Date: Fri, 26 Jan 2001 11:22:11 -0500
From: "Gary Derian" <gderian@ameritech.net>
Subject: Re: [uuc] Looking to buy a 3 series race car, what to look for?

A ready to go 125 shifter kart is about $7500.  It can be towed by any small
car and fits in your garage along with your car.  Do not start in this
class.  Start with a 100cc clutch kart, or perhaps an 80cc shifter, both of
which are much cheaper and slower.  With a little research and some used
equipment, you can be ready to race for $2,000.

You do have to know how to tune the engines.  Carb and gear tuning is
important to run at the top.  You don't have to be an expert mechanic but as
in any racing, you have to know some things.

I have two 100cc clutch karts that I race with my sons.  I can do a whole
season (local club events, not national championship) for about the cost of
one BMW driver's school.  I have about $5000 invested in 2 karts, 3 engines,
a double deck trailer and lots of spare parts.  I can drive the karts at
100%, wheel to wheel, and know I still have a ride home and to work.

Driving my BMW on a track is great fun, but its not racing, which is good
because I don't want to trash my car, just enjoy it.  I also don't want to
compromise the street worthiness of the car for a few weekends a year at the
track.

Racing a kart at 30 to 70 mph on a 1/2 mile track is the visceral equivalent
of an Indy Lights or Formula Atlantic ride on a full size track.  The faster
karts are closer to Indy or F1 cars. Go to skusa.com or
thekartingwebsite.com for more info.

Gary Derian <gderian@ameritech.net>