Why Is Go Karting So Expensive?

There are two types of karting. You can either go karting for the fun of it or you can compete in professional karting races.

If you want to compete in professional karting races, you need to have a racing license.

The Short Answer to "Why Is Go Karting So Expensive?"

Go-karting is an expensive hobby due to various reasons. The cost of components like the chassis, engine kit, and wheels make up a substantial part of the expense. The quality of these parts also factors in, with low-quality components necessitating frequent, costly replacements. Safety gear like helmets, gloves, and suits add further to the cost. Despite these high costs, the exhilaration of go-karting makes it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.

Start-Up Costs

You will need to build or purchase your own go-kart, which can be expensive. Of course, it will be cheaper to build your own go-kart, but it will still cost you a few thousand pounds for the materials. 

You will also need to purchase safety gear, which includes a helmet, neck brace, gloves, and fireproof clothing.

Ongoing Costs

You will need to pay for petrol and oil for your kart. You will also need to replace the tyres on your kart periodically.

Travel

If you are competing on a weekly basis then you need to be prepared to travel to different tracks around the country or even around the world. This can be costly, especially if you need to travel long distances.

Don't forget, it's not just fuel to go in your own car, but also fuel for when you're racing the kart too - which can add up!

Trailer or van

You will also need either a trailer or a van to transport your kart to the track. This will add to your costs, as you will need to purchase or rent a vehicle. If you don't purchase a van, then you will need to hire one each time you race, which can be costly.

If you only use the van for race weekends, then most of the time it will be sitting on your drive unused - which isn't very cost-effective!

You will also need to insure and maintain your van or trailer.

Entry Fees

Depending on which series you race in, there can be a lot of entry fees. These can add up quickly, especially if you are racing in multiple series.

Practice Sessions

If you want to be competitive, you need to put in the hours on the track. This means paying for practice sessions, which can get expensive.

If you really want to master the track, you might need to hire a professional coach to help you learn the line and improve your lap times.

Kart Maintenance

You also need to factor in the cost of maintaining your kart and keeping it in good condition. This can include things like new tyres, new engines, and other parts.

Related: All you need to know about petrol go karts.

Upgrades

Not only will you need to maintain your kart, but you might also want to upgrade it from time to time. This can include things like a new engine, race seat, or different tyres.

Repairs

If you are getting into accidents on track, then you need to factor in the cost of repairs. This can be expensive, depending on the damage.

You may also need to carry spares of several parts with you, just in case you have a mechanical issue during a race.

When you buy 3 or 4 of the same thing, the price per item drops - but this still adds to the overall cost.

Start Young and Get Sponsors

Our best advice is to start young, really hone your craft and then reach out for sponsors to help you with the costs. Once you're older it can be harder to get noticed by more prestige sponsors.

Karting can be an expensive sport, there's no doubt about that. But if you're serious about becoming a professional driver, then it's worth the investment.

Start young, practice often, and reach out to sponsors to help offset the costs.

Second Hand vs New

If you're on a budget, you might be tempted to buy a second-hand kart. However, we would advise against this as it's important to have a kart that is reliable and in good condition.

A second-hand kart is more likely to break down and could be dangerous if it hasn't been maintained properly.

It's also important to have a kart that is the right size for you - if it's too big or small it can be difficult to control.

Two Karts

Yes, you read that right. You may need to have more than one kart if you want to be competitive.

For example, if one of your karts is away being repaired, you will need to have a second kart that you can use.

You may also want to have a different kart for different tracks - one that is setup for tighter, twisty tracks and another that is better suited for faster tracks.

This obviously adds to the cost, but if you're serious about racing then it's something you need to consider.

Refreshments

There's a high possibility that you will take someone with you when you go karting - whether that's a friend, family member or your partner. And they will probably want to watch you race too! So, don't forget to factor in the cost of refreshments for them whilst they're spectating.

You can of course take a packed lunch, but it's always nice to treat yourself (and them) to hot food and a drink from the track café sometimes. This can add up.

Wrapping Up

Overall, karting can be an expensive hobby. However, if you are passionate about it then it is definitely worth the investment!

There are a lot of costs associated with go-karting, this is why it can be so expensive. However, it can also be a very rewarding experience, both financially and emotionally.

If you are willing to put in the time and money, go-karting can be a great hobby or even a career.