Many of the world's best drivers began their racing careers in the competitive motorsport of karting. Names like Michael Andretti, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. to name just a few. Many of these racers return to their roots in the off season, driving karts to keep their senses tuned; it is simply the closest they can get to the feeling and response of their race cars.

While some racers use it as a stepping-stone to other venues, others stay in it forever. The classes begin at age 8 for juniors and go all the way up to the "master" classes for the "old" folks. Various engines are used in kart racing, but the main staples are the 18hp 2 cycle Yamaha KT-100 (specially built by Yamaha for karting), or the Briggs & Stratton 4 cycle 5 hp (usually tweaked to make 10-12 hp). There are more than a few classes for these two engines, based on certain restrictions. The idea is to buy an engine and not have to get a new one when moving up the karting ranks. This approach makes karting very cost effective.

Races are somewhat short in karting; often referred to as "Sprint" races, usually 10 or 15 laps on the ½ mile road course or in the case of our other kart track, the 1/5-mile asphalt oval, approx 20 laps. We start the day with practice, usually 2 sessions, and start the races with 2 "heats". We then complete the day with a main race.

Kart racing is a relatively safe sport. There are very few incidents in contrast to other forms of racing such as motocross, but there are some, usually minor. Speeds in the various classes vary from a low of 40 mph in the restricted JR classes to a high of 90 mph in the 125-shifter karts. Safety equipment consists of shoes that cover the ankle, long pants, leather coat or a karting suit, helmet, gloves and a neck collar.

Kart racing, in my opinion, is the best-kept motorsport secret in this area. Raceway Park looks forward to incorporating karting into our already successful weekly race program. Nothing equals the excitement and cost effectiveness of kart racing. In simple terms, it is the most fun per dollar in motorsports. I invite you to come and check it out and get the feel for it. Most racers are very friendly and enjoy being ambassadors of the sport, so feel free to ask them questions and most will happily respond.

I hope you will join us this season for what will prove to be a very successful and fun 2007 season. For further information concerning kart racing, please call me (Alex Napp) at Raceway Park at (732) 446-7800 and I will be happy to assist you in any way possible. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,
Alex Napp
Vice-President
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, Inc.

There are many sponsorship opportunities available for the Raceway Park Karting Track, so please call Alex Napp at (732) 446-7800 for further information.