What is Backyard
karting all about?
In an effort to get
some off season and between race seat time, several racers in Essex, CT bought
old racing karts and started racing around the driveway. It moved out into the
yard and the rest is history. Backyard karting is about racers, race fans, car
guys, gals, kids and anyone else driving a competition kart around on private
land for fun.
Is it safe?
Naturally, there is
a risk associated with any form of competition or use of a motorized vehicle.
Racing by nature has inherent risks. That said, backyard karting is one of the
safest forms of motor sports there is for several reasons. First and foremost,
the speeds are manageable. Most karters will not exceed 25 to 30 miles per hour
in the back yard. Second, the karts have many built in safety devices including
the bumpers, nerf bars, bodywork and seat. Karts are also very light, and thus
stop extremely well, allowing karters to avoid collisions with ease.
Who can do it?
Anyone with a small
piece of property can start karting in their back yard. Karts are available
from many sources, both used and new, and sample rules are available from other
track owners. There are karters in Essex, CT who are 3 years old and there are
those in their seventies. Often times women enjoy karting much more than they
think they will, usually when they are passing their man.
How much does it cost?
A used kart can cost
from $500 to $1500 depending on the age and condition. Add about $1000 for a
Honda GX200, chain and sprockets, helmet and a set of tires and you are ready
to race. T Karts, LLC is the only current company producing karts designed specifically
for backyard karting. They range from $2800 to $3200 complete and are the result
of 5 years of backyard karting experience. Operating a kart cost somewhere in
the order of $10 per hour. Here are some comparative per hour prices to consider,
based on our staff’s experience: Indoor Karting ($60 to $120/hour), Autocrossing
($100 dollars for six 30 second runs = $3000/hour), Sportscar Racing (Formula
Ford or Small Bore = $4000 - $5000/hour), Professional Sportscar racing ($5000
on up)
Is there a lot of maintenance?
Racing karts are very
simple in design and have been around for decades. Running a kart in the back
yard puts fairly little stress on the chassis and the tires and brakes last
much longer on dirt than pavement. Regular maintenance consists of oiling the
chain, checking the tightness of a few dozen fasteners, and changing the oil.
The Honda GX200 used in most backyard karting is almost bulletproof, requiring
virtually no maintenance.
What will the
neighbors say?
If you invite them over
and let them ride, they will say “Where can I get one?” Keeping
the peace with one’s neighbors is always important and that is why the
backyard karting movement has selected the Honda GX200 for power. The Honda
muffler is very effective at keeping the decibels down and the neighbors happy.
Is it legal?
Based on our research, backyard karting is not illegal. As long as you are not
creating a nuisance, you are within your rights. It is recommended that prospective
track owners check their local laws for any possible conflicts.
Where else can I race my kart?
The racing karts that are used in backyard karting are also competitive in many
of the major kart sanctioning bodies, such as the World Karting Association
(WKA), IKF and SKUSA. Chances are there is a track near you. SCCA Solo as well
as many other sanctioning bodies are allowing racing karts into autocrosses
and time trials.
Where can I race against other backyard karters?
GrassPass.org is designed to give backyard karters a place to meet, share ideas and commune on karting. Chances are that you will be able to find a track in your area and contact the owners. GrassPass.ORG will be posting more details about a 2005 National Backyard Championship event in the late summer. This event will be open to all backyard karters and will feature sprint races, weight classes and a long endurance race. The location is to be announced.