Here is a simple introduction to the relatively unknown world of karting. First of all, this is not a “go-cart” - this is real racing and a real form of legitimate motorsports. This is where Danica Patrick, Jamie McMurray, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, AJ Allmendinger, Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Emerson Fitipaldi, Scott Speed, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and so many more of today's racing stars have started their careers. And many continue to utilize karting even today to keep their skills sharp.

Karting can be very inexpensive, low maintenance, very little space to store your equipment is needed, and you don’t need a huge toolbox to keep them running. Karts are easily transported. Best of all, karting is very safe and is an incredible family sport!

Forms of Karting

Your first question to answer is what type of karting you would like to take part in. There is all kinds of racing but there are plenty of people out there that simply want to drive recreationally. Regardless of racing or recreation, there are 3 different types of products offered at PGP Motorsports Park; Sprint, Asphalt Oval, and Rentals.

Sprint racing is run on karting specific asphalt road courses with both left and right hand turns. PGP is 8/10ths of a mile with 14 turns and 12 different track configurations.

Asphalt Oval racing is rapidly growing in popularity. Many new asphalt oval tracks are being built through out the USA. One reason for this is that asphalt oval racing is not as muddy and messy as dirt oval racing. The center of PGP has an asphalt oval incorporated into it and will have lighting in the near future.

Rentals are an absolute blast to drive, require you to only show up as we take care of everything and are very inexpensive to rent yet are as fun as any form of racing because all the karts are identically prepared and this is an area where your experience can pay off and also an area where experience can easily be gained. Whenever you show up, there is likely to be other people with similar skill levels that make this a very enjoyable form of recreation.

Classes

There are many different classes in kart racing. Any one can race and there is only a local license needed. The classes are broken down by, age, engine, and weight.  Classes start out with racers at 5 years old and as they grow older the racers advance into higher classes and higher speeds, eventually reaching the adult level at age 16. Speeds of racing karts range from 25 mph to 90 mph! For a complete list of classes see our Classes section of the PGP website.

Engines

4 cycle - The four cycle classes are extremely popular especially in dirt and asphalt oval racing. A 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine is used in these classes, however Hondas and Subarus are also allowed. Blueprinting and engine machining is allowed, but must follow strict rules and specs. Any blueprinting/machining should be performed by an experienced engine builder only. Four cycle engines are usually less expensive to purchase initially but do require a little bit more maintenance then 2 cycle engines.

2 cycle - The two cycle classes are extremely popular in sprint racing. These engines are very reliable and require less maintenance then a 4 cycle. Some club racers can go an entire season with only a single rebuild. The dominate engine in the past has been the 2 cycle Yamaha KT100. This is a purpose built karting only 100cc engine. Blueprinting and engine machining is allowed, but must follow strict rules and specs. Any blueprinting/machining should be performed by an experienced engine builder only.

TaG or “Touch and Go” – This is by far the fastest growing segment of modern day karting and is where we see the most potential for anyone looking to get into this sport. They are electric start, centrifugal clutch drive, very reliable and a good value. Better yet though, the rules and regulations are written very strict and it is much easier to control safe and fair racing that provides a level playing field for everyone involved.

80cc-125cc Moto Engines - These engines are used in the shifter kart class and are water cooled with a 5- or 6-speed sequential gearbox. Engines used in shifter racing are almost exclusively Honda’s and there are also European models that are specifically built for karting applications. Blueprinting and engine machining is allowed, but must follow strict rules and specs. Any blueprinting/machining should be performed by an experienced engine builder only.  The level of shifter kart racing would be the last step in karting if a racer wanted to move into cars.

Racing School

Although you do not need any license to race karts, a racing school is highly recommended for new karters or any karter wishing to improve his or her driving skills. PGP Motorsports Park will be offering one of the finest kart racing schools in the US. Our instructors are multi-time national champions. For more information visit the racing school section of our website.

Karting Videos, Books & Magazines

There are many karting books and videos that can help a beginner to get started in karting, they offer a wealth of information and are highly recommended. In addition to books and videos, there are a number of karting magazines published monthly. Call us for more specific information.

Karting Sanctioning Bodies

There are four major karting sanctioning bodies in the USA. They act similarly to what NASCAR does for stock car racing or the Indy Racing League does for open wheel racing. These organizations set up rules by which karters must abide by. Each of these sanctioning bodies publishes a rule book. It is a good idea for a beginner as well as the seasoned veteran to obtain a copy of local rules. Finally you should find out from your local track what sanctioning body governs them. PGP Motorsports Park is actually a sanctioning body in itself and has written its own rules through the Stars of Karting over each of the last 10 years. PGP will be utilizing other regulations that are more grassroots friendly and will be posted accordingly in the competition section of our website.

In Conclusion

The best part of karting is that it is relatively inexpensive. Karting focuses on your ability to drive, not your ability to empty your wallet. A few paychecks stored away and you're well on your way into a sport where many of the top drivers started their racing careers.

The very best part about karting here in the seattle area is that you are the benefactors of having the newest and finest built karting circuit anywhere in North America. Pacific Grand Prix's infrastructure, staff and facility have very few peers in the nation. Better yet, PGP's officials have been involved in professional karting's top tiers for years and their accumulated years of experience and skill will provide you with unparalleled care and support.

For more information call or email PGP Motorsports Park. See you at the track!