HOW TO GET INTO GO-KART RACING
In search of a new hobby? Think go-karting might be for you but not sure where to start? Fear not, getting into go-karting couldn’t be simpler with TeamSport. Here we explain everything you need to know to hone the skills needed to become the next best racing champion. If you’re a thrill-seeker, a competitive sportsperson, or simply want to try out something new, grab a helmet and let’s go!
HOW TO GET INTO GO-KART RACING FROM A YOUNG AGE
At TeamSport, we cater for children aged eight and up (with an inside leg measurement of at least 25 inches), who are more than welcome to come down to one of our tracks and try their hand at this thrilling sport in the safety of one of our Cadet Karts.
If your children have expressed an interest in getting into go-kart racing, there are plenty of options available to get them started. If they are completely new, you can take them to our Family Ultimate Race Experience and see if they like it – here, you will get to race with your kids, so if you’re feeling unsure about go-karting, this will help you get to know the safety procedures involved so you can put your mind at ease. Our team will be available to offer advice and support every step of the way.
You’ll get all the equipment you need provided, such as helmets and overalls, but you’ll need to make sure you have a balaclava if you’re borrowing one of our helmets – you can buy disposable or reusable ones from us if you don’t have one of your own.
You’ll get all the equipment you need provided, such as helmets and overalls, but you’ll need to make sure you have a balaclava if you’re borrowing one of our helmets – you can get disposable ones for £1, or a reusable cotton one for £3.99 on arrival. To learn more, read our FAQs.
Once you’re sure the kids in your crew have found their karting legs, you can book karting lessons with TeamSport Cadet Academy.
Our Cadet Academy is available for cadet drivers (ages 8-12) and junior drivers (13-16). They’ll be put into groups based on their ability, and taught the latest techniques and practices to give them the skills they need to excel on the track.
Academy members will then put their skills to the test, under the watchful eyes of our top instructors, who’ll help them practice, hone their technique and, ultimately, succeed!
Our Cadet Academy is a great way to boost kids’ confidence on the tracks, and get some really useful advice while they’re at it!
HOW TO GET INTO GO-KART RACING AS AN ADULT (+13)
Getting into adult go-karting pretty much starts the same way as it does for all ages – the first step is to get down to your local track and have a go. The professional staff at all our tracks will talk you through everything you need to know, including how to drive a go kart as well as some handy racing tips.
For individuals or small groups, booking a spot in one of our Adult Ultimate Race Experiences is one of the best ways to get started - you get a full safety induction and two 15-minute races, so it’s the perfect introduction to indoor go-karting.
If you aren’t sure whether you want to go alone, there are many ways you can try out go-karting with a larger group! If your friend is trying to plan a stag-do or hen-do, TeamSport is the perfect destination! We also have great corporate go-karting options for your next team day!
These kinds of light, competitive races are great for learning some simple techniques while having fun with friends, colleagues and sometimes complete strangers!
You can also read up on some karting advice on our tips pages to get extra prepared before you start. We’ve extensively covered all the simple skills you need to master if you want to become a go-karting pro!
Here are the most important ones to read:
Understanding the Racing Line, which will help you visualise being in the kart and help you prepare your technique.
Ten Ways to Win Your Next Go-Kart Race, which will teach you some techniques for competitive racing.
And once you feel confident with all of this, our Advanced Karting Techniques will move you on to the next level!
To race an adult kart, you need to be age 13 or over, and have an inside leg measurement of at least 29 inches.
TOP TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST KARTING RACE
If you’re heading to our track for the first time, here’s some handy advice on how to prepare:
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty – jeans, a t-shirt and trainers are fine
Listen to the professionals – our marshals are there to keep you safe
Take it steady – take the time to get to know your kart and learn the track
Be wary of other drivers – keep your distance from the kart in front
Check out some of our Youtube videos first! These give you a real feel for sitting in the kart and will help you understand more about what skills are needed for you to become a champion karter.
TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES
Ultimate Race Experiences are just one of the race formats we offer at TeamSport - there are plenty of other races that will help you get into go-karting!
Get to grips with other exciting formats like Team Endurance Events, where you’ll battle it out as part of a Le Mans-style relay team, or a 50 Lap Race Event, where you’ll put your knowledge of the track to the ultimate test over 50 laps of high-octane action.
Then there’s the Exclusive Grand Prix, which guarantees exclusive track use for you and your group so you can find out who’s fastest once and for all in a Grand Prix format.
#GRID MEMBERSHIP
Thinking of coming back again and again? We don’t blame you – so why not enjoy some big discounts on your track time?
The #GRID is our annual membership programme for regular karters. As well as a 10% discount on all standard-priced karting, you’ll get a loyalty kart giving you a free session with every six visits. Turbo-charge your confidence with extra tuition, and recieve other exclusive perks like, a branded cotton racing balaclava, a complimentary birthday session and lots more besides!
Try out different race formats, experience your favourite tracks in reverse and get access to special members-only events and competitions. Get your name on our Hot Lap Leaderboards and compete against the best!
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
If you feel you’ve gotten everything you possibly can out of indoor karting, there are outdoor karting clubs up and down the country that are geared towards getting you on the tracks and racing to your heart’s content. Get professional tuition, and well and truly make your mark in the realm of professional karting!
You may also consider buying a go-kart of your own, so you spend as much time as you need polishing up your technique. This will help you stand out when you enter competitive races! You have to obtain a karting license in order to do this - for more information on the karting options available and what you can do to obtain a license, useful sites include the Association of Racing Driver Schools and the Association of British Kart Clubs
Taking it to the next level involves hard work, dedication, practice a good diet. For tips on food and nutrition why not check out our latest guide to Go Kart Food and Nutrition.