Hypothetical:Where could I race?

[JTSpeedDemon]

Ok, so most people on here probably know a bit about my yard kart.
Now I ask you: Where can I race it?
I know it's not driveable YET, BUT, I do want to know if there are any kart tracks where I could actually take it for a spin in Texas.
I have tried contacting North Texas Karters, but they won't allow any kart except their own basically.
I plan to do initial testing for my go kart in the back yard, and then see what it can do at my church parking lot(paved).
I'm thinkin' pavement for a track, but since it's single wheel drive, hard packed dirt would work.
Anyone know of any suitable tracks in Texas?

 

[anderkart]

When I first got into karts here in Phoenix, I ended up posting craigslist ads seeking folks that started their own kart tracks. I got a couple replies from a group of guys that raced karts at an abandoned parking lot, plus another reply about a really cool dirt track some dudes built on their own land. They both allowed any types of karts, only rules they had were wearing a helmet.

I have tried contacting North Texas Karters, but they won't allow any kart except their own basically.

I checked out the North Texas Karters website: https://www.ntkarters.com/

Real racekart tracks like that have lots of strictly enforced rules, they offer different classes for various types of engines, plus different classes depending on the weight & age of drivers. They allow you to race your own kart, but it has to be a true racekart type of chassis that will pass the tracks tech inspection.

Your kart is whats commonly refereed to as being a fun kart, it's not a true racekart chassis, so It'd never be allowed to compete at tracks like North Texas Karters. tracks like that are sanctioned by the strict rules set by the IFK, WKA, CIK & others. You could research more about those Kart Sanctioning Organisations at this link: https://www.ntkarters.com/racing-new/links.html

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I really don't get it why kart racing has to be such a formal thing usually. Ya know, when I got into karting, I wasn't expecting real kart tracks to be basically a mini F1 track with a bajillion rules and regulations.
Someday I would love to start a big time kart racing league, kinda like what you described with a simple dirt track and minimal rules.
Guess I'll have to go to Mexico in the meantime...

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Sit right down and have another beer in Mexico.

 

[jandj]

Here’s some guys who did it.
You’ll note even they have rules.
http://gallettasgreenhouse.com/gokarts/rules.html
The reason “real tracks” are the way they comes down to they are usually sanctioned by an organization that has its own rules and that they are dealing with racers in race karts and need class rules as well as safety regs.
Letting you run something that wouldn’t pass safety tech at their track could potentially open them to liability if you get hurt....which is a headache they don’t need as they have money tied up in operating and don’t want to end up broke.
If you or someone else interested has the land, no reason you can’t build your own “backyard track.”

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Now that looks fun! Except I would allow basically any mods you want. I'm actually hoping to twin carburete my go kart.
Too bad it's in New York

---------- Post added at 04:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------

In the meantime, I plan to race another go kart that belongs to some members of my church ward at the church parking lot once I'm ready. They had someone else build it, and it's got an old race kart frame(complete with live axle), but they're not even sure what engine they've got!
And I've only seen it once.
Before I got into go karts.

 

[jandj]

As for “run what you brung” - it’s a great concept as long as you’re just running for the fun of it and everyone is on board.
Just like with cars, there’s always one guy who wants that $10 trophy bad enough to spend $1000 to get it.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

$10? That's expensive!

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

As for “run what you brung” - it’s a great concept as long as you’re just running for the fun of it and everyone is on board.
Just like with cars, there’s always one guy who wants that $10 trophy bad enough to spend $1000 to get it.

Ain’t that the truth. I ended up giving away a room full of trophies that I spent thousands upon thousands of dollars to win, and nearly worked myself to death in the process.
It’s for the fun of it now or I ain’t doing it. I’m going racing again this year, and I’m averaging about $500/week on it at the moment, but if I get too serious about it I’ll quit and sell it all. I have a scar above my right eye where I passed out from exhaustion and hit my head on the bathroom sink from trying to get ready for a race. Every time I look in a mirror it reminds me of how carried away I can get.
Never again.

 

[c-gar]

I have a scar above my right eye where I passed out from exhaustion and hit my head on the bathroom sink from trying to get ready for a race. Every time I look in a mirror it reminds me of how carried away I can get.
Never again.

I'm glad I haven't found a local track or anyone to race with yet. Although we have done some timed laps around a parking lot, everyone using the same kart. At this point, the person who doesn't spin out usually gets the best time for the round.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOvOXab1P-Y

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Yeah, I'm lucky someone else I know also has a go kart. A very different go kart for that matter.
In terms of handling, I'm probably more likely to spin out and or flip, since my kart is a good few inches off the ground, but at the same time, theirs is a race kart, so that means live axle, which might equal less good handling for them if they don't know how to corner. They didn't build their kart, they hired someone, so they don't even know what engine they have on there, so I don't think they know how to corner in their kart...

 

[HONEYBADGERFTW]

Have you checked out these?

https://www.facebook.com/KAMKartway

http://www.xtraactionsports.com/go-kart-tracks/texas-go-kart-tracks.htm

I would like to find a run what you brung type dirt track near me too. I think here in Houston, I'm limited to offroad park type venues though, nothing legit or close to it.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

KamKartway: "Only 3 or 3.5 hp Briggs or 6.5 HP Clone with Red Restrictor plates are ALLOWED"
"Must be live axle only."
My kart fulfills neither.
I looked at several websites from that directory, nd none of them work.
(sigh)
Thanks anyway!

 

[sikbrik]

They didn't build their kart, they hired someone, so they don't even know what engine they have on there, so I don't think they know how to corner in their kart...

I wouldn't be so sure based on that logic. My kid has zero mechanical inclination, just knows to turn the key and go, but he's a natural driver - fast as they come. Any time I try to get him to work on the kart, he finds a way to disappear LOL.

---------- Post added at 08:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ----------

You might find that the local clubs allow "run what ya bring" during warmups for event days. So basically it's a test and tune and as long as you're not in the way, they'll let your kart in. You won't do serious racing with anyone under these conditions but you'll be able to open the kart up on a track for a little while. You'll have to join the club, though, usually...which is $$$ and it stinks because you'll never race with them until you end up buying one of their old karts. Good luck!

 

[bob58o]

I have a scar above my right eye where I passed out ... and hit my head on the bathroom sink from trying to get ready for a race.

How many Budweiser’s does it take you to get ready for a race? Lol

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Answer: All the Budweisers.