Introduction to Go Karts

Go kart racing is an inexpensive and safer way to start a racing career. Many different levels of go kart racing exist, allowing drivers to hone their skills and move up the ranks. Some eventually reach the professional level. Go kart racing is closely related to other open-wheeled racing such as Indy Car and Formula One. Because of this, a number of professional drivers began by racing go karts. This includes Kyle Petty, Tony Steward, Darrell Waltrip, and Sara Fisher.

The first go kart was invented in 1956 by Art Ingels in California. Go kart racing first caught on with military men in the 1950s. During this post-war time, airmen would pass the time racing these machines. Eventually, the sport spread to race enthusiasts across the United States.

The standard go kart is made of a seat, four tires, one motor in a chassis and a transmission. Chassis are built in an open or closed style. The closed chassis will protect the driver in the case of a wreck or a roll, while the open chassis will not. Go karts do not have suspension. Instead, the karts rely on the chassis to be both flexible enough to race and stiff enough to give the kart a strong grip on the track on tight turns.

Go karts use either a 2 or 4-stroke engine. The 4-stroke engines are similar to the typical engine found in a lawn mower. The 2-stroke engine is more powerful, reaching up to 30 horsepower or more. It is usually a specialized type of engine made by vendors such as Briggs and Stratton or Honda.

Sprint karts have the lowest go kart speed, usually topping off at around 60 mph. Enduro karts are a little more powerful and can reach 90 mph. Shifter karts have a built-in manual transmission and clutch, which allow this kart to race at blazing speeds of 160 mph.