jsteele and ThatSmileyFaceGuy,

Thanks for the input and link. Really helpful! ! !

...and yes, I know karting is expensive on your own...I went to Purdue, where it's all in for Grand Prix in the spring.

Yes, we have been karting at All Sports for years. I even wrote a blog article about it some years ago:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/karting

I cannot recommend the program strongly enough. The kids have to take the two day course in order to get their "license". Then, they can participate in the league or even the open races. My son and I have had a lot of fun racing against each other.

SmielyFace is correct about normal karting which requires you to have your own kart. But, at All Sports, you just show up. They have helmets, suits, karts and everything else you need. It is still fairly expensive, but is a great hobby.

As the next step, I'd also recommend Camp Motorsports:

http://www.campmotorsport.com

This is a summer camp for karting that is very good. They also have a weekend parent/child program.

Just remember it's an expensive time consuming thing. Plus it helps if you can do the kart repairs/tuning yourself.

I read thru their website and it sounds pretty interesting. Anyone with any experience with this? Either 2-day go kart school or the league. My 3rd grade DD now has Danica Patrick on the brain... I know that a lot of today's race car driver started in karting.