A go-kart is a small four-wheeled vehicle that has an open frame and smaller motor than traditional automobiles. Gas powered go-karts are also available. They can either be built for racing or recreational use. Recreational go-karts can be found at amusement parks, fairs and indoor entertainment centers. These non-racing vehicles usually do not go above 15 mph and are built to have simple handling.http://www.gocarttires.org/go-cart-engines/ Although driving go-karts is commonly associated with children, it is a hobby and sport enjoyed by adults as well.http://www.irga.us/story.htm

Go karts can be purchased from in-store retailers like Costco or online from stores like Scooter Depot.http://www.galttech.com/research/sports/best-go-karts.php The prices go anywhere from the $400 to over $4000 range. The higher prices are for high performance racing go-karts such as Sprint and Shifter Karts.http://www.tsracing.com/store/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=5352&CATID=27 Kart models can be sold with roll cages, bumpers and a closed framework.

The first go-kart was invented by Art Ingels in Los Angeles in 1956.http://www.irga.us/story.htm The name go-kart was penned by Rod & Custom Magazine for the first article on the racing pastime.http://www.irga.us/story.htm Go-Karts were originally built by hand by the drivers themselves. Many carts were powered by motors taken out of chainsaws.http://www.vintagekarts.com/europe.htm

Go-Karts were built as an alternative to their expensive cousin, professional auto racing.http://www.irga.us/story.htm For less than $200, a racing enthusiast could compete on a racing track.http://www.irga.us/story.htm Auto racing was not only expensive for the drivers. The cost of racing tickets at auto racing events were high at that time as well.http://www.irga.us/story.htm Therefore, spectators also saved money on the lower ticket prices found at go-kart races.

By 1959, the local sport went worldwide. McCulloch International Inc., a company that sold chainsaw motors, showcased go-karts for the first time in Paris, France.http://www.vintagekarts.com/europe.htm After the event had been covered by French automobile publications, go-karts became popular across Europe.http://www.vintagekarts.com/europe.htm

A 125cc Shifter Kart is used for competitive go-kart racing. It can reach speeds of 120 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html Shifter Karts use a 2-stroke engine instead of the 4-stroke electric engines found in recreational go-karts.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html

Go-Kart racing is considered to be a stepping stone to major auto races such as Formula One.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html Numerous professional auto racers start their careers on go-kart racing tracks.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html Some even continue to use it in their training work flow once they reach the main circuits.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html In Autoweek, Indie 500 winner Arie Luyendyk explains his use of the Shifter Kart for training: It's probably the best exercise there is for drivers. It's good for training and for your focus and for your reaction times, and it's probably as physical as any race car out there, especially on a bumpy track.http://www.swsracing.net/id15.html