Tires > Racing Go Karts: A History

Racing Go Karts: A History

by: J Larry Alan

Go karts have not been around very long, but they have increased dramatically in popularity. They are fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

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.

About The Author

J Larry Alan is go kart enthusiast. He enjoys all forms of racing, but go karts are his favorite. For more information about go karts and karting visit http://www.go-karts-supreme.com.

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

by: Marilyn Pokorney

Driving in winter conditions tests your car to the limit.

If something isn't working properly under the best

conditions it certainly isn't going to work when it's cold

and stormy.
Here are some tips to keep your car running

well in the winter.

The first thing to check before the weather gets cold is the

anti freeze level.
Not only how much fluid is in the

radiator, but also the ratio of antifreeze/water content.

Have a tune up done. Have your spark plugs cleaned and re-

gapped or replaced.

Change to a lighter oil which will help protect your engine

from excessive wear when starting a cold car. Heavier oil

takes longer to circulate into the motor and internal damage

can occur.

Change to winter wiper blades are a must for icy driving.

Whenever starting your car, make sure that there is nothing

obstructing the...

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Tires > Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

by: Doug Mahopac

There are numerous brands of tires available on the market specifically designed for all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Quite often, when it comes time to purchase new tires for your ATV, the options are overwhelming. Although it is a great debate raging regarding which specific brand of ATV tire is the best, the question should be which brand ATV tire is the best for your needs?

There are several popular brands of ATV tires on currently on the market, ranging from the economical to the budget-busting. Tire pioneers Firestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Bridgestone produce ATV tires. These brands are most familiar with most tire consumers, as they produce automobile tires. Goodyear produces a wide variety of tires, including the popular choice for those interested in riding their ATV in muddy environments, the Tracker Mud Runner. Since the Polaris Sportsman 700 Twin was named 2005 ATV of the...

Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

Tires > Which Brand Of ATV Tires Is The Best

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

by: Rishi Chawla

The automobile market can be intimidating, and if you are just starting out in the wonderful world of wheels you may need advice on buying your first car. There are so many options for car buyers: new or used, red or blue, sports car or SUV, two or four doors?and that is just for starters! Also, as a new car buyer you need to be wary of advice on buying your first car, because there are still quite a few snake-oil salesmen out there in the automotive market looking to sell you a lemon. Following you will find some solid advice on buying your first car.

The first consideration for anyone who wants to buy his or her first car is usually whether to buy new or used. Many first car buyers are young people who are just starting out, so the necessity of buying used is often present. Advice on buying your first car new from a showroom is fairly straightforward: buy from a...

Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

Tires > Advice On Dealing With A Defective Car Seat And Getting Help

Historic Hotels in Amsterdam

by: Fionn Downhill

While vacationing in Amsterdam, try staying inside an historical hotel. The experience of Amsterdam does not have to stop at the footsteps of your hotel. Let the experience deepen with a hotel that is as striking and vibrant as the city, often known as ?Venice of the North?.

Clustered together on about ninety islands and joined together by hundreds of intricate stone bridges, Amsterdam is home to miles of...

Tires Historic Hotels in Amsterdam Racing Go Karts: A History

Tires > Historic Hotels in Amsterdam

Tires

Cheap Air Fares - The Secrets to Getting Cheap Air Fares

by: Anthony Kristovich III

Cheap air fares are easy if you keep these 8 tips in mind. Airlines aim to make as much money as possible. They are not going to put the cheap air fares out front, so you need to know how to find those gold mines yourself.

There are basically 8 rules I use on a regular basis when booking flights to be sure I get to my destination the cheapest way. These are tips that every...

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Tires > Cheap Air Fares - The Secrets to Getting Cheap Air Fares

spyware Tires Racing Go Karts: A History

A Guide to Finding Cheap Homeowner Loans

by: John Mussi

If you're actively looking for cheap homeowner loans, there are several things that you should take into consideration to make sure that you get the best loan for your money.

Before taking one of the loans offered to you, you should take the time to understand how cheap homeowner loans work, make sure that you've explored all of your loan options, and shop around for the best loan rate that you're...

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Tires > A Guide to Finding Cheap Homeowner Loans

Tires Racing Go Karts: A History