Getting started in karting can be confusing, especially if you don't know anyone else at the races.

Before you can get started, you must choose a class to run. Each class specifies the type of motor and weight of the kart (motor, chassis, driver, driver helmet and all) that is being run, and the age of the participants. To pick a class start with the age of the driver and look at the classes offered by the club. This will help narrow down the class choices.

The next major step is to choose the type of motor you want to run. Each type of motor has different characteristics and costs associated with running the motor. Race motors are delicate instruments that require significant maintenance. Each kind of motor has different maintenance requirements. Four-cycle motors (Honda and Briggs) are lower horsepower motors offering a lower entry cost, but have increased maintenance cost on a weekly basis. Racing is typically very close in four-cycle classes, putting more emphasis on the driver. Two-cycle motors (Yamaha, Piston Ports, Reeds and Rotary) have a higher entry cost, but a lower weekly maintenance cost. Two-cycle motors offer significantly more power then their four-cycle counterparts, which puts more emphasis on motor and chassis setup.

Can't decide between the two kinds of motors? A good middle ground is often the Yamaha Sportsman classes. These classes reduce the horsepower output of the Yamaha motor, providing the close racing of four-cycle classes, while keeping the low maintenance costs of a two-cycle motor. It also provides a base to build on. If you decide to try a higher horsepower class later on, you have a motor that you can grow with you.

Before purchasing anything, talk to the people in the club. Everyone is always willing to help someone getting started (at least while they are still ahead of you.....)