Advice on where to start for racing

[ChristofBuddy]

Hey everyone, I'm 20 years old and I've wanted to race karts for quite some time now. I'm wondering if anyone had any advice on where I could or should start. I have virtually no experience in kart racing other than commercial places such as K1 speedway and MB2 raceway, so nothing too serious. I've been suggested by some people to take Jim Hall's racing school and go from there. What else can I do to get more involved if my aspirations are to one day race competitively on an amateur circuit?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[Rosso]

Originally Posted by ChristofBuddy

Hey everyone, I'm 20 years old and I've wanted to race karts for quite some time now. I'm wondering if anyone had any advice on where I could or should start. I have virtually no experience in kart racing other than commercial places such as K1 speedway and MB2 raceway, so nothing too serious. I've been suggested by some people to take Jim Hall's racing school and go from there. What else can I do to get more involved if my aspirations are to one day race competitively on an amateur circuit?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Where do you live?

[GregS]

Originally Posted by ChristofBuddy

Hey everyone, I'm 20 years old and I've wanted to race karts for quite some time now. I'm wondering if anyone had any advice on where I could or should start. I have virtually no experience in kart racing other than commercial places such as K1 speedway and MB2 raceway, so nothing too serious. I've been suggested by some people to take Jim Hall's racing school and go from there. What else can I do to get more involved if my aspirations are to one day race competitively on an amateur circuit?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Hiya,

My name is Greg and you met me last night after the screening of Senna.
Glad you swung by to say hello!

JH is definetly a good idea for you at this point - after that try to do some real kart racing in the area. you should be able to find some via google searches.

once you save up enough money a 3 day school at SB will be your goal

Greg

[Fred K]

1. Read.

Take a look at the Links and Downloads pages in this forum. I think there would be consensus that you should start with Carl Lopez's Going Faster, but there are a LOT of resources there, some expensive but all dirt cheap compared to mistakes.

2. iRacing

The simulations presented by iRacing.com are VERY good, and they promise to get better. Scrounge hardware, wheel, pedals and monthly membership in the on-line racing site. Work through the classroom material. Spend a lot of time in cars that interest you on the skidpad (iRacing calls it "Centripetal Circuit.") Try to get the simulated car to do things described in the books and lessons. Try to detect differences in handing between different cars. Lap on circuits. Race when you think you're ready.

3. Youtube

With some reading and simulation background, you can watch, critique and learn from in-camera videos posted on Youtube and elsewhere.

4. Skippy Forums

Read stuff here. Post questions. You'll be amazed how people will fall all over themselves giving seasoned advice to anyone who seems to have done any homework at all and is interested in an answer.

5. Arrive and Drive Karting

Cheap. Fool around on your own. Try to figure out how the fast guys are doing it. If you're one of the fast guys, pick a class, get a kart and campaign it. If you get kind of stalled, think about buying some coaching time. Not a bad habit for later.

6. Go to the gym

During 1 through 5 above, work on your strength and stamina. Ordinarily conditioned people will fade even in sprint races. You can beat them in the late laps.

7. Skip Barber 3 Day in a car of your choice.

Of course if you're starting your second season in F2, then ignore everything I said.

- FredK

[dalyduo]

Well done Fred... Thanks!

[ChristofBuddy]

Thanks Greg, Fred K and all. This helps a whole bunch and in fact I'm already on top of it. I'm saving up to take a course at Jim Hall and then go from there. Already reading up on everything and etc.

Do you guys suggest any good arrive and drive places?

Thanks a lot. I hope you guys are going strong.

Christof