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Chat Area => Meetings, gatherings, parties etc => Topic started by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 10 October 2007, 02:58:09

Title: OOF karting?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 10 October 2007, 02:58:09
 Ey up

 Just a very vague topic at the moment (I know I'm still the new kid on the block...) - but how about an OOF meet with a bit of competition on a kart track, or similar?
 I know there's a great track just 10 minutes from me, but that's practically in Scandinavia compared to a large proportion of forum members... I'm just putting the feelers out now, thinking maybe a date early next year? A kart track with either a campsite or some sort of Travel Inn/ Lodge/ Innkeepers Lodge (buffet breakfast, wahey) in driving distance would be terrific...

Regards
Pete
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Jimbob on 10 October 2007, 09:54:26
This was talked about at the last meet and could well be a goer, think Mark knows some good tracks.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 October 2007, 09:57:51
Sounds like a great plan.

Went to a good one in central Birmingham for a mate's stag do. Outside track, fast twin engine karts. Not ideal for camping, admittedly, but fairly central... (from my POV at least ;D)

Kevin
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: bob.dent on 10 October 2007, 15:18:01
In Hoddesdon we have the Rye House Stadium karting circuit which is where Lewis Hamilton cut his teeth in kart racing and quite a few major championships are held. It's a top outdoor circuit and has some fast karts. Just a few minutes away is the Dobbs Weir campsite that I mentioned in a previous Meets thread located next to the River Lea on the outskirts of Hoddesdon.
Also a great pub next to Rye House Stadium and another next to the campsite - both pubs located on the banks of the River Lea and do excellent food.

See the Rye House Stadium here
http://www.uk-go-karting.com/pages/circuits/Rye_info.htm

See the camp site here
http://www.leevalleypark.org.uk/en/content/cms/where_to_stay/caravan_dobbs_weir/caravan_dobbs_weir.aspx
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: smoothomega on 10 October 2007, 21:51:35
Guess Mark DTM will know the same tracks as me, there is a good on at Wymswold in leicestershire. Its indoor's so not dependant on the weather and there are some decent camp sites close by, i will watch this with interest as carting is great fun and i think it would make a great basis for a meet.  :y
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 10 October 2007, 22:01:36
Great track at Milton Keynes - Daytona. See http://www.daytona.co.uk/intro.php?venue=milton%20keynes

1.2km track iirc

Don't know of any camping around there though.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 11 October 2007, 08:50:01
Tracks of choice are:

Sutton circuit, just south of Leicester.
Outdoor, good 270cc Karts which are well maintained with quite a tricky track.

www.suttoncircuit.co.uk


Amen Corner, by centre parks in sherwwod forest
Outdoor, good 270cc Karts which are well maintained with purpose built track, very sticky with some tight corners.

www.amencornerkarting.co.uk


Ancaster, Grantham
Awesome circuit, 270cc pro karts running on LPG, 1.2Km circuit

www.ancasterkarting.co.uk


For indoor, Langar is about the best around here, reasonable karts (not as good as the above 3 though) and a challenging circuit 270cc units.

http://www.one4allgroup.com/


Wymswold would be ok if they maintained thier karts and changed them regularly, they dont though and suffer as a result.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Bo Bo on 11 October 2007, 13:05:57
I really fancy this but fear I may be at some disadvantage  ::)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 11 October 2007, 13:44:23
Quote
I really fancy this but fear I may be at some disadvantage  ::)
And I'll be 2nd from last  :-[
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Jay w on 11 October 2007, 14:50:37
i would be up for this, it would be a real scream if we could get enough people involved
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 11 October 2007, 15:00:05
On outdoor tracks, for an exclusive event, often need 20+ drivers.

I would be up for it, depending on location and when though.  If Mrs TheBoy is not busy, she'd probably come, but be a spectator, rather than race...
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 11 October 2007, 19:53:22
 :)Sounds good. Do us fatlads get a head start? ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 11 October 2007, 20:14:15
Quote
:)Sounds good. Do us fatlads get a head start? ;D
I'll need 30 laps head start!
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: hotel21 on 11 October 2007, 20:45:03
Depending on where/when, could well give it a go.  Not been on a cart for years.  Last was a 250cc Britains with a gearbox.  

Just did a calculation -  thats minimum of 20 years ago......   :o     'Kin 'eck!   ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 11 October 2007, 21:26:58
Quote
Depending on where/when, could well give it a go.  Not been on a cart for years.  Last was a 250cc Britains with a gearbox.  

Just did a calculation -  thats minimum of 20 years ago......   :o     'Kin 'eck!   ;D
And I thought you were only 21 ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 11 October 2007, 22:41:34
 :)If it's on a saturday we'd best start friday night!
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 October 2007, 09:28:47
Weight has as many advantages as disadvantages (if you use it right).

It helps grip in corners so you can carry more speed through them, it slows acceleration (but not as much as you would think).

I am no skinny rake but, can keep up with people much smaller than me.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 12 October 2007, 09:41:25
<Reaches for his copy of "performance tuning the Briggs & Stratton engine">

 ;D

Kevin
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 12 October 2007, 09:56:08
Quote
<Reaches for his copy of "performance tuning the Briggs & Stratton engine">

 ;D

Kevin


They are normaly Honda ones.......unless its been constructed using parts from an old suffolk punch
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 12 October 2007, 10:08:47
Quote
Weight has as many advantages as disadvantages (if you use it right).

It helps grip in corners so you can carry more speed through them, it slows acceleration (but not as much as you would think).

I am no skinny rake but, can keep up with people much smaller than me.
Weight gives more stability during argy-bargy 'wheel to wheel racing' ::)


Though I always used to do much better when I was 91/2 stone  :-[
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: x25xe on 12 October 2007, 13:06:37
Quote
Quote
<Reaches for his copy of "performance tuning the Briggs & Stratton engine">

 ;D

Kevin


They are normaly Honda ones.......unless its been constructed using parts from an old suffolk punch

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 12 October 2007, 20:06:37
I've only had a few plays on beachfront/holiday tracks but have been told not to take the usual racing line into bends on a kart that you would in a car. I used to race oval circuit/bangers MANY years ago and apparently you take a different line in & out on a kart.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 15 October 2007, 11:19:10
Only done it once and I was at a disadvantage in being less experienced in karts and also bigger stomached.

I asked if I could use my car instead - no way to get it onto the course :(
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 15 October 2007, 12:41:08
Quote
Only done it once and I was at a disadvantage in being less experienced in karts and also bigger stomached.

I asked if I could use my car instead - no way to get it onto the course :(
Used correctly, weight is not a disadvantage...
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 18 October 2007, 23:08:14
Quote
Quote
Only done it once and I was at a disadvantage in being less experienced in karts and also bigger stomached.

I asked if I could use my car instead - no way to get it onto the course :(
Used correctly, weight is not a disadvantage...
:)I have to agree!!! Is it still happening? ::)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Auto Addict on 19 October 2007, 09:48:23
Quote
Quote
Only done it once and I was at a disadvantage in being less experienced in karts and also bigger stomached.

I asked if I could use my car instead - no way to get it onto the course :(
Used correctly, weight is not a disadvantage...

The stomach is a useful place to rest your beer can on ::)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Bo Bo on 19 October 2007, 13:15:00
Quote
Though I always used to do much better when I was 91/2 stone  :-[
I was 91/2 stone once, it was about half way through a meal  ::)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 19 October 2007, 21:59:05
 :)If we're at a good indian the meal alone can weigh 9.5 stone!!!! ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 19 October 2007, 22:17:49
Quote
:)If we're at a good indian the meal alone can weigh 9.5 stone!!!! ;D
So can the aftermath the following morning  :-[
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: platty on 24 October 2007, 11:08:10
Most folks that have been to a Kart race with 20+ drivers know that it doesn't really matter a cr4p if your a heavy weight or feather weight, because most will be off within a lap anyway!! I'm 15 stone and 6ft 6  :( but once I'm squeezed in behind the wheel it doesn't really matter, just get your foot down and race with anyone nearby! :y

Personally, have been to Ancaster and its a great day.. good facilities and great track... not been there since they have had LPG though but I'm sure they're good.

I think Midlands is probably best area location wise though, to get the biggest turnout.

Platty
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: VX1 on 24 October 2007, 19:30:54
What about me then I am roughly 23 stone BUT 6' 4". Do I get to race in a go-cart? Depends on wether they have to extend the chassis by another 2 1/2 foot and strenghting.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 25 October 2007, 18:43:22
Quote
What about me then I am roughly 23 stone BUT 6' 4". Do I get to race in a go-cart? Depends on wether they have to extend the chassis by another 2 1/2 foot and strenghting.

I'm 6'3"......and got weighed this week as part of medical examination......80kgs.....I asked whats that in stones.....dunno was the answer  ::)

But i just looked it up on google search.....80k's is about 12.5 st......well pleased with that  :)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 09 November 2007, 14:29:49
How about a nice fresh day early in the New Year, then?

 (For the record, I'm 6'4-5"ish... but 11.5-12 stone. Lean muscle. NOt lanky. Ahem.)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 09 November 2007, 20:02:37
Quote
How about a nice fresh day early in the New Year, then?

 (For the record, I'm 6'4-5"ish... but 11.5-12 stone. Lean muscle. NOt lanky. Ahem.)
I'm just too short for my 14.5 stone :P
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Jimbob on 09 November 2007, 20:12:09
Apparently I am exactly 1 foot to short for my weight, back on the rack for me till i'm 7' 2"
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Entwood on 09 November 2007, 20:47:08
But you weigh less now, having had small parts removed .......  :)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: MutantCav on 14 November 2007, 13:17:48
What about regional OOF heats and the regional winner meets up somewhere central for a final? :)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 November 2007, 14:16:34
Quote
Quote
How about a nice fresh day early in the New Year, then?

 (For the record, I'm 6'4-5"ish... but 11.5-12 stone. Lean muscle. NOt lanky. Ahem.)
I'm just too short for my 14.5 stone :P
Liteweight ::) ;D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: ghondie on 18 November 2007, 15:37:24
Quote
What about regional OOF heats and the regional winner meets up somewhere central for a final? :)
this sounds like an excelent idea regional events.

friend of mine may be interested in sponsoring i reckon . will have to ask him, imagine the sumo power oof karting contest. lol

cheers
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Nemesis on 03 December 2007, 21:04:13
I'm up for this, anytime anywhere, and I'll even tow may 6 berth caravan there and offer some accom to well behaved members...... did i mention it's got a fridge for beer and bacon ?

I reckon it's a good party waiting to happen!

Answers on a postcard folks!!


Nem.....
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 December 2007, 22:03:08
Quote
I'm up for this, anytime anywhere, and I'll even tow may 6 berth caravan there and offer some accom to well behaved members...... did i mention it's got a fridge for beer and bacon ?

I reckon it's a good party waiting to happen!

Answers on a postcard folks!!


Nem.....
Can I pour petrol on the van, and get out a match?

 :-X
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: amigov6 on 07 December 2007, 17:37:18
Quote
I'm up for this, anytime anywhere, and I'll even tow may 6 berth caravan there and offer some accom to well behaved members...... did i mention it's got a fridge for beer and bacon ?

I reckon it's a good party waiting to happen!

Answers on a postcard folks!!


Nem.....
:oWell behaved members? :-/
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Jay w on 13 December 2007, 11:28:16
i would be up for this, i may have a weight advantage 13 stone and 6 foot tall
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: tunnie on 19 December 2007, 16:14:11
i may have a small advantage here with my weight....  ;D

However my complete lack of skills behind the wheel maybe a problem!  :D
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 20 December 2007, 18:20:08
Quote
i may have a small advantage here with my weight....  ;D

However my complete lack of skills behind the wheel maybe a problem!  :D
And everyone else aiming for you, that will be your biggest worry  :-X
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: tunnie on 21 December 2007, 11:07:58
Quote
Quote
i may have a small advantage here with my weight....  ;D

However my complete lack of skills behind the wheel maybe a problem!  :D
And everyone else aiming for you, that will be your biggest worry  :-X

 >:( >:(
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 02 January 2008, 14:41:50
Being light can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage....yes you accelerate slightly quicker but, you corner slower...
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2008, 18:03:01
Quote
Being light can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage....yes you accelerate slightly quicker but, you corner slower...
and stand little chance when a fatty like me 'accidentally' makes contact ;)
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 02 January 2008, 23:54:12
Quote
Quote
Being light can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage....yes you accelerate slightly quicker but, you corner slower...
and stand little chance when a fatty like me 'accidentally' makes contact ;)

Easily done... ;)

Those little brake disks don't stop 15.5 stone very quickly ;D

Kevin
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 03 January 2008, 10:01:52
Quote
Quote
Quote
Being light can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage....yes you accelerate slightly quicker but, you corner slower...
and stand little chance when a fatty like me 'accidentally' makes contact ;)

Easily done... ;)

Those little brake disks don't stop 15.5 stone very quickly ;D

Kevin

Ow yes they do....

Its when you get somebody light in a kart on a corner on the edge.....a small tap to the rear quarter and they hit the tyres.  

All the more interesting on outside tracks where the tyres have a nice bit of stagnent water in them.
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 03 January 2008, 19:21:27
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Being light can be as much a disadvantage as an advantage....yes you accelerate slightly quicker but, you corner slower...
and stand little chance when a fatty like me 'accidentally' makes contact ;)

Easily done... ;)

Those little brake disks don't stop 15.5 stone very quickly ;D

Kevin

Ow yes they do....

Its when you get somebody light in a kart on a corner on the edge.....a small tap to the rear quarter and they hit the tyres.  

All the more interesting on outside tracks where the tyres have a nice bit of stagnent water in them.
Only done a couple of outdoor tracks - Daytona at MK, no tyres, and Silverstone, and they used very non moveable water filled 'barriers' - hit them resulted in a lot of pain  :o
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 07 January 2008, 11:15:35
Quote
Only done a couple of outdoor tracks - Daytona at MK, no tyres, and Silverstone, and they used very non moveable water filled 'barriers' - hit them resulted in a lot of pain

Went to a good one in Birmingham on a mate's stag do.

It was an interesting illustration of how much tyre heat matters. One of my engines failed (it was firing only when it got dragged up to speed by the other one on the main straight) and they pulled me in for a change of car. Set off with double the power and cold tyres. I squirmed a bit trying to get round the first corner but managed it without wiping out somehow!

Kevin
Title: Re: OOF karting?
Post by: TheBoy on 07 January 2008, 12:28:39
Quote
Quote
Only done a couple of outdoor tracks - Daytona at MK, no tyres, and Silverstone, and they used very non moveable water filled 'barriers' - hit them resulted in a lot of pain

Went to a good one in Birmingham on a mate's stag do.

It was an interesting illustration of how much tyre heat matters. One of my engines failed (it was firing only when it got dragged up to speed by the other one on the main straight) and they pulled me in for a change of car. Set off with double the power and cold tyres. I squirmed a bit trying to get round the first corner but managed it without wiping out somehow!

Kevin
Every time I do Daytona, similar issues. You do 10 mins of warm up/qualifying, then sit at standstill for 10 mins whilst they get cars in order.  Its a rolling start, but even so, still cant get enough heat in. 2nd corner (1st is an easy flat out 90 degree left), every bloody time  :-[