Post by brad42 on Oct 31, 2010 12:42:14 GMT -5
Just so you know what to expect and be less jittery at your first race, here are some helpful hints to get you through. The same guidelines apply on practice days as well.
1)Find an NFRA member and tell them it is your first time. One of us will help you through the day without hesitation. Don't be afraid to ask, we actually enjoy helping.
2)Bring cash... Karting is a cash driven sport. You will need about $100 to get you through your first race, for entry fees, lunch, and broken part replacement. $50 for practice days.
3)Don't start your engine before the designated time. Many tracks have a restriction by the local government as to what time engines can be started in the morning. Ask around the track to see when it is and adhere to it. Once you have the all clear to start your engine, don't rev it real high without a load on the stand. It is bad for the motor, and unsafe for those pitted around you.
4)Have proper safety equipment. At minimum a properly rated helmet, gloves, neck brace, and high top shoes should be worn. Heavy jeans and a denim or leather jacket are legal, but if you stick with it a driving suit is highly recommended.
Any moving part related to steering or brakes, and all ballast weight must be safety wired or cotter pinned. Ballast weights MUST be painted white.
Bring an A-B-C fire extinguisher.
Most tracks will want you to pit on top of a piece of old carpet or rubber mat, to prevent any oil spills from being left behind in their pits.
5)Stay hydrated - bring bottled water, stay away from energy drinks and sugary sodas. If it is supposed to be a hot day, bring twice as much as you think you need. If you don't pee every 4 hours you need to drink more.
6)Don't quit! A lot will go wrong your first day, just roll with the punches and keep going. Don't be too proud to accept help when it is offered.
7)Register as an "X" driver. if you have 3 or less races of experience in a kart, you must sign up as a rookie. Registration will put an X after your kart number (i.e. 1X), which you will have to put on your kart as well. You also need an "X" on the back of your helmet. This is all to tell passing drivers that you are a rookie so that they give you some room.
8)Hold your line... Once you hit the track, it is important that you not worry about faster karts approaching from behind, We have no mirrors, and swivelling your head around to look behind you can make you crash. It is the faster kart's responsibility to safely pass you, so hold your line rather than trying to get out of the way.
1)Find an NFRA member and tell them it is your first time. One of us will help you through the day without hesitation. Don't be afraid to ask, we actually enjoy helping.
2)Bring cash... Karting is a cash driven sport. You will need about $100 to get you through your first race, for entry fees, lunch, and broken part replacement. $50 for practice days.
3)Don't start your engine before the designated time. Many tracks have a restriction by the local government as to what time engines can be started in the morning. Ask around the track to see when it is and adhere to it. Once you have the all clear to start your engine, don't rev it real high without a load on the stand. It is bad for the motor, and unsafe for those pitted around you.
4)Have proper safety equipment. At minimum a properly rated helmet, gloves, neck brace, and high top shoes should be worn. Heavy jeans and a denim or leather jacket are legal, but if you stick with it a driving suit is highly recommended.
Any moving part related to steering or brakes, and all ballast weight must be safety wired or cotter pinned. Ballast weights MUST be painted white.
Bring an A-B-C fire extinguisher.
Most tracks will want you to pit on top of a piece of old carpet or rubber mat, to prevent any oil spills from being left behind in their pits.
5)Stay hydrated - bring bottled water, stay away from energy drinks and sugary sodas. If it is supposed to be a hot day, bring twice as much as you think you need. If you don't pee every 4 hours you need to drink more.
6)Don't quit! A lot will go wrong your first day, just roll with the punches and keep going. Don't be too proud to accept help when it is offered.
7)Register as an "X" driver. if you have 3 or less races of experience in a kart, you must sign up as a rookie. Registration will put an X after your kart number (i.e. 1X), which you will have to put on your kart as well. You also need an "X" on the back of your helmet. This is all to tell passing drivers that you are a rookie so that they give you some room.
8)Hold your line... Once you hit the track, it is important that you not worry about faster karts approaching from behind, We have no mirrors, and swivelling your head around to look behind you can make you crash. It is the faster kart's responsibility to safely pass you, so hold your line rather than trying to get out of the way.