2019 The Big One – August 31st & September 1st

Here is a really simple and cheap tip. But an important step. I have seen the wire fall out of a coil and first thing the guy does is run his battery dead trying to start his kart. After all it was just running a minute ago… right? Or the old story it ran when I shut it off…or it has a miss I just can't get out by adjusting the carb (the wire is jumping a spark to keep it running). I've even seen it cost someone a race. So now he goes and gets every spare spark plug he can get his hands on and r… Read More

Photos from The Big One, held Labor Day weekend 2011. Photographer: Bob Kurkowski Read More

Photos from The Big One, held Labor Day weekend 2012. Photographer: Jeff Campbell Read More

Components: - Honda Accord/Prelude gear reduction starter motor with integrated solenoid (Ebay - rebuilt starters, $15-40) - Heavy duty push button spring loaded switch (NAPA $10) - 3" OD, 1/2" ID pulley (hardware store $6) - Minibike hand grips ($2) - Scrap steel (free of course) - V-Belt (hardware store - $6) - Long 6'+ battery cables (NAPA $10each). For a more flexible copper cable, try an arc welder ground lead (welding supply house) Disclaimer: These projects… Read More

Photos from The Big One, held Labor Day weekend 2011. Photographer: Jeff Campbell Read More

Photos from The Big One, held Labor Day weekend 2012. Photographers: Rob Voska & Bob Kurkowski Read More

Back in the 80's a big class was "100 controlled stock". The engines came with Tillotson HR181 & later HR191 carbs and also the popular Mikuni carb. There are lots of Tillotson carbs for sale on Ebay but they are usually snowmobile carbs and I do not know if the fuel curve is correct for your engine. These carbs are easily adapted to your stock McCulloch manifold and reed cage. I will assume that by looking at the pictures you will be able to figure this out and do this with a few hand tools… Read More

How many times have you been out running some laps and you tried to lean out your engines fuel mixture, only you can't seem to locate the carburetor adjustment screws by feel alone. Well, those days are over. Follow the simple and affordable steps below and you will be able to enjoy safe and easy 'on track' adjustments with a high speed needle extension for the tillotson carburetor.       Parts required, high speed needle, 2" of plastic tubing [fuel line], 3/32'' cotte… Read More

  Disclaimer: These projects are suggestions and/or educational information. Use any of the ideas, comments, drawings, photos and information on this page at your own risk. Follow your power tool manufacturer’s safety guidelines also. Karting is a fun sport, but not without inherent danger, make sure you play responsibly and safe… Read More

After doing a little research in my "Vintage Karting Library", I found several advertisements in early to mid 1960's magazines for the H/A brake units and brackets, they sold a single and dual caliper unit. FYI - no, H/A does not have any NOS brackets lying around (I already contacted them!). Luckily all the H/A brake 150 series brake components are still made today, we just need to fabricate a bracket.               Find "down l… Read More

photos by Jeff Campbell (Photos shot on Sunday Sept 3, 2017, at Fremont Raceway Park in Fremont Ohio) Read More

The Big One 2015 - Labor Day Weekend Sept 5-6th, 2015, Fremont Ohio. The 14th annual The Big One vintage karting event, featuring American made early vintage karts (circa 1957-1969). Read More

Some tasks at first seem impossible, until a simple method is understood ... behold, an easy way to press out kart wheel bearings.   Disclaimer: These projects are suggestions and/or educational information. Use any of the ideas, comments, drawings, photos and information on this page at your own risk. Follow your power tool manufacturer’s safety guidelines also. Karting is a fun sport, but not without inherent danger, make sure you play responsibly and safe… Read More

Safety is all too often the last thing on a karters mind. Why? Because running your kart is fun, working on it is not and many times safety issues are just plain overlooked. We must change this way of thinking and make safety issues a priority. It's quite amazing to see a "modern" kart have something fall off or break and it's always because of a "trick" part or because of the latest lightweight technology. On the other hand when a "vintage" kart breaks the modern guys all say it is because vint… Read More