ingels is generally accepted to be the father ofkarting. A veteran hot rodder and a race car builder, hekarting. A veteran hot rodder and a race car builder, hebuilt the first kart in Southern California in 1956. Kartingbuilt the first kart in Southern California in 1956. Kartinghas rapidly spread to other countries, and currently has ahas rapidly spread to other countries, and currently has a

large following in Europe.large following in Europe.The first kart manufacturer was an American company,The first kart manufacturer was an American company,Go Kart Manufacturing Co. (1958). McCulloch was theGo Kart Manufacturing Co. (1958). McCulloch was thefirst company, in 1959, to produce engines for karts.first company, in 1959, to produce engines for karts.Later, in the 1960's, motorcycle engines were alsoLater, in the 1960's, motorcycle engines were also

adapted for kart use, before dedicated manufacturers,adapted for kart use, before dedicated manufacturers,especially in Italy, started to build engines for the sport.especially in Italy, started to build engines for the sport.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

4/22


Governing BodyGoverning Body

The governing body of karting is the CIK-The governing body of karting is the CIK-

FIA.FIA.

FIA (Federation Internationale deFIA (Federation Internationale delAutomobile) is the governing body forlAutomobile) is the governing body for

world motorsport.world motorsport.

CIK (Commission Internationale deCIK (Commission Internationale de

Karting) is the specialised kartingKarting) is the specialised karting

commission of the FIA.commission of the FIA.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

5/22


Some Karting FactsSome Karting Facts

Karting is one of only four Motor SportKarting is one of only four Motor Sport

disciplines that enjoy a worlddisciplines that enjoy a world

championship.championship.

Formula 1 champions such as Senna,Formula 1 champions such as Senna,

Prost, Patrese, Schumacher, Alonso,Prost, Patrese, Schumacher, Alonso,

Raikonnen, Button, Hamilton, Kubica andRaikonnen, Button, Hamilton, Kubica and

many others started in Karting.many others started in Karting.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

6/22


ChassisChassis

The chassis is made of steel tube. There is noThe chassis is made of steel tube. There is nosuspension therefore the chassis has to be flexiblesuspension therefore the chassis has to be flexibleenough to work as a suspension and stiff enough not toenough to work as a suspension and stiff enough not tobreak or give way on a turn. Kart chassis are classifiedbreak or give way on a turn. Kart chassis are classified

in the USA as 'Open', 'Caged', 'Straight' or 'Offset'. Allin the USA as 'Open', 'Caged', 'Straight' or 'Offset'. AllCIK-FIA approved chassis are 'Straight' and 'Open'.CIK-FIA approved chassis are 'Straight' and 'Open'.

Open karts have no roll cage.Open karts have no roll cage.

Caged karts have a roll cage surrounding the driver, theyCaged karts have a roll cage surrounding the driver, theyare mostly used on dirt tracks.are mostly used on dirt tracks.

In Straight chassis the driver sits in the center. StraightIn Straight chassis the driver sits in the center. Straightchassis are used for sprint racing.chassis are used for sprint racing.

In Offset chassis the driver sits on the left side. OffsetIn Offset chassis the driver sits on the left side. Offsetchassis are used for left-turn-only speedway racing.chassis are used for left-turn-only speedway racing.

Braking is achieved by a disc brake mounted on the rearBraking is achieved by a disc brake mounted on the rearaxle. Front disc brakes are increasingly popular;axle. Front disc brakes are increasingly popular;however, certain classes do not allow them.however, certain classes do not allow them.

Professionally raced karts typically weigh 165 to 175 lbProfessionally raced karts typically weigh 165 to 175 lb

(75 to 80 kg), complete without driver. Tony Kart, Birel,(75 to 80 kg), complete without driver. Tony Kart, Birel,Maranello, Trulli, CRG, Haase, Sodikart, Top Kart,Maranello, Trulli, CRG, Haase, Sodikart, Top Kart,Intrepid, Kosmic, Swiss Hutless and FA Kart are a fewIntrepid, Kosmic, Swiss Hutless and FA Kart are a fewwell known examples of the many Europeanwell known examples of the many Europeanmanufacturers of race-quality chassis. Americanmanufacturers of race-quality chassis. American

companies in the shifter kart market include: GT Racecompanies in the shifter kart market include: GT RaceKarts, Trackmagic, Shockwave Karting and Margay.Karts, Trackmagic, Shockwave Karting and Margay.Australia produce the Arrow brand.Australia produce the Arrow brand.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

7/22www.philippinekarting.comwww.philippinekarting.com

EngineEngine

Racing karts use small 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines.Racing karts use small 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines.

2-stroke kart engines are developed and built by dedicated2-stroke kart engines are developed and built by dedicatedmanufacturers. Comer, IAME (Parilla, Komet), TM, Vortex, Titan,manufacturers. Comer, IAME (Parilla, Komet), TM, Vortex, Titan,REFO, Yamaha and Rotax are manufacturers of such engines.REFO, Yamaha and Rotax are manufacturers of such engines.These can develop from about 4 hp to 7 hp for a single-cylinder 60These can develop from about 4 hp to 7 hp for a single-cylinder 60

cc unit to 90 hp for a twin 250 cc. The most popular categoriescc unit to 90 hp for a twin 250 cc. The most popular categoriesworldwide are those using the Touch-and-go (TAG) 125 cc units.worldwide are those using the Touch-and-go (TAG) 125 cc units.

4-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial based4-stroke engines can be standard air-cooled industrial basedengines, sometimes with small modifications, developing fromengines, sometimes with small modifications, developing fromabout 5 to 20 hp. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Robin, andabout 5 to 20 hp. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Robin, andHonda are manufacturers of such engines. They are plentyHonda are manufacturers of such engines. They are plentyadequate for racing and fun kart applications. There are also moreadequate for racing and fun kart applications. There are also morepowerful four-stroke options available from manufacturers likepowerful four-stroke options available from manufacturers likeYamaha, TKM, Biland or Aixro offering from 15 hp up to 48 hp.Yamaha, TKM, Biland or Aixro offering from 15 hp up to 48 hp.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

8/22


TransmissionTransmission

Karts do not have a differential. The lack of a differential means thatKarts do not have a differential. The lack of a differential means thatone rear tire must slide while cornering; this is achieved byone rear tire must slide while cornering; this is achieved bydesigning the chassis so that the inside rear tire lifts up slightlydesigning the chassis so that the inside rear tire lifts up slightlywhen the kart turns the corner. This allows the tire to lose some ofwhen the kart turns the corner. This allows the tire to lose some ofits grip and slide or lift off the ground completely.its grip and slide or lift off the ground completely.

Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle by way of aPower is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle by way of achain. Both engine and axle sprockets are removable. Their ratiochain. Both engine and axle sprockets are removable. Their ratiohas to be adapted according to track configuration in order to gethas to be adapted according to track configuration in order to getthe most from the engine.the most from the engine.

In the early days, karts were direct drive only, but the inconvenienceIn the early days, karts were direct drive only, but the inconvenienceof that setup soon led to the centrifugal clutch for the club levelof that setup soon led to the centrifugal clutch for the club levelclasses. Dry centrifugal clutches are now used in many categoriesclasses. Dry centrifugal clutches are now used in many categories(and all local categories) and have become the norm as the top(and all local categories) and have become the norm as the topinternational classes have switched to 125 cc clutched engines as ofinternational classes have switched to 125 cc clutched engines as ofJanuary 2007.January 2007.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

9/22


TiresTires

Wheels and tires are much smaller than those used on a normal car.Wheels and tires are much smaller than those used on a normal car.Wheels are made of magnesium alloy or aluminum. Similar to otherWheels are made of magnesium alloy or aluminum. Similar to othermotorsports, kart tires have different types for use appropriate to trackmotorsports, kart tires have different types for use appropriate to trackconditions:conditions:

Slicks for dry weather. In international level racing these are some of theSlicks for dry weather. In international level racing these are some of thesoftest and most advanced tires in motorsport. Some car tiresoftest and most advanced tires in motorsport. Some car tire

manufacturers, such as Bridgestone, Dunlop and Yokohama, make tires formanufacturers, such as Bridgestone, Dunlop and Yokohama, make tires forkarts; there are also specific Kart tire manufacturers, for example MG,karts; there are also specific Kart tire manufacturers, for example MG,MOJO, and Vega. Kart tires come in many different compounds, from veryMOJO, and Vega. Kart tires come in many different compounds, from verysoft to very hard.soft to very hard.

Rain tires or wets for wet weatherRain tires or wets for wet weather

Special, such as spiked tire for icy conditions, or cuts for high grip dirt/claySpecial, such as spiked tire for icy conditions, or cuts for high grip dirt/clayspeedways. Cuts are modified slicks using a lathe to optimize handling whilespeedways. Cuts are modified slicks using a lathe to optimize handling while

spiked tires are slicks with screws through them.spiked tires are slicks with screws through them.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

10/22


CIK-FIA Race CategoriesCIK-FIA Race Categories

The CIK-FIA sanctions international championships inThe CIK-FIA sanctions international championships inKF1, KF2, KF3, KZ1, KZ2 and Superkart. These areKF1, KF2, KF3, KZ1, KZ2 and Superkart. These areregarded as the top level classes of karting and are alsoregarded as the top level classes of karting and are alsoraced in national championships worldwide.raced in national championships worldwide.

CIK-FIACIK-FIA categories are:categories are: KF1KF1 (previously named Formula A or FA) which is the top level,(previously named Formula A or FA) which is the top level, KF2KF2 (previously named Intercontinental A or ICA),(previously named Intercontinental A or ICA), KF3KF3 (previously named ICA-Junior, ICA-J or JICA)(previously named ICA-Junior, ICA-J or JICA)

All are using the same water-cooled no-gearbox 125 cc long lifeAll are using the same water-cooled no-gearbox 125 cc long lifetwo-stroke engines with starter and clutch, each with differenttwo-stroke engines with starter and clutch, each with differenttechnical specifications (mufflers, air boxes, carburetor, rev limittechnical specifications (mufflers, air boxes, carburetor, rev limitetc...).etc...).

KZ1KZ1 andand KZ2KZ2 are the 125 cc gearbox categories (previouslyare the 125 cc gearbox categories (previouslynamed Super-ICC and ICC respectively).named Super-ICC and ICC respectively).

SuperkartSuperkart is a 250 cc gearbox category.is a 250 cc gearbox category.

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

11/22


Philippine Karting HistoryPhilippine Karting History

First introduced by the late Dodgie Laurel andFirst introduced by the late Dodgie Laurel and

the Camwreckers Group in the 1960s as athe Camwreckers Group in the 1960s as a

cheap alternative to enjoy motorsports.cheap alternative to enjoy motorsports.

First kart track in the world within an urban areaFirst kart track in the world within an urban areawas built in 1979 JRC-Ramrod Kartwaywas built in 1979 JRC-Ramrod Kartway

In 1990, Carmona Circuit Philippines wasIn 1990, Carmona Circuit Philippines was

inaugurated, which is currently the home track ofinaugurated, which is currently the home track of

kartingkarting

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

12/22


International Filipino KartersInternational Filipino Karters

Michele & Mark BumgarnerMichele & Mark Bumgarner

Marlon StockingerMarlon Stockinger

Tyson SyTyson SyMatteo GuidicelliMatteo Guidicelli

JP & Mike TuasonJP & Mike Tuason

Mike PotentianoMike PotentianoAnd many othersAnd many others

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

13/22


Philippine Race CategoriesPhilippine Race Categories

Comer Cadet 60cc 8 to 11 yrs. oldComer Cadet 60cc 8 to 11 yrs. old

MiniRok Cadet 10 to 13 yrs. oldMiniRok Cadet 10 to 13 yrs. old

Rok Jr./KF3 13 to 16 yrs. oldRok Jr./KF3 13 to 16 yrs. oldRok (Sr.)/KF2 15 yrs. old and upRok (Sr.)/KF2 15 yrs. old and up

Veteran more than 35 yrs. oldVeteran more than 35 yrs. old

Formula SL (Yamaha) 13 yrs. old and upFormula SL (Yamaha) 13 yrs. old and up

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

14/22


Local Race SeriesLocal Race Series

Shell Super Karting SeriesShell Super Karting Series Carmona Race Track x 4Carmona Race Track x 4 Batangas Racing CircuitBatangas Racing Circuit Cebu Kart ZoneCebu Kart Zone

Enchanted Kingdom E-Kart TrakEnchanted Kingdom E-Kart Trak Boomland Kart WayBoomland Kart Way

Asian Karting Open ChampionshipAsian Karting Open Championship Macau (Coloane) x 2Macau (Coloane) x 2

Philippines (Carmona)Philippines (Carmona) Indonesia (Sentul)Indonesia (Sentul) Thailand (Saraburi)Thailand (Saraburi)

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

15/22


Race WeekendRace Weekend

Thursday & Friday free practiceThursday & Friday free practice

SaturdaySaturday

2 practice sessions (10 mins each)2 practice sessions (10 mins each)

2 qualifying time trials (10 mins each)2 qualifying time trials (10 mins each)

1 qualifying heat (about 12 mins)1 qualifying heat (about 12 mins)

SundaySunday

1 practice session (10 mins)1 practice session (10 mins) 1 pre-final heat (about 12 mins)1 pre-final heat (about 12 mins)

1 final heat (about 15 mins) basis for trophies1 final heat (about 15 mins) basis for trophies

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

16/22


Getting StartedGetting Started

Get proper training Ready Race Gear - TRS (817 7796)Get proper training Ready Race Gear - TRS (817 7796)

Get racing equipment & safety gearGet racing equipment & safety gear

Join a karting teamJoin a karting team Ready 2 Race Gear (Tony Kart) Chito Benito (817 7796)Ready 2 Race Gear (Tony Kart) Chito Benito (817 7796) AUTS (Birel) Martin Alvendia (0918 803 1036)AUTS (Birel) Martin Alvendia (0918 803 1036)

P1 Motorsport JP Carino (0917 535 4080)P1 Motorsport JP Carino (0917 535 4080) JET Racing (PCR) Elson CarpioJET Racing (PCR) Elson Carpio Marcelo Racing (Maranello) John MarceloMarcelo Racing (Maranello) John Marcelo Cebu Racing Group (Cebu Racing Group (Tony Kart & FA KartTony Kart & FA Kart) Jess Garcia (0920 955 6623)) Jess Garcia (0920 955 6623) Team Alessandra (Tony Kart/Birel) Blue Reyna (891 5909)Team Alessandra (Tony Kart/Birel) Blue Reyna (891 5909) O2 Racing (Tony Kart) Mike Casimiro (0922 822 4900)O2 Racing (Tony Kart) Mike Casimiro (0922 822 4900)

GP1 Racing Team Randy Dacasin (638 5810)GP1 Racing Team Randy Dacasin (638 5810)Get lots of practiceGet lots of practice

Get a racing license from Automobile Association of the PhilippinesGet a racing license from Automobile Association of the Philippines

For more info, visit the PIKA website www.philippinekarting.comFor more info, visit the PIKA website www.philippinekarting.com

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

17/22


CostCost

8,000 / yearTrack membership

4,000 / yearLicenses & annual fees)

2,500 / raceEntry fees

1,000 / dayMechanic

10,000 upGarage

7,000 upTyres (per set)

5,000 upTools

50,000 200,000Engine

70,000 300,000Kart

3,000 upRib Protector

2,500 upShoes

100 upBalaclava

1,500 upGloves

8,000 upSuit

6,000 upHelmetCost (PHP)Item

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

18/22


Rental Kart FacilitiesRental Kart Facilities

Boomland Kart WayBoomland Kart Way

Enchanted Kingdom E-Kart TrakEnchanted Kingdom E-Kart Trak

Carmona Race TrackCarmona Race TrackCebu Kart ZoneCebu Kart Zone

City KartingCity Karting

SubicSubicClark coming soonClark coming soon

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

19/22


Warning!Warning!

Karting may beKarting may be

hazardous to yourhazardous to yourhealth!health!

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

20/22


Open ForumOpen Forum

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

21/22


Many Thanks toMany Thanks to

Philip Alvendia (2000 Karter of the Year)Philip Alvendia (2000 Karter of the Year)

for his paper on Philippine Kartingfor his paper on Philippine Karting

WikipediaWikipedia

CIK-FIA websiteCIK-FIA website

PIKAPIKA

8/14/2019 KARTING 101 v3

22/22


See you at the track!See you at the track!

Documents

KARTING 101 v3