It can depend on the Class you choose. It's easier to win-for-less in TKM than in certain other classes..... Why? Beacsue there is less difference between a 'cheap', well prepared TKM and a SUPERB one than in other classes.
I'd take Ryan Cole as a great example.... they did NOT spend a fortune and .... well.... you should know his results!
How can YOU do it.... simple.... Decide what WILL make you faster and what WON'T. For example, I have never managed to measure a lap time difference between a helmet with a £700 paint-job than a plain White one......
Next, estimate the 'time saving' aginst 'cost' for each expenditure. If £120 on tyres will save you 0.1 secs per lap but £1,500 on engine work will also bring you 0.1 secs.... then the smart money buys 12 new sets of tyres....
Next, decide what CAN be bought second-hand with ZERO time-loss. A Brand new Mychron produces the same results as a modern, well looked after second hand one...
Next, be aware, more time can be saved by REGULAR 'bum-in-seat' time than almost any OTHER expenditure. To be quick, you need to drive at least once a week! The sense of 'flow' that your driving develops with REGULAR practice is peculiar...... instead of raggedly oscillating between JUST below and JUST above perfect cornering speed, you get this sense of riding the EXACT 'curve' for each corner..... It feels like being on certain illgal chemicals.... And your times TUMBLE..... Only practice does that!
Next, apply DEEP thought to what you are doing. For example, if you already KNOW that there is almost ZERO measurable difference between grades of axles (no matter WHAT anyone else tells you) then don't BELIEVE the 'pit-hype' about XYZ axles, etc. and keep your money in your POCKET. The same applies to makes of brakes, makes of wheels.... etc. etc.. and may ontehr karting 'must-haves'! Just ask yourself if what you are being told makes ANY sense!
Finally, decide what you WANT from your karting. If it HAS to be 'super 1 championship' then it IS going to COST. However, if your budget is much more limited, be satisfied with your Club championship. If what you REALLY want is a great time and some SERIOUSLY fun, character-building time with your son/daughter at a time when Dads-And-Lads can easily get 'separated' by their outside interests...AND you want him/her to actually LEARN how to drive more safely on the road..... then be satisfied with some GREAT RACING and forget the 'pots'!
If you want to make it all the way to F1, on a small budget..... prepare to be VERY disappointed...... 99% of the VERY rich will have the same experience that YOU will.... they are NOT going to make it, either.... even with all the money in the world!
There are few pleasures greater than beating a SERIOUSLY rich driver with your old banger.... !
Work out what you REALLY want!
Ian
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Fun or win races??? by 'goforgold' (09 Feb 2011 @ 20:38)
