Over the years we've been asked a lot of questions and we get asked the same questions many times. So we're compiling a list of commonly asked questions (along with our answers or opinions) on a variety of topics. If you have a question, just drop us an email. This FAQ is, and will continue to be, a work in progress.

Msquared Karting FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Copyright© Msquared Racing LLC, 2006 - All rights reserved.

Getting Started In Karting
What's the best way to get started in karting?
What class should I start out in?
What kind of kart should I buy?
Should I go with new or used equipment?

Chassis Tuning
What is understeer?
What is oversteer?

Rotax Max
What about these "blueprinted" Rotax Max engines I keep hearing about?
What does the ""RAVE" or power valve adjustment do?


What's the best way to get started in karting?
The first thing to do is research. Find out as much as you can about your local track, the class structure and all relevant information. Go to the track and watch a few races to figure out what class(es) look interesting to you. Talk to a lot of racers and ask a lot of questions. The more you know before you jump in, the better off you'll be.
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What class should I start out in?
This is a very important question. Making the wrong decision can make your experience in karting one of misery and frustration instead of fun and competition. Go to the track to see what class(es) are well supported. Pick a class that has a lot of competitors because running with one or two people is not much fun. Ask people about costs, then pick a class that you can afford to run in competitively. But above all, don't overestimate your skills, both as a driver and mechanically. Pick a class that fits your skillset. Pro 125 Shifter may look fun, but for 99% of people, starting out there will only lead to frustration and a short tenure in the sport.
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What kind of kart should I buy?
Should I buy new or used equipment?
These are difficult questions that can't be answered in one short paragraph. Luckily, there is an entire article devoted to these exact subjects. Click here to read the article.
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What is understeer?
Simply put, understeer, push or tight are all terms for when the front end of the kart does not grip. In other words, the kart "wants" to go straight when you want it to turn. This can happen in any phase of a corner, entry (initial turn-in to the corner), middle (between turn-in and the apex) or exit (from the apex out of the corner), though typically it won't happen in all of them. When you go off the track because of understeer you go front-first.
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What is oversteer?
Oversteer or loose is when the rear of the kart lacks grip. The rear of the kart is sliding around. Like understeer, this can happen in any phase of a corner, but from the middle through the exit is common.
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What about these "blueprinted" Rotax Max engines I keep hearing about?
In short, it's a scam. It's a way for some shops to charge up to $1,500.00 extra for a motor that is no better than any other motor. All they do is set the "squish" as close to the minimum tolerance as they can get it. There are many problems with this: First, these motors are quite frequently found to be illegal due to carbon buildup. It doesn't take much carbon to put a motor over (or under, as the case may be) the limit. Second, setting the squish that tight on a Rotax Max engine makes them much more difficult to tune (jet) and much more sensitive to heat (ambient and water). Finally, and most important, we have performed extensive dyno and track testing and have found the ideal squish setting for overall power and driveability to be nowhere near the minimum tolerance. Save your money.
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What does the "RAVE" or power valve adjustment do?
The red knob on the back of the cylinder of Rotax Max senior engines adjusts the RPM at which the power valve opens. Without getting too technical, the height of the exhaust port relative to piston travel, helps determine the power curve of the engine. When the power valve is closed, the exhaust port is "lower" and the engine delivers more power at a lower RPM. When the valve is open, the exhaust port is "higher" and the engine delivers more power at higher RPM. There are many philosophies as to what is the best setting and if it should be adjusted frequently or not at all. It is not a purely linear tradeoff however. Our dyno and track testing tells us that extreme settings in either direction have a detrimental effect on peak power as well as the characteristics of the overall power curve. The best rule of thumb is to set the RAVE valve to open at 7,500 rpm.
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