First trip to the track...

[jandj]

First kart on the track this year (1/10 mile dirt backyard oval), track hasn't been cut or graded yet so it was a bit rough where there was still some grass on the straights but the kart ran good.
Found out a couple things:
Need a seat that does a better job of keeping me from sliding forward.
Need to re-gear, run out of rpm's about 2/3 down the straight.
While fun, as it is still a yard kart at heart it's too short, too narrow, and too high off the ground to really thrash it and keep all 4 wheels on the ground (height being the most important of the 3).
They say if you don't crash you aren't trying hard enough.
I tried hard enough!
Had a great lap going, everything was fine until I hooked a rut coming out of 3 and dumped it. The good news is there isn't any damage or injuries to report.
The better news is that the guy who owns the track has a Rupp Super Dart rolling chassis that he doesn't have any sentimental attachment to. We agreed on $100 and I'll pick it up this week.
"Lo-Buck Phase II" coming up....

 

[falcon1]

Cool Nice looking kart.

 

[Jcotz]

Very nice looking kart! Is that a honda or honda clone on it? Because there is a lot of upgrade potential with those engines if you want to get more speed or power.

 

[falcon1]

Do you mean removing the governer?

 

[jandj]

HF Honda clone, governor is out, billet flywheel and rod are in. Other than re-jetting for the air filter & header it's stock internally and has all the hp a yard kart chassis needs.
When I restore the Dart Kart and put the motor on it I'll consider further engine upgrades but for farting around on a 1/10 mile dirt oval it's got plenty of oomph.

 

[falcon1]

Cool. How long is the circuit? Did you get a lap time?

 

[spookyfishlizard]

That kart looks great! I picked up an old yard cart frame this week that I am building. Do you have any other pics you can post to give me some ideas?

 

[jandj]

Cool. How long is the circuit? Did you get a lap time?

Once the track is prepped and we begin running in earnest we'll use a transponder to get some lap times.
We don't really "race" as much as we just have fun but this year we're going to chip in for a prize for best lap time by the end of the season.

 

[Jimbo86]

If you put on a different kind of brake (band or disk) you could really save your tires!

 

[Jcotz]

Yeah, I think it would be a good idea to upgrade the brakes for the sake of your tires, and for more stopping power when your racing.

 

[jandj]

We don't race competitively as much as we fart around in groups, but we still run 'em pretty hard.
On dirt I rarely touch the brakes.
Back off quickly entering the turn, a quick twist to the left and back to the right to get the *** end out a bit, hard on the gas then use the throttle through the turn. Pretty much same as open wheel dirt Midget/Sprint car racing.
The center of gravity is high enough that I don't thrash it on asphalt, it'll tip too easily.
I had thought about going to a live axle w/disc, but I can buy the Dart chassis for less than it'd cost to convert the Manco, although I may go to band brake for the reason you guys mentioned.

edit: I forgot to mention that this pic was taken last fall, I have added hard rubber pads to the brake scrubbers to save the tires. I cut them from a section of the conveyor belt from an Athey loader, Those are the things that scoop up material and send it up a conveyor belt to be dumped in a dump truck.