Kart Racing


Kart racing is a variation of open-wheel motor sport with karts (small, open, four-wheeled vehicles). The karts are usually raced along scaled-down circuits.

Kart speeds vary widely – and can reach speeds exceeding 160 mph.

Kart chassis can be classified in the US as either ‘Open’, ‘Caged, ‘Straight’ or ‘Offset’. Here’s the distinction between these types:

  • Open karts don’t have roll cages.
  • Caged karts have a roll cage that surround the driver; these are mostly used on dirt tracks.
  • In straight chassis karts, the driver sits in the center. These kinds of karts are used for sprint racing.
  • In offset chassis karts, the driver sits on the left side. These karts are used for left-turn-only speedway racing.

    • The stiffness of the chassis is directly linked with the kart’s handling. Usually, a stiffer chassis is preferable in dryer conditions, while a more flexible chassis works better in poor traction or wet conditions. The very best chassis allow stiffening bars at the rear, front and side to be added or removed to them, according to racing conditions.

    Professiona racing karts typically weigh from 165 to 175 lb without the driver. Some of the more well known examples of European manufacturers are Avanti, Trulli, Tony Kart, Birel, CRG, Gillard, Kosmic, Intrepid, Zanardi and FA Kart. In America, Margay is a popular American company producing kart chassis.

    In regards to wheels and tires, these are much smaller in karts than in normal cars. The rims are usually made of magnesium alloy or aluminum. Just like the chassis, kart tires include different types for us dependent on track conditions:

  • Slicks are used for dry weather. At the racing levels, these are some of the softest and most advanced tires in motorsport, and top car tire manufacturers (Bridgestone, Dunlop or Maxxis) for karts. Slick kart tires come in many different compounds, from very soft – which affords maximum grip – to very hard – which affords karts less grip but longer life span.
  • Rain tires, or “wets” are ideal for wet weather. These tires are grooved and are made of soft compound and are narrower than slicks.
  • Special tires, such as spiked tires for icy conditions are ideal for high grip dirt/clay speedways.