Racing Go Karts: A History

Go karts have not been around very long, butFor the faint of heart there are extremely tame
they have increased dramatically in popularity.tracks located in many family fun centers and
They are fast becoming a worldwideamusement parks.
phenomenon.So what is a go kart? Go karts are made up of a
Go karts were first created in the United Stateschassis, motor, transmission, seat and 4 tires.
in the 1950s with the majority of historiansSince go karts have no suspension the chassis
crediting Art Ingels as the inventor. He built hismust provide flexibility and yet retain enough
first go kart in California in 1956 and it was duringstiffness to allow the kart good grip around the
this post-war period where airmen raced these gotrack and through the turns. The chassis can be
karts as a way to pass the time.either open or closed. Simply put, the closed, or
They are referred to as go karts, go carts,caged chassis, allows protection for the driver in
go-karts, shifter karts, gokarts and many otherthe event of a rollover. The open chassis does
differently spelled variations. Go karts are relatednot.
to open-wheel racing such as Formula One andEngines used in karting are typically either
Indy Car. In fact, many top professional race car2-stroke or 4-stroke. The 2-stroke engine is
drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher,generally more of a specialized engine that is
Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty, gotmade by companies such as Honda or Briggs and
their start on the go kart racing circuit.Stratton (who also make lawnmower engines). In
Go kart enthusiasts can easily become addictedfact, 4-stroke engines are usually the standard
to the thrill of racing. Once you?ve experiencedtype used in lawn mowers. The 2-stroke is usually
the excitement it?s hard to let it go. There aremore powerful than the 4-stroke and can attain
ATV all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, scooters,up to 30 horsepower or more.
mopeds, mini bikes and motorcycles, but noneSprint karts can usually get up to about 60 mph
give a driver any more of an adrenaline-rush thanwhile the more powerful enduro karts can reach a
the popular go kart. They are simple 4-wheeledtop speed of up to 90 mph. Shifter karts use a
vehicles with no suspension (relying on chassismanual transmission and a clutch to bring out all
flex). They are basically just a smaller version ofthe engine has to offer and can reach speeds of
the professional open wheel cars and race on160 mph or more. These are not toys.
similar, but smaller, racing tracks.As with Formula One racing the kart tires can be
Go karting can be a stepping stone for driverseither slicks or rain tires. Slicks have no tread and
desiring to work their way up to professionalare used for best traction on a dry track. Rain
Formula One or Indy Car racing. It?s a cheapertires have tread and are used during wet
way to get involved with racing. If a driver showsweather. And in icy conditions there are
talent on the go kart circuit he can then move upspecially-made spiked tires that give good grip on
to the more expensive divisions of motor racingthe slippery ice.
including Formula One and Indy Car.Go karts are generally considered a safer and
But go karting is not just for thecheaper way to get into racing. With the many
professionally-minded. Most of the time go kartsdifferent levels available drivers can move up the
are raced by non-professionals, people just outline until they reach the professional level. With the
for a little fun. Go karts have become popular allright mixture of talent and practice racing
over the world and are found in most larger cities.alongside the top pros is certainly a possibility.