After years of running a webshop for kart parts and accessories, KartKings.nl, it was strange that we, as founders, had not yet gained any real karting experience, aside from the usual indoor tracks. It was a pleasant surprise when Peter Koorn, now a well-known figure in the karting world, joined KartKings as a partner and offered us the opportunity to participate in the KNAF Pro Kart Netherlands championship he founded. Of course, we thought this was super cool, and it certainly is. Here, we give you a glimpse of what it takes to start karting.
“I immediately spun and ended up backwards in the tire barriere.”
Since we are going karting, we can’t just wear shorts and flip-flops. We need to draw from our own assortment that we’ve been selling over the years. It’s fun to look at your own shop as a customer. With some advice here and there, we decided on the following clothing package to start with:
The Suit (Or Kart Overall 😉 )
We chose the Sparco Kerb in gray/yellow/black. Upon trying it on, it turned out to have a bit more green, similar to the Aston Martin suits in Formula 1. We made sure it doesn’t pull too much on the neck when in karting position. I need a size L, and Charrel needs an XL.
Kart Shoes
We opted for the Sparco K-run in black/yellow. These shoes match our chosen suit and have a Velcro strap to tuck away the laces. We both selected size 45, as they run slightly smaller than regular shoes.
Kart Gloves
We chose matching Sparco Arrow gloves in black/yellow.
Kart Helmet
One of the most iconic parts of your gear is the helmet. We chose the Arai GP7 kart helmet, which has a good fit, multiple ventilation holes, and HANS preparation. Charrel has a size M, and I have an L.
Protection and Other Kart Gear
We also purchased another rib protector and neck protector. These are essential if you go karting at any level to protect your neck and ribs. After all, bruised ribs or an injury to your neck are no fun. We also brought a helmet bag and a can of visor cleaner.
We are ready to go! But first let us tell you a bit about the championship we are joining, the Pro Kart Netherlands Endurance Championship.
About Pro Kart Netherlands
The KNAF Pro Kart Netherlands championship is an endurance racing championship with seven races of 6-8 hours each at various kart circuits in the Netherlands, including Assen, Lelystad, Spa, and Berghem. It is the first and only endurance kart class in the Netherlands under KNAF’s wing. The competition consists of 60 teams, with races on seven different circuits in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is divided into different classes, with minimal lap time differences. The Super Pro & Pro class features top drivers, with a combined weight of 185 kg versus 190 kg. The Club class is for newcomers or racers with extra baggage, with a minimum combined weight of 195 kg.
The average driving time in the Pro Kart Netherlands Championship is about 6 hours, as Pro Kart Netherlands rents the entire track for race days. No other classes are allowed, and the track is fully available for Pro Kart drivers.
OK, that all sounds very nice of course, but what is it like for 2 laymen to get into these karts? Very tough, I can tell you. Well getting in is not so bad, but getting out after a whole day of karting is tough. The karts go faster than expected, with 2 Honda GX160 4-stroke engines you are pushed forward and get going. The first laps still a bit cautious, but each time you start pushing the limit a little further. After my first session I was sold, hooked. I want more of this! My buddy Charrel is now going to do his laps and I’m going to watch along the track, take pictures and analyze how other drivers drive. Where do they brake, do I hear them elevator for turn 1? Some do, some don’t.
I’m going to give that a try too, on the second session I take myself to take the first corner full throttle mainly on the second lap, after all the tires have been warmed up by my mate anyway. There it goes, where I normally elevator, the clapper now stays full down. I immediately spun and ended up backwards in the tire barriere. That was just a little too tough. I hit the track again at a safe moment and continue on my way, starting to rebuild because your ego does get a bit of a bruise when you go off the track backwards into the tire pile.
The test day we used all the minutes we could, we emptied several tanks and we are completely demolished after this day, but we can’t wait until race day. Of course we will share our findings there as well!
What does karting cost?
And is it expensive, competing in the KNAF Pro Kart Nederland Championship? Depends on your budget, but it is a lot cheaper than competing in other kart classes. A one-time registration can start at 375 euros per race or 1,550 euros for a full season (7 races). Of course, that still includes the purchase and maintenance of your kart and the necessary kart clothing/protection. There are also arrive & drive possibilities, for more info please contact Pro Kart Nederland.
Did you become curious and do you want to see more pictures of our first kart training? View our gallery here >
