Guide Note
Kart Racing (also called karting) is an open wheel motor sport that uses small vehicles called karts.
Fast Facts
- Karts: Originally called go-karts
- 1956: First kart built by Art Ingels
- Soapbox: Unmotorized kart
- Superkarts: Top speed of 160 mph
Karts
Originally called "go-karts", karts are small vehicles with no suspension that weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. The first kart was built in 1956 by Art Ingels.
Types of Karts
- Sprint Karts: Used in short races
- Oval Karts: Used on oval tracks
- Enduro Karts: Used for long races
- Shifter Karts: Driver can shift gears
- Cage Karts: Metal cage around driver
Kart Racing History
Kart racing was initially done in parking lots, via informal organizations. As the sport sport grew in popularity, tracks specifically for karting were built, and karts evolved and became faster. Once viewed as an activity for children, karting is now a first step into more prestigious motorsports such as NASCAR and IRL racing.
