Go Karting is a variety of motor sports that involves open wheel vehicles. Consisting of four wheels these karts are raced on a comparably smaller race course to that of the big time racing circuits. Being the most economical of motor sports, it can be done by almost anybody, from all walks of life, both nationally and internationally. Go karting, in fact, has become very popular in Europe.
It is a regulated sport that allows licensing for anyone 8 years old and older. Classes are available for interested beginners starting as early as age 7. For many, it can be easily seen as a beginning for those who will enter more serious racing like the Indy 500.
go kart racing was started by Art Ingels, who was a veteran race car driver and car builder, he became known as the father of karting having built the first cart in 1956. The first engine built for go karts was actually a modified chainsaw two stroke engine and later during the 1960’s became a modified motorcycle engine. Eventually, manufacturers in Italy began building engines specifically made for go karts.
Racing go karts consists of one of three formats and a number of different classes. These formats are sprint, endurance, and speedway. A sprint race can be about 15mins long on a course dedicated for a go kart. This circuit of twisted roads is no longer than a mile in length. The most important thing in a sprint kart race is speed and successfully passing with scoring and point calculations used to determine the over all winner. Another format is the endurance race which can last up to 24 hrs on a racing circuit that is up to 4 miles long. In this type of go kart race speed is of minor importance while it is more important to be consistent, reliable, and have good pit stop strategy. This race is run without any pit stops. The final format is a speedway race which is done on an oval track made of clay or asphalt. The race could consist of a four lap stint, the winner of which is presented a trophy. For a main event, a speedway go kart race consists of 20 laps.
On a grander scale, kart racing is used as an inexpensive and safe way to introduce the driver to motor racing. The go kart driver can be either an adult or a kid and learns a lot of decision making skills, gains quicker reflexes and increases their precision with car control all in preparation for a future in auto racing.