Beginners Guide

Go-Kart racing has become a very popular, fun, and inexpensive way for an entry-level individual to find their way into racing since go-karts were invented back in the late 1960’s. The type of karting that we see now in today’s world have become a way for young kids to learn important skills that is needed for the professional upper-series of racing like with NASCAR, Indy Cars, Formula One, and other popular organizations that are well-known through the racing world. Besides the fact that karting is about racing what if I told you that our most favorite drivers like NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon got their starts in go-karts. The idea behind go-karts is to learn everything hands-on with learning everything like the racing groove, passing, learning setup basics, and even to the media with asking questions about your racing. 

Experience the Action Live

Nothing beats the smell of race fuel and the sound of engines at your local outdoor track. A visit isn’t just about watching the race; it’s a masterclass in physics. Watch the front-runners to see their “racing line”—the specific path they take through corners to carry maximum speed. If you want to be the best, start by watching the first and second-place karts!

Go Behind the Scenes with a Pit Pass

To see what really makes a race team tick, grab a pit pass. This is your “all-access” ticket to see the hardware up close. Use this time to check out:

• Chassis Brands: See which frames are winning on your local asphalt.

• Engine Specs: Identify which motors are powering each class.

• Safety Gear: Check out the helmets, suits, and neck braces the pros trust.

Meet the Community

The karting world is one big family. Once you’ve looked around, don’t be shy! Talk to the veteran drivers, the “kart parents” in the pits, and even the technical inspectors (the experts who ensure every kart is legal and safe). They are the best resources for learning exactly what to expect when you finally suit up.

Remember: While we provide as much info as possible, schedules and class structures can change. We strongly recommend you refer to our official site to confirm the latest race days and class requirements.

Step 2: Choose Your Class & Find Your Speed

Now that you’ve scouted the lines and explored the pits, it’s time for the most exciting decision of all: What are you going to drive? At NFKC, we have a spot on the grid for everyone, from the youngest rookies to our seasoned veterans. Here is how the field breaks down at the 103rd Street Sports Complex:

The Powerhouse: Briggs & Stratton LO206

The majority of our racers compete in the LO206 Stock 4-Cycle classes. This engine is the gold standard for reliable, competitive, and affordable racing. Our classes cover the entire spectrum:

• Kid Karts & Juniors: Safety is our priority! Our younger racers use specific “slides” (restrictors) to manage horsepower and RPMs, ensuring they learn the craft at a safe and manageable speed.

• Senior & Legends: For the adults and our most experienced “Legends” of the track, the LO206 offers pure, wheel-to-wheel tactical racing.

Dividing the Field: Age & Weight

To keep the competition fierce and fair, our classes are divided by two main factors:

1. Age: You’ll race against peers in your own age bracket.

2. Total Weight: This includes the Kart + Driver combined. Every kart hits the scales after the race to ensure a level playing field!

Craving More Speed?

If you have a “need for speed,” NFKC also hosts:

• 2-Cycle Classes: Available for both youth and adults, these karts offer higher RPMs and blistering top speeds for those looking for an extra adrenaline kick.

• Shifter Karts: The ultimate challenge! These high-performance machines feature manual gearboxes and represent the peak of karting intensity.

Ready to Get Started?

Before you buy your first kart, come talk to us! We can help you identify exactly which class fits your age and goals so you can hit the track with confidence.

There isn’t a store at the NFKC track. You will need to order supplies online at one of the shops listed below. South Georgia Karting and Mikim Motorsports does deliver to the track on race days. TS Racing is located in Bushnell, FL.

https://www.southgeorgiakarting.com/

http://www.tsracing.com/ 

https://cometkartsales.com/home.php 

https://www.mikimmotorsports.com/ 

DOWNLOAD this guide to racing flags and the most common meanings.

AccorWhen you have decided to pack up everything you need, you got your go-kart setup for raceday, the final thing that you need to do on your first time in karting is to turn your first laps on the track. When I first started go-kart racing, I ran every single lap I could in each practice session on the day of the qualifying heats and the main race to just get the feel of the kart for the first time and to get used to the speed, not to mention in feeling like I was going to throw my lunch; but, fortunately I didn’t do that. The most important detail is to try to learn the starting procedures, how restarts go, learning the line that everyone is driving on the track, learning the braking points, and knowing if I’ve got the right gear on the kart that will make the go-kart keep going instead of maxing out to where you lose horsepower on the most parts of the turns or on the straightaways. Also, it is a great idea on your first race to opt into starting in the back no matter you qualify since you could get run over by some veteran karters that know the ropes more than you do and also hold your own no matter what speed you are racing at in other words make your moves respectfully and move out of the way if you are getting lapped by the leaders.dion Content

Racing is all about preparation. You can prepare the kart and your track day setup yourself, or you can hire someone else to do it for you. 

o Kart – New or Used.

o Engine – New or Used. The type depends on the type of Class you are racing. Check with your local track.

o Transport – Pickup truck, van, or trailer.

Safety Equipment

o Helmet – New only. We don’t recommend used helmets (impact damage may not show on the helmet, but safety could be compromised). 

o Race Suit – Abrasion-resistant race suit (some clubs let you get by with heavy long pants and abrasion resistant jacket) 

o Rib protector – (the chest protection is mandatory for kids, but optional for adults). 

o Gloves – either kart-specific or motorcycle road racing gloves. 

o Kart race shoes – Hi-top wrestling shoes will work, but we recommend kart-specific shoes. 

o Neck protection – neck brace/collar, head, neck restraint system, etc. 

o Fire extinguisher and basic first aid kit 

Tools – it varies with the type of engine & chassis. 

o A soft blow hammer, basic screwdriver set, drill, catch pan for oil, and an impact driver is nice to have if you know how to properly use it – i.e. don’t over-tighten bolts. 

o Air compressor or air tank o Tire gauge – accurate dial (or digital) gauge o Zip ties of various sizes, and electrical & duct tape. 

o Mechanic gloves or disposable gloves. o Various sprockets – Ask your local track what size of sprockets drivers are using in your class. o Fuel jug 

o Chain lube o Kart stand with wheels 

o Hand-held starter – depending on type of kart 

o Lap timer – kart data device (Mychron, etc.) or at least someone with a stopwatch 

o Pop-up canopy for shade (or to keep dry) 

o Cooler for food & drinks 

Safety is a combination of many things, two of which include the driver and the track. Karting is safer than many other sports, but it is a high-speed motorsport so there are some dangers to be aware of. 

• Track: We recommend you walk the track (when it’s not being used by karts, of course!) to check the run-off and barriers in each corner. Make sure there are no dangerous obstructions (solid objects such as trees, or poles). If there are, they should be blocked with hay bales or safety barriers. Do not drive on the track if any kart stands or vehicles (other than karts) are on the track. 

• Driver Safety Equipment: Most organizations require full (abrasion-resistant) driving suits (or at the very least long pants and long sleeves), shoes that cover the ankles, abrasion-resistant gloves, neck protection, and a full face helmet that meets the latest safety standards. Rib protectors are not always mandatory, but should be – don’t drive without one. Chest protection is also required for Junior drivers, and recommended for adults. 

Above all, drive smart and stay focused.

Disclaimer: North Florida Kart Club is not responsible for your safety, your safety is up to you! 

NORTH FLORIDA KART CLUB PROVIDES THE INFORMATION ON THESE PAGES “AS IS” AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES. NORTH FLORIDA KART CLUB (AND ANY BUSINESS PARTNERS, MARKETING PARTNERS, OR SPONSORS) DISCLAIMS ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL NORTH FLORIDA KART CLUB BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS, USE, OR DATA OR FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, OR OTHER SORT. 

The North Florida Kart Club does races in wet conditions. Raceable wet conditions are defined as a wet track but without deep standing water or heavy running water on the track surface. Heavy rainfall or the presence of lightning, or other severe weather in the area are not acceptable racing conditions.

When the Race Director has declared wet conditions for the track and declares rain tires are required, ALL competitors must mount rain tires. Racers will be allowed up to 20 minutes to mount approved rain tires. Only production-type rain tires that have been manufactured specifically for wet weather racing conditions will be permitted. Competitors may not modify, groove, etc. of rain tires.

The following policy applies to all classes including Kid Karts. 

It is the competitors’ option to race in the rain. If they decide not to mount rain tires then they will not be allowed to race until they mount rain tires or the Race Director lefts the rain tire requirement.