Introduction

Welcome to the Snake River Karters club, and congratulations on taking the first steps towards getting into Karting. This information has been written to help the beginner in the Treasure Valley.


In Kart racing knowledge is a very important factor in your enjoyment and success. We have tried to provide you with as much of the essential information as we can.

Karting was first organized in the Treasure Valley in 1962 and was originally named the Boise Go Kart Club. The club is now called Snake River Karters and is a non-profit organization (No one gets paid, all of the money raised is used to enhance the racing facilities and the club itself).

Now lets get started on what you need to do next. Please take the time to carefully read the following information it will save you a lot of time and money.

Getting Started

The First steps to Kart Racing in the Treasure Valley:

1. Call Mark Jauregui 208-890-0017 or email.

Mark's job is to help make getting into Karting fun and easy. He can answer any of your Karting questions.


2. Join the Snake River Karters Kart Club.... the best way to get involved, learn the sport, and have a lot of fun. The Membership dues are only $115.00 per year for an Individual and $135.00 per year for a Family. You also get a $15.00 discount on your race entry fees.
If you only race a few races the membership pays for itself. Membership Application
A few facts about Karting:

1. Karting is an inexpensive, family oriented, relatively safe sport that is enjoyed both by the young and not-so-young alike. We have quite a few good male and female drivers.


2. Karting is a great training ground. Did you know that 95% of the drivers in Formula 1, IRL (Indy Racing League), CART (Championship Auto Racing Teams), and NASCAR (The National Association For Stock Car Racing) have come out of Karting. Maybe you will be next.

3. Karting is fair to everyone. Karting equalizes the competition by using strict weight and engine controls. The best driver wins, not the one with the most money.


4. Karting is relatively uncomplicated, but challenging.


5. All Karters are required to have the proper safety equipment.

Driver Safety Equipment:

(See 2008 Club Rules for details)


1. Helmet (Snell 2000 or higher) Snell is a safety approval criteria. All racing helmets have the Snell rating printed on the outside or inside of the helmet.

2.Abraision resistant Jacket or driving suit.

3.Gloves.

4. High top shoes.

5.Racing neck collar.

6.Chest protector for drivers age 12 and under.

7.Protective mouth piece.

8.Ear plugs are recommended.
 

Buying a Kart and Accessories

1. The first decision that you will have to make is which class you want/can participate in. The following should help you decide which class you wish to enter:

a) your age
b) your budget
Age is almost immaterial in Karting. There are classes from 5 years old and there are no age limits of how old you can be to race karts. You can decide based on your health and physical shape.
Budget. There is an old saying in racing "Speed costs money". How fast do you want to go?
See the general list of the local classes and costs previously covered.

Once you have decided on a class, it's time to buy a Kart. The club will be able to help you with pointing you in the right direction. After you have bought the Kart there are some maintenance items and accessories you will need, below is a shopping list and approximate cost guide. Of course you probably already have most of these items, but for those things you don't have, check with our local suppliers or you can mail order, refer to the catalogs previously listed.

1 - Kart Stand -$50.00 to $250
1 - Metal File - $10.00
1 - Oil tray - $10.00
1 - Set of Tools - $150.00
1 - Cordless Drill - $100.00
1 - Gas can or Jug, 5 gallon - $15.00
1 - Helmet - $170.00 to $900
1 - Pair of Racing Gloves - $35.00 to $70
1 - Racing Suit - $125.00 to $300
1 - Neck Collar - $25.00 to $50
1 - Pair of Racing Shoes (High top athletic shoes) -$35.00 to $80
3 - Engine Racing Oil (by the pint) - $4.00
1 - Chain Lubricant - $5.00
4 - set of Racing numbers - $15.00
1 - Tire pressure gauge - $25.00
1 - Miscellaneous nuts and bolts - $20.00

1 - Fire Extinguisher - $25.00

1 - Safety Wire Pliers - $35.00

1 - Roll of Safety wire - $10.00
1 - First Aid Kit - $25.00

1 - Miscellaneous items, ear plugs, mouthgard, rib protector- $100.00


Costs to get into Karting:

Kid Kart (ages 5 - 8)
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kid Kart is going to be between $900 and $1,400.

New: A beginner level ready to race Kid Kart is going to be between $1,800 and $2,200.

4cycle / Junior Sportsman (Junior 1, Junior 2 and Senior Sportsman)
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $900 and $1,700.
New: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $2,800 and $4,000.


Formula Y / Star Class
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $1,800 and $3,000.

New: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $3,000 and $4,000.

Rotax or TAG Class
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $2,000 and $4,000.
New: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $4,000 and $6,000.

80cc Shifter
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $1,800 and $3,500.
New: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $4,500 and $6,000.

125cc Shifter
Used: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $2,200 and $4,500.

New: A beginner level ready to race Kart is going to be between $6,500 and $8,000.

Typical Season Racing Cost:
Asphalt or Dirt -Typical full season racing costs which would include 1 or 2 sets of tires, fuel, oil, race entry fees, and miscellaneous maintenance items is between $500 and $800.