Book Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Pole position
This is easily the most comprehensive and well-rounded karting book for beginners and intermediate karters currently available.

Everything from the types of events, karts, the equipment you need, flags, race day procedure, racing line, tyre and chassis dynamics, driving techniques (including a full chapter dedicated to wet weather racing), all aspects of racecraft, race strategy, physical and mental preparation, set-up fundamentals, even sponsorship acquisition and more are included.

Not only that, everything is backed by excellent photography and clear, helpful diagrams throughout.

It has been written for the European karting scene, as other reviewers have pointed out, meaning one or two elements won't apply to North American audiences. However, the vast majority of the book is universal and will be of great use for any karter, regardless of where they race.

All in all, an essential book for anyone taking up karting or even experienced karters hoping to improve their skills.

The Karting Manual
Although The Karting Manual was written primarily for a European audience, it gives great deal of insight on how a modern sprint kart works and more impotently to me, how to drive them. I bought the book for 12 year old son just starting in karting, I have raced them on and off for more then 30 years. I did find it was more general and seemed to be geared for the new kart racer, which is what I was looking for. I was very happy with the explanations on driving the book had, many where the points I had tried to make with my so, but the book did a better job explaining the concepts in a clear concise manner that even younger readers can understand. The book has excellent photography, the only drawback is since it was written for European karting, some of it's contents do not apply to North American karting. Nevertheless, if your a new kart racer looking for a book about modern karting and techniques, I would recommend it. It is not a technical manual, however.

Karting manual
I got this book for my husband who recently bought a go kart for the whole family to enjoy.He really thinks it is written well, and very informative ... Read more

Book Description
Now that people are starting to see that karting is the perfect training ground for professional racers of all stripes-as well as a not-so-expensive alternative to full-scale road racing and oval track racing-its become the fastest-growing motorsport in the U.S. and the world. For the novice confronted with a bewildering array of choices-kart types and classes, road racing, sprint track racing, oval racing-this book offers answers.The best single resource on kart racing, Karting will teach you the ins and outs of the sport, from choosing a class and kart to selecting safety equipment to performing maintenance and mastering racing techniques that will get you up to speed on the track. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Karting Disapointment

"Karting: Everything You Need to Know": while useful, the book did not meet my expectations. I expected a more detailed "Technical" publication. While this is OK for raw beginners, not recommended for someone looking for a more technical solutions & "Hints & Kinks" format.

Good for it's intended purpose
This is a well written and illustrated book.If you have no or little knowledge of karting and kart racing, this book is a great start and a great overview.If you have been to a race or two and just bought a kart and want help making it go, this book is not for you.

Excellent info for the new or experienced karter!
My daughter has been racing for 1 year (won 1st place in her class last year), this the beginning of her second season.She is gaining experience, but this book provides some advanced info like running the proper line, taking corners efficiently, etc.It has excellent photography too that assists with explaining the info more clearly.

Great book for beginners about kart set-up.
As someone who has been involved in go kart racingfor over 25 years I disagree with the first review of this book. Book has some good info about the most important part of kart racing, which is kart chassis set-up, not the driver. In my opinion kart racing is about 10% motor, 10% driver and 80% chassis set-up, which includes the proper tires. If you get a kart handling right it is a breeze to drive it.
The book does have a section on driving as well as sections on motor choice, the history of karting, safety, kart tuning and more. For a beginner wanting to know about all aspects of kart racing, this book is as good as any and much better than most.
There are other books on the market that cover just the driving aspects of karting, if that is what you're looking for.

what was that?
well, saying the truth I've expected something much more concrete...the authors are just beating about the bush. You will learn all around and nothing about. No attention to the main thing in karting - driver. No driver technique or tricks described.
But maybe it could be useful for someone who just dont really understand what is karting.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Helpful for a complete beginner
Bought the book hoping there would be detailed information for blueprinting a 4 cycle engine.Although it does give some suggestions & hints at what is needed, it does not go into depth on any subject.Acomplete beginner who knows nothing about 4 cycle engines might find thisslightly helpful, most anyone with much experience with 4 cycle engineswould probably find the information contained in the book "oldnews". ... Read more

Book Description
Written to answer every question prospective karters and their parents may have, this book addresses all aspects of the sport that has groomed young drivers for the top echelons of professional automobile racing. From choosing class, chassis, and engine type to finding the right safety equipment, this book offers a wealth of information for young drivers and parents starting out in the U.S. and Canadian karting scenes. Top authority Jean Genibrel also leads newcomers through the sport's terminology, and illustrates his text with a wide selection of photography. Other topics include: buying used equipment, dealing with kart shops, schools and associations, and money-saving strategies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Karting A complete introduction
Terrible !The worst book ever. DO NOT PURCHASE!

Very old, not good information and very out of date. A complete waste of money.
tf

Good book but needs updating
This is a good book for learning about Karting. It was published in 1999 and is somewhat outdated. No mention of the new TAG type motors or racing classes. If your new to karting and want to learn more the book would be helpful.

Great introduction to the sport.
Being new to the sport and needing many questions answered I went for this book. I got everything I needed including lists of the local Karting clubs in the area and karts/parts supliers.

What every prospective karter must have
This book is what every prospective karter needs.I simply used the listsprovided and went on to buy the right parts and equipment. Saved me a lotof time and money. Every prospective karter should have one.

The book iswell written, the photos are clear and very helpful.

Good starting point
Basic informations. I'm happy I read it, to prepare my transfert from interior karting to exterior karting. A lot of small details that give thedirection about what to check and not forget. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great book
The book is a good overall book. This covers the basics of all aspects of karting. It was what I was expecting. It gave driving, training, motor and set up tips. This book is not real deep on any subject, but covers the basics on each subject. If you are looking to become an expert in one aspect of karting, this is not for you. If you are just starting out, or want a review of the basics, get this book. It is worth every penny. If you are a parent of a racer, make them read it or read it too them.

Sprint Karting: A Complete Beginner's Guide
I am very new to the sport but this book was very much a let down.Good information on the beginning of karting but the rest of the book is VERY out dated.Most the information could not be used today.

Very good, but too little racing and too much mechanics
This certainly is a very good book, telling the newcomer how to prepare for races, tune a kart, maintain it, and so forth. The information provided in this area is excellent.

Personally, I was hoping for a bit more basic racing information. There really is only one chapter that tells the racer how to go around turns the fastest, how to pass, and how to fight for position. This section is very short, and the descriptions there are not as clear as in the sections about mechanics. A few more illustrations would have been very helpful here.

Of course the fact that I personally hoped for more racing information and less mechanics doesn't make this a bad book. Quite the contrary, actually.

A really good book for Kartist!!!
I enjoyed the book. Very good advices, easy to understand and a must-have for rookies like me.

A must have by every karter
Really good book for the new or experienced karter. Helped me go from themiddle of the pack to the front. It is well written with all theinformation any karter should know. Also saved me a lot of money and timeont he learning curve. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Beginner's Complete Karting Guide
i wish i had burned the money rather than buy this book at least i would have been warm for a sec, this book just plain out sucks,its so out of date you might as well race a wagon whenthe author does spend a moment on something he fails to give you enough details, deals mostly with 2 cycle, there is a very short second on 4 cycle, deals again mostly on road course not dirt tracks, does a negetive -2help

Too old to be of value
This book is overpriced adn much too old to be of value to anyone

old carts
is this book of value to someone wanting to build or rebuild a 60's or 70's go-cart?

Too old. Author has new book to replace this one.
Amazon should take this book off line. It is real old and does not reflect today's karting in the US and specily abroad.

Outdated
While more professionally produced than other texts on the subject this book is very outdated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to Build Your Own Go-Kart or Midget Racer
This book is written in a simple, straightforward style by two men who have built cars and are experienced karters, and illustrated with detailed and precise diagrams and clear phototgraphs, "Midget Motoring and Karting" will tell enthusiasts and potential kart builders all he needs to know about one of America's greatest pastimes.

Beginning with easy instructions for building a car, the authors explain the whys and wherefores of selecting an engine; how an engine works; the advantages and disadvantages of two and four cycle engines, and which is best for your car... and why.

They give detailed instructions on how to build a chassis, and construct wheel and braking systems and engine mounting. No detail of the car's construction from the suspension system to the refinements of upholstery are overlooked.

There is an excellent chapter on commercial karts, the authors tell what to look for when buying a kart, and what to avoid.

Great book on how to build your own go-kart! ... Read more