General Rib problems in children

[DarrenT]

Hello ,
We have just started outdoor karting (5 weeks) after about a year of indoor karting. My boy has just started complaining about his ribs and this is affecting his pace. I have tried to discourage the use of additional equipment like seat inserts, rib/neck protectors when possible. He has just started to develop suitable speed and more assertive driving but this has resulted in more crashes and bumps. Is it normal to have discomfort if you are racing regularly and is this something you need to tolerate or should I get additional PPE.

 

[Team13Karting]

Rib pain can come from a number of factors, normally an ill fitting seat.

How old is he, and just out of interest, why are you discouraging the use of protectors etc?

 

[DarrenT]

Rib pain can come from a number of factors, normally an ill fitting seat.

How old is he, and just out of interest, why are you discouraging the use of protectors etc?

He is 12. I am trying to limit the amount of equipment to make it as focused as possible. We didn't have any problems with indoor karting so I can only assume its the outside conditions and faster speeds and kerbs.

 

[Mark Firmin]

Buy a rib protector, I know of nobody who has their own kart who does not wear a rib protector. It is possible to break a rib purely from the g-forces going around a bend. Please buy him one.

 

[Team13Karting]

He is 12. I am trying to limit the amount of equipment to make it as focused as possible. We didn't have any problems with indoor karting so I can only assume its the outside conditions and faster speeds and kerbs.

Outdoor karting is far quicker and a lot more physical than indoor karting. I would ensure that the seat fits correctly, a quick check with someone like Tillett Racing Seats would help. Likewise, a correctly fitted rib protector will save him a lot of pain.

The required and correctly fitted kit will ensure he's comfortable and confident and therefore more focused.

I take it he's in a Rotax or x30? A picture attached here might give us a starting point as to the cause....

 

[DarrenT]

Buy a rib protector, I know of nobody who has their own kart who does not wear a rib protector. It is possible to break a rib purely from the g-forces going around a bend. Please buy him one.

Thank-you. I would be interested to know what percentage of people use rib protectors.

 

[DarrenT]

Outdoor karting is far quicker and a lot more physical than indoor karting. I would ensure that the seat fits correctly, a quick check with someone like Tillett Racing Seats would help. Likewise, a correctly fitted rib protector will save him a lot of pain.

The required and correctly fitted kit will ensure he's comfortable and confident and therefore more focused.

I take it he's in a Rotax or x30? A picture attached here might give us a starting point as to the cause....

Ok, I think we will look at a rib protector. Its only outdoor rental karting at moment (sodikart?) But he will be progressing to owner kart eventually so I would like to get any problems resolved from the start.

 

[Team13Karting]

Ok, I think we will look at a rib protector. Its only outdoor rental karting at moment (sodikart?) But he will be progressing to owner kart eventually so I would like to get any problems resolved from the start.

If it's a rental then it's highly likely the seat is too big and he's being thrown from side to side. Given that you can't change the seat you're going to need to pad him in.

As an example, here's my seat with me in it AND a rib protector.

 

[Mark Firmin]

Thank-you. I would be interested to know what percentage of people use rib protectors.

From 6 years karting experience (father of 2 owner drivers) I would say 100%

 

[Adam]

When I was a kid I remember the rib protectors etc just coming. I never did wear one as a kid, but did have a padded seat.

I think over the years seats have changed shape to accommodate most who wear rib protectors. I could be wrong. Or I must of lost my athletic figure.....

I done one test day getting back into Karting without a rib protector, I paid for it weeks later! Luckily just bruised. Since then I have always worn one! I have tried the expensive Tillet and the cheaper Sparco, I prefer the cheaper Sparco. Well worth £100!

Wearing one seriously has no downsides imo. You can still feel the Kart! And you'll find you can concentrate and drive harder due to not even noticing your wearing it, not to mention no more rib pain! Also the big factor of protecting your ribs in a crash, nobody wants a broken rib(s)!

I agree with the other lads; a rib protector is a must have! The best quality safety equipment your budget can afford has no downsides imo. A good quality neck brace is also worth looking into.

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Edit: Also as stated already, a correctly fitted and correctly sized seat and driving position is a must also!