n00b in need of answers

[Dub_Bo1]

Good day, fellow racers!

I'm 40, been racing go-karts (home-built), motocross, and auto rallys, since I was 10. I've always been very interested in open-wheel racing and decided I want to dive into karting.

I'm 5'10" and weight 200lbs w/ gear and was initially interested in Shifterkarts. However, after doing a ton of reading about karts and racing, it seems that maybe TaG karts require a bit less maintainence, and don't require someone to help you start it. Is it true that shifterkarts require someone to get it started for you? I'll be racing without a crew, so that could be a major factor.

So, I guess my first question really is, TaG or Shifter? I am experienced in auto repair and maintainence and have heavily modified, repaired and maintained all of my own vehicles, and plan on doing so for my kart.

Can a lone driver without a crew, race a shifterkart, or would it be more feasible to run a TaG?

Any help and info you could provide will be greatly appreciated!

P.S. I have been to just about every forum and website about Karting that I can find, and still have not had this question answered.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Are you athletic? Do you like abuse? Then the shifter is for you. I'd suggest a stock CR 125.It is easier to maintain and less fickle. You would need to be able to run along side the kart while pushing the steering wheel, jump into the seat and at the same time grab a gear and ease into the throttle.

Our suggestion is to test before you invest. A one day intensive driving school will allow you to test both the tag and the shifter. The information provided will give you a life time of tuning advise, chassis set up and general knowledge.

Not all tag motors are equal. We have had good luck in reliability with the Rotax product. Make an appointment and come on down and try it first hand.

[Dub_Bo1]

Thank you for your speedy reply, Garry!

I'm no stranger to abuse and am fairly athletic, but why put myself through that?! TaG sounds the way to go. And yes, from what I've read, the Rotax seems the one to get.

I appreciate your advice and am really looking forward to visiting your facility!

Do you have training at the Rolling Green facility or would I need to visit your Michiana Track?

[Marc Miller]

Dub-

I am exactly your size... and I run Rotax Masters. It is a great class, MRP is a rotax certified outlet and the running costs are much much less than a shifter. Also, in the midwest - especially at our track - there are several more Rotax karts to race against vs. shifter.

I have been to the track several times all by myself. I keep a kart there and show up, put fuel in, air the tires... warm it up and thanks to people helping lift it on and off the stand - i push the button and drive it on track. YES.. you can do it all yourself. I take with me my gear, a toolbox and airtank and everyone is very friendly if you need something.

It's always nice to have a friend to help... but several guys like you show up every week and are not only cometitive - but have a great time.

Hope that helps.