Kart Classes
Karting has classes for boys and girls for every age, size and ability from age 5 upwards, but sometimes the sheer number of options can be somewhat confusing. In short, there are six different categories and within each category there are different types of engine that you race with
Bambino
Cadet Classes
Boys and girls can dive into the thrill of kart racing as early as age 7 in one of our exciting cadet classes. They can race in these classes until the end of the year they turn 13, though some might move up to Intermediate classes from age 10 as they grow. All cadet karts share similar features—a centrifugal clutch and a handy recoil start.All cadet classes are MSA-approved to race together, though most clubs provide separate grids for each class. On test days, they sometimes share a slot due to their similar speeds, making the days efficient for everyone.
IAME Cadet
In IAME Cadet, boys and girls as young as 7 can start racing with a 60cc Parilla Gazelle 2-stroke engine. They can stay in cadet classes until the year they turn 13, though some might move up to Intermediate classes from age 10 if they get a bit heavy. All cadet karts have a centrifugal clutch and recoil start, and the classes race together, making it a lively and exciting experience for our young racers!
Honda
In Honda Cadet, young racers use the reliable and cost-effective 4-stroke GX160 engine, now unsealed, or the GX200 and R200 sealed engines. These karts are widely accepted and even have a national championship in the MSUK British Kart Championships. For full specs, visit www.abkc.org.uk.
Rotax Max
The Rotax MicroMax class brings a new level of competition for young drivers, featuring a water-cooled engine under the trusted Rotax brand. Known for its reliability.
Water swift
The new Water Swift class features the IAME water-cooled engine, offering a fresh challenge for young racers. We don’t currently run them at Rookie Racing
Junior Classes
In the Junior categories, the 125cc water-cooled Rotax Max TAG (Touch and Go – electric start) engines are a hit across the UK. While Rotax engines can be pricier upfront, they offer longer intervals between rebuilds, which can save on running costs. Junior drivers can reach speeds from 55mph to 75mph, and must weigh at least 38kg with their suit, helmet, and boots at age 11, and 40kg for the more powerful classes by age 13. It’s an exciting and dynamic class where young racers can truly shine!
Junior Max - ages 12-17
One of the most powerful junior classes, Junior Max offers thrilling racing with top speeds around 75 mph. It’s perfect for young drivers ready to push their limits and experience high-speed excitement!
X30 - ages 11-17
Manufactured by IAME, the X30 class is widely permitted by most clubs and has its own British Championship.
Junior TKM - ages 11-17
TKM is a well-known traditional kart class that uses a BT-82 piston-port engine with a strict non-tuning regime. For junior drivers, the engines come with a choice of restrictors between the carburettor and engine to limit power, with the option based on the driver’s weight
Junior 4-stroke classes
Junior TKM 4-Stroke
Tal-Ko, the manufacturer of TKM engines, also produces a 200cc long-life 4-stroke engine. This class is designed for ages 11-17, with a senior equivalent, though it isn’t currently raced at most clubs.
Junior TKM Extreme
This 115cc class is built for championship racing and features three weight categories, each with its own restrictor size, and all equipped with a clutch. However, it is not currently raced at clubs.
Senior clASSES
The most popular senior karting classes in the country are Rotax Max and X30, but there are other options worth exploring at your local circuit. The TKM Extreme class, once dominant, is now more common in specific areas like the Midlands, so if you’re local, it’s worth a look. Besides Rotax, X30, and TKM, there are various TAG engines available. For those with more experience, premier international classes like OK are featured in major championships.
TKM Extreme is for drivers aged 16 and up, though juniors can move into this class in the year they turn 16. It uses a 115cc variant of the BT82 engine. The chassis must be registered, with new designs allowed only every three years to keep costs manageable. It’s a popular and economical class with a TAG option now available.
Rotax Max is the senior version of Junior Max, featuring a powerful 125cc TAG engine. Beginners should approach this class with caution. There’s also a higher weight variant called Rotax 177 for heavier drivers.
X30 is manufactured by IAME and is permitted by most clubs, with its own British Championship.
Senior 4-Stroke Classes include options like Honda and World Formula (for seniors only), available at select clubs. For more details, visit [http://www.abkc.org.uk/start-karting/](http://www.abkc.org.uk/start-karting/).
Gearbox
Other than the Junior 85cc category for 13-17 year olds, gearbox karts offer the highest powers and speeds. They can have either 2 pedals – brake and accelerator – like the direct drive classes, or 3 pedals, one of which is a foot clutch, like a car. Most 125’s use karts very similar to the direct drive karts except for the four wheel brakes. They have a hand clutch mounted next to the steering wheel, which is only used to move off from a standstill. At most circuits a standing start is used, as opposed to the rolling formation start that direct drive karts have.Gearbox karts can also be used on the long motor racing circuits, although everyone should preferably start on the short circuits which are typically 900 to 1300 metres in length.
KZ UK is the most popular gearbox class. Although a little more expensive than a direct drive class, they can be surprisingly economical to run. The 125cc water cooled engines have six gears, sequentially operated like motorcycle using a gear-lever mounted next to the steering wheel. 0-60mph times are less than 4 seconds, top speed is 90mph on short circuit, 110 – 120mph on long circuit. The ABkC championship is promoted by the NKF and there are now support races for the class in the Super One Series. KZ1 is virtually the same but with more rigid regulations to CIK standard, and is an MSUK British Kart Championship class.
Junior Gearbox this class uses an 85cc Honda or TM engine with 6 gears and is for 13-17 yrs. With its four wheel braking it offers the youngsters an experience close to a single seater race-car. It’s not raced much at all now though. Currently not being run at any club.
250 National this is the most powerful short-circuit class using 250cc single cylinder motocross 5- speed engines. The karts are often equipped with large full width nose cones and wings, especially when used on the long circuits. Top speeds are 100mph on short circuit, 140mph on long circuit. Twin cylinder Superkarts can reach 170mph though. The NKF holds the ABkC national championship. Some clubs offer the 450cc 4-stroke engine class which may be raced in parallel with 250 National but for separate prizes.
210 National a classic class using the Villiers 197cc engine or derivatives. Administered by the drivers themselves through the 210 Challenge group