How to get started with Karting?

[c7scayman]

So my gf and I are both interested in starting a new hobby. Go-Kart Racing. But we do not know where to start. Hoping to get more info from others into the sport. The only thing that worries me about racing my gf is that I know she will treat it like Mario Kart and she will intentionally try to run me off the road.

A new low hp Racing GoKart costs $1200-2000. High hp ones are $3000+.
http://gokartsusa.com/Road-Rat-Racer-XR-Race-Kart.aspx
Found some used ones for under $1000.
Assuming an SA Rated Helmet is required so thats another $200-300.

What other costs are associated with go-kart racing? Is a racing suit or gloves required? Any Special license or gear needed? Easy to maintain them?

I tried to post this in the Racing Section, but TST doesn't give me the option to post a new thread in there.

[rocknrace03]

im not exactly sure where your from, but you best bet is to find your local track and go up there on a race night and talk to people. they'll have all the in's and outs about finding a car and what to look for. thats what my dad and i did when i began running 1/4 midgets at the age of 10, and 600 mods at the age of 15

[oneday]

I would highly recommend that you and your [soon to be ex-]g/f take one of the arrive and drive schools...Johan Schwartz's Endurance Karting School (http://endurancekarting.com/) is fantastic (and they do one at E-town)...Johan is a great driver and he and his staff are excellent teachers. It's not super cheap, but far from the most expensive racing school. It will get you into a competitive kart for a day or two, teach you how to drive, and also let you get a taste for racing without the investment and maintenance involved with buying all the gear.

Once you get hooked start shopping eKartingNews.com (www.ekartingnews.com) for used rigs.

Also, there are as many different forms of karts and kart racing organizations as there are for car racing...you need to figure out which form you want to pursue...go to NJMP's F1 Karting...go and watch WKA sprint races, watch the road race guys there run 125mph down the front stretch of Thunderbolt with their cheeks 1/2" from the ground...

[c7scayman]

Right now I am in MD, but I visit Philly all the time and I only go to E-Town usually for NOPI or HIN. I found a small track 30 min away here in Md. Forgot what it was called. Found a Huge track in VA an hour away from me. Also forgot what it was called. I will check out that racing school. Thanks. Been with gf for 3 years and we already discussed our future so no worries there.