The Online Registration sytem is now active. In order to
speed registration on race days, all members are required
to register online in advance and simply pay ther race fees
and sign the pre-tech and waiver on race morning.
Apr 4, 2013
Please be advised that the club's mailing address has
changed with immediate effect to:
Calgary Kart Racing Club
PO Box 89125
70 High St
McKenzie Towne
Calgary AB T2Z 3W3
Nov 13:
As many are aware, Race City is now closed and
while the CKRC continues to operate on the SW corner of the
former Race City property thanks to the City of Calgary and
the City of Calgary Waste Management Dept., the club is looking
for property to build a new track on and secure the long-term
future of the club. The club welcomes any suggestions or offers
of land in and around the Calgary area.
A bare minimum of 10 acres is required. Please contact Manager@CKRC.com
WHAT IS KART RACING ?
Kart racing is a competitive and exciting form of motorsports
that was born in the late 1950’s. While lawnmower engines
and home-built frames got the job done in the early days, the
sport has evolved to the point where the technology is on par
with current open-wheeled racecars. Karting has evolved into an
international sport that is recognized, sanctioned and regulated
by the FIA (Federation International Automobile). Most of today’s
racing stars started their careers in Karts, including Formula
One drivers Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, as well as
Canadian CART driver Paul Tracy. In fact, many world class professional
drivers continue to practice in karting, to maintain their edge,
when not in their regular racecars.
Its main attraction, however, is that it remains a cost effective,
competitive yet fun family sport for all ages, in which almost
anyone, male or female, can participate.
WHAT IS A KART ?
Today’s karts are sophisticated performance machines with
fully adjustable chassis and powered by either purpose-built 2-cycle
or 4-cycle engines. Engine capacity ranges from 80cc to 250cc
and the most powerful karts are capable of top speeds approaching
140 KPH at the CKRC facility, Varsity Speed Park. Kart chassis
are constructed of chromoly steel, with a myriad of suspension
and chassis adjustments integrated into the kart, to adapt handling
characteristics and improve on track performance. Specialized
racing “slick” tires, braking systems and on board
data logging systems have been developed for kart racing to improve
safety, reliability and performance.
THE SPORT OF KART RACING
All CKRC events are run under FIA safety, sporting and technical
regulations, and are sanctioned by ASN Canada. At each race event
karts are regularly inspected to ensure that they meet technical
and safety specifications according to the sanctioning rules,
to maintain a fair and safe racing environment. All drivers must
be licensed by ASN Canada, which implements varying levels of
competition licenses according to class and driver’s level
of experience. The purpose of licensing is to qualify and grade
drivers, and to maintain a high standard of competition driving
to ensure safe competition.
The karts themselves are primarily owned and maintained by individual
participants. Preparation is relatively simple to the point that
with some basic support equipment and training, most members have
the ability to prepare their own karts. However, for those without
the time or facilities to maintain and store their own equipment,
there are a number of local reputable kart preparation businesses
which offer “turn key” services.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Kart racing attracts a wide range of participants as indicated
by the demographics of CKRC membership as shown below.
Junior competitors ages 8 to 15: 40%
Senior competitors ages 15 to 60: 60%
Father / son / daughter teams: 40%
Families with 2 or more racers: 10%
Female racers: 5-10%
Handicapped racers: 1%
COSTS
Karting is by far the most affordable form of motorsports and
compares favorably with many of today’s other sports such
as hockey or skiing.
A typical Kart racing budget is as follows:
New kart and engine (starting at) $4,000 for a Junior 1 (Used
karts are considerably less)
Driver apparel (helmet, suit, gloves etc) $600
Club Annual Membership $400 (includes all practice days)
Race Registration ($65 Junior, $85 senior)( x 10 races) $650 -
$850
Transponder for race timing system $300 (new)
Tires 2 sets to 4 sets per year-depending on class and hours of
use( x $250 / set) $500-$1000
Fuel & Lubricants ($15 x 10 races) $150
Engine Maintenance $500 (Range $200-$1000 based on class)
TOTAL $7,500 for first year.
In karting more than in most other sports (where new equipment
needs to be purchased regularly), once the initial investment
is made, the annual expenses are relatively low.
Typical Annual expenses for Karting after capital purchases $3,000.
This figure will vary quite a bit (up or down) depending on how
many races are entered and at what level you plan on competing.
As in many sports, there are opportunities to compete at the local,
regional, national and international levels. The costs will vary
accordingly.
The majority of CKRC members race at the “local”
level, however we have seen some drivers go all the way to the
world finals level.
Some new drivers prefer just to come out to the track and practice
for a while before deciding to race. Practice can be extremely
fun, rewarding and economical.
