How fast do the karts go?

Intro. karts (ages 13 yrs. and up) have speed capabilities up to approximately 65 miles per hour.

Engines: 2 stroke Rotax 125cc engines (restricted to 20 hp)

Tires: Levanto kart racing tires (soft compound)

If you’re shopping around for a kart school, here are a few questions to ask:

1. What engine package do you use? 2 strokes? or 4 strokes?

2. How much horsepower do they have? 2 stroke engines are typically higher in horsepower (14-30 hp). 4 stroke engines tend to only be in the range from 6-9 hp

3. What tire compound do you use? Tire compounds range from hard (less grip) to soft (more grip).

Based on our high customer satisfaction rate we feel very confident you’ll enjoy your karting experience with our racing karts!

If you’re more comfortable in a slower kart, we will make accommodations for you.

Advanced karts (ages 16 yrs. and up with prerequisites) are capable of speeds up to approximately 80+ miles per hour.

Engines: 2 stroke Rotax 125cc engines (unrestricted) 30 hp.

Cadet karts (ages 8 to 12 yrs) are capable of speeds up to 35 miles per hour.

Kid Karts (ages 5-7 yrs) are capable of speeds up to 20 miles per hour.

What are the age/height/weight requirements?

When you register for our class, the registration form will ask for height, weight, waist and inseam measurements. This helps us prepare your kart accordingly so you will have the best fit possible.

Minimum Age:  5 yrs  Must be able to reach the pedals and steering wheel.  Ages 5-8: Prereq: Indoor karting experience

Maximum Age: None

Minimum/Max  Height: Approximately 3’6” to 6’4” (depending on proportion)

Maximum Weight: 250 lbs. (depending on proportion)

What should I bring?

We provide all driving gear except racing shoes. We provide racing suits, helmets, neck collars, rib and chest protectors, and gloves.

You can wear a closed toe flat soled shoe (no hiking boots or sandals) or a shoe that covers your ankles. If you don’t have shoes that cover your ankles, tennis shoes are acceptable to wear. Socks must be worn. Wrestling shoes are often worn as karting shoes and can be purchased from a sporting goods store.

Other things to bring:

Snacks and/or a sack lunch (or restaurants/delis are within 1 mile)

Lots of water and electrolyte replacement drinks ie: Cytomax, Gatorade, etc.

Sunscreen

How many students in a class?

Class size is limited to a maximum of 6 students! (unless it’s a corporate/special group event). If you’re shopping around for a kart school, it’s always a good idea to ask how many students per class!

With only 6 students per class, everyone gets lots of running room on track and lots of driving time! You can practice your skills without worrying about others running too closely to you when you’re adapting to your kart while learning the track configuration. You’re welcome to run closer together as your skill level increases and when you feel comfortable.

Having only 6 students also allows for plenty of coaching and professional instruction to accelerate your learning curve!

How much instruction do we get?

You will get lots of personalized and professional instruction. That’s what sets our school apart from others. Our staff will be standing and watching you in the corners, and they will be on track with you during the “lead and follow” sessions. While off track, our instructors will review the track map with you and answer any questions you have.

What’s your safety record?

We have been conducting kart schools for over 30 years and our safety record is excellent. Safety is always our first priority. We take every step to ensure our students have a safe day.

Can parents drive with their children?

Yes! And it’s a great way to “bond” with your son or daughter. Just let us know prior to class that you’d like to drive some sessions with your child. Please note: Kids classes only allow kid karts on track, so no parents can drive with the kids ages 5-7 yrs old.

What’s the best day to take a class?

Since most tracks are membership tracks, the best day to take a class is when the track is closed to members. That way we have the track with no distractions, no interruptions, and lots more “seat time”.

The least busiest track days are weekdays with the Davis track being closed to members on Wednesdays, perfect days for kart schools. If a Wednesday falls on a holiday we can still hold the classes.

Can I skip the prerequisite class if I have racing experience?

Yes, in many cases. It depends on the experience you have. Even those who have amateur car racing experience will benefit greatly from our Intro. classes. Karts are similar to cars, but they take some “acclimation” because of their light weight, high horsepower and quick steering. If you have some karting or car track day experience, please let us know in advance since we will ask for confirmation.

Are we allowed to pass other karts?

Yes. We have designated passing areas so you can “dice” with each other (when ready).

What if it rains?

If it rains, we’ll make the determination if we will hold or reschedule the class. It will depend on track and weather conditions when on-track sessions are scheduled to begin. Sometimes we can predict prior to the class if it will need to be rescheduled and you will be notified at that time. If it rains the night before, many times the track will dry out in time for the class.

What’s your payment/cancellation/reschedule policy?

To reserve a spot in one of our karting programs, please register online (no fee required at that time). It’s always best to register online so you’ll be in queue for the program date you’d like.

Payment in full is required to secure your spot in the class. You can call us with payment info.

All scheduled programs are non-refundable, however can be rescheduled.

A Rescheduling Fee of (25%) of the full retail price of your program will apply to any subsequent rescheduling.

To Reschedule: We require 21 business days notice prior to your class date to avoid Reschedule Fee.

We are not responsible for missed flights, traffic conditions getting to track, car break-downs, illness, etc.

Sorry, there are no refunds, only reschedules.  Reschedule Fee: 25% of class program price.

For reschedules, a new class date must be scheduled within 3 months.

Race Karts! Inc. has the right to reschedule last minute if emergency track repairs are necessary or City use is required.

Can I put together my own group?

Yes, if you round up your own group, we’ll let you have the day to yourselves. No offered discounts will apply, however. There must be a minimum of 6 total, but check with us in case we can accommodate less drivers on some dates. Sometimes we can add a couple of students who may be on a wait list.

Can I get a discount if I bring a friend(s)?

Yes, sometimes we offer special discounts during the year. Feel free to call to see what we’re offering!

Can you bring the karts to our business or company?

Sorry, no.

How are Race Karts! Inc. karts different than concession or indoor karts?

Our karts are true “racing karts” and run on internationally sanctioned “sprint kart tracks”. They do not have bumper protection systems as all of the concession and indoor karts have. They are true open wheel racing vehicles with lightweight components for maximum speed.

Do we have a lunch break?

Yes. The lunch break is approximately 45 minutes and we find our students like the break between morning and afternoon sessions to re-group and re-vitalize.

Sometimes, depending on weather, we may reduce or eliminate the lunchbreak if there is inclement  weather coming so you will be able to get all your track time.

Will there be anyone else on the track other than RKI students or staff?

No, not during our schools. We will have the track to ourselves to maximize “seat time” and personalized instruction, and most of all for safety reasons to provide a safe and controlled environment.

During rental/ lapping days at certain tracks, we may run with the members or racers depending on your skill level, with instructor approval.

How much track time do we get?

You will get a lot of track time, so much, that some of our students will sit out the last session. We pride ourselves on giving you as much “seat time” as possible. Count on 100+ laps!

You will have (6) 15 minute on-track lapping sessions.

If I want to buy a kart can you help me?

Absolutely. We’re here to help you learn as much about getting started in karting as possible. There’s lots to learn and we have over 30 years of experience to help you make the best decision.

After your karting program, we always follow up with you to see if you’d like to continue in karting and if so, we’ll discuss “next step” karting options: next level karting, kart rentals, kart purchases (new/used), kart clubs, kart racing, etc.

RKI owner Lisa Caceres has a wealth of karting industry knowledge and many well-established business relationships and contacts so she can steer you in the right direction!

Can I bring my own kart?

Yes, if it meets National Karting Alliance (NKA) required specs and is in excellent mechanical condition. You will need to arrive earlier for our mechanics to “tech” and inspect your kart prior to on-track sessions. You’ll need to provide your own oil/fuel for your specific kart. Please let us know in advance.

Can I bring my own safety equipment?

Yes, if your equipment meets NKA required specs. Please call us for more details.

What if I damage a kart?

You are responsible for negligent driving and any damage done in any collision you are involved in. If this occurs, our mechanics will assess the damage and let you know the cost within one week of your class date.

You are also responsible for damage to any of our racing gear you wear i.e.: helmets, neck collars, racing suits, gloves, etc. Damage will be assessed by our staff and you will be notified within one week of your class date.

What is required to drive the Racing Karts?

You must be in good physical and mental condition to drive the karts, and be able to comprehend what we are teaching you. If you have any questions, please call us in advance so we can make any necessary adjustments for you to enjoy your day to the fullest. We have worked with students who have certain special needs and the more we know in advance, the better we can make the proper accommodations!

There is zero tolerance for alcohol and/or drugs. We use breathalyzers and drug testing devices when necessary.

Can I bring someone under the age of 18 to drive if I am not the parent?

Yes BUT there are certain requirements that must be met in order to bring someone elses child under 18 who is attending the kart school. It requires a special waiver you need us to send you which needs to be notarized and signed by one of the parents. This needs to be completed well in advance so please prepare accordingly and call us for the specifics. There is other paperwork involved as well.

Do I need my drivers license to race one of your racing karts?

No, a drivers license is not required.  In fact, our racing school is open to drivers 5 years and up!

Can I bring spectators?

Yes, you can bring your friends, family, co-workers, etc. They will be required to sign a waiver and pay a spectator (insurance wristband) fee of $10 ea. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent and will be required to sign a waiver and pay the spectator fee as well.

Can I bring a GoPro?

You can rent a GoPro from us or bring your own GoPro. If you rent a GoPro from us, we will provide a 32GB microSD card, yours to keep.  You are responsible for the GoPro if gets lost or damaged. We will charge retail price for reimbursement if that occurs.