Those new to karting may be wondering what a typical race day looks like, and we strongly recommend visiting us on an actual race day! This will allow you to see some great racing action, talk to a variety of racers and officials, and get a general look and feel for what racing with CKT is all about. As an IKF sanctioned series, we require all spectators to sign a liability waiver and purchase a spectator wristband. These are typically $10 per person, and can be purchased at registration.
At CKT (as with almost every karting series worldwide), the earliest a driver can start racing is the age of 5 in the 'Kid Kart' class. For a full list of our approved racing categories, check out our Race Classes List.
Kid Kart: Drivers ages 5-7 can compete in the 'Kid Kart' class.
Cadet: Once a driver turns 7, they may enter the 'Cadet' category which includes 'Junior 1', 'Micro Max,' and 'Mini Max' classes.
Junior: At the age of 12, a variety of options and classes await, but we typically use the term 'Junior' to discuss them.
Senior: At the age of 15, a driver is considered a 'Senior,' and they may compete in these classes as long as they like.
Masters: At the age of 32, a driver is considered 'Masters', although the age limit can vary by region (as an example, IKF defines 'Master' as age 40 and above).
Kid Kart: Drivers ages 5-7 can compete in the 'Kid Kart' class.
Cadet: Once a driver turns 7, they may enter the 'Cadet' category which includes 'Junior 1', 'Micro Max,' and 'Mini Max' classes.
Junior: At the age of 12, a variety of options and classes await, but we typically use the term 'Junior' to discuss them.
Senior: At the age of 15, a driver is considered a 'Senior,' and they may compete in these classes as long as they like.
Masters: At the age of 32, a driver is considered 'Masters', although the age limit can vary by region (as an example, IKF defines 'Master' as age 40 and above).
Below, we outline the 3 main sizes of karts. Each kart has a ‘chassis’ size, which is the core structure of the kart. A key definition to understand the following information: the term ‘wheelbase’ is used to determine the spacing between the wheels on many vehicles. On a kart, this measurement is made in a straight line from the centerline of the front wheel to the centerline of the rear wheel.
Kid Kart: Kid Kart chassis are small in stature, roughly ‘1/2’ scale of a true full size kart chassis. These chassis are designed to fit smaller drivers, usually ages 5 to 8. Most Kid Kart chassis have a wheelbase between 700 and 850mm.
Cadet: Cadet chassis are medium sized, roughly ‘3/4’ scale of a true full size chassis. Typically, these chassis fit a driver aged 8-12. Most cadet karts have a wheel base between 900 and 1010mm
Full-Size: Full size chassis are the largest category of chassis available for common karting competition. Typically, these chassis will fit most drivers aged 12 and older. Most full size karts have a wheelbase between 1200 and 1450mm.
Kid Kart: Kid Kart chassis are small in stature, roughly ‘1/2’ scale of a true full size kart chassis. These chassis are designed to fit smaller drivers, usually ages 5 to 8. Most Kid Kart chassis have a wheelbase between 700 and 850mm.
Cadet: Cadet chassis are medium sized, roughly ‘3/4’ scale of a true full size chassis. Typically, these chassis fit a driver aged 8-12. Most cadet karts have a wheel base between 900 and 1010mm
Full-Size: Full size chassis are the largest category of chassis available for common karting competition. Typically, these chassis will fit most drivers aged 12 and older. Most full size karts have a wheelbase between 1200 and 1450mm.
Whether you are new to karting and considering your first karting purchase or are an experienced racer with some equipment you wish to buy or sell, the following are a few places to check out:
The Colorado Karter.com Classifieds
The Colorado Karter.com Classifieds Facebook Group (NOTE: this is a private group that requires a simple request to join)
The Colorado Karter.com Classifieds
The Colorado Karter.com Classifieds Facebook Group (NOTE: this is a private group that requires a simple request to join)
Set of hand and power tools: While there are many items to list here, some of the main ones most kart racers will find useful: A set of metric wrenches, sockets, and allen keys, screwdrivers, a hammer or mallet, measuring tape, safety wire and pliers. Common power tools include drills, and impact guns.
Fuel Jug or Container: Most are plastic, and come in a variety of sizes. A common size is 5-gallon.
Kart Stand: A kart stand elevates the kart off the ground, allowing access to all areas of the kart at an ideal working height.
Shade or sun protection: An EZ-Up or portable tent is always nice to have at the track, and found in most pit areas.
Air Pressure Gauge and Air Tank or Compressor: An air pressure gauge is essential to ensuring the tires have the correct pressure before going on track. In addition, having compressed air in your pits is nice for mounting tires and for cleaning parts.
Fuel Jug or Container: Most are plastic, and come in a variety of sizes. A common size is 5-gallon.
Kart Stand: A kart stand elevates the kart off the ground, allowing access to all areas of the kart at an ideal working height.
Shade or sun protection: An EZ-Up or portable tent is always nice to have at the track, and found in most pit areas.
Air Pressure Gauge and Air Tank or Compressor: An air pressure gauge is essential to ensuring the tires have the correct pressure before going on track. In addition, having compressed air in your pits is nice for mounting tires and for cleaning parts.
Full-Face Helmet: A modern, Snell SA 2015 approved full-face helmet. Of all equipment listed on this page, CKT urges all members to invest the most amount of research and funds in finding the best fitting and performing helmet that suits their budget. All models of SFI Foundation Specification prior to 2010, Snell Foundation models Snell 2000, 2005 ARE NO LONGER LEGAL.
Racing Suit: A full-length, CIK-Approved, 1-Piece Racing Suit (karting specific as they are abrasion resistant).
Racing Gloves: The IKF requires that gloves be of an 'over-the-wrist' type. For most gloves, this area of the glove is defined as the 'gauntlet.' Therefore, all gloves must cover not only the entire hand, but the wrist area as well. Ideally, such gloves can overlap the karting suit, to prevent any bodily exposure to the track during abrasion accidents.
Racing Shoes: The IKF requires that footwear be of an 'over-the-ankle' type. All shoes must cover the anklebone area, and be laced, buckled, or secured as designed. Racing-specific shoes are recommended but not required.
Rib Vest: A Rib Protection Device with Chest Protection (commonly known as a Rib Vest) is designed for all drivers of all ages, to protect their ribs and core body area during impacts and daily track driving in karts. The use of rib braces/chest protectors are recommended per IKF.
Neck Protection (mandatory for drivers 16 and under): For many years, the IKF has required that all drivers in all divisions must wear an unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for motorsports use when on the track. Recently, this rule has been modified to make neck protection devices mandatory for drivers aged 16 and under. CKT strongly urges all drivers in all divisions at any physical age to strongly consider wearing a neck protection device.
Chest Protection (mandatory for drivers 12 and under): All drivers ages 5-12 must wear a chest protection device and rib protection device with a Specification 20.1/1 SFI Certification (ages up through 8) or 20.1/2 SFI Certification (ages 9-12). CKT strongly urges all drivers in all divisions at any physical age to strongly consider wearing a chest/rib protection device.
Racing Suit: A full-length, CIK-Approved, 1-Piece Racing Suit (karting specific as they are abrasion resistant).
Racing Gloves: The IKF requires that gloves be of an 'over-the-wrist' type. For most gloves, this area of the glove is defined as the 'gauntlet.' Therefore, all gloves must cover not only the entire hand, but the wrist area as well. Ideally, such gloves can overlap the karting suit, to prevent any bodily exposure to the track during abrasion accidents.
Racing Shoes: The IKF requires that footwear be of an 'over-the-ankle' type. All shoes must cover the anklebone area, and be laced, buckled, or secured as designed. Racing-specific shoes are recommended but not required.
Rib Vest: A Rib Protection Device with Chest Protection (commonly known as a Rib Vest) is designed for all drivers of all ages, to protect their ribs and core body area during impacts and daily track driving in karts. The use of rib braces/chest protectors are recommended per IKF.
Neck Protection (mandatory for drivers 16 and under): For many years, the IKF has required that all drivers in all divisions must wear an unaltered collar-type neck brace designed for motorsports use when on the track. Recently, this rule has been modified to make neck protection devices mandatory for drivers aged 16 and under. CKT strongly urges all drivers in all divisions at any physical age to strongly consider wearing a neck protection device.
Chest Protection (mandatory for drivers 12 and under): All drivers ages 5-12 must wear a chest protection device and rib protection device with a Specification 20.1/1 SFI Certification (ages up through 8) or 20.1/2 SFI Certification (ages 9-12). CKT strongly urges all drivers in all divisions at any physical age to strongly consider wearing a chest/rib protection device.