What Age is Too Late to Start Karting?

What age is too late to start karting? It’s an age-old question with a lot of misconceptions. Well, it depends! Are you aiming to make a career out of racing, or are you just looking to have some fun?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While starting young is becoming more and more necessary to those dreaming of Formula 1 glory, countless drivers have proven that latecomers can still make an impact in motorsport. And for those who simply want to experience the thrill of karting without chasing trophies, there’s no “too late” at all.

In this post, we’ll explore the possibilities for late starters in karting, showcase inspiring stories of drivers who began their careers later in life, and discuss why karting, whether as a career or a hobby, is a rewarding pursuit at any age.

Karting is the Perfect Starting Point of a Racing Career.

It's the foundation of nearly every racing driver's career. Karting is where drivers first learn essential motorsport skills such as race-craft, technique and dealing with pressure. Not only is it key for driver development, competitive karting also provides the exposure needed to progress a racing career.

Unlike other top-level racers, Takuma Sato didn’t start karting until he was 19, but that didn’t stop him from achieving incredible success in motorsport. After quickly rising through the ranks, he spent seven years racing in Formula 1 under Jordan, Super Aguri, and BAR. His story doesn't end there - after his F1 career, he transitioned to IndyCar, where he made history. Sato became the first Asian driver to win the Indy 500. Not once, but twice!

Takuma Sato is irrefutable proof that even if you start your karting career later than most, you can still develop essential motorsport skills and gain exposure to springboard you to other racing disciplines.

It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, unfortunately. The harsh reality is that progressing through the ranks of motorsport can be incredibly expensive, even with financial backing from sponsorships and some incredible talent behind you. It’s estimated that it can cost up to $10 million to have a realistic shot at reaching Formula 1.

After something a bit more achievable? Disciplines like the British GT Championship, GT World Challenge, and the World Endurance Championship are much more accessible. What these series have in common is the opportunity to enter as an amateur driver, making them viable goals for late starters. The best bit; there's no age limit either!

Karting as a Hobby

It's important to remember that karting is a passion-driven sport. Very few drivers are able to make a career and salary from racing karts alone.

Whether you race the circuit's karts or bring your own, it can be an incredibly fulfilling hobby. Every race brings you together with like-minded people. They might be your best mates off the track but fierce rivals once the race starts.

Many amateur kart racers begin in their 20s, 30s, or later, competing at local and national levels in Senior categories. These individuals prove that karting is accessible and competitive, even for late starters.

It's Accessible and Inclusive

Depending on your budget or skill level, there are plenty of options to give karting a go, no matter your age:

• Trying out rental karts at your local (or not so local!) circuit.

• Racing rental karts with a circuit's championship.

• Racing rental karts around the UK in a travelling championship.

• Racing your own kart wherever you wish!

Without any prior knowledge or equipment, you can start your karting journey at your local track (provided they hire out their own karts). Many tracks, including ours, offer Practice Sessions where everything you need is provided. These sessions are perfect for beginners, as they let you experience the thrill of karting without having to buy any of your own equipment.

Some tracks also host their own championship in hire karts, providing an exciting opportunity for newcomers to compete. Additionally, many offer training or introductory sessions to help you get comfortable behind the wheel and learn the basics of driving and racing.

Bridging the gap between renting the track's karts and owning your own are championships like Club73 or SRK. These series offer the best of both worlds; you don’t need to worry about buying or maintaining your own kart, yet you still get to race at exciting circuits across the country. It's quite affordable too, when compared to running your own kart.

The final step on the karting ladder is owning your own kart, and it’s a big one. Beyond the kart itself, you’ll need tools for maintenance, transportation, spares, fuel, tyres, and more, making it both intensive and expensive. However, there's a reason over 45,000 people in the UK race their own karts at a highly competitive level. These are the fastest karts around, offering the thrill of perfecting your own setup and competing for the biggest trophies in the sport. Check out our championship, Club2000 to learn a bit more about entry-level, owner-driver karting.

Conclusion

So, what age is too late to start karting? The answer is simple: it’s never too late. Whether you’re dreaming of making a name for yourself in motorsport or just looking for a thrilling new hobby, karting offers something for everyone. From inspiring stories like Takuma Sato’s to the countless enthusiasts who race purely for fun, the track is open to all ages and skill levels.

Karting is more than just a stepping stone to other motorsports - it’s a sport that’s accessible, inclusive, and endlessly rewarding. Whether you’re racing for trophies or simply for the thrill, the best time to start is now. So, why not book a session and see where the journey takes you?