Racing Go Karts: A History

Go karts were first created in the United States in the 1950s with the majority of historians crediting Art Ingels as the inventor. He built his first go kart in California in 1956 and it was during this post-war period where airmen raced these go karts as a way to pass the time. They are referred to as go karts, go carts, go-karts, shifter karts, gokarts and many other differently spelled variations. Go karts are related to open-wheel racing such as Formula One and Indy Car. In fact, many top professional race car drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty, got their start on the go kart racing circuit. Go kart enthusiasts can easily become addicted to the thrill of racing. Once you’ve experienced the excitement it’s hard to let it go. There are ATV all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, scooters, mopeds, mini bikes and motorcycles, but none give a driver any more of an adrenaline-rush than the popular go kart. They are simple 4-wheeled vehicles with no suspension (relying on chassis flex). They are basically just a smaller version of the professional open wheel cars and race on similar, but smaller, racing tracks. Go karting can be a stepping stone for drivers desiring to work their way up to professional Formula One or Indy Car racing. It’s a cheaper way to get involved with racing. If a driver shows talent on the go kart circuit he can then move up to the more expensive divisions of motor racing including Formula One and Indy Car. But go karting is not just for the professionally-minded. Most of the time go karts are raced by non-professionals, people just out for a little fun. Go karts have become popular all over the world and are found in most larger cities. For the faint of heart there are extremely tame tracks located in many family fun centers and amusement parks. So what is a go kart? Go karts are made up of a chassis, motor, transmission, seat and 4 tires. Since go karts have no suspension the chassis must provide flexibility and yet retain enough stiffness to allow the kart good grip around the track and through the turns. The chassis can be either open or closed. Simply put, the closed, or caged chassis, allows protection for the driver in the event of a rollover. The open chassis does not. Engines used in karting are typically either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. The 2-stroke engine is generally more of a specialized engine that is made by companies such as Honda or Briggs and Stratton (who also make lawnmower engines). In fact, 4-stroke engines are usually the standard type used in lawn mowers. The 2-stroke is usually more powerful than the 4-stroke and can attain up to 30 horsepower or more. Sprint karts can usually get up to about 60 mph while the more powerful enduro karts can reach a top speed of up to 90 mph. Shifter karts use a manual transmission and a clutch to bring out all the engine has to offer and can reach speeds of 160 mph or more. These are not toys. As with Formula One racing the kart tires can be either slicks or rain tires. Slicks have no tread and are used for best traction on a dry track. Rain tires have tread and are used during wet weather. And in icy conditions there are specially-made spiked tires that give good grip on the slippery ice. Go karts are generally considered a safer and cheaper way to get into racing. With the many different levels available drivers can move up the line until they reach the professional level. With the right mixture of talent and practice racing alongside the top pros is certainly a possibility.

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History of Go Carts

What started out as a way for airmen in the 1950s to pass the time has turned into a popular worldwide sport for many. Go carts have quickly become a phenomenon all over the globe. With most historians giving Art Ingels the credit for inventing the go cart, he built his very first one back in 1956. But that first go cart was nothing compared to the models we have today. Newer more modern go carts can now travel 160 mph or faster. Now that's amazing. This miniature Formula One racing machine is referred to by a lot of names including go carts, go karts, go-carts, shifter carts, gocarts, gokarts, enduro carts, and a number of other ways. But one thing is for sure, getting behind the wheel of one of them is exciting. Go carts are related to open-wheel Formula One or Indy Car racing. If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to race a Formula 1 or Indy Car, while still being as safe as possible, go carts would be your best bet. And that's probably what Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty all thought when they were kids. They all started their racing careers in go carts. With speeds as high as 160 mph these little machines can travel as fast as the professional race car drivers do on many of their tracks. There are many different options available today for people that want an exciting vehicle to drive. There are ATVs, dirt bikes, scooters, mopeds, go peds, mini bikes and motorcycles. But go carts are the closest thing you will find to the thrill of Formula 1, NASCAR or Indy Car racing. They are small open-wheeled vehicles with 4 wheels and no suspension. Instead of a suspension they rely on chassis flex. They are basically a smaller version of the professional open wheel race cars. Many hopefuls who dream of one day racing at the pro level will get their start in go carting. Go carts can be a stepping stone to professional Formula One or Indy Car racing. The reason is that there are many different classes in go carting. No matter what level of experience you have there is a class for you. And as you improve you can move up to increasingly higher classes with greater competition. If you can get to the top in a go cart you may have what it takes for Formula 1 or Indy. Professional racing is a very expensive sport. But with go carts drivers can get involved on a shoestring budget. It's a cheaper way to get involved with racing. Find out if you have what it takes without breaking the bank to do it. But go carting is not only for the professionally-minded drivers. Go carts are usually driven by non-professionals, people just like you or me, out for a good time and a lot of excitement. Because anyone can drive one, regardless of their experience level, go carts have become extremely popular all over the world. They can be found in just about every large city either in family fun centers or other venues. A go cart is made up of a chassis, motor, transmission, seat and 4 tires and a few other odds and ends. As mentioned earlier they have no suspension. The chassis must provide the stiffness and also enough flexibility to allow the cart to grip the road well on the straightaways as well as in the turns. The chassis can be either open or caged. The caged chassis allows protection for the driver in the event of a rollover while the open chassis does not. The cage performs a similar function as does a roll bar. Engines used in carting are typically either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. They are made by manufacturers such as Honda or Briggs and Stratton among others. You would think that the 4-stroke engines would be more powerful than the 2-stroke engines, but that's not usually the case. If you have ever wondered how fast go carts can travel you will be amazed at the top speeds. Sprint carts can usually get up to about 60 mph while the more powerful enduro carts can reach a top speed of about 90 mph. And if that's not fast enough for you how about the shifter karts that reach top speeds of 160 mph or more. You heard right, that is not a misprint and these are certainly not toys. Transmissions differ from cart to cart, but the shifter carts use a manual transmission with a clutch that allows the driver to get the most out of the motor. It seems as though every part of the go cart has become a separate entity, a specialized piece of equipment with different options available to the purchaser. And with regard to the tires they are certainly no exception. In dry weather slicks are used. They are smooth tires that grip the road well. And as they heat up while driving they get even better traction. During wet weather tires with treads are needed. These are called rain tires. And of course, how could any respectable driver racing on ice do without specialized spiked tires? That's correct, there are even go cart races on ice in some parts of the world. With the many different levels available for drivers today anyone can race at a comfortable level. And the sky is the limit to a talented driver. With a lot of practice, a bunch of talent and a little luck you might find yourself racing alongside Tony Stewart someday. It's certainly possible.

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Go Carts - How to Survive by Being Safe!

Go carts are certainly thrilling, but they can also be dangerous if not taken seriously. You have to remember that it's not just you out on the track. There will be other drivers attempting to pass you around sharp corners whose talent may be questionable at best. By following a few common-sense safety rules you can eliminate most of the serious dangers.

Different types of go carts can have speeds ranging anywhere from very slow to very fast. But regardless of the speed they are always exciting to race. They are simple vehicles that are also easy to handle. No matter what your skill level there are tracks all over the country that will fill your needs and wants. There are many go cart classes or levels that will cater to every age range from kids to adults. Gocarts are generally easy to drive and easy to control. This is why they have become so popular, because it's an easy and relatively cheap way to experience the thrill of Formula 1 racing without the expense or the danger.

There are many different types of vehicles that are built for racing fun. Among these are ATV off road vehicles, motor scooters, dirt bikes, mopeds, mini bikes, motorcycles and gopeds. But if you are wanting to experience the thrill and excitement of Indy Car or Formula 1 open-wheel racing, with a powerful gas engine rocketing you down the track, and with relative safety, go carts are what you will want to be climbing into.

For beginners to experts, and everyone in between, go carts are fun. Whether you want to drive as slow as your Grandma or as fast as Tony Stewart and Michael Schumacher, racing go carts can get you there. Many top professional NASCAR, Formula One and Indy Car drivers today got their start in the lowly go cart. With a lot of practice maybe you can achieve the same success.

It wasn't too long ago that go carts were mostly found in family fun centers where any kid and his little brother could go racing at a whopping 15 or mph. They still exist, but real go cart tracks have been springing up all over. It's now possible to go 60 miles an hour in a go cart. And if that's not fast enough for you try an enduro cart and reach top speeds of 90 mph. Or race in a shifter cart at an astounding 160 mph. Don't start sweating yet, you don't have to go that fast to have fun. You can drive in any level or class that you feel comfortable with.

But this brings up some questions: With go carts speeding down the track so fast these days, are they too dangerous to drive? Can you travel as fast as 100 mph and still be safe? The answer is yes and no. Sure, you can still be safe, but without following certain safety rules you can increase your chances of serious injury. It's not necessarily the fast speeds that cause the serious accidents, but the unsafe or inexperienced drivers.

The first rule of the road is to remain in your comfort zone. This is easier said then done however because racing is not for the timid. At some point, when you want to move up to a more experienced level or class, you may not feel equipped to do that. However, by building up your confidence in the lower classes you will eventually be ready for more competition. Just don't try to move up faster than your driving expertise allows.

Back in the olden days, when go carts were extremely slow, you could go racing safely without a helmet. Those days are long gone. Even in kiddie tracks helmets are a requirement now. The helmet is perhaps the most important piece of equipment that a go cart driver will ever use. There are other pieces of equipment that are necessary too, but none more important than a high-quality helmet. In the event of a crash it can spare you from a serious head injury.

To a great extent you can control the amount of danger that you are faced with. Many decisions that you make before climbing into the cart will determine how safe it will be for you out on the track. From the type of clothes you wear to the type of go cart you buy will help determine your safety level on the track. By taking every safety precaution that you possibly can you will lessen your risk of sustaining a serious injury. So do your homework and be prepared. It's a lot more fun racing go carts when you can walk away after a race instead of having to be driven away in an ambulance.

The importance of clothing can't be overstated. The slower you race the less important clothing becomes, but the faster your go cart goes the more you need to be sure you are clothed properly. Depending on your speeds certain clothing may help spare you from serious injury. At faster speeds fire safety suits are a must. There is ignitable fuel in your vehicle and in the event of a crash it is possible for it to catch fire. Preventing burns is a very desirable thing. Other indispensable gear includes fire-resistant racing shoes to protect your feet and gloves for your hands.

All go carts today have roll bars that extend higher than the driver's head. The chassis of the go cart will either be open or caged. A caged go cart has a cage that covers the driver. It protects the driver in the event of a rollover. It serves the same purpose as a roll bar. Most tracks demand a cage for safety. Go carts also have side bars that can protect you from serious injury should another driver ram you from the side. You have to remember, you could be the greatest driver in the world, but you're not out there alone. You are driving with others whose skill levels may leave a lot to be desired. So buying a quality go cart is always a good idea.

By taking these few simple precautions it will improve your chances of having fun out on the track by lessening your chances of becoming injured. Go carts can be just about as safe as you make them. With some practice and experience there is no reason why any driver can't move up the ranks safely. Keep safety as your number one goal and go carting will be fun for many years to come.

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Fast Go Carts - Pure Fun!

If you are looking for action get ready for some exciting adrenaline-pumping action. Go carts, either racing or off road, is a thrill you won't soon forget!

The heart-pumping excitement of speeding down the track in a fast go cart, just inches from other gocarts on either side, is an experience that is hard to beat. Who will be the first to lift off the gas pedal as you race bumper to bumper entering a sharp corner? Racing off road or on a paved track in one of your sleek go carts, maneuvering around sharp corners and lesser gocart drivers, is just about as fun as it gets for kids or adults alike. Slamming the accelerator to the floor as you pass mere inches alongside other drivers is a thrill that will forever be remembered. Experience the fun and excitement of go carting and you'll be hooked for life.

If you have ever witnessed a Formula One race or watched those Indy Cars traveling by at about 240 MPH as you sit in Victory Circle you know how exciting it can be. The speed. The danger. There's nothing quite like it. Unless you are climbing into one of those off road or racing gocarts yourself. If you thought watching was fun you should try racing yourself. Revving up your engine, slowly pulling it out on the track, the anticipation is almost unbearable. It's hard to wait for the green flag and the moment you can pounce on the gas pedal. But once that flag is waved, and you press the accelerator down in your gocart with all your might , and you feel an immediate burst of power as your go cart lunges forward and your heart beats like it is ready to pop out altogether. What a thrill. What unsurpassed excitement.

If you ever wondered what it would be like racing Formula One there is one way to find out, go carts, only without so much of the danger. Start with safe beginner go carts and work your way up to faster classes. It may also be the best method of working your way into a professional racing career. Many top professional drivers today got their start with the lowly go cart. Once you master driving go carts you can take the next logical step and move into the arena of professional racing. If you're fast you'll get discovered, no doubt. But if you are not so motivated, and just want the thrill without the commitment, remaining in a beginner go cart will always be exciting.

Go carts are an ideal entry point for the amateur driver, whether off road or track racing. Beginner go carts are easy to drive and control. If you've ever driven a car you know how to drive a gocart. And depending at what level you belong to it's a safe hobby. Losing control of your vehicle is not like losing control of your car on the highway. There are seldom any serious injuries with gocarting. At least not with the beginner go carts. No, the thrill is there without so much of the danger. Go carting is a scaled-down version of Formula One racing. The difference is that there are many different levels that you can become involved in. Anywhere from safe beginners to fledgling professionals.

In fact, you don't even have to go to a specific go cart track for racing. Many people find what they need at amusement parks and fun centers. If safe and slow is what you have in mind there are many places for inexperienced drivers to get a thrill. Find tracks geared toward the least experienced drivers to ovals where you can train to become a professional driver. You can choose your own competition level. No need to get in too deep, at least not until you've had a little experience. The main objective with racing or off road carting is to have fun. And once you get into your own go cart, no matter what level you are competing in, the fun just never seems to end.

But be warned, once you try go carting chances are you'll become addicted. It's a foregone conclusion, so beware. If you're interested in purchasing a shiny new gocart that's ready for racing you can do that. But you can also buy inexpensive kits and build your own gocarts these days. Building your own will give you more confidence in yourself as a driver too. You can learn how to do just about everything from installing rack and pinion steering to changing tires. In no time at all you will be the race driver and the mechanic as well. Wouldn't it be fun to install your own brand new custom engine designed for improving the speed of go carts? Or changing your old frame with a new frame that will make your ride even flashier? Perhaps you will want to get into electric go carts instead of gas powered go carts. The way gas prices have been climbing these days electric gokarts are definitely something you want to think about.

But here is the bottom line: it's fun to race at any speed and at any level. And whatever level you choose to race in, these go carts will reach speeds that will be exciting and thrilling. And that's what counts. But don't start getting nervous just yet. Remain calm. If thinking about going fast makes you nervous just remember that there are opportunities for thrills at every level, even at the beginning level. You do not need to go 80 MPH to experience the thrill of the race. If you have ever thought about getting involved with go carts, now is a good time because you are never too old. It's exciting at any age. So get involved with go karts and discover all the excitement you've been missing in your life.

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