Age groups and classes
These are the main classes for those entering the sport, while a complete list of all competition classes can be found on the KartSport New Zealand main website.
It is best to talk to your local club or kart shop before making a decision on which class you should start in.
Kids classes
Age 6 to 16 years old
This is where most motorsport superstars began their racing career! Dixon, McLaughlin, Lawson, Hartley - this is where they all began.
Imagine putting a 6 year old behind the wheel of a machine capable of doing 70km/h! Seems crazy but these youngsters are out there doing it most weekends in an extremely safe and controlled environment.
They learn vital skills from a young age and driving becomes second nature to them, giving them the ability to take their motorsport career to wherever Mum and Dad’s bank balance will allow! Thankfully in karting it can be done quite cost effectively.
The engine can be very easily converted from Cadet ROK spec to Vortex Mini ROK spec (and vice versa).
A good second hand package will range from around $3500 - $5500.
Time for little Johnny or Josie to step up a level!
With the same engine as the Cadet but without the restrictor, it’s an easy transition into a higher age group with a bit more HP under the right foot.
Still an entry level class for anyone, but suited to kids 9-12 and designed as a transition class between Cadet and Junior.
These kids show some serious skill on track, racing bumper to bumper at speeds up to 80km/h while keeping it clean and safe. You’ve got to see it to believe it!
A good second hand package will range from around $3500 - $5500.
A seriously fun and fast water-cooled, electric start, two stroke engine class that is very popular in New Zealand. Fabulous fun for club-day warriors to national and international champions.
These karts have 23 horsepower on tap, rev up to 11,000 RPM and can hit a top speed of around 100 kph!
Second hand kits including a reasonable chassis can be purchased from circa $4,000 with brand new packages from around $10,000.
A top level racing machine with 38hp, hitting speeds of up to 120km/h. Lightweight, agile and quick - these karts are raced at all levels across NZ but are generally for the more serious racer.
The chassis’ are the same for Rotax Max so the only difference is the engine and radiator, making for an easy transition between the two classes
An entry level class with less horsepower than the 2 stroke classes but the focus is on fun, close racing and camaraderie.
Very low maintenance and super easy to run.
It even has a pull start - how much easier can it get?!
Senior classes
Age 15 and above
A seriously fun and fast water-cooled, electric start, two stroke engine class that is very popular in New Zealand. Fabulous fun for club-day warriors to national and international champions.
These karts have 30 horsepower on tap, rev up to 14,000 RPM and can hit a top speed of around 110 kph!
Second hand kits including a reasonable chassis can be purchased from circa $4,000 with brand new packages from around $10,000.
A top level racing machine with 38hp, hitting speeds of up to 120km/h. Lightweight, agile and quick - these karts are raced at all levels across NZ but are generally for the more serious racer.
The chassis’ are the same for Rotax Max so the only difference is the engine and radiator, making for an easy transition between the two classes
An entry level class with less horsepower than the 2 stroke classes but the focus is on fun, close racing and plenty of banter in the clubrooms afterwards.
Very low maintenance and super easy to run - even an accountant could operate one of these things!
It even has a pull start - how much easier can it get?!
Similar in nature to the Briggs - this is a more traditional 2 stroke engine but similarly very low maintenance and easy to run.
The two classes often race together and the drivers have the same good spirited banter - beers after racing are almost a requirement of entry (not really, but they’re probably working on it!).
The Formula 1 of karting. These things will do 0-100km/h in about 2.5 seconds in the hands of a top driver. And NZ has its fair share of top drivers!
With a 6 speed sequential gearbox, 50+ HP and top speeds of 140+km/h (185 at Hampton Downs or Manfield - yikes!), they are a serious racing machine.
Physically and mentally demanding - they are not for the faint of heart!
