The Ins and Outs of Go-Kart Racing From an Actual Champion

Go-Kart racing is an extremely fun hobby for men.  All men believe they are the best drivers on the road but it takes a little bit more to be really skilled enough to be a champion.  And yes, even though go-karts are not full sized cars not many men out there can afford the real thing.  Go-Karting is the next best and affordable option.  I recently sat down with go-karting champion Quinn Dewsbury who happens to be my brother and asked him some questions about the sport.




Quinn won the championships for two different leagues in the Toronto area.  He won in 2012 and 2013 in the Kawartha-Durham Karting league and won in 2014 in the Mosport International Karting Association, respectively.

What do you get for being the champion?

Respect

What does your current setup cost?

Probably around $5000.  I go through 2 sets of tires per season which cost around $300 each set.  It's not much when you consider a single tire for my car costs $300.

How much to get started?

You can probably get everything you need for $4000-$5000.  Maybe a little cheaper if you find someone you wants to get out of the sport.  It seems like a lot of money but it's still the cheapest motorsport out there.

Once of the karts Quinn races with. 

How many races per season?

13.  You're allowed to drop one or two but there is a minimum amount you have to do.

How many racers?

Well, in my division which is the senior division (fastest karts) we had 20 karts enter for the day last time.  It changes each week but generally its around 20 each time.

Do guys that don't race challenge you to race?

Shit, all the time.  Guys that have never been in a race of any kind just decide that they are better than me.  They all say the same thing, "yeah, well I would beat you." and I tell them the same thing.  Come out to the track. I'll let you use my race kart and I'll use my practise kart.  They never show up.

What are the rules for the class you race in?

I race in the senior class which is generally the fastest karts.  You have to weigh 365lb with the kart.  There are two engine options: Honda and Briggs and Stratton.  I run a Honda even though they are a little slower than the Briggs.  I just bought a chassis which I'm going to attach a Briggs to and see how that works.

Do you dissemble your cart after every race?

You should.  I don't unless there is damage.  I just don't have the time.  I do it at the beginning of the year.

How does a race day work in terms of heats and laps?

There are two heats that determine starting position for the final race of the day.  Each heat and final are 10 laps each.

Quinn's workshop with three karts currently

What the best way to get started in the sport?

Well, first find a local club and find out when they have their "Arrive and Drive", it's usually a Sunday.  With arrive and drive you pay a rental fee and they will give you a race prepared kart.  You do the safety meetings and rules meeting just like everyone else and they will let you race against the regular club members.  If you do that you still have to bring your own helmet, gloves and jacket.