For owner driver, you need to decide on which class of kart you want to run.

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This usually all comes down to cost. Most countries have their premier classes such as Formula A in Europe and also Gearbox or Shifter karts. Classes such as Formula A are usually high on cost. Since this class (or the equivalent premier class in the preferred county) is usually contested by the higher profile teams and drivers if usually means they spare no expense. Engine rebuilds, new tyres, constant maintenance and help from a team are often contributing factors. Gearbox is much the same. Although there are exceptions.

Not to scare people off however you also have the more accessible classes. The Rotax Max class is a new 2 stroke 125cc powered kart which has changed the shape of 2 stroke racing in the past few years. It has been introduced to countries all over the world. It basically gives performance close to that of other 2 strokes while keeping cost low. How low depends a lot on the regulations adopted in each region or series it is run in.

As a general rule you can assume that a class with sealed engines and a tyre choosen for you is intended to help you cut costs as usually sealed engines prevent extra performance tuning in the hope of equal engines along the grid and a set tyre is usually a slightly harder compound meaning several new sets are not required per meeting. But as with everything, that's not a strict rule.

For cost effective racing, karts such a Prokarts are ideal. These are 4 stroke engines, low revving and usually not as fast as their more expensive counterparts. The difference is that engines do not need constant rebuilds and parts, most of the work can be done by yourself and in the end the grids tend to be pretty high as more people can usually afford to race in a more economical class. You have the added bonus of sprint or endurance racing, long or short circuit and circuit or oval depending on where you are located with these karts. Very easy to run, and care for and you learn to do everything yourself. In recent years karts such as the Super-ProKart has become popular here in Ireland while karts such as thunderkarts and so on race in Britain and on the continent which offer a little more speed again. On Average a Super-ProKart is only marginally slower than a Rotax Max here in Ireland.

The CIK has moved towards water-cooling and 4 stroke engines in the hope of being more environmentally friendly. Classes such as Formula A will be adapting 4 stroke engines within a number of years it seems Various 4 stroke karts are being developed at present which are higher revving with a higher power output. One would assume these will be more expensive than many of the 4 stroke engines presently in use such as the GX160, etc...