Established in 1960 the Mid-State Kart Club is a non-profit racing organization existing to promote the sport of Kart racing. Located just outside of Springfield Illinois on Mechanicsburg Road, Midstate has a long and rich history of racing. Several generations have enjoyed participating in our relaxed family atmosphere, which offers affordable and local racing to the general public.

Karting, as it’s commonly called, offers the opportunity to experience, learn, and enjoy the art of racing at reduced costs compared to other forms of racing. This type of competition is open to everyone! Boys, girls, men, and women alike. In fact, while it varies from year to year, girls typically consist of 15 to 20% of our entries! With ages beginning at 5 and reaching into their 50’s, there truly is a class for everyone.

The art of driving, the challenge of chassis setup and the ability to adapt to changing conditions and competition are awaiting you in Karting. The thrill of making your first pass is something you will remember for life!
While Karts share some characteristics with larger cars, their light weight, lack of suspension and direct steering result in machine that is exciting and challenging to drive. Many of the techniques you will learn are exclusive to Karting.

As mentioned above, affordable racing is a focus for us. Manageable racing costs begin with a local track which minimizes travel time and expense. While not uncommon to see large trailers at many of our events, it is very possible to load a Kart into the back of your SUV, or pickup truck. Standardized rules for engines, the ability to use pump gasoline in some classes, and harder compound tires help extend their useful life and lower your yearly operational costs. Also, a membership with Midstate Kart Club provides reduced practice and racing fees. With your membership, practice day fees are just $15. Imagine, an entire day of practice for just 15 bucks. Also, race day fees are reduced. A single class entry fee is just $20 plus $10 for a single pit pass.

Another benefit to our program is a limited racing schedule offering balance between racing and family life. Our racing program for 2006 consists of 14 club race days plus additional (optional) race days for different traveling series, which you may find of interest. Come and race as many or as few races as you like. However, if you want to qualify for our great season ending awards, you must participate in a minimum of 8 club races.
The race day begins with sign-in and class registration followed by two on-track practice to provide an opportunity to “dial in” your equipment. Then it’s time to lay down your best lap in qualifying. Your qualifying results will determine your spot on the grid for the “pre-final” race. The pre-final race is a chance to improve upon your position for the coming main event. If you win the pre-final you start on the pole for the main event. The main event is the feature and longest race of the afternoon (or evening). It determines your final results for the day.

During the hotter summer months of June, July, and August we shift racing to Saturday evenings under the lights. Considered by many as the best type of racing, night racing is a fun and unique experience.

HOW TO GET STARTED:
You may already be convinced that we offer the best racing around and are ready to acquire a racing Kart and join us. If so, feel free to jump further down this section to the listing of local dealers and start your search for your first Kart. However, if you have not yet decided, we offer a great way for you to experience karting. Come visit us during one of our “ARRIVE AND DRIVE” days as listed on the race schedule section of this website. This day offers a block of time in which you can experience the thrill of taking a kart onto the track for a very modest fee. It is a low cost way for you to sample the excitement of Karting. Then we invite you to stick around for the racing action that follows at the conclusion of the Arrive and Drive program.

Once you are ready to join the club and begin kart racing, it is as simple as picking a class from the existing structure, deciding on either a 2-cycle or 4-cycle engine, and contacting a local dealer, or club representative who can help you answer questions. Many classes are defined by age and thus easily help you identify the place to start.

CLASS STRUCTURE:

SHIFTER AND SENIOR CLASSES
The following advanced classes are recommended after graduating up thru one of the above programs, or for racers with significant “other” racing experience.

80cc SHIFTER CLASS FOR AGES 14 AND UP
The 80cc shifter class is the entry into shifter kart racing. This class is a great place for adults coming from other racing backgrounds or kids advancing from one of the junior or senior classes above. The age minimum is 14. Please note shifter class runs a limited schedule of 8 races.

125cc SHIFTER CLASS FOR AGES 16 AND UP
This class is very popular with "over 30" crowd. The 125cc shifter class requires significant skill and proof of ability. These are the quickest karts in our program. A minimum age of 16 is required to compete in this program. Please note the Shifter class runs a limited schedule of 8 races per year. See below for more information on Shifter Karts.
Over 30 age drivers can compete in either the Yamaha Senior class, the 80cc Shifter class, or with approval from the competition committee 125cc Shifter class.



SHIFTER KART RACING
Shifter karts are an evolutionary development of the typical racing karts. The replacement of the 100cc kart motor with a 125cc engine and gearbox assembly, transforms a go-kart into a “super kart”. With 6 speeds and approximately 40 horsepower, 125cc shifter karts are capable of acceleration that is truly astounding. The highly developed chassis and tires allow lateral forces approaching 3Gs. This level of performance is available at a very reasonable price.
The tremendous bang-for-the-buck quotient of shifter kart racing has attracted many new drivers that previously could not afford such high performance racing, as well as converts from car racing looking to get more value for the money.
The 80cc shifter class is a place for both novices and senior drivers looking for even greater value. Slower speeds and a manageable power output makes the 80cc easier to drive and provides lower operational costs. The 80cc chassis is similar to 125, but typically does not include front brakes, again helping to lower it’s cost.
The 125cc shifter class can use either a purpose built shifter motor (call ICC) or a motocross based engine from one of the approved manufactures:
Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, TM, or Suzuki.
Shifter classes are recommended for experienced karters, senior drivers, or for people with extensive racing background.

Mid State offers three shifter options:
Expert 125 with a minimum age of 16 and proof of shifter racing ability is required.
Novice 125 with a minimum age of 16.
80cc for both Novice and expert drivers with a minimum age of 14.

Here’s a list of local dealers who sell and support Kart Racing:
FASTLANE KART SHOP 217.522.8212 > offers 2-cycle, 4-cycle and shifter engines, chassis, parts and accessories. Welcome walk-in and calls.

LAUKAITIS RACING 217.877.8877 > offers 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and shifter chassis and engines, parts and accessories. Welcome walk-in and calls. http://www.clearlight.com/~laukrace/2000/

S&M KART SUPPLY 217.546.9120 > specializing in 4-cycle engines, chassis, parts and accessories. Direct and wholesale based. http://www.smkart.com

Contact one of the local dealers listed above or view the classified section for equipment. It is possible to obtain a used beginner setup for for as little as $2,500 plus safety equipment and some basic tools. New packages begin at $3,995. Cadet karts can be even less, Shifter Karts are typically more.

NOW A BRIEF WORD ABOUT SAFETY
Mid-State Kart Club uses rules set by the World Karting Association (WKA) for competition and safety. Racing events are supervised by registered EMT’s and strict rules govern the competition. Safety gear is not an option and helps ensure the safety and enjoyment of the sport. Please feel free to contact us for more information regarding the safety of Karting.