Questions & Answers

Q.   
A.   
 How old do you need to be to race?
We run two age groups, 12-16 year olds (Juniors) and 16-65 year olds (Seniors).
Q.   
A.    		Do Juniors and Seniors race in the same races?
No. They race at the same meetings but not in the same races.
Q.   
A.   		 What is the difference between a Junior and Senior Kart?
There is no difference, you share the same Kart. Juniors can have standard karting  flip-down pedal extensions fitted to help them  reach the pedals if required.
Q.   
A.    		Do we have to pay to race?
Yes. It is £30 per meeting. for a Junior and Senior to race it is £50
Q.   
A.    		How many races do we get?
At all  Birmingham, Northampton and Skegness race meetings it is 2 heats and a feature final. At Barford, Buxton Shaleway, Stoke, Coventry Stadium it will be a minimum of 3 heats and a feature final, and time permitting we will always try and run  a non-points scoring grand national which represents real value for money racing.
Q.   
A.    		Do I need lots of spares?
No. We ask that you carry at least one spare front and rear wheel and tyre, most of the spares you would need we carry and are available to purchase from the Stoxkarts Transporter at the race meeting on a first come first served basis.
Q.   
A.    		Do I have to buy spares from you?
No. You can make your own or buy any ‘off the shelf’ parts from wherever you wish. Some bespoke parts are specifically made for Stoxkarts and these must be purchased directly from Stoxkarts Limited - no exceptions apply.
Q.   
A.    		Can I build my own Kart?
No. The chassis and cage must be purchased from Stoxkarts Ltd. However, you can then source all your own parts that you need to assemble your own kart. Note: The same applies with regards to the bespoke parts as mentioned in the point above.
Q.   
A.    		Is there any prize money?
Prize money is not an integral part of the Stoxkarts formula, although occasional meetings do carry some prize money incentives as do some of the main championships.
Q.   
A.    		Is Stoxkarts a serious racing formula, or is it just a bit of fun?
The simple answer is.... it is what you make it. We are a serious and credible formula that has been the ‘buzz’ fomula around the oval circuit in 2010 and 2011. With 11 orders for brand new Stoxkarts in the close season it looks like 2012 is going to be even better. We have added 2 new venues to our 2012 calendar so we are now getting the recognition the formula deserves. With 7 fully sponsored Championship Titles to race for in 2012 then the on-track racing will be serious for the majority, however we do have a handful of drivers that only race 6-10 times a year purely for the fun factor and the inexpensive joy and fulfillment the formula offers them whilst racing alongside and competing with the more competitive Stoxkarts drivers. 
Q.   
A.    		What set up can I do on my Kart?
The only thing you can adjust on your Kart is the tyre pressures and toe in and toe out on the front tracking.
Q.   
A.    		How long does a set of tyres last?
Some drivers have been running the same tyres for 5 years! Our own Hire Karts have done 20 meetings, 2 corporate days and  hundreds of laps testing during 2010 and 2011 and are still running their original tyres with plenty of tread.
Q.   
A.    		Do I need a Shale and Tarmac Kart?
No. Due to the nature of the rules all karts should handle very similar and therefore there is no need for a surface specific Kart. Due to the ethos of the Stoxkarts formula, you must run the same Kart on both shale and tarmac for the entire racing season.
Q.   
A.    		Are drivers graded?
Yes. We run a season long points championship in both the juniors and seniors. The seniors have 4 grading periods in the season, Juniors are not graded but do run a season long series for the Annual Young Gun Champion.
Q.   
A.    		What can I do to my engine?
You can change the oil, set the tappets, change the plug gap, clean out the carburettor and change the airfilter. You can also replace the valve spring but this must be replaced with a standard Honda spring.
Q.   
A.    		If my engine goes wrong can I repair it?
Yes. You can do it yourself but the engine must then be sealed by the Stoxkarts Scruitineer and it will be stripped and checked at the end of the season.
Q.   
A.    		Are All Karts the same?
There are 4 types of Karts, all have the same geometry and measurements and all perform pretty much the same. The majority of pre-2010 Karts are based on a Stratos Kart donor chassis and have straight rollcages with the front peddle area of the Kart open. Pre-2010 there were also some bespoke chassis’s built on a box section chassis, these are the same shape but they tend to be a little bit heavier yet are still competitive. All the 2010 Karts were also built on a Stratos donor chassis’s but have more of a bull nose shape to them so that the pedal area can be fully enclosed, they have bowed sides and the top of the cage tilts in. The new 2011 test chassis is a bespoke and custom designed tubular chassis which is very similar to the 2010 karts but with a higher front to the cage, giving a better eyeline/drivers view, and an additional protective side bar in both side window openings. This is being tested during 2011 and will be available  mid Jan 2012.  All Karts - subject to servicing and maintainance - will perform the same.
Q.   
A.    		Can I use fuel additives?
No. No type of booster or additive may be used or added. Most drivers use Super Unleaded fuel.
Q.   
A.   		 Can I use tyre softener?
No. Softening and cutting of tyres is not permitted. Duro readings are taken randomly during the year.
Q.   
A.    		Can I try before I buy?
Yes. We actively encourage you to try before you buy as we know from that once you’ve had a go you’ll be hooked! We have hire Karts available at every meeting at a cost of £160 per meeting, full inclusive of race entry fee, damage, overalls, helmet, neck brace and gloves. We also arrange test days throughout the season at Birmingham Wheels, the cost of this is £100 which is refunded if you then go on to buy a Kart.
Q.   
A.    		Do I need a Licence?
Yes. You need both a Stoxkarts Licence and an ORCi licence. The total cost of these is £80 a year for Seniors and £65 a year for Juniors.
Q.   
A.    		Is there a rule book?
Yes. When you take out a licence you are supplied with a rule book. If you wish to see a rule book before joining you can contact the Stoxkarts office.
Q.   
A.    		Do I have to race at every meeting?
No. Obviously we would love for you to race at every meeting, but you are more than welcome to pick and choose the meetings you wish to race at as we respect that everybody has different budget restraints and other commitments. You must however book in at least 7 days before the meeting you intend to race at.
Q.   
A.    		Do I get any free pit/entry passes?
Yes and No!! At all INCARACE meetings, Stoke and Coventry  it is Driver only entry, everyone else has to pay on the gate. At the other meetings it is Driver +1.
Q.   
A.    		Are the Karts safe?
Yes. Although any motorsport can be dangerous, Stoxkarts are built to a high standard and conform with the strictest of ORCi safety guidelines and regulations. They are built with driver safety in mind and have full racing seats, harnesses, head restraints and we only allow the use of the latest spec helmets along with fully fireproof racing overalls and gloves with the additional use of neck braces mandatory.
Q.   
A.    		Do they have gears?
No. The Karts are ‘press and go’ as there is an automatic centrifugal clutch and no reverse gear.
Q.   
A.    		Do the Karts need a lot of work to keep them going?
No is the answer, although a few hours a week greasing and checking them over always pays dividends.
Q.   
A.    		Do you get a lot of damage?
Obviously in a contact formula you can always get damage. Stoxkarts are very robust and the most common damage is bending a plug-in/front hub which are very easy to replace and very in-expensive. Most drivers spent less than £200 for the whole of the 2011 season on damage.

Q.

A.

What is the difference between Hireing and Arrive and Drive?

Arrive and Drive is where you actually buy your own Kart and we transport and maintain it for you between meetings. We charge £50 to transport it to and from each meeting which includes a basic weekly service. Any parts needed or damage repairs are charged out as normal. Hireing a Kart is where you hire one of our Karts from us for one or more meetings nd you do not have to pay for damage.
Q.   
A.    		Do you need to be a mechanic or have a workshop and welder to mend the Karts?
No is the simple answer, the basic maintainence is very simple and can be carried out in the shed or even on the trailer. The newer Karts even have bolt on and off nerf rail bars which can easily be replaced at the track or at home. However, if you do get damage that is beyond your capabilities to repair, Stoxkarts Ltd. can always take your Kart back to their workshops and repair it for you at a very competitive rate. Many of our drivers have no mechanical experience, we have Bank Managers, Company Directors, Postmen, Paramedics and Accountants, so we are a very mixed and varied bunch.
Q.   
A.    		Do I need to have had racing experience?
No, we have drivers who have never set foot in any type of race car. Anybody and everyone is welcome.