Ed Hoy - Television presenter for Formula Kart Stars talks about how to start karting

Lewis Hamilton began his racing career, here at Formula Kart Stars and in 1996 he won the MSA British Cadet Championship.

Karting is a great way to get started in motorsport it teaches you how to overtake, how to race and most importantly how and why a racing car does what it does.

My first piece of advice is don’t rush out and buy a kart, go and try it, you never know, it may not be for you after all. The MSA (our sport’s governing body) the have a brilliant initiative called Go-Karting, aimed at getting people behind the steering wheel. Look on our website under “Getting started” and follow the link to the MSA’s Go-Karting site.

There are lots of kart clubs all around the country that have subscribed to this initiative which allows you to try karting in a safe and controlled environment. Most of these clubs allow you to drive if you are eight years old and strong enough and tall enough.

So after you have driven a kart and you still think racing is for you, get along to your nearest MSA kart race, get involved, watch the racing. For details of where racing takes place around the country, look on our website under “getting Started”.

OK, you’ve had a go, you’ve been to a race meeting and you still want to get involved. The next step is to get yourself an MSA kart licence. Most clubs running the MSA Go-Karting scheme will be able to arrange this for you. Remember at this point you still do not need to go out and buy a kart.

By this stage you will probably know what class you would like to compete in, but remember your age and in some cases your weight will determine your choice.

A suggested route if you are under 13 is the MSA Comer Cadet class which  caters for 8 to 13 following on from that is Mini Max 11 to 17 after that Junior Max 13 to 17 or the Formula KF3 13 to 17. If you are over 16 then the maybe the Rotax Max or KF2 classes would suit.

When you have decided on your preferred class, you don’t need to buy a brand new kart either. A good second hand outfit will be fine for your first year and remember Formula Kart Stars is always here to help, so, if you’re not sure, drop us an email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and we can recommend a reputable dealer.

Although we would love to see you in the Formula Kart Stars Championship, you will need about two years competitive club racing experience to get ready for the stiff competition. When you start finishing in the top six regularly you know you are ready.

Mr Ecclestone, president of Formula One Management Ltd has recognised the how important a grounding in karts is to lengthy career in motorsport and has endorsed Formula Kart Stars giving us the strapline “The road to Formula 1 through racing and education”  

The most important thing is to enjoy your karting. It’s a great sport and the whole family can be involved.

So, if after looking at Formula Kart Stars you think racing is what you want to do, give it a go.

See you on the track!