Classes

Class 1 is aimed at children aged 8+ there are both 2 stroke and 4 stroke engines available such as the Honda GX160, Comer w60 and WTP engines all of which must comply with MSA cadet regulations as per the NatSKA rulebook. Any engine which has previously, or is currently approved by the MSA for cadet use is allowed. This is a fast growing class within NatSKA with more and more karts on the grid at each meeting. The minimum weight requirement is 100kg which is the kart and driver combined. A number of Formula 1 world champions started their racing careers as young racers in these types of kart.

For many years this was the mainstay of British Karting at the youngest level. It produces about 6bhp and is simple 2 stroke engine with a Pull start. Very reliable and drivers like it because it “sounds” fast. All versions of the Comer 60 are allowed.

 

 

This class uses a standard unmodified Honda GX 160 engine or a slightly modified GX 160 in line with an adaptation of the MSAs specification current at April 2015. For the first 12-24 months after gaining their licence drivers race in class 11. Once they have gained more experience they move to class 12.

This uses the same basic engine as classes 11 and 12 but with modifications allowed to turn the little industrial engine into a bit of a beast. This is a great starting point to develop a love of engineering for both young drivers and their parents.

This class uses a Swedish engine; the Raket 85. (It’s Swedish for Rocket). It produces about 10bhp and revs to about 12000 rpm. Really reliable as long as you keep the fuel clean and use a filter.

This engine has now been joined in class 14 by a restricted version of the BT82 (see class 7) which uses a simple exhaust / carburettor restrictor kit supplied free of charge by NatSKA. We are trying to make it easier for drivers to keep one engine throughout their time with us rather than having to keep getting a bigger (and more expensive one) as they get bigger themselves.

Natska Class 7 uses this Junior version of the TKM BT82. It is a 100cc 2 stroke engine with a single cylinder producing between 12 and 18hp when used in class 7. We also have variants of this engine which are used in the lower powered class 14 where the power is reduced by a simple restrictor to cut power output for younger drivers. Several current Formula 1 Drivers have driven and won championships in karts powered by these engines.

Engines used within the class are identical. Virtually no modifications are allowed and tight and closely checked rules ensure a level playing field for everyone. Any kart can be used subject to certain restrictions to keep out complex items. Chassis set up is simple compared to other classes. If you are mechanically minded these are relatively simple to maintain yourself and can easily last a full season with just one service.

We allow for the big variations in size and weight drivers go through as they develop from child to adult and we have a series of weight and power sub classes to ensure an equal opportunity for drivers regardless of size, age and sex. What’s more those categories make it all safer too.

Class 7 has five weight bands (123/128/135/142/148 Kilos) with the transfer taking just moments to change carburettor air restrictor.

This class is for more senior drivers over 14. It uses what were, in their day, the most powerful kart engines available. Capable of attaining over 20K rpm these were real screaming beasts. For Natska we have tamed them a little and, by using a carburettor restrictor, we keep them restrained so speed is kept to less than 80mph. As these engines are very high revving they do need fairly frequent re-builds but have the advantage of being cheap to buy as nobody else races them! So if you do blow it up you can just buy another off eBay.

Probably the most widely used kart engine at the moment in Britain. We use either the Junior version of the engine or the senior engine which has been restricted to make the power outputs the same.

Quite expensive to buy new, and around £400 for a service but they do keep going with minimum maintenance. Downside is that they are sealed by the service agents to ensure no cheating so you can’t do a great deal of the work yourself.