10 Fun Facts About Go-Karting
Go-kart racing is a thrilling way to spend your day, and with so many karts and tracks to try, you’ll never run out of ways to challenge yourself. Go-karting has decades of history behind it. As a starting point for many professional racers, it offers a unique and accessible entrance into the world of motorsports for those curious or who want to spend a day on the track.
If you’re searching for a reason to try your hand at go-karting, look no further. Here are 10 fun facts about go-karts to help you learn more about the incredible sport.
1. Go-Karting Started in the 1950s
Go-karting started in the late 1950s following the small but expensive open-wheeled cars of the 1930s and 1940s. Art Ingels is said to have created the first racing “kart” in 1956 when he installed a two-cycle lawnmower motor in a small car for racing. While we don’t know why it’s called a go-kart, Duffy Livingston is credited with the name and making the karts take off in popularity. However the name and design came about, these small racing karts were soon raced by children and adults, eventually launching the sport we know today.
2. Go-Karting Is Affordable
The accessibility and affordability of go-karts make them popular. While purchasing your own go-kart can cost you several thousand dollars, it’s much less expensive than buying a full-fledged racecar. Additionally, anyone who wants to race a go-kart can drive one at the nearest track. Karts and helmets are provided, so people can come and race as they please. With no expensive entry fees, it’s an excellent sport for anyone to try out.
3. Go-Karting Is Safe
While it perhaps isn’t one of the facts about go-karts to come to mind first, safety is one of the sport’s great features. Drivers are equipped with proper safety gear like helmets and gloves, making their time on the track very safe. Plus, because they have a low center of gravity, go-karts are difficult to flip. They’re also equipped with roll cages, roll bars, bumpers and seat belts, which protect racers as they fly around the track.
Although most casual racers only need helmets for their go-kart racing, more experienced go-kart racers will wear additional safety gear to protect them during races. Rib protectors, neck braces, boots and gloves are paired with helmets to keep racers safe during their intense laps around the track.
4. Go-Karting Is Fun for all Ages
There are many levels of go-karting, making it possible for people of all ages. Kids and adults can challenge their muscle coordination against others at a similar level. Anyone can get behind the wheel of a go-kart and have a great time. Different facilities and tracks will have height and age requirements, but there are track options for racers of all ages and heights. If you have access to a go-kart track, you can likely race there.
5. Go-Karting Is Extremely Popular
The international go-kart market was valued at $104 million in 2020. Its affordability and accessibility make it extremely popular for racers around the world. Go-karting has opened up generations of racers to a fun and competitive sport they can all enjoy.
6. There Are Indoor and Outdoor Go-Kart Tracks
You can race go-karts indoors and outdoors. Indoor tracks have the benefit of being more predictable — you can race regardless of weather conditions. Outdoor go-kart racing allows you to soak up the fresh air and vitamin D while completing your laps. Both types of tracks likely provide karts for visitors to race in, so you won’t need to own a kart yourself.
7. Go-Karts Have a Top Speed of 150 mph
Some 250 cc gas-powered go-karts can reach speeds of up to 150 mph. Most rental go-karts can’t go this fast for safety and rental reasons. However, serious go-kart racers can get their own gas-powered super karts with these high-speed capabilities. Dedicated racers can hit extremely high speeds in their karts, enjoying the thrill of high-speed racing and heavy competition.
8. There Are Different Types of Go-Karts
One of the best things about go-karting is all the different types of karts you can drive. There are a variety of go-karts to explore, including drift, pedal, electric, off-road and racing.
The two main types of go-karts are gas-powered and electric. Gas-powered karts can reach much higher speeds than electric ones. They use internal combustion engines to produce powerful speeds. Electric go-karts are heavier and can reach around 50 mph, but they generate much more power in a shorter amount of time.
9. Go-Karts Don’t Have Suspensions
Go-karts are designed with a highly flexible frame and simple components, which means they lack the suspension of racing and traditional cars. Their chassis usually provides all the flexibility the kart needs to race around the track. Without a suspension, go-karts can remain low to the ground, giving them their signature look. The lack of suspension and a few other complex components contribute to go-karts being so accessible. They don’t have expensive, complicated parts that need heavy maintenance and investment like racecars.
10. Go-Karting Is Often the First Step Toward a Racing Career
One of the most interesting facts about go-karts is their connection to Formula 1 racing. World-class racers like Lewis Hamilton started their careers karting before moving on to dominating Formula 1 — Max Verstappen was even the youngest karting world champion.
Go-karting is so connected to F1 racing that there’s even a program designed to help racers transition from karting to Formula 1. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has developed the FIA Global Pathway from Karting to Formula 1 to help racers carefully transition from racing karts to racing cars. The skills needed to become a professional Formula 1 racer can be learned on the go-kart track.
Start Racing at Tampa Bay Grand Prix
No matter your skill level, the tracks at Tampa Bay Grand Prix offer racers a day of fun, thrilling go-karting. Bring your best to our raceway and challenge yourself to become a go-karting champion. Our high-speed electric indoor go-karting elevates racing, turning it into an unforgettable experience. Racers of all ages can book a reservation and enjoy our racing facility in Clearwater.
For more competitive racers, we have regular league racing every month. Put your skills to the test against other racers on our exciting tracks. If you’re interested in karting with us, contact us online today. We have regular specials and options for groups and parties so everyone can enjoy a race.