Is your child interested in karting or motorsports and dreams of speed, competition, and racing? Karting is a fantastic way to get acquainted. It's fun, educational, and safe, and you can start small and gradually build up.
First acquaintance: rental kart
The easiest way to get started is with a rental kart. This can be done at an indoor track, where the weather doesn't matter, but also at many outdoor tracks. The advantage:
- You don't have to make a big investment yet
- The karts are professionally maintained
- All basic safety is taken care of
- Children can quietly discover whether they enjoy the sport
- There are also kart tracks with special children's karts
A few sessions of karting are often enough to see if your child is truly enthusiastic. Sometimes children encounter karting during outings or children's parties, for example, and you can quickly see if they enjoy it and if they have a talent for it.
Lessons at a karting school
If you really want to take up karting as a sport, professional guidance is essential. Of course, you can learn a lot by driving laps, but a karting school provides structure and a solid foundation.
For example, your child will learn:
- Driving technique and cornering lines, to drive faster and safer
- Race tactics, such as planning overtaking actions
- Kart control, dealing with different circumstances
- Basic technical knowledge, understand small adjustments
- Mental skills, such as focus and dealing with tension
Highly recommended is Den Hartog Racing, the go-kart school of the Netherlands and Belgium. With lessons throughout the country and experienced instructors, children receive professional guidance in a safe and motivating environment. The best part is that you can even start without own kart, which keeps the investment manageable and allows your child to truly train as an athlete.
Own kart gear
If the first steps go well, it's wise to buy your own kart gear. This not only makes driving safer but also more enjoyable and engaging. Important components include:
- A well-fitting helmet
- Kart overalls
- Gloves and shoes with thin soles
- Rib and/or neck protection
👉 Also read our blog about karting must-haves for a complete overview.
Own kart, arrive & drive or rental kart championships
If your child is motivated and wants to ride more often, there are several options to take things a step further.
Buying your own kart
- Full control over adjustments
- Extensive and flexible training on different tracks
- Getting familiar with the same material
- More cost-effective per driving session in the long run
Get on board with an arrive & drive program
- Driving with professionally maintained equipment
- No worries about maintenance, storage or transport
- Flexible entry and trying out different karts
- Ideal as an intermediate step for those who do not yet have their own kart
Selected by the Den Hartog Talent Team
For young drivers who really stand out, there is the Den Hartog Talent TeamThis select racing team, coached by Den Hartog Racing, competes at the highest level in national and international rental karting. They compete in events like the Dutch National Rental Karting Championship and the Dutch Racing Series.
- Intensive coaching on and off the track
- Regular team training and competition experience
- Riding with equal equipment, so the emphasis is on talent and commitment
- Exclusive access, by invitation only after proven performance
Participate in rental kart championships yourself
The rental kart championships, in particular, are a great way to discover if your child is ready for the step up to real competition. They combine the accessibility of rental karts with the thrill of racing against peers in an organized championship.
- Racing with equal equipment, which puts the emphasis on the rider
- Relatively low costs, often just on indoor or outdoor tracks with rental karts
- Getting to know competition elements such as qualifications and heats
- An excellent way to gain competition experience without a large investment
Further growth in karting
Once the foundation is solid, your child can develop further by joining a team and participating in competitions. This brings additional challenges and opportunities, such as:
- Participation in regional and national championships
- Support for coaches and mechanics
- Gain experience with competition situations
- Learning to work together and deal with pressure
Whether you choose to take a few laps in a rental kart or follow a professional lesson program at a karting school like Den Hartog Racing, the most important thing is that your child has fun and can develop step by step in this challenging and inspiring sport.
