How do i become a member of KartSport Auckland?

To become a financial member please download and complete the membership form located on the download page and send it together with a cheque off to the following address:

KartSport Auckland Inc., PO Box 334095, Sunnynook, North Shore City, 0743, Auckland

A competitor must hold a KartSport NZ Competition Licence before taking part in any competition. In most cases they will have to be a financial member of an affiliated club.

One day licenses are available only at club days at permanent sprint tracks for any driver who does not hold a current KartSport New Zealand full licence.   Only 3 one day licenses may be issued per person per year and are purchased directly from the promoting Club.  The one day licence enables a new competitor to compete for a day at a Club without having to obtain a full KartSport New Zealand competition licence.

FULL KartSport New Zealand LICENCE:

This is only available from the KartSport New Zealand Competition Licence Secretary on application.  An applicant must complete the appropriate application form and medical declaration and become a financial member of an affiliated Club.   For an applicant under 18 years of age a birth certificate is also required.   The completed application forms, proof of Club membership and licence fee must be sent to the Competition Licence Secretary who will process the application and issue the licence.  There is a concession rate for subsequent family members residing at the same address provided the first member pays a full licence fee.

Licence application forms are available from the download page. These application forms should be completed at the time of becoming a member of the Club.

There are 2 main ways of buying a kart

(a) Used through Private Sales - These can be found on Trademe, KartSport NZ Classifieds etc.

(b) New or Used through Kart Shops - Kendall Performance, Alpha Karts, Right Karts etc.

If you're buying a new kart you can't really go wrong, however you need a slightly larger budget. Used karts start at about half the new price.

Buying used from a kart dealer normally costs a little more (they have to make a living too), however most will have checked the kart and repaired any obvious faults. Don't expect a guarantee, but most reputable dealers are reasonable and will try to assist you with any problems you may have. They have their reputation to protect!

Buying used in a private sale is normally the cheapest option, but generally leaves you no comeback if you have problems. You can sometimes get very good "package" deals when someone is quitting karting. Sometimes you can pick up a kart (or two), trailer, spares etc, as a complete package, for bargain prices. HOWEVER: We suggest that, if you're buying privately, you should have someone who knows something about karts to advise you. Even then it's no guarantee, as you don't know the condition of the motor etc. If you intend racing make sure that the equipment you buy is current legal to race to avoid a major disappointment.

Questions to ask when buying second hand:

What model chassis is it? (This can make a difference when you want to sell/upgrade)

Has it been bent or cracked. Bends can be straightened, and cracks can be welded. Look for untidy welding on the main tubes. (The struts securing the sides of the seats often crack and need repairing so don't worry too much about those)

What condition is the motor in? A bargain may not turn out to be such a bargain when the engine needs major work!

Does the seat fit you snugly? If not, budget on having a new one fitted as a loose seat is uncomfortable, tiring (your arms will always be fighting the G-forces), and can result in damaged ribs.

Are there any spares that come with the kart? Things such as trolleys, sprockets, chains, carbs, practise tyres, wet weather tyres, spare rims, hubs & axles all come in handy.

It is always a good idea to practice before going to your first race meeting.  Most Clubs tracks are available during the week and on weekends for casual hire to Club members.  Some tracks have restrictions on the hours that the track is available so contact your club first for details.

There may be a small charge for the use of the track and you should always have another person with you who is capable of driving a motor vehicle should any accident occur.  All the required safety equipment must be worn and all rules need to be followed and the Clubs indemnity form should also be signed before practicing. 

If possible get an experienced karter to go along with you or ask advice from others who may be practicing as well as this will be the quickest and easiest way to learn.

Race Day

Nerves! ... it's quite normal to have butterflies, even after seasons of racing. Beat the nerves by knowing you are ready. Prepare your kart a few days before the race. Set it up to your "standard" setting which you have determined works well at that specific track. Avoid "all nighter" prep sessions the night before a race; if you break something or find something wrong, it doesn't leave you any time to get the spares you need. If possible, load up the kart and spares the night before the race. Avoid rushing in the morning. (You'll find that karting requires some pretty early starts!)

When you get to the track find your allocated pit (don't steal someone else's pit!) and offload your kart. Get documentation done before fiddling with the kart. For documentation you'll need your license and a pen. Get your kart scrutineered as early as possible.

Make sure that your timing transponder is fitted and charged before you go on to the circuit. If you don't own a timing transponder you will need to rent one from the organisers. In the long run it is cheaper and far more convenient to own your transponder.

Check the weight of you/your kart on the scale. Make adjustments to the weight later if required. Rather be a kilo or two too heavy, as your weight tends to vary during the day (you will be excluded from any official standings even if you are even a fraction under the required weight.

After scrutineering you should have time to relax or fiddle (some drivers can only relax when they are fiddling), before drivers briefing. Driver's briefing is compulsory so listen carefully.

After drivers briefing the program moves straight into the Tuning Run. If you are first on the roster, try to have your kart on the dummy grid before drivers briefing .... saves rushing around. It also gets you out near the front, where the clear track is. Remember, you are not racing. Be courteous and let faster guys by, but concentrate on getting in as many clean laps as you can. Avoid sitting directly behind another kart. You can only go as fast as them ... no faster. Don't spend 2-3 laps trying to get by. Wait 'till the straight and back off (after ensuring it's safe to do so). Wave other karts by if necessary, and then put foot once you have enough clean track ahead of you for 1-2 clean, unobstructed laps. However don't have too high expectations while you're a novice. Remember that most of the other drivers out there are probably more experienced than you.