Go kart for 6 year old

**AR4me** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-10-2008, 07:19 PM

Ok, my almost 6-year old insists he wants a go cart for his 6-year B'day - for the past year he has been complaining that I didn't get him one for his 5-year B'day. He has been going to my track events and races ever since he could walk, so he also wants to feel the speed. I recently took him out in a two seater go kart as passenger and he liked it. I would prefer for him to start with something electric (=quiet he can drive on our cul-de-sac). I have come across the Honda minimoto, but of course they don't make those anymore. Any suggestions or advice on how to get him started in a safe manner? Which kart did you start your 6-year old in? BTW, I'm in SoCal in case anyone knows of kart places with instructions and programs for 6-year old beginners.
Thanks,
Jes

**ECARRILLO** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 01:49 AM

Ar4me,

It's time to get a GKart4the6yr.old!
I don't live in LA, but growing up that is all I wanted! It is a GREAT way to start anything in racing. You need to buy a Karting magazine to see what is in your area. Karting magazine - The #1 Kart Racing Magazine - Established 1959
You will then find a track closer to you and you can see what they have there. I would try to find a good used kart for your kid to try out, they may even have small rentals, you want to make sure it's what he really wants before spending the money and it's a good thing to start. I think that the "Puffo" class is good for a 6 yr. old. You have to start early these days, Hamilton won the F1 title at 23 yrs of age, I think 17 years of lead way should do it.
Good luck!

**AR4me** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 06:58 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I'm inclined to sign him up for a one-day junior kart introduction to see if this is really something he likes.
Jes

Sprintn · #4 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 03:05 PM

AR4me,
Send me a PM.
My father and I have been racing karts for many years and have a pair of Kid karts... serious racing karts but for little guys/girls (years 5,6,and 7), that my nephew has outgrown. THe manufacturer of this particular Kart is "GP Kart" with a Komer engine (probably the most populare engine and series for this size racing kart). GP Kart is one of the leading Karting chassis builders.
CHeers
Sprintn

ersatzs2 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AR4me

Ok, my almost 6-year old insists he wants a go cart for his 6-year B'day - snip- BTW, I'm in SoCal

**AR4me** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the info - greatly appreciated!
Jes

**Tifosi** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2008, 12:29 AM

Up here the little 'uns in that age bracket don't go into karts.

They go into 1/4 midgets. (think wingless sprint car shrunk WAY down)

I kinda think the parents that can afford either kart or midget opt for midget because the thing has a fully intrigal roll cage, 5 point harnesses and several other features that make them seem safer in mom's eyes (who you know is the actual deciding factor in these things)

They got more powerful engines than what that age bracket allows in karts. (in fact the karts are all pretty much no engine mods, then put in a restrictor plate affair)

The 1/4's get young kids in a safer faster ride early on, but once old enough to join the adult kart scene, there's a lot to be said for a 350lb w/driver methanol fueled 500cc 6 speed shifter kart with 4 wheel disk brakes shrieking around a road course track while approaching (and sometimes exceeding) triple digit speeds....

Of course the deciding factor at that point in time is 'do you buy a gastly expensive full size midget, or do you buy a full on shifter kart that costs far, far less to own operate and maintain'