STAGE 4 OF 7 · BUY A KART: PICK THE CLASS
IAME 100cc 2-stroke. The adult and junior class that runs at every level.
For kids and adults · ages Junior 12–15 · Senior 15+ · Masters/Heritage · parent role: racing too, the mechanic · $15–22k year 1
The KA100 is the 100cc two-stroke that the whole US ladder uses. Junior, Senior and Masters/Heritage classes run from Tri-C club days all the way to SuperNationals.
What it costs
| Item | This year |
|---|---|
| Used chassis + KA100 | $5,500–6,000 |
| New (KR2 + KA100) | ≈ $9,200 |
| Tires, 8–12 sets | $2–3k / yr |
| Rebuilds (2/yr) | $1,200–1,600 |
| Year 1, club level | $15–22k (est.) |
Why you’d do it
- Runs everywhere: club, regional, national
- Your data and setup learning carries up the ladder
- Masters/Heritage grids full of parents exactly like you
Why you might not
- Top ends every 8–16 hours
- Fuel is $100–150 a weekend
- It’s fast enough to hurt
Things to think about
- Track engine hours from day one
- Buy the MyChron before the second set of tires
Your job as the parent
Race it yourself in Masters/Heritage, and wrench for both of you. Two karts is a real weekend.
This is my class. A year in I’ve learned the kart is only ever as fast as the driver’s worst corner.
Brent
Next
- Next step on the map: Tri-C Karters
- Series guide: Tri-C Karters
- Series guide: AMP Winter League
- Back to the map