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Dissapointing start to our karting experience
Posted by 'PaulClarke' on 22 Sep 2008 @ 10:45

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PaulClarkeJoined: September 2008
Total Posts: 1
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I apologise in advance for the long post...
My 11 and 12 year old boys have wanted to get into karting for a while now. Finally, a few weeks ago I bit the bullet. I read lots and listened to a few people already in the sport. Finally I spoke to Matt in the shop at Rye House. Matt recommended a cadet kart, but because of the age of my boys they would not be able to compete in Cadet � the next step up was Rotax Minimax. This had the added benefit of being a full size frame which meant I could have a drive as well (after changing the seat/pedals etc). This is eventually what I went for.
This Sunday I finally got the kart, I went out on track to run the engine in � no problems. Most of the other drivers and dads in the paddock were very friendly, and we were all enjoying ourselves. I changed the seat and pedals over and the first of my boys jumped in. The practice sessions were arranged into cadets, juniors and seniors. I spoke to the pit marshal and explained that it was my boys first time out and could they go out with the cadets, but the marshal said no. So I sent them out with the juniors. As you can probably imagine, they were very slow and had lots of spins. After the session was over a couple of angry dads came over to have a word or three.
I agree with a lot of what they said: my boy�s were creating a danger to themselves and others out on the track because of the difference in speed. They were almost suggesting they didn�t have a right to be on the track � their sons were trying to put in fast lap times etc etc. I could have argued that I�d paid my money and had every right to be there, but they were quite intimidating to be honest. Anyway, I came away from the day feeling very down, with serious thoughts of chopping the kart in for a cadet, or even abandoning the sport entirely.
So my question is: what would you advise. My kids are still keen to race. Should I get them down the track in the week, when it�s quieter, to let them build up their confidence/speed? Should I take a step back to a cadet kart, and buy a minimax in a year or two? Should I get out of the sport entirely, or should I ignore the angry dad�s and just carry on?

Message Thread:

Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'PaulClarke' << You are here!

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'Pogz' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:02)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'RoadRat' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:08)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:12)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'RoadRat' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:30)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'DanTheK1RaceGearMan' (22 Sep 2008 @ 12:07)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:11)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'rossi46' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:46)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'LRT' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:15)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'John' (22 Sep 2008 @ 11:23)

Re: They are not too old for cadets by 'richydehav' (22 Sep 2008 @ 12:00)

Re: They are not too old for cadets by 'Florent' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:11)

We're gonna stick at it ! by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:35)

Re: They are not too old for cadets by 'rendall' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:19)

Re: They are not too old for cadets by 'pccsystems' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:20)

Sessions by 'Minisueg' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:41)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'Avago' (22 Sep 2008 @ 13:54)

PaulClarke by 'AlfieMoon' (22 Sep 2008 @ 14:50)

Thanks mate, don't know why I can't get on the .. by 'alanrr' (22 Sep 2008 @ 15:09)

AlanRR? or Alfie Moon? Same person :S....(NT) by 'Beezo' (22 Sep 2008 @ 15:58)

Re: PaulClarke by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 17:12)

Re: PaulClarke by 'MarkT' (22 Sep 2008 @ 17:29)

Re: PaulClarke by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 17:31)

Re: PaulClarke by 'Avago' (22 Sep 2008 @ 18:31)

Re: PaulClarke by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 20:32)

Re: PaulClarke by 'Avago' (22 Sep 2008 @ 22:46)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'MJC' (22 Sep 2008 @ 15:18)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'churchill' (22 Sep 2008 @ 18:20)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'Attack2001' (22 Sep 2008 @ 19:19)

Re: Dissapointing start to our karting experience by 'PaulClarke' (22 Sep 2008 @ 20:37)

Haha Alan ... my dad wishes lol by 'boiracer43' (23 Sep 2008 @ 18:29)

Re: Haha Alan ... my dad wishes lol by 'PaulClarke' (24 Sep 2008 @ 8:50)

Attack 2001 by 'Canceric' (22 Sep 2008 @ 20:57)

Re: Canceric by 'Attack2001' (22 Sep 2008 @ 21:02)

PaulClarke by 'churchill' (23 Sep 2008 @ 11:27)

Re: Canceric by 'Canceric' (27 Sep 2008 @ 21:26)

Re: Canceric by 'Attack2001' (28 Sep 2008 @ 21:30)

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