[David]

Check with WKA and IKF for local tracks. Since I assume you mean road racing type karting, there's sprint racing and road racing. I road race which means higher speeds but less wheel to wheel banging (hopefully). I think it's a great way to improve your driving or just a great type of racing if you plan to just stay with karting.

The big thing these days is the TAG class where the engines are sealed. They're 125cc watercooled so they have pretty good power. They do have centrifugal clutches which I understand can be be a bit of a pain.

Don't expect it to be cheap though. If you want to be competative you have to figure on a new set of tires or two every weekend at about $200 a set. Then there's entry fees, travel costs, fuel, and any broken or worn out parts. I usually plan to spend at least $800 per weekend to race my 125cc shifter kart.

If there's any chance of staying with it I recommend buying a new kart. The used stuff may be OK for a little while, but after a race or two you'll start spending money to fix stuff that's worn out and eventually you'll be up to the cost of a new kart or more.