At Combe Karting we receive a lot of enquiries about How to Start Kart Racing, the information below should answer most of your questions.

Combe Karting is an ideal place to start. Both adults and juniors are able to take part without needing to buy any equipment at all, and can race regularly against high-quality competition with all the thrills that are expected in real motor-racing. Unfortunately, due to noise restrictions you cannot bring your own kart to our track.

We are an officially-approved training school with senior instructors licenced at the highest level by the Motor Sports Association (the UK governing body of motor sport) to approve new kart drivers on their behalf before they progress to National kart racing. This expertise is available to all, whether serious about a career or just wanting to have an afternoon of fun in an exciting but safe environment.
The information below is designed to give you an idea of what we do at Combe Karting, together with some outline information for those who want to progress.

Juniors
We have an excellent Junior Racing Club for drivers (no previous experience needed) who are between the ages of 10 and 15 years and are more than 4'8" tall. It takes place twice monthly, and we train youngsters up to racing standards in our Junior Kart School before allowing them to take part in full racing sessions. Once qualified, juniors can take part in Championships, Endurance Races and even Parent/Junior Challenges! We supply all equipment, so the only financial commitment is the entrance fee for each event. This is an ideal learning ground for young drivers before they take the plunge into buying their own kart and equipment.
Junior Club training is recommended for all youngsters wanting to try their hand at kart racing. Our MSA-licenced instructors are able to take time to ensure that children in their care are fully trained in the safety aspects before starting to drive on the track. Once driving, our instructors can offer one-to-one tuition to help the young drivers get the very best from themselves for an enjoyable and, above all, safe time with us.

We will only allow juniors to take to the track with full marshal and safety cover at a time when we are able to devote complete attention to their progress. As such, we do not encourage junior drivers to become involved in general practice sessions and will not normally allow junior and senior drivers on the track at the same time. See KARTS FIXTURE LIST for this year's dates.

Cost: £35.00 per training session or race meeting (per person)

Adults
Once over the age of 15, drivers are eligible to race in our Open Grands Prix, held most Saturday afternoons throughout the year. The Grands Prix take about 3 hours and drivers take part in heats and finals to find the day's champion. See GRAND PRIX RACING for more information.

Cost: £45.00 per race meeting (per person)

Moving on?

ARKS Test
To qualify for your racing licence, you will have to take the test laid down by the Association of Racing Kart Schools (ARKS). Combe Karting is one of the few circuits in the south west that is licenced to hold these tests.
You will be tested on your safety and driving skills as well as knowledge of race organisation. Anyone who has competed in our races and had training sessions should be able to pass the test easily as we operate on very similar lines to MSA meetings.
In fact, our open Grands Prix are an ideal starting point for an aspiring kart driver as they give valuable racing experience and are perfect training. Some of our regular racers - both junior and senior - have successfully made the transition to 2-stroke racing and are finishing much higher up the field than their novice status would indicate. And if you do not want to move on, you can be guaranteed good, close racing without the need to spend a lot of money finding out!
More information about the ARKS test

MSA Kart Racing
Other drivers want to move on to the faster 2-stroke karts, or 4-stroke in "sprint" races to National level and racing here is governed by the Motor Sports Association Ltd (MSA). You will have to take a test to qualify for your racing licence and join your local kart club. Full details of the myriad classes are shown on the ‘How to Start Karting' leaflet . If you would like a copy please fill in an enquiry form on the ENQUIRIES section. The costs of MSA Karting mount from the very beginning of your career. You will need to buy your own kart and equipment, tools and so on, so allow at least £2500 to get on the track, even if you buy second hand.

Where do I go from here?
Telephone COMBE KARTING on 01249 783010 to arrange for your first training session or Grand Prix. Our instructors will be delighted to help you get your speed up to a competitive level, and talk you through your options.

Another great starting point is the Ultimate Guide to Karting DVD – look at www.drivetv.co.uk for more information.