Sore Ribs???

[Ted Dziedzic]

Took my new to me (used) Chonda kart out for the first time this past Sunday. I ran about 35 total practice laps and noticed my ribs were getting sore. Its now four days later and the ribs are still pretty sore. Is this a common occurrence for a newbie to experience sore Ribs and what steps should I take to minimize this in the future?

Thanks,
Ted

[Stacey Lewis]

Are you wearing a rib vest during your practice sessions?

If not...get one they range from 40 onto up of 200 bucks.
Plus,it is the rules to wear all your safety equipment.
Also, you can look into buying padding for your seat that could
help too.

Hope this helps you bud

[Jeb Woods]

Get a good rib vest and a seat that fits properly you should have no rib pain at all. I use a Ribtect 3 vest and a Ribtect seat also..

[Ted Dziedzic]

Thanks for the replies. I was not wearing a rib vest but was wearing all required safety equipment according to the rules.

vii. For all classes, a flak jacket or rib vest protecting the torso is highly
recommended to minimize injury. These devices have been proven to
reduce injuries.
viii. Chest protectors meeting SFI Specifications 20.1 are mandatory for all
drivers in all classes where the maximum age is 12 or lower.

Next time out I'll have a rib vest and in the future when they say "Highly Recommended" I won't think twice as to whether it is need or not.

Cheers,
Ted

[Rob Brown]

Are you sliding in your seat from side to side? If so your seat is too big. I bought a rib protector and used it once. Havent used it since and never have sore ribs.

[Ted Dziedzic]

I'm not sliding per say, Its my upper torso from above the hips going back and forth. I believe between the rib vest and some padding, I will be ok. Hopping things are well enough to practice this coming Saturday morning.

[Rob Brown]

if you put some washers between the seat and the upper seat supports (outside the seat) it will close the top in and tighten it up. Might be worth trying, you really should have to wedge yourself in that seat, or thats my understanding anyway.

[Mark Reid]

Ribs are a common issue in karting (especially if you are not wearing a rib protector). Get a decent rib protector and your problems should be solved. You should be snug in your seat but not uncomfortable (especially in a Chonda). If your seat is a little large, you can shim with padding. You don't want to "force" washers between the seat and frame strut. That preloads the chassis flex and puts undue pressure on the seat. If you need a smaller seat, get a smaller seat then adjust (bend) the chassis struts to fit the seat without pre-loading it.