Educating Yourself About The Go Kart History
The first go kart was built in California back in 1956 by Art Ingels. What started out as a fun way for airmen to pass the time has turned into a very popular sport. Kart tracks and gokarts have become a sensation all over the world. The first karts to be manufactured were very nearly like the riding lawn mowers of today. With technology ever increasing, newer models can now travel at speeds of 160 mph or more. It is truly amazing how far they have evolved.
Miniature Formula One racing machines are referred to by a lot of names including go carts, go karts, go-carts, shifter carts, gocarts, gokarts, enduro carts, and others. There is one thing that is for sure, getting behind the wheel of a superkart is exciting. Related to open-wheel Formula One and Indy Car racing, driving a go kart would be your best bet if you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to race a Formula 1 or Indy Car. Professional drivers like Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty all got their start on the go kart racing circuit.
So what exactly makes a gokart a gokart? Gokarts have a motor, transmission, chassis, seat and 4 tires. Since they don’t have a suspension, the chassis has to provide flexibility while retaining enough stiffness to let the kart grip around the track, especially through the turns. The chassis can be either be closed, also known as a caged chassis, which allows protection for the driver in the event of a rollover, or open, which provides no driver protection.
Engines used in gokarts are typically either 2-stroke or 4-stroke. The 2-stroke engine is usually more specialized and is made by companies like Honda or Briggs and Stratton. The 4-stroke engine is usually the standard type used in lawn mowers. The 2-stroke is typically more powerful than the 4-stroke and can be up to 30 horsepower or more.
As with Formula One racing, the kart tires can be either rain tires or slicks. Slicks have no tread and are used to achieve the best traction on a dry track. Rain tires are used during wet weather and have a tread. Icy conditions warrant specially-made spiked tires that give good grip on slippery surfaces.
Gokarts can be a stepping stone for drivers who want to work their way up to professional Formula One or Indy Car racing. It’s a less expensive way to get involved with racing. Of course, go karts are not just for those who aspire to become professional drivers. Mostly go karts are raced by people who want to have a little fun. Their popularity has reached all over the world. There are kart tracks for every skill level, from the extremely tame tracks located in family fun centers and amusement parks, to high end speed grand prix karting tracks found in larger cities.
With the many different stages available for go kart drivers today, anyone can race at a comfortable level. The sky is the limit to a talented driver, who, with a lot of practice and a little luck, may just find himself racing alongside a professional someday. It is an exciting possibility.
