E
ntering the world of karting at the
earliest possible age, all newcomers
and their parents have to face the first,
global question: which class to choose? This
article will help you to find the best one for
your youngster.
Boys and girls can start racing karts at the
age of 8 in one of the Cadet classes, although
some tracks will allow youngsters to practice
from the age of 7 and a number of clubs
and circuit operators are also now running
training and practice sessions for 6 and 7
year-olds using special Bambino karts.
Drivers are allowed
to continue in Cadet
classes until the end
of the year of their
13th birthday. If the
driver is getting too
heavy by then it is
possible for him or
her to move into
certain Junior classes
from the age of 11.
There are three
main Cadet classes in
the UK - Comer, WTP
and Honda. All have
a centrifugal clutch
and a recoil starting
cord. The special
smaller karts used
in the Cadet classes
are homologated by
the UK's governing
body, the Motor
Sports Association
(MSA), with prices
controlled by an
agreed maximum.
The top speed
developed within the
Cadet categories is
about 50mph.
The Comer class was introduced into the
UK over 20 years ago and has held a strong
position in the karting arena ever since. It uses
a 60cc 2-stroke Comer engine which is sealed
by either Zip Kart, the distributor, or by an
official sealing agent who must be a member
of the British Kart Industry Association
(BKIA). The regulations do not allow any
work to be carried out on the engines such
as grinding, polishing or removal of material.
Thus there are very few changes that can be
made and the competitors remain on a equal
footing with fair competition on the circuit.
Because this is the class used for the
premier championships (Comer has always
been the official MSA British Championship
class for Cadet), it is run by most clubs. The
level of competition is very impressive with
the largest Cadet grids at most circuits.
Among the stars produced by this class one
can mention Daniel Wheldon, Jenson Button,
Anthony Davidson, Robert Kubica, Heikki
Kovalainen and of course Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton has been a great ambassador for
karting and his success in Formula One has
60 First in the World for 48 years KARTING magazine
STARTING KARTING
Which Cadet class is best for you?







OFFICIAL CADET



2007 British Championship
2008 `O' Plate & S1 Rd 2 Winner
STOP PRESS!

Comer is the largest Cadet class and competition is fierce

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