Seriously looking at getting into karting in the ne wyear before I get into the big toys but I am unsure of the series availability, what kart to buy, what to look out for etc.

I'm a 23 yr old, around 90kg, 6 foot. With very minimal racing experience, what would be the best sort of series to go into? I'm not looking to spend a huge amount, maybe 3-500 a month after the initial purchase outlay (depends on my commission really).

I'm in Surrey, so any series that are around there would be preferable

All views are welcome, I am very new to the idea!

Where are your local clubs (or where are you happy to travel too).

Arrive and drive - if you want it simple look at club 100 (google it) step up from corporate, but not like a proper unlimited 2 stroke.

If you buy your own then you need to go to your local club(s) and see what races there. The cheapest is probably TKM, but your local club might not have a big grid of them and this is well within your budget. Your only issue here is that you might be a little over the 'normals' weight limit, there is a heavies (clubman) but I don't know anywhere that runs it personally. Best bet is talk to someone racing there and ask if you can be weighed with their kart.

Alternative to that is Rotax and you could either go in the normal weight or if you are too heavy you can go in the 177 class. The kart will be more to buy (min £1,500 for a kart and engine, compared to around £750 for TKM) and the running costs are higher but I would suggest still in your budget. The thing you need to watch out for is that a few rotax rules have changed, tyres for example, so you need to make sure you won't need to buy new tyres the moment you want to race.

Other things to look out for - if you want to go MSA racing, that will cost you to apply and get a licence, then you have to get the kart about. A TKM will fit in the boot with the seats down but a rotax is to wide (a trailer is needed really). Then you need race suit, boots, gloves and helmet and you will need some sort of gazebo for those rainy days.

I did it until our 2nd was born last July and it's fantastic fun for relatively little money. Also, if you buy well, you'll see most of your money back when you sell.

I used to race TKM pretty seriously when I was younger. If I was getting back in to it I would be looking at the Rotax Max class which was just coming in as I finished, they are 125cc with electric start and the rebuild intervals are a lot longer than the TKMs.

I dont know what the entry costs and things are these days but it used to be about £15 for the practice day and £30 for the race day. Tyres wise slicks were about £110 for a set and wets £140 they don't wear out that quickly but do go hard so need replacing every few meetings.

[Edited on 25/8/11 by pmc_3]