Physical Address:
Christchurch Powerbuilt Tools Kart Raceway
Corner Carrs & Wigram Road
Halswell

View Larger Map

E-Mail: webmaster@chchkartclub.co.nz
Contacts: Jeremy Cox / Lynda Cox

The track is 620 metres and has an 'A' rating, anti clockwise direction.

Suggested gearing

• Senior 100cc Yamaha light - clutch 7.8 - 8.0 : 1
• Senior 100cc Yamaha light - no clutch 8.3 - 8.6 : 1
• Senior 100cc Yamaha heavy - clutch 8.2 - 8.4 : 1
• Senior 100cc Yamaha heavy - no clutch 8.9 - 9.2 : 1
• Junior 100cc Yamaha - clutch 7.7 - 8.0 :1
• Junior 100cc Yamaha - no clutch 7.9 - 8.2 :1
• Junior Restricted - clutch 7.4 - 7.7 :1
• Junior Restricted - no clutch 7.9 - 8.2 :1
• Cadet 6.6 - 6.9 :1

Official track records

• Open 28.696                                           Thomas Emmerson     5/4/08
  
• 250cc National 31.260                            Lindsay Quinton           10/10/93
  
• 125cc National 31.660                            Ian Bias                          17/4.87                        
  
• 100cc Club Class Yamaha  32.840        Lindsay Hartley             21/9/97
  
• Senior 100cc Yamaha Light 31.929      Matthew Hamilton         31/3/02
  
• Senior 100cc Yamaha Heavy 32.650    Simon Hunter                5/4/08
  
• Senior 100cc National 31.191                Robert Dalziel               31/3/02
  
• Senior Intercontinental A  29.663          Jonathan Reid               20/5/00           
  
• 125cc Rotax Max Light  30.955             Matthew Penrose          5/4/08
  
• 125cc Rotax Max Heavy  31.768           Matthew Hamilton         11/5/08
  
• Junior 100cc Yamaha 31.769                 Luke Kirk                         6/4/08
  
• Junior 100cc National 31.133                 Mitchell Wilson              26/10/97
  
• Junior 100cc Intercontinental A 31.395 Scott Downes                31/3/02
  
• Formula Junior   31.002                          Luke Kirk                         5/4/08
  
• Junior Restricted 32.839                          James Penrose            6/4/08
  
• Cadet 35.109                                            Brent Neill                      6/4/08
  

The most recent changes to the official track records held at Christchurch Kart Club have been at the Club Championships held 5th & 6th April 2008.

The outright track record is held by Thomas Emmerson with a 28.696, set at the 2008 Club Championships.

Directions to the track:

From highway 1 at Hornby, at the traffic lights corner of Main South & Carman, go straight on if approaching from the North or turn right, if from the South onto Shands road. Go straight on over the next set of lights, then turn left at the roundabout onto Halswell Junction road. Carry straight on for approximately 3km (straight on at the roundabout at 1.5Km). Turn left onto Wigram road, proceed around the sharp left hand bend and the track is 200mtrs on the left.

Raceday timetable for Carrs Road Raceway

General

These times are for Club Days. If the meeting is a championship event and an entry form is required these times will be different. Check the information sheet of the entry form.

Times (Please note all times are approximate)

7.15am: Gates Open
7.30am: Scrutineering and entries. Please don't be late. Queue in the scrutineering line with your kart in ready to race condition, race suit and Competition Licence. Your kart and race gear will be checked and you will be provided with a card. Take your card to the shop and pay your entry fee where the card will be stamped. Take this card to the Tech Shed with your current membership card and Competition Licence for documentation.
8.30am: Entries Close. Entries MAY NOT be accepted after this time.
8.45am: Drivers briefing. You will be informed who the meeting officials are for the day and any other general information.
9.05am: Practice in class order. Check the race day programme for the race order. Two 3 Minute Tuning runs per class followed by racing.
Racing: Grids are placed on a board in the pits. It is your responsibility to ensure you are on the correct grid in time for your race. When you have grid 1 - 6 you are required to provide a flag marshal for that race.
4.30pm: Approx meeting finish. Every one to the club house.

Race programme and practice

The club provides a race programme at most meetings. Check the programme for the race order and it will also be the order you will go out for practice. Ensure you know which class goes out before you so you can be ready for your run.

Driver's briefing

You will be requested at approx. 09.45am to assemble near the pit grid where you will be informed who the meeting officials are for the day and any other general information. You must attend and if you are a minor (under 18 years) the person who signed as guardian must also be in attendance.

Racing

Grids for the day are posted on the notice board. If you are a new senior competitor you will have a separate grid for the Wales Trophy race. This event is for new drivers and you only compete in this in your first year of competition or you win it three times. Take your kart to the grid when your race is called or the race prior to your race has left the grid. Ensure your helper removes your stand /trolley to the designated area or back to your pit.

When you get onto your allocated grid position memorize the kart in front and beside you. (If you are on grids 1-6 you have to supply a flag marshal.) When you move out onto the track, keep beside the kart opposite your grid position and about a metre behind the kart in front. Remember, if the kart in front of you pulls out or did not start you can not move up into this position, gaps are to be left. You will get at least one rolling lap before the start. This is the opportunity to warm up your tyres. Just roll the kart from side to side about a metre, this will warm up the tyres evenly. Do not throw the kart around in wild swings as there is a good chance you may spin and/or take another driver out. Stewards frown on this activity. Aggressive movements will not heat up the tyres evenly and will scrub off rubber very quickly.

When the chequered flag comes out, that is the end of the race, even if you did not complete all the laps. Drivers are placed on laps completed and providing you crossed the no-go line you are classed as a starter.If you received a black flag (either rolled up or waved at you) you must report to that steward with in 15 minutes. If you are under 18 years you must have your parent or guardian with you. Remember to take your competition licence with you.

Normally the day's competition is contested over 5 heats. Points awarded are 1 for 1st, 2 for 2nd etc. The first 4 grids are pre-drawn, you start from 4 different but equal grid positions. The theory of the these four grids is that if everyone finished in their grid position all drivers would have equal points, so passing is very important. Following these 4 races the points are added and the points leader starts from the front of the grid for the 5th heat. At the conclusion of the 5 heats, the points are again added, the drivers worst race is deleted from the results, and a winner emerges.

Engine inspection

At the completion of racing you may be requested to provide your engine for technical inspection. Check the board outside the Tech Shed to see if you are required. Remove the engine from the kart (unless you are racing a gearbox kart) and take it to the technical shed. Do not remove any parts from the engine until you are instructed to do so. You must have all the tools required to dismantle the engine. If you are not sure how to dismantle your engine you can appoint someone to do it for you.

Handicap race

Following the championship series and if time permits there is a handicap race, usually over a greater distance. The senior drivers will have an all-in rolling start, starting position will be given to you by the pit steward. All other classes have a standing start. The handicap positions are posted on the notice board.

After a Race

After a race you must return to the pits via the pit shute. If you have broken down you must stay with your kart until the race has completed. Your crew can not come onto the circuit until the race is completed and you must return via the pit shute. At some events the pit shute may be closed, in this case you must get approval from the official to go onto the track.

General club rules

• Karters must make themselves conversant with the rules governing karting.
• Karts may not be driven without another person present.
• Presentation of a current club membership card may be requested at any time.
• Non members may only use these facilities when a senior club member is in attendance.
• Only drivers from each age group may be on the track at any one time.
• Novice drivers in all classes MUST display a clearly visible "X" on a second number plate on the back of their kart.
• Drivers must be correctly clothed at all times. ie. approved crash helmet, goggles/visor, gloves, footwear and race suit.
• Karts MUST display race numbers at all times.
• Karts MUST have airboxes fitted.
• Karts making excessive noise will be flagged off the track.
• Karts may only leave and enter the pits via the correct ENTRY and EXIT.
• Driving into the pits via the pit grid is not acceptable.
• Karts MUST travel around the circuit in the same direction (anti clockwise).
• Drivers must indicate with a hand signal that they are pulling off the racing circuit.
• Karts are to be pulled well clear of the circuit if a breakdown occurs.
• Karts are not to be worked on track side.
• Driving karts in the pit area is not permitted.
• Drivers are responsible for the actions of their pit crew.
• The pit area is to be kept in a tidy condition. Please use the rubbish bins provided.
• Vehicles are not to be PARKED in the pits at anytime. This includes practice and race days.
• Animals must be kept under strict control at all times and are not permitted in the pit area or race track area during competition or practice.
• No Tents or EzyUps are permitted against the marked pit areas against the fence.
• Refueling of karts in/on the grid area is not permitted.
• Using the track outside the set times (Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 7pm) is prohibited.
• No engines are to be started before 9am.
• No engines are to be running after 5pm.
• Please report any damage or injury as soon as possible to a club official.
• The Christchurch Kart Club Incorporated cannot be held responsible for any personal injury or damage to equipment.

Track Access

Locks are on the entry gate, the toilets beside the club rooms and all track entry points. If you are last to leave the track, regardless of the time please ensure the toilet block door (beside the club rooms) is locked, the gates into the pits are shut and the gate into the raceway is shut and secure. Leaving the gate open invites undesirables which in most cases lead to vandalism. Access to the scales can be arranged by contacting a Club Committee member.

Damage

Please report any damage to the property, whether it be a smashed fence, broken window etc. to the Club President immediately.

Use of Carrs Road Raceway

The raceway is available to all members for testing at set times. There is no charge. Always have someone with you when you use the Raceway. When using the raceway you must comply with ALL rules and regulations for kart and apparel. Occasionally the track is hired out, or closed. This information is usually printed in the race calendar, race day programme and/or club news sheet. When there is a race meeting the only persons who may use the circuit are the entrants for the day. If there is a championship event being conducted the day before the event tuning is only available to the entrants and the practice/tuning is controlled.

Track Testing Times

Tuning will be in 10 minute sessions

Saturday - 09.00am to 5.00pm

Tuning is in 10 Minute sessions with all Classes taking turns.

Sunday - 09.00am to 5.00pm

Tuning is in 10 Minute sessions with all Classes taking turns.

Practice or kart testing on weekdays is not permitted, except for:

• Wednesday Afternoons 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm - Tuning is in 10 Minute sessions with all Classes taking turns.
• A limited amount of Fridays as clearly indicated in the Club Calendar.
• Use of the track outside these times is forbidden, severe penalties will be imposed.
• Note: There is no testing allowed on 25th Dec irrespective if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
• There is no testing allowed on any Statuatory Holiday except if clearly indicated on the club calendar. There is definitely No testing ever on Anzac day.
• Mixed age class practice / tuning will not be tolerated.

General club rules

• Karters must make themselves conversant with the rules governing karting.
• Karts may not be driven without another person present.
• Presentation of a current club membership card may be requested at any time.
• Non members may only use these facilities when a senior club member is in attendance.
• Only drivers from each age group may be on the track at any one time.
• Novice drivers in all classes MUST display a clearly visible "X" on a second number plate on the back of their kart.
• Drivers must be correctly clothed at all times. ie. approved crash helmet, goggles/visor, gloves, footwear and race suit.
• Karts MUST display race numbers at all times.
• Karts MUST have airboxes fitted.
• Karts making excessive noise will be flagged off the track.
• Karts may only leave and enter the pits via the correct ENTRY and EXIT.
• Driving into the pits via the pit grid is not acceptable.
• Karts MUST travel around the circuit in the same direction (anti clockwise).
• Drivers must indicate with a hand signal that they are pulling off the racing circuit.
• Karts are to be pulled well clear of the circuit if a breakdown occurs.
• Karts are not to be worked on track side.
• Driving karts in the pit area is not permitted.
• Drivers are responsible for the actions of their pit crew.
• The pit area is to be kept in a tidy condition. Please use the rubbish bins provided.
• Vehicles are not to be PARKED in the pits at anytime. This includes practice and race days.
• Animals must be kept under strict control at all times and are not permitted in the pit area or race track area during competition or practice.
• No Tents or EzyUps are permitted against the marked pit areas against the fence.
• Refueling of karts in/on the grid area is not permitted.
• Using the track outside the set times (Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 7pm) is prohibited.
• No engines are to be started before 9am.
• No engines are to be running after 5pm.
• Please report any damage or injury as soon as possible to a club official.
• The Christchurch Kart Club Incorporated cannot be held responsible for any personal injury or damage to equipment.

Eligibility and requirements to compete

The competitor (and parent, parent/guardian for drivers under 18) shall be conversant with all rules governing karting. Every competitor must hold a current kart competition licence. In all competition from club level up, a competitor MUST be currently registered with the NZKF. In all competition a competitor must also be a full driving (racing) member of a NZKF affiliated club on the day of the event and be able to produce proof of such club membership on demand.

Age limits

Competitors are subject to the following age limits:

Cadet class; Being drivers aged 6 and under 12 years. Cadets are not eligible to compete in Junior Restricted, Junior, Senior sprint, nor road or circuit competition.
Junior Restricted class; Being drivers aged 10 and under 14 years. Junior Restricted are not eligible to compete in Cadet, Junior, Senior sprint, nor road or circuit competition.
Junior class; Being drivers aged 12 and under 17 years. Juniors are not eligible to compete in Senior sprint, nor road or circuit competition.
Senior class; Being drivers 15 years and over but subject to the rating and qualifications as entered on the competition licence.

Age upgrading

A driver, upon reaching the lower age limit for their next respective class may:
(a) Immediately move into Junior Restricted/Junior/Senior classes.
(b) Continue in their respective class until the maximum age limit is reached.
(c) When upgrading, each respective licence book MUST be forwarded to the licence secretary immediately for amendment. 'A' licence ratings will not be carried forward. (There is no charge for the upgrade.)

Competition Licence

This is available only from the KartSport New Zealand Competition Licence Secretary, on application. This is a basic licence which can only be signed by a KartSport New Zealand Race Official.

Numbers

Every competition licence is numbered and this is your registered number. It is the responsibility of every competitor to affix a number to plates. For more information, see Membership.

Competition Licence/Log Book

Competition licence must be presented at all events at scrutineering. The log book must be signed by a KartSport New Zealand Race Official at scrutineering. Entrants must have the correct licence rating for the event.

Licence rating upgrade

At any event you may request the Chief Steward or Clerk of the Course of the meeting to observe you for an upgrade of your licence. You will be required to satisfactorily complete a questionnaire before the rating will be considered. Licence ratings are earned, not given. Don't expect to get a licence rating in a field of 6 competitors

Licence ratings (Currently under review by KartSport New Zealand)

SPRINT
'C' rating - CLUB LEVEL ONLY
'B' rating - OPEN COMPETITION, NATIONAL and ISLAND DIRT EVENTS, ISLAND ROAD and ISLAND ROAD GRAND PRIX EVENTS - may only be signed by a Senior NZKF Steward to promote a driver from 'C' to compete at meetings outside club level.
'A' rating - NATIONAL and ISLAND EVENTS - may only be signed by a Senior NZKF Steward at a "B" permitted meeting to promote a driver to the above events. Area Stewards have the authority to sign licences at Club race meetings.

ROAD
'B' rating - A portion of the licence is made available for up to three observations. A driver may be promoted by a Senior NZKF Steward after the 1st or 2nd observation providing the required level of competence has been achieved.
'A' rating - OPEN ROAD - A competitor must hold this rating to compete at national events.

INTERNATIONAL
Any registered drivers wishing to compete overseas are required to have their competition licence endorsed for International Competition by the National Steward. International licences are to be applied for only when required and are only valid for that year.

General

Endeavour to enlist a friend, partner, relative as pit crew to be at the track with you to assist with lifting your kart onto or off the stand, starting and being available as a flag marshall when required.

Equipment and responsibility

Indemnity

Every driver and parent/guardian (if competitor is under 18 years) whether in practice or competition must sign an indemnity form before going onto the track. Wednesday PM, Saturday and Sunday practice is covered when you apply for Club membership.

Competitor's responsibility

It is a driver's responsibility to ensure that the entry form (when required) is completed in full and correct in detail and to confirm entry with the race organiser before practice. To present the kart for examination within the times stipulated in a clean and raceworthy condition. To have the kart fully prepared for practice between times allocated. To store fuel in a safe position. To comply with all rules governing pit behaviour. To be fully acquainted with the programme, and when required, to assemble in the pit grid quickly. To leave the pit area clean and tidy, and be fully conversant with all rules governing kart competition.

New drivers

Must display a large cross on an additional rear number plate until the KartSport New Zealand official has decided the driver has attained a degree of competence. This cross must be clearly visible and in a contrasting colour. Adhesive tape is acceptable.

Pit crew and mechanics

Pit crew and mechanics will be held to be the responsibility of a driver for their actions.

Unacceptable behaviour

Physical or verbal abuse by an official or competitor of any kind will not be tolerated whether directed at a fellow competitor or official. Any breach of this rule during practice or competition can result in disqualification and any further penalties that may be imposed.

Flags

Click Here to download current flags and their respective rules/uses.

 

Starting procedure

Introduction

At every event the type of start must be stipulated prior to the event. Four types of starting methods may be adopted. Clutch start, Push start, Le Mans start and Rolling start. The latter method being the most common. Rolling starts of 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 etc. will be the rule.

Rolling starts

Karts form on the pit grid in their allocated grid positions. Pit Steward will advise 'Start Motors' for those with clutches. Drivers failing to start a motor must indicate with one arm raised. On reaching the time limit (1 minute) or before if all motors are fired, the Pit Steward will indicate move out. Karts which fail to start within the specified time limit cannot leave the pit grid after the rest of the field has left the pit grid and commenced the rolling lap.

The rolling lap commences when the rest of the field has crossed the No-Go line for the first time. The pole position (No 1) is responsible for setting the required pace, between quarter to half speed. All karts must maintain their position in very close formation. When approaching the starter the drivers must keep on their side of the two lines down the middle of the straight. If any driver is out of position this should be indicated to the starter by raising one hand. Should a driver stop or spin during the rolling lap no attempt is to be made to restart or rejoin until the entire field has passed. The driver may then rejoin at the back of the field but must not try to regain his/her original grid position. Should an attempt be made to move up through the field the driver may be disqualified and/or excluded from the race. Similarly, should a driver fall behind the allocated grid position without stopping, he/she must move to the back of the field and start at the rear. Any infringement may result in the same penalty. However, should the Starter or the Senior Steward consider that a driver has been forced to stop or slow down through the action of another he/she may send the field around for another rolling lap allowing the driver to take up his/her allocated grid position upon being signalled to do so by a Steward or the Starter.

Once the rolling lap has commenced, karts cannot receive assistance except in Road and Circuit competition where assistance is carried out in the designated pit lane.

No-Go line

All karts have a distance of between 50m to 80m measured from the front of the pit grid to be under their own motive power. This point is known as the NO GO line. Karts crossing this line and not under their own motive power will be NON STARTERS. You may only proceed from the pit gate to the NO GO line in a forward motion. Once drivers have crossed the NO GO line under engine motivation no outside assistance will be permitted. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Pole Driver

Pole driver sets the pace and must not be passed. If pole drops out of grid position number two sets the pace. All gaps must be left as gaps. At the approach to the starter, karts must maintain two straight lines. With the exception of gaps, karts must remain closely behind the front kart. On the 'Start' signal, the race is on.

Drivers who break position before the start signal will be penalised after one warning. In the case of a starting infringement, that driver will be moved to the rear of the field. The infringing driver's number will be displayed on a board.

False starts

In any type of starting procedure, where the Starter or Steward considers a breach of rules has been made and/or an advantage gained by a competitor the race can be either stopped and restarted or the offending driver or drivers penalised and the race continued.

Time trials

a) A driver will have 2 timed laps, these will be consecutive. Procedure: A driver will leave the pit area and have one complete lap before entering the 2 timed laps. Order of qualifying will be by ballot. Once a driver has entered the timing lap, there will be NO second chance.

Or

b) Two timed sessions. The field goes onto the track for a set time (usually 10 minutes). There are two sessions. The fastest time out of the 2 sessions is recorded against the driver.

Race stoppages

In the event of a race stoppage the field will grid up Indian file of the last completed lap prior to the incident causing the stoppage. The offender/s may be penalised. Competitors NOT recorded on this lap will not be permitted to start. This procedure will only be used after the second completed lap. If the race has gone more than 75% distance the race will be declared completed. The offender/s may be penalised. Any maintenance prior to the restart must be authorised by the Senior Steward of the meeting. If the race cannot be continued immediately all karts will be impounded.

Protests

The Protest Format is to contest an incident, ommision or minor penalties. If you wish to submit a protest communicate with the Clerk of the Course of the meeting.

Membership

Anyone can apply for membership to the Christchurch Kart Club.

We recommend that you purchase a kart or are about to purchase a kart before you make your application. You may use the track to test out your new kart prior to buying providing you have a current senior member of the Christchurch Kart Club with you.

Membership forms can be collected from the kart shops or by phoning the club secretary. You will require a Christchurch Kart Club membership application form (1 sheet) and a KartSport New Zealand Competition Licence application form (2 sheets). You need to complete both sets of forms. Application for racing membership will not be accepted without the Competition Licence application. Both applications are to be sent to the club secretary at the same time, but please, ensure you enclose two cheques, one for the Christchurch Kart Club and one for the KartSport New Zealand.

For club membership you will require a proposer, this may be the person you are purchasing the kart from or a known current club member. When submitting your application and you are a minor (under 18 years) please ensure you enclose a copy of your birth certificate and parent/guardian signature of approval to compete.

Race numbers

KartSport New Zealand provide you with a registered number which is printed in your Competition Licence/Rule Book. If your number is over 100, contact the Club Membership Secretary for a race number for club days. The secretary will try to allocate you a number that is part of your registered number. If you are not using your Licence number as your kart number you may have to change it if you compete at a meeting outside Christchurch.

Club membership fees are due on the June 30 of each year. There is a small discount for new members joining between February and up to June.

Club membership

Club Fees (Inclusive of GST)

$50.00 JOINING FEE [New members only. The 1st member of a family pays this once only payment.]
$110.00 SENIOR RACING
$80.00 JUNIOR RACING (6 years and under 17 years)
$35.00 SOCIAL
$180.00 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP*
* Family membership is only available to immediate family members living at the same address. All names must be recorded with normal signatures.

You don't have to own a kart to join the club. The club welcomes with open arms anyone who just wants to be a part of karting and help as an official.

Competition Licence

KartSport New Zealand Fees (Inclusive of GST)

These are to be paid by new members at the same time as they join the club. The Club puts new members into the system and does not expect you to organise your licence first time up. However it is your responsibility to keep your licence current from this point on.

It is important that you complete the KartSport New Zealand Competition Licence Application and Medical Declaration forms and submit these with the Club Membership application.
Competition Licence Fee $175.00
2nd, 3rd, etc., members of the same family pay $130.00 each.
Transponder  Deposit $120 (applicable to New Applicants or Competitors who do not have a KartSport New Zealand AMB TranX Transponder.
Transponder Annual Rental $72

If you wish to purchase a Transponder outright please go to www.kartsport.org.nz.  Complete the "Purchase Transponder Form" and include the purchase fee and form with your application.

Responsibilty - Flag Marshal

On a Club Day if you have drawn grid 1-6 you are required to provide a flag marshal at the point that relates to your grid position. You are responsible for providing a flag marshal even if you are not starting. Flag Marshalls must be 12 years of age or older and understand the use of the yellow and blue flags. Race will be held up if marshalls are not in position and competitors who have not provided a flaggie may be penalised.

Clean-up

When you have finished for the day and loaded all your gear into your trailer check your pit area and pick up any rubbish and put in a rubbish tin.

Presentation

Following the meeting the club rooms are open. Everyone is welcome even if they are not members of the club. About an hour after racing is completed there is a presentation of trophies and awards. This facility is licenced but the sale of alcohol will not commence until the final race of the day is concluded.

Trophies

Club days

There are many and varied trophies contested for at club days. They are all kept in a cabinet in the club rooms. Prior to presentation after a race meeting a card with the winners name is placed beside or in front of the trophy. To have your name engraved on the trophy, you need to win it three times in a row.

Derby championships

Challenge trophies for the winners of the respective classes plus miniatures to at least 3rd. Presented on the day.

Enduro championships

Challenge trophies for the winners of the respective classes plus miniatures to at least 3rd. Presented on the day.

Club championships

Challenge trophies for the winners of the respective classes, certificates to 4th and prize purse. Presented at the club's Annual General Meeting in May.

Annual points

Challenge trophies for the winners of the respective classes, certificates to 4th and prize purse. Presented at the club's Annual General Meeting in May.

Supporters trophy

Challenge trophy for the winner, certificates to 8th and prize purse. Presented at the club's Annual General Meeting in May.

King of Ruapuna

Challenge trophies for the winners of the respective classes, certificates to 4th and prize purse. Presented at the club's Annual General Meeting in May.

Hints on setting up your kart

Listed are a few hints that may make your introduction to karting a little more enjoyable.

Ask

If you are having a problem or don't know what to do, don't be afraid to ask. If you are not sure who to speak to on a race day, approach the club captain, the pit steward, one of the machine examiners, the race meeting organiser (normally the club president), or one of the Kart suppliers.

What to take to a race day

Obviously your kart, race suit, helmet and gloves, competition licence wet tyres (if you have them), mixed fuel, a lube bottle (oil can), clutch oil if you have a clutch, a trolley for moving your kart around (especially if you do not have a clutch), a stand for working on the kart (beats leaning over all the time) a sprocket, a length of chain and a new spark plug. If you have a clutch on your kart make sure you have a starter and battery. Only take the tools you need. A tool box that takes two people to carry into the pits may look impressive but it's not really necessary

Fuel

Only mix up sufficient fuel for the race day. Mixing up 20 litres of fuel when you may only need 10 litres for the day is a big mistake. Your engine will perform best on fresh fuel. Using stale (old) fuel may also result in separation of the oil and petrol.

Trouble shooting

Kart won't start

Check you have fuel right up to the carb and there are no air bubbles in the line. If you have an inline filter check to see that fuel is able to pass through it. Check that the fuel line is sealed. Engines will suck air easier than fuel. Also check the low and high needles on the carb, the low (L) should be set at one and half turns out and the high (H) needle about half a turn out. (Note: these setting are for 100cc KT Yamaha engines and you will need to fine tune when you get onto the track.) If the engine still won't start, check the spark plug. If the plug is wet, put in a dry one, you are getting plenty of fuel, or if the plug is dry check the filter in the carb. Sometimes this will get a bit of fluff around the filter. Check under the diaphragm for anything that should not be there. If there are any bubbles of water in this area you will have to clean and dry out the carb and replace your fuel. If the engine still won't start check that you have a spark and that your ignition module has an earth.

Handling

The most common problem you will experience is understeer (sledging) and over steer (broadsiding). Oversteer is where the back of the kart hangs out and you are sideways in a corner. This is too little traction on the rear wheels and too much on the front. Under steer is the reverse of oversteer. You go straight ahead in the corner even though you may be on full lock. Another problem is the kart understeers on right hand corners and oversteers on left handers. A good handling kart should have just a touch of oversteer, but some drivers prefer to have a little understeer.

If you are experiencing any of these problems there are a number of things that you can do to your kart to make it handle better. (We presume that you have good rubber all round and not one new tyre and three old ones and that if you carry weight (to meet the MAW for your class) that you have that fixed to the kart.) If you do anything to your kart, try it first to see if there is any improvement. Don't do six things then go out and try the kart, because if you fixed the problem you won't know which of the six things was the reason for the bad handling. Check to see that the king pin angles are the same on both sides. They should be unless you have hit a fairly solid object.

Check that the kart is weighted right

Sit in the kart in the driving position and get a friend to lift firstly the right front wheel then the left front wheel. If one is heavier than the other it means the kart frame is slightly twisted and would be one of the reasons why the kart goes round left handers good but near impossible to get around a right hand corner. A track side fix for this problem is to put a block under the heavy side front wheel, get a friend to stand on the back of the kart and you jump up and down on the light side wheel which should be off the ground.

Check tyre pressure

You should have the same pressure on both sides. A rule of thumb on a day around 20ºC is about 13 pounds front and 15 pounds rear. Check your tyre pressure often. On a hot day the pressure will build up by the end of a race, so check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold unless you know that you have a problem.

Check toe-in and toe-out of the front wheels

Toe in is when the front of the wheels are pointing inwards, and toe-out is the opposite. As a starting point you should set your front wheels dead straight ahead.

Still experiencing understeer or oversteer

Understeer means you have too much traction on the rear wheels and oversteer is when you have too much traction on the front wheels. (Sometimes, understeer can be caused by going too slow into a corner or not accelerating fast enough out. If this is the problem you will notice a build up of rubber on your tyres.) You now have to start experimenting with your kart width. Normally an oversteering kart is too wide at the front and narrow at the back. It may be that the back is the right width and the front has to be narrowed. Understeer is the reverse of above. Just move your wheels in and out, evenly on both sides until you reach a happy medium. If the kart wants to go up on two wheels in the corners and it is not oversteering you are too narrow and so you should set about moving the wheels out proportionately.

Another suggestion is that when shifting wheels in or out do it in 5-10mm steps and the front wheels one spacer at a time. Other things which can affect the handling of the kart is seat position, too high or low, too far forward or backward, positioning of weight and gearing.

General

On a race day, you should ensure that you have fresh fuel, your tyres are at the correct pressure and if you run a clutch that the oil is at the correct level. When you take your kart to be checked that it is clean and ready to race and you have your race suit, helmet, gloves and competition licence with you

Preventive maintenance

Kart

After each race meeting unload your kart, clean your tools and dump your old fuel. Clean your kart, engine and drive train. Check for wear on the sprocket and chain. If there is any wear replace both the chain and sprocket. These very important items will last quiet a few meetings but if you drive off the track, run your tyres at low pressure or do not lubricate your chain after every race you will find considerable wear on the sprocket and chain.

There are a number of things you should check as well

• Floor tray bolts.
• Fuel tank fittings.
• Seat fittings.
• Cracks in the chassis.
• Steering components. If any units are a bit loose, replace them now.
• Check the wheel bearings. If you do not use sealed bearings, take them out of the front wheels and back axle and give them a clean in petrol, dry them off and lubricate them. Spin them on your finger, if they sound rough, replace the noisy ones. This is the same with sealed bearings, if they are noisy when you spin them, replace them.

Engine

There are things called preventive maintenance. You can run an engine until it dies, this may be a lack of performance or a blow up. A lack of performance may be just rings or seals. After every race meeting you should remove the head and wipe out the oil and carbon build up. DO NOT USE a screwdriver or other abrasive material to clean up the head. Sometimes you may get a build up of carbon around the ports, again DO NOT USE a screwdriver or other abrasive material to clean up this area. If you can't clean the area up with a rag, get a reputable engine builder to do it for you. To keep your engine performance up to scratch put a new ring in it after 3 meetings and after around 6 race meetings replace all the seals and gaskets. After a dozen or so meetings get the engine rebuilt which will include bearings, seals, gaskets, maybe a hone and new piston and rings. This may sound expensive, but $400.00 on preventative maintenance can be better than having your engine letting go (going bang) and you have to buy a new engine or if you were lucky! a barrel.

Be positive

Karting is the most affordable form of motorsport but like any motorsport you take everything to the limit, engine, tyres, chassis and yourself. If you don't feel too good (probably because you are working too hard, burning the candle at both ends), you go to the doctor and he/she says - you are working too hard, slow down/exercise more/cut out the smokes and or beer/change your diet/manage yourself better. Anything mechanical is the same as the body. There are measures you can take to keep your body in good trim, called preventative maintenance, the same as your kart. Keep it in good working order by maintaining it correctly and carrying out the simple things. Even if you do all these things, the inevitable happens. The best cared for body can have a heart attack, as can an engine blow up or a stub axle break.

Thanks to Ian Love for supplying the following information about the Christchurch kart Club: Club History