How Do I Get Started? Getting started in Karting with the West Michigan Kart Club is easy. Pickup a Kart and some safety gear, run an Open Practice or two (Optional, but recommended for anyone WITHOUT prior racing experience) then enter one of our Races. Spectating a WMKC event before investing in karting is good idea too. Come to one of our races and start asking questions. Most people will be more than happy to chat with you.
How Much Does the Kart Cost? Used race ready karts with the “Clone” motor can be found for $1,000-$1,500. Used race ready karts with the “Briggs L206” motor can be found for $1,500-$2,000 and up. Of course, the newer the chassis, the more you should expect to pay. Also try to figure out your goals, are you looking to have the fastest, latest and greatest kart on the track? Plan to pay accordingly. Or, are you looking for a starter kart? The starter karts/slightly older chassis can generally get you on track for much less investment.
Which motor is better, the “Clone” or the “Briggs L206”? There are Pros and Cons to both motors. For Starters, BOTH motors are extremely reliable and competitive with each other. The Clone motor does cost less and the clutch for the Clone motor is less expensive than the Briggs L206. However, the Briggs L206 does have some benefits over the Clone Motor. For starters, the Briggs L206 is very popular right now with other racing series, tracks and clubs. If you go the Briggs L206 route you will likely be able to race your motor at other tracks and have good competition wherever you go. The Clone motor is more hit and miss as far as other tracks having a Clone class. If you go the Briggs L206 route, you can also race on Sunday at East Lansing Kart Track, as ELKT currently has a class for Briggs L206 (but not for the Clone motor like WMKC does). If you are a budget minded racer and only plan to race with the West Michigan Kart Club, then you can choose the Clone Motor to save some money. If you have a better budget and might travel to other tracks or might want to race on Sunday with the East Lansing Kart Club, then the Briggs L206 is a better choice.
What Safety Equipment Do I Need And How Much Does the Safety Equipment Cost? I believe Snell 2020 Helmets can be found for $100, you will need a $50-$100 skid proof jacket (either a karting jacket or possibly a jacket made out of a carhardt type of fabric), you could also purchase a Full Kart Driving Suit, but it is not required. Driving gloves can be found for $20, possibly you can even use Baseball Hitting Gloves in a pinch. A Foam Neck Collar should be $30, you may want to upgrade to a better Neck Collar system, check Comet Kart Sales’ website. The final piece of safety equipment is a Rib Protector Vest, I have seen padded vests in the $40 range, but there are certainly more expensive versions available. Once again, check Comet Kart Sales’ website. Much of this stuff can be purchased used, so keep your eyes on Facebook or ask around.
Are Rental Karts Available? Not at this time. But, if you contact us perhaps we could arrange some practice laps in a kart after one of our Race Days, when the track turns to Open Practice.
What Are The Different Kart Classes You Offer? We offer 4 cycle kart racing classes for Ages 7-12 and Ages 12-15. We also have an Adult 4 cycle class for ages 15+. We do have a 2 stroke class for adults as well, but right now it is not very well attended. All classes use Sprint Kart / Straight kart racing chassis with either full bodywork (Enduro Bodywork) or CIK bodywork (Shifter Kart Bodywork).
Where and When Do You Race? Currently we are racing at East Lansing Kart Track. 15933 Chandler Rd, Bath Twp, MI 48808. Our season starts in May and ends in September. We generally sanction 7 or 8 kart races throughout the summer on SATURDAYs.
When Is Open Practice? Practice is on the weekends. Check out the East Lansing Kart Track website to see the current Open Practice schedule. We also have Open Practice after each of our Race Days included with our regular Race Entry Fee for the day. Open Practice is operated by East Lansing Kart Track.
What Is The Pre-Race Tech Inspection? Pre-Race Tech Inspection is a Safety Tech Inspection to ensure your kart’s safety. We inspect your steering and brakes to see they are properly working and solidly mounted. We will also review your bodywork to make sure it’s safe. If you have any specific questions about Pre-Race Tech, please contact us and we will talk you through the issue.
How Much Does It Cost To Race? Race Entry Fee and 1 Pit Pass (for the driver) is $85. Additional Pit Passes are $10 each. If you become a member of East Lansing Kart Track you will save $10 for every race day and practice day you enter. This would bring the total cost for a race day down to $75. Single Memberships are $50, Family Memberships are $80 annually.
Where Do I Buy The Spec Racing Tires? The Spec Racing Tires are MG Reds and they can be purchased from East Lansing Kart Track. The MG Red Spec Tire is considered a “Hard” Tire and the tires cost about $245 a set and can last 10 race weekends as long as your front end alignment is good. Spec Tires are only required for Racing. During Practice, the tires are open.