Getting Started In Karting
Getting Started
Below is a step by step guide of how to get into karting. It's important to read through this section carefully along with the links to Karting Australia's rules and regulations. Being a member of our club does not mean you can show up with any kart that you may have. You can only use karts approved under Karting Australia's regulations. Kart licenses and club memberships are not refundable.
Step 1
Ok so you have read the “Getting Started” book and your keen to race karts, your next step is to apply for a Karting Australia karting license and become a member of Southern Go Kart Club, this is all done from the Karting Australia portal (known as KOMP), a link to this can be found here, just register and follow the steps.
At its basic core, there are three levels of licencing:
• Cadet – 6-12 years old (restrictions apply for six year olds)
• Junior – 12-15 years old
• Senior – 15+ years old
Step 3
Once your membership has been processed, you should receive an introductory email from SGKC, please remember to check your spam/junk folder if you have not received this email, also, it does take a few days for your membership to be processed by us.
Step 5
Once step 4 is done you are ready to practise, if you have a race license you will be able to enter race meets at our track and at any other Karting Australia affiliated tracks.
Step 2
If you have not already done this you need to buy a kart, we are not a hire kart facility, you practise and race in your own kart. Once again the “Getting Started” guide has general advise on this, you will need to buy a kart that is allowed to be used with your license level. There are kart shops and karting businesses right across Australia. Most will have new and second-hand options for you. We don’t recommend that you buy your first kart off websites such as Ebay, Gumtree or any other places on the internet. You need to be sure that the kart and engine that you are buying is in good condition, is suitable for your age group and the Class that you will be looking to compete in.
Step 4
Now you are a member you need to contact one of our introductory officers, Brett Fortainier (0411 402 582), Dave Skinner (0411 401 281) or Steve Nicolson (0400 911 791) and make a time for your club induction (please remember these people are volunteers, please only call between 9am and 5pm). Their role is to go through the safety rules and give you ongoing entry to the track. Sometimes they will ask to observe you driving on the track. When you are ready for this induction meeting, please ensure that your kart is compliant with all the rules for the class that you will be following, in particular, ensure that you have lock wire nuts available for your engine/exhaust as required, a secondary brake cable, and “P” plate on the rear bumper. The full Karting Australia rule book can be found here.
Step 6
Stay informed, most club announcements are done via our Facebook Page, please follow us to stay informed. Karting is competitive, but it is also fun and family orientated, with involvement in the sport both on and off the track giving it a strong feeling of community.
For those aiming at a career in motorsport, almost everyone who races cars started racing in Karts it’s the best fun you will have on four wheels.