Be smart about buying a kart. Do your research and talk to drivers in various kart classes at a track using various engines. Ask them how much time they spend fixing/maintaining their kart? Do they have to tear down their engines on a regular basis in order to keep running? Some brands of "high performance" engines are like Ferraris...more time spent under the hood than in the driver's seat. For that reason we've chosen the "4-stroke" and "Rotax" class as being the most reliable and dependable. Sure, you can buy a kart that revs 17,000rpm. We see them for sale at low prices too, but be sure to review the cost of maintaining a high performance machine like this before you purchase. Finally, come out to Western Speedway when we're karting and ask questions in the pits!

Final word . . . don't just buy a kart because it is a 'great deal'. The 'great deal' may end up being not very great at all when you find out that the kart equipment being sold is not viable for competition. You may have to spend a
little more up front buying a Honda or Rotax but it is much better than being stuck with something no one wants.

HONDA 4-STROKE 

- a minimal investment to get started on the track.

- parts are readily available.

- if a new engine is needed, they are available for less than $150.00

- simple to maintain and repair.

- an excellent way to get involved in karting, at the Junior level as well as the Senior level.

- the biggest group of kart drivers are in this class by far, and are willing to share their knowledge with you, and includes drivers of all ages!

ROTAX

- has a sealed motor package so there is a "level playing field" of competitors.

- unlike other 2-stroke engines, revs are limited providing longer life and longer intervals between service. Juniors are 12,000rpm, Senior is 14,000rpm.

- Rotax has a 50 hour service interval (approx. 2 racing seasons), usually only needing a set of rings.

- Rotax is the only 2-stroke engine backed up with a 6 month warranty.

- Rotax is the largest karting class in world with a ladder system of points. Rotax drivers can run at KartBC, Seattle Kart Club, BCKA Championships. 

-Only Rotax engines can compete in the Canadian Rotax Max Challenge (Western Challenge and National Challenge) where the winners of each class receive an all expenses paid trip to the World Finals which will be hosted in Italy for 2008.

- Rotax is a subsidiary of Bombardier Corporation.

- in summary; Rotax provides an excellent balance between track time and maintenance investment.