The Blue Max Kart Club hosts periodic sprint kart races. We have about 200 members of all ages. You do not need to be a member to race at BMKC, only to accumulate club points for the season championship. We host one IKF race per season and an IKF membership is required to run at those races.add text, images, video, widgets, etc...
Feel free to contact a representative of the Board of Directors, using contact information found on the Board of Directors (link) page. The club mailing address is: Blue Max Kart Club,
It varies depending on the class, but many of the faster karts go about 65 mph at the end of the straight.
Classes at BMKC use a variety of engines: First is a 100cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke, air-cooled engine developed especially for kart racing. "Shifter" karts use a 80cc or 125cc motorcycle engine and a six-speed gearbox. Newer "TaG" classes use 100cc or 125cc engines that include a built in starter for "Touch and Go" convenience.
The 100cc classes usually use a multi-disk centrifugal clutch and a single gear. Shifter (gear-box) karts use a multi disc manually controlled clutch. Newer electric start TaG karts use a centrifugal clutch that is activated at a preset engine rpm.
A new, race-ready 100cc kart costs between $4000 and $5000. A good-condition, clean used kart costs between $2000-$3000 and you may be able to pick up some extra parts as well. Good places to shop for used karts and accessories are larger metropolitan newspapers (try off-road vehicles) and the NorCal-Karting web site which includes classified listings and lots of links to other karting sites.
Safety equipment costs between about $450 and $800 depending on how extravagant you get. You will need a driving suit (a jacket with jeans is an "acceptable" alternative although doesn't provide the same protection), full-face helmet, gloves, racing or high-top shoes, and neck collar. A rib vest is recommended for adults and a certified chest protector is required for all drivers under the age of 12 (effective 3/1/06).
Special tools, a starter, and a kart stand costs about $400. A set of tires (the most commonly required by the IKF are Bridgestone tires with about three commonly used sprint racing compounds: (hard, medium sticky and "sticky") cost about $160 and will last you between two and five race days.
Yes, but it's not worth it. Race karts chassis have been subjected to great amounts of research and design, and competition between manufacturers is so fierce that if you wanted to build a competitive chassis, you would have to spend far more money in research than it would cost you to buy one off the shelf. But don't worry, in karting there are enough adjustments you can make and little gadgets you can build to keep the engineer in you quite content.
There is risk in every form of racing. Though fatalities do occur in kart racing, they are rare. All kart racers are required to wear a full-faced Snell 2000 or newer helmet, skid-resistant race suit or jacket, durable long pants like jeans (shorts are NOT acceptable), racing gloves, padded neck brace, and high-top race shoes or tennis shoes. Many racers wear a rib-protector, as bruised and occasionally broken ribs are one of the most common racing injuries. This is mostly due to the especially high side forces that can be generated by the wide grippy tires on the karts. Beginning March 1, 2006, junior racers are required to wear SFI Certified chest protectors as well. An EMT or paramedic is required at all IKF and BMKC club races.
Karts can generate more side force than virtually any other form of auto racing. It is not uncommon for a kart to exceed 2.2 G's and nearly 3G's are possible with 'sticky tires'. A well setup new Corvette can rarely exceed 1.0 G's and even NASCAR's best road racers generate less than 2Gs.It is interesting to note that a number of NASCAR drivers routinely use karts to keep their skills finely honed and physically conditioned. Blue Max hosted both Kurt Busch and Bobby La Bonte in the week before the
You must be at least 8 years old to race with most kart clubs. Blue Max offers a "Kid Kart" class for 5 to 7 year olds.
There is no maximum age in kart racing. A large number of competitive drivers are well into their 50s or 60s! Some "Masters" classes have a minimum age limit. These classes are among the most popular and competitive at our club.
No, you do not need to be licensed, but it is a good idea to attend a school. You should develop basic kart control skills before attempting to race.
There are several kart racing schools in
There a several kart tracks in
Appropriate safety equipment is mandatory!!!
You don't have to race to enjoy driving a kart. A number of kart owners attend open practice days at other local tracks and never enter a race.
First things first. Come up and visit us on race day. See the karts in action. Does it look like fun to you?
