01/15/2003

GO-KART TIP OF THE MONTH
by Doug Ogiejko

How do I get started racing go karts?

This has to be the most frequently asked question that I receive each and every year. First, let me start of by saying that go kart racing has to be the most family oriented, fun, and cheapest way of getting into auto racing. Personally I have had so many experiences and have gained so much knowledge and have made so many new friends since I started racing back in 1998. The question at hand now is… How do I get started?

The easiest way to obtain information is to go down to one of our local tracks, whether it is Medford Raceway on Friday nights, or Riverhead Raceway on Sundays (when schedule permits). Don't be afraid to go up to anyone of the driver or crewmembers there and ask them how they got started. Personally, a very close friend of mine got me started in this sport. He had raced year's prior and had mentioned it when we hung out, two years later I bought my own go kart and began racing myself.

The next question that I receive very often is "How much will this cost to get started?" Well, it all depends on how serious you would like to get. Most used go karts go for a very reasonable price and you can easily pick up a very good go kart for less then $2000, this includes everything you would need to go racing, a small price to pay for the years of fun ahead of you. Entry fees each week are minimal amounts, ranging from $35-$40 for drivers, and spectators average at about $10 per person. Here are some other questions I receive often.

"What do I need to buy each week to race?"… When you first get start you won't need to be spend tons of money. Fuel up and, make sure there is oil in the engine, and get plenty of track time. That has to be the most important part of racing that everyone leaves out. The old saying "Practice makes perfect" is all you need to think about when you first get started, track time is more important then anything else. 

"Where do I buy parts?"…The best people that I have found in this sport have to be the guys at Bonsignore Kart Shoppe. Tom, and his staff are the most sociable people you will find, and not to mention he has just about everything in his trailer/shop that you could ever need, and if he doesn't have it, he'll get it for you. As well as having a vast array of parts, he also has tons of knowledge in this sport. He's always willing to lend a hand, and will take the time to help you out when you need it. He's always at the track, one of the first ones to get there and one of the last ones to leave. Tom and his staff can be reached at (631) 243-5220.

"Which track do you like more", Where is it better to race?"… I've raced all over the Northeast, as well as down south in North Carolina, and I must say that local racing is the best racing. Don't get me wrong, going away racing is a lot of fun, but local racing is where your going to win the most races and be able to test and gain more knowledge. My opinion is if you want to go away racing at least get two years of local time to learn how your go karts works, and what you need to do in certain situations. As far as which track I like racing at more, Medford or Riverhead… I love both. Medford is the only true short track that I know of in the Northeast, which offers the best racing as far as I am concerned. Riverhead on the other hand is a high banked stock car track which has a characteristic all its own, the track is fast, and offers a whole different driving style and form of racing. THE DRAFT MEANS EVERYTHING there, and if you get out, you are all washed up.

Hopefully this answers some of the questions that you may have had about getting into go kart racing, if you have any more questions, feel free to email me at Dogiejko@longislandjam.com.

'Till next month…

Sources:  Doug Ogiejko/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  January 15, 2003