Whether a complete newcomer to the sport of karting, or just exploring the site, welcome! We strongly encourage visitors to read this page, and also to check out the Karting 101 and Forum discussion at The Colorado Karter.com. The sport of competitive go kart racing is considered by many to be the most affordable, fundamental, and exciting branch of motorsports available worldwide. Karts come in a variety of sizes and speeds, and accommodate racers of all ages, starting as young as 5 years old. They bring the excitement, speed, and challenge of motorsports competition to thousands of racers each year.

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.

The four primary age groups in karting are: 'Kid Kart', 'Cadet', 'Junior', and 'Senior.' These are catch-all terms that are applied to the varied kart class age groups, and represent a logical, safe progression in karting competition based mainly on age, skill, and overall cognitive ability of the competitor.

Drivers ages 5-7 can compete in the 'Kid Kart' class.

Once a driver turns 7, they may enter the 'Cadet' category which includes 'Junior 1', 'Micro Max,' and 'Mini Max' classes.

At the age of 12, a variety of options and classes await, but we typically use the term 'Junior 2' to discuss them.

At the age of 15, a driver is considered a 'Senior,' and they may compete in these classes as long as they like.

'Masters' drivers refer to drivers above the age of 32, although this definition can vary by region (as an example, IKF defines 'Master' as age 40 and above).
Organized and competitive karting events, regardless of age or region, use purpose-built racing karts that come from manufacturers all over the world. A racing kart consists primarily of a chassis (the main frame), made of steel tubing, high-strength components such as the axle and steering mechanism, and plastic protective bumpers known collectively as bodywork. Additionally, a purpose-built seat, usually made of fiberglass or similar composites is installed for the driver. Lastly, performance-racing slicks, wheels, and an engine of appropriate performance is placed on the kart.

Depending on the age of the driver, karts can vary by size, (length & width), and engine type depending on the class. Each class is governed by well-established rules and regulations written by national and/or international sanctioning bodies.

In the case of CKT, our series uses several nationally-respected organizations to officiate and regulate the technical rulings and details around our karting classes. These sanctioning bodies include the International Karting Federation, Superkarts! USA (SKUSA), and Rotax Max International Rules.

The Kid Kart class, (5-7 yr olds) uses a factory-sealed Honda GHX50 engine that is governed to produce approximately 2 hp. The class is also restricted to a set gear ratio, set tire diameter and other performance limitations, in order to keep reasonable consistency and parody among competitors and speeds to a safe level. This allows younger drivers and teams to focus on what matters most: safely participating in a racing event, while also having fun and keeping costs affordable.

The Junior 1, Micro Max, and Mini Max classes are for drivers ages 7-13. Junior 1 uses a Briggs and Stratton LO206, which is a factory-sealed engine that produces approximately 8 hp depending on changes that can be easily made (and sanctioned) to the carburetor. The Micro Max and Mini Max categories utilize the Rotax FR125, configured to fit the regulations of each category. Each classes are highly regulated from a technical stand point, placing emphasis on offering only minimal engine modifications. This reinforces the focus on driver development, and an introduction to tuning the kart chassis and engine for optimum performance at a given track and varying conditions.

Beyond these categories are the Junior categories of Junior 2 and Junior Rotax, ideal for drivers ages 12-16. Often these classes will feature the tightest competition seen all day at a CKT event, and these drivers sure know how to put on a show! Both categories utilize a 'full-size' kart chassis, with Junior 2 utilizing a Briggs LO206 engine, and Junior Rotax using the Rotax FR125. The 100 Senior category can accommodate some junior drivers ages 15-16. This category uses the IAME KA 100 or ROK VLR 100.

 For adults, the sky is the limit regarding category and engine class. From the Briggs LO206, the Rotax FR125, Open TaG 2-Cycle engines, 100cc 2-Cycle engines, and of course shifter karts, there are many categories to choose from.
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. If you find a chassis with a larger wheelbase than this, it may not be a Kid Kart chassis, therefore inappropriate for this category or age range of drivers. To most experienced karters, it would be quite hard to confuse a Kid Kart for a cadet, but easy for beginners.

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. The exact brand, type, and size of cadet chassis varies somewhat, depending on year and model.
- Most cadet karts have a wheel base between 900 and 1010mm. While not universal, many cadet chassis wheelbases are almost exactly 950mm, hence why some people may refer to a cadet as a ‘950’ chassis. Although much more rare, 1010mm wheelbase chassis are legal for cadet category competition. However, anything longer in wheelbase than this is not allowed. If you find or consider a kart for use that has a wheelbase larger than 1010mm, it may not be used for cadet categories or drivers.

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. For some drivers, the 1010mm chassis fits slightly better, which is why it is allowed for the Junior 2 category (and only this category, and Junior 1 cadet, Junior 1).
- Most full size karts have a wheelbase between 1200 and 1450mm. If you are considering a kart with a smaller wheelbase than 1300mm, consider contacting CKT, as most will not be allowed to be used in full-size karting.
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)
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. The prices of this can range from as low as $200 for starting tools to thousands if you have the nicest tools of all shape variety and color. Consider this an evolving and ‘as needed’ sort of category! 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 the 5-gallon variety. Ranges $30-75

Kart Stand: While there are those that do not have one, most kart racers utilize a kart stand to transport and work on their karts within the pits. They elevate the kart off the ground, allowing access to all areas of the kart at an ideal working height. Ranges from $150-300.

Shade or sun protection: A small EZ-Up or portable tent is always nice to have at the track, and found in most pit areas. Many basic tents begin at $100.

Air Pressure Gauge, ideally also an Air Tank or Compressor: Almost all teams will have an air pressure gauge. In addition, having compressed air in your pits is nice for filling tires and for cleaning parts. Range $5-$150

Small first-aid kit: While not mandatory (CKT always has a paramedic or attendants on site at any official event), small cuts can happen while working in the pits. Having some basic bandages is always good.
Karting is considered by many as the foundation of motorsports. This also means that it is considered to be one of the most affordable options to get into competitive, wheel-to-wheel racing. Like most sporting endeavors, a newcomer can get involved in the sport at many levels. Some choose to find a good used kart and safety equipment to start out with, with the intent to progress to more contemporary equipment once their skills necessitate an upgrade. Others want the new stuff right away. The truth is that for almost all new drivers, there will be little difference in overall performance whether you buy a quality used kart, or a brand new one. As a driver becomes more capable, subtle differences in equipment type, quality, and performance become more important. Depending on a driver or team’s ambitions, there is inherently not a one-size-fits-all solution for each competitor.

At CKT, we want karters to get involved at a cost point that makes sense to them, while still allowing them to be safe on the racetrack, and have fun. The best way is to start conservative. This likely means taking the time to find a quality, used kart and proper safety and mechanical equipment so that you can go to the track and enjoy learning and progressing in karting from day 1. With so many kids progressing through various karting classes, used karts and equipment tends to be highly sought after, and retains value reasonably well, if maintained.

Ballpark Investment:

A good used Kid Kart (5-7 yr olds) can vary from $1500-$2500 as a race ready package. A brand new kart can cost approximately $3000 in complete ready to race condition.

Junior 1 karts (ages 7-13) typically are slightly more, with a mid range used race ready package costing approximately $1200-$2500. New karts in race-ready condition can vary due to the engine package included, but range from $3,000-$5,000.

Junior 2 and Senior karts can also vary in price, and this is mostly due to the engine package included. Typically, a used kart will cost between $1500-$2500 without a motor package., Sometimes, a seller may include an engine package. But, consider the following as ball-park estimates for new and used karts with various motor packages:

LO206 full-size karts - Used race ready can be found for $1500 - $2500. A new kart will range between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on all the bells and whistles that come with the kart.

Mid-Range Full-size karts - Used race ready karts can be found for $2,000 - $3,500 depending on the motor package. A new kart in this range typically will run $4,000 - $6,000, again depending on the brand or accessories

High-End, High-Performance Karts - For shifter karts, pricing can be daunting at times at first. However, a used kart can be found often for reasonable funds: used can range between $2,500 - $5,000 or more depending on pedigree. New, again heavily engine package dependent, can range from $4,500 to $7,500.