Published: 12.5.22
Updated: 21.8.24
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.
Karting Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis | £2,180.40 - £3,555.00 (New) £1,185.00 (Used) |
New and used chassis prices vary based on condition and age. |
| Engine | £632.00 - £2,765.00 (New) £1,580.00 (Used IAME X30) |
Engine costs depend on type and condition. |
| Wheels and Tyres | £173.80 per set | Set of MG Yellows or Evinco Reds. |
| Safety Equipment | £395.00 (Used) | Includes suit, shoes, helmet, neck brace, gloves, rib protector. |
| Race Entry Fees | £51.35 - £158.00 per event | Club level to full race weekends. |
| Fuel and Oil | £56.88 per race day | Race gas and oil costs for a day. |
| Tyres | £86.90 - £173.80 per race | Assumes 1-2 race days per set. |
| Engine Maintenance | £331.80 annually | Includes piston kit and bottom end rebuild costs. |
| Replacement Parts | £395.00 per season | Includes various kart parts. |
| Consumables | £19.75 initial cost | Lubricants, cleaners, oils lasting several months. |
| Travel Expenses | Varies | Fuel for tow vehicle, accommodation, food. |
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.
Ongoing Operational Costs in Karting
| Expense | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Race Entry Fees | £51.35 - £158.00 | Club level to full race weekends. |
| Fuel and Oil | £56.88 per race day | Race gas and oil costs for a day. |
| Tyres | £86.90 - £173.80 | Assumes 1-2 race days per set. |
| Engine Maintenance | £331.80 annually | Includes piston kit and bottom end rebuild costs. |
| Replacement Parts | £395.00 per season | Includes various kart parts. |
| Consumables | £19.75 initial cost | Lubricants, cleaners, oils lasting several months. |
| Travel Expenses | Varies | Fuel for tow vehicle, accommodation, food. |
Comparison of Ongoing Supplies
| Supply Type | Options | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Standard Petrol, Race Fuel | Standard petrol is cheaper, race fuel provides better performance. |
| Oil Brands | Castrol, Shell, Motul | Castrol and Motul are premium, Shell offers a range of options. |
| Tyres | MG Yellows, Evinco Reds | MG Yellows for durability, Evinco Reds for performance. |
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.
Essential Safety Tips for Go-Karting
Importance of Safety Gear
Wearing the right safety gear is crucial for protecting yourself while karting. Here’s a breakdown of the essential items:
- Helmet: Protects your head from impacts. Must be well-fitted and meet safety standards.
- Racing Suit: Made from fire-resistant materials to protect against burns. Brands like Alpinestars, OMP Racing, and Sparco are recommended.
- Rib Protector: Shields your chest and ribs from impacts during high-speed crashes. Available in foam and carbon fiber options for varying levels of protection.
- Neck Brace: Supports the neck and reduces the risk of whiplash from high G-forces.
- Racing Gloves: Enhance grip on the steering wheel and protect hands from burns. Made from materials like Nomex, with brands such as Alpinestars and Sparco being popular choices.
- Racing Boots: Provide better pedal feel and control. Should fit well to avoid affecting pedal sensitivity.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance of your go-kart ensures it remains in safe working condition. Key checks include:
- Engine Maintenance: Regularly inspect and replace the piston kit (every 6 hours of use) and perform bottom end rebuilds (every 20 hours). Use high-quality oils like Castrol or Motul for better engine performance and longevity.
- Tyres: Check tyre pressure and tread before each session. Replace Tyres regularly, especially if you notice significant wear or damage.
- Brakes: Ensure brake pads and discs are in good condition. Test brakes before each race to ensure they are responsive.
- Steering and Suspension: Inspect the steering column, tie rods, and axle for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure all components are securely fastened and functioning correctly.
- Fuel System: Use high-quality race fuel for better performance. Regularly check for leaks and ensure the fuel system is clean and functioning properly.
Tips for Safe Driving
Safe driving practices are essential to avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some tips:
- Know the Track: Familiarise yourself with the track layout, including turns and straights. Plan your racing line to navigate corners efficiently.
- Brake Properly: Brake hard and early before entering a turn, then smoothly accelerate out of it. Avoid braking too late, which can cause loss of control.
- Use One Pedal at a Time: Avoid pressing the brake and accelerator simultaneously, as it can cause spin-outs and loss of control.
- Maintain a Good Seating Position: Adjust your seat to ensure comfort and control over the pedals and steering wheel. Keep your hands at a comfortable position on the wheel for better control.
- Stay Smooth: Smooth inputs on the steering, throttle, and brakes help maintain control and speed. Avoid sudden movements that can unsettle the kart.
- Look Ahead: Focus on the track ahead rather than directly in front of you. This helps you anticipate turns and react to other drivers more effectively.
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.
Cost-Effective Alternatives to Traditional Go-Karting
Rental Options
Renting go-karts is a great way to enjoy the sport without the high upfront costs of purchasing your own kart. Various facilities offer rental services with different packages:
- ADX Karting: Offers high-performance 2-stroke and 4-stroke kart rentals at Rye House Kart Raceway. Prices range from £150 for a 30-minute session to £600 for a full-day premium experience.
- PF International: The UK's largest outdoor karting circuit offers Arrive 'n' Drive sessions, team/corporate events, and full use of their national and international circuits. Prices vary depending on the package and duration.
- Total Karting Zero (TKZ): Provides electric rental karts for indoor and outdoor use, developed by F1 race engineer Rob Smedley. These karts are cost-effective to run, with an hourly running cost of only £2.24 compared to petrol karts at £8.25 per hour.
Electric Go-Karts
Electric go-karts are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower running costs and environmental benefits. Here are some notable options:
- TeamSport: Offers electric go-karting at 14 locations across the UK. These karts are fun, fast, and environmentally friendly, providing a great alternative to traditional petrol karts.
- BIZ Karts: Manufactures electric go-karts using lithium-ion batteries. These karts are designed for both adults and children, offering top performance and quick recharge times, making them a cost-effective option for karting venues.
Group Discounts
Many karting venues offer discounts for groups, making it more affordable to enjoy karting with friends or family:
- TeamSport: Provides various offers, including a "3 for 2" deal on go-karting sessions, allowing you to get an extra race session at no additional cost. They also offer a 10% discount on online bookings.
- Midland Karting: Offers several discounts, such as 15% off for Blue Light Card holders and special pricing for family practice sessions. They also have return vouchers for repeat visits, offering significant savings.
- Groupon: Frequently features deals on go-karting, with discounts of up to 70% off. These deals can be an excellent way to enjoy karting at a reduced price.
Conclusion
By exploring rental options, considering electric go-karts, and taking advantage of group discounts, you can enjoy go-karting in a more cost-effective manner.
Whether you're looking for a one-time experience or a regular hobby, these alternatives can help you make the most of your karting adventures without breaking the bank.
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.
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