Be Prepared for Away Kart Races

When traveling for an away kart race, preparation is key. If you're part of a team, they'll likely carry all necessary supplies, which is one of the perks of team racing. However, if you're venturing out on your own to tackle a new track, it's essential to be well-prepared.

While most tracks have a shop, not all tracks are well-stocked. Some may not have a good supply of parts or may not carry what you need for your specific kart brand. For instance, if the track is a dealer for a particular kart brand, they might not have parts for your brand. Additionally, if supplies run out, you might be out of luck, as teams and local drivers often have priority access to inventory.

To ensure you're fully prepared for any situation at a new track, we recommend bringing spares of the following items. Don't worry if you don't use them during this race; they'll come in handy eventually.

• Cleaners: Bring your preferred cleaners, at least a degreaser and brake cleaner.
• Chain Lube: Essential for maintaining your kart's performance.
• Spare Tie Rods and Steering Column: One of the first things that needs replacing after a collision.
• Extra Pushback Bumper Kit: After they push in once, they are prone to push in again as the plastic has gotten soft. It is recommended to replace the pushback kit after each time it pushes in.
• Number Decals: Your preferred number might be taken, or your current number may get rubbed off. Don't be the racer that makes their numbers out of electrical tap.
• Karting Hardware: Always good to have spare bolts and nuts on hand in a variety of sizes.
• Spark Plug: A fresh one can make a big difference.
• Fuel Line: Replace your fuel line as needed, always good to have a couple of feet on hand.
• Throttle Cable: When your throttle cable starts to fray, it is time to replace it, don't wait for it to fail.
• Brake Pads: Depending on your driving style, brake pads need to be replaced often for optimal performance.
• Chain: A spare chain can save your race.
• Sprockets: Different sizes for gearing adjustments.
• Oil: Depending on your class, bring engine oil, 2-stroke oil, and gear oil.

To prepare for the race it is also a good idea to do a bit of research on the track that you are heading to. Often you can ask in Karting Groups on Facebook to get an idea of a starting Gear Ratio for a certain track. You can also often find onboard Youtube Video of a certain track so that you can be a bit more prepared when you arrive.

By packing these items and doing a bit of homework, you'll be ready for a race at any track. Happy racing!