Starting Up
The Midwest Karting Association (MKA) is a nonprofit karting
organization. Our mission is to enhance an interest in the
sport of kart racing, encourage safe and skillful driving technique,
and promote sportsmanship and healthy competition through closed
circuit sprint racing and other forms of karting competition.
Karting is the fastest growing form of motor sport. It is a
family oriented sport in which mom, dad, the kids and even
grandparents can some way be involved. MKA is a very family friendly environment.
The spectator area includes a small playground where younger children can be entertained while older siblings race.
The paddock area is filled with families. You would see parents acting as pit crew/mechanics, kids/moms/dads as drivers, and other adults racing and wrenching.
Drivers range in age from 5 year olds to senior citizens.
Racing takes places at Eau Claire Raceway in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
The track is a paved road course with 8 different configurations.
A different one is used each race day. The longest is about ½ mile
in length. Eau Claire Raceway is located just west of Menard Old Mill
Center. Take exit 59 off I-94. Go one mile east on highway 12,
track is on the north side .
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Eau Claire Raceway
The MKA Championship schedule for 2008 consists of eight
weekends starting in May through September. Trophies are awarded
each race day based on the race day’s results. Points are accumulated
from each race toward the season’s championship.
Championship trophies are awarded at the annual MKA Banquet.
MKA has 12 different classes that are divided by age, weight
and engine formula. This provides an opportunity for almost anyone
to race. How fast do they go? This depends on the class and
track configuration that is being used. Shifters can run
75 - 80 mph; Kid karts for 5 to 7 year olds will go 25 -30 mph
down the straight on a sprint track. Speed is not everything.
One of the biggest mistakes beginning karters can make is to start
in equipment that they do not have the skill and experience to handle
safely and successfully.
How do I get started?
The first thing to do is to come to the track and experience
the atmosphere of a race day. Meet the racers and families there.
If you are interested, someone may allow you to take a few laps in
their kart after the races on Saturday. As a club, one of our goals
is to allow anyone to experience karting if they have a desire to do
so.
At the end or beginning of a race season there are usually karts
and equipment for sale as racers move to different classes.
Competitive Karts range in price from $700 to $7,500 depending on
the class, age and their condition. Each class has its own
maintenance requirements and costs. Most of the racers or family
members do the maintenance on their own karts as this is the best
way to learn and understand the operation and handling character
of the kart. You will find that if you need help with a problem
concerning your kart all you have to do is ask around and you will
encounter someone that will help you find a solution.
For more information to get started in this exciting form of
motor sport, Check out http://www.mkaracing.com or
call any of the board members listed in the Board Directory
on the "about us" section on the web site. To join MKA fill out a membership form found
on the MKA web site. If you are looking for a kart check
the classifieds on the web site or you may also look at www.riverlakeracing.com
which is the web site of a full service kart shop in Minneapolis.
Another possibility would be to contact Power by Karl at 763-441-6740.
Karl is an engine builder and he may also know of karts that are
available. Yet another possibility would be to contact Bruce at
Wintech Engines. His e-mail is bruce@ wintechengines.com.
Good luck and go fast.
