View source for Kart racing

{{Short description|Motorsport using go-karts}}
{{split sections|discuss=Talk:Kart racing|date=June 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox sport
| name       = Kart racing
| image      = File:Клас 60.jpg
| alt        = A gaggle of small, low brightly coloured karts underway together on a dark grey tarmac circuit
| imagesize  = 
| caption    = A sprint race at a karting event
| union      = [[Commission Internationale de Karting|CIK-FIA]]
| first      = 1950s
| region     = Worldwide
| contact    = 
| team       = Yes
| mgender    = Yes
| type       = [[Motorsport]]
| equipment  = Kart
| venue      = [[Kart circuit]]
| world      = FIA [[Karting World Championship]]
}}
'''Kart racing''' or '''karting''' is a [[motorsport]] discipline using [[open-wheel]], four-wheeled vehicles known as [[go-kart]]s or shifter karts. They are usually raced on [[kart circuit|scaled-down circuits]], although some professional kart races are also held on full-size motorsport circuits. Karting is commonly perceived as the stepping stone to the higher ranks of motorsports. Most modern [[Formula One]] drivers, including [[Ayrton Senna]], [[Michael Schumacher]], [[Fernando Alonso]], [[Kimi Räikkönen]], [[Lewis Hamilton]], [[Sebastian Vettel]], [[Nico Rosberg]], and [[Max Verstappen]], have begun their racing careers in karting.

Karts vary widely in speed, and some (known as [[superkart]]s) can reach speeds exceeding {{convert|160|km/h|mph|-1}}, while recreational go-karts intended for the general public may be limited to lower speeds.

== History ==
[[File:Photography by Victor Albert Grigas (1919-2017)00025 sept 62 (37295972680).jpg|thumb|right|Kart racing in [[Illinois]] in 1962]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-B1007-0016-001, 5. Berliner K-Wagen-Rennen.jpg|thumb|Kart racing in [[Berlin]], [[East Germany]], 1963]]

American [[Art Ingels]] is generally accepted to be the father of karting. A veteran [[hot rod]]der and a race car builder at [[Kurtis Kraft]], he built the first kart in [[Southern California]] in 1956.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiakarting.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/CIKFIA_Dpliant50ansKarting.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824043652/http://www.cikfia.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/CIKFIA_Dpliant50ansKarting.pdf|url-status=dead|title=FIA Karting|archivedate=24 August 2009|website=www.fiakarting.com}}</ref> Early karting events were held in the [[Rose Bowl Stadium]] car park.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/opinions/why-karting-will-outlast-gimmick-filled-racing-without-a-social-media-strategy |title= Why karting will outlast gimmick-filled racing – without a social media strategy |last= Preston |first= Lerner |date= 23 April 2021 |access-date= 23 April 2021}}</ref> Instantly popular, Karting rapidly spread to other countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagekarts.com/europe.htm |title=How the kart was first introduced to Europe – by Burton Reinfrank – June 2004 |publisher=Vintagekarts.com |access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref> and currently has a large following in Europe.

The first kart manufacturer was an American company, Go Kart Manufacturing Co. (1957). In 1959, [[McCulloch Motors Corporation|McCulloch]] was the first company to produce engines for karts. Its first engine, the McCulloch MC-10,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://macbobaust.com/kart_engines.html |title=The McCulloch Kart Engines |publisher=Macbobaust.com |date=2002-09-15 |access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref> was an adapted [[chainsaw]] [[two-stroke engine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagekarts.com/mcstory.htm |title=1959 – McCulloch's Entry into Kart Racing |publisher=Vintagekarts.com |access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref> Later, in the 1960s, [[motorcycle]] engines were also adapted for kart use, before dedicated manufacturers, especially in Italy ([[Italian American Motor Engineering|IAME]]), started to build engines for the sport.

First ever [[Karting World Championship]] was held in 1964. First ever [[Karting European Championship]] was held in 1972.

== Components ==
{{section move from|Go-kart|sections=Components|date=June 2024}}

=== Chassis ===
The [[chassis]] are made of [[41xx steel|chromoly]] tubing.<ref>[http://www.haase.it/download/Haase26-CH-11.pdf Example of a CIK-FIA homologation form] – Chassis, 2005</ref><ref name="chassis">[http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chassis/cpa/images/margayparts/margay17top.jpg Technical picture of a racing chassis] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411105033/http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/chassis/cpa/images/margayparts/margay17top.jpg |date=11 April 2008 }} – Margay chassis</ref> There is no [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]], so chassis have to be flexible enough to work as a suspension and stiff enough not to break or give way on a turn. Kart chassis are classified in the United States as "Open", "Caged", "Straight" or "Offset". All [[Commission Internationale de Karting]]–, [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]]–, or CIK-FIA-approved chassis are "Straight" and "Open".
*Open karts have no roll cage.
*Caged karts have a [[roll cage]] surrounding the driver; they are mostly used on dirt tracks.
*In Straight chassis, the driver sits in the center. Straight chassis are used for [[#Sprint|sprint racing]].
*In Offset chassis, the driver sits on the left side. Offset chassis are used for left-turn-only [[Oval track|speedway]] racing.

The stiffness of the chassis enables different handling characteristics for different circumstances. Typically, for dry conditions, a stiffer chassis is preferable, while in wet or other poor traction conditions, a more flexible chassis may work better. Temperature of the track can also affect handling and may prompt additional chassis adjustments. The best chassis allow for stiffening bars at the rear, front and side to be added or removed according to race conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/product_p/007.htm|title=Free It Up - When Too Much Grip Is A Problem|website=www.KartPartsDepot.com}}</ref>

Braking is achieved by a [[disc brake]] mounted on the rear axle. Front disc brakes are used in most shifter kart classes and are increasingly popular in other classes; however, certain classes do not allow them. Shifter karts have dual master cylinders, one for the front and one for the rear, and are adjustable to allow for front/rear bias changes.

Professionally raced karts typically weigh {{convert|165|to|175|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, complete without driver. [[Avanti Kart|Avanti]], Tony Kart, [[Jarno Trulli|Trulli]], [[Birel]], [[CRG (kart manufacturer)|CRG]], [[Gillard (kart manufacturer)|Gillard]], [[Intrepid Kart|Intrepid]], [[Monaco Kart|Remo Racing]], Kosmic, [[Alex Zanardi|Zanardi]] or [[Fernando Alonso|FA Kart]] and [[EKS Motorsport|EKS]] are a few well-known examples of the many European manufacturers of race-quality chassis. Emmick, Coyote, Bandit, Shadow, MGM, Titan, PRC and Margay are American companies producing kart chassis.

=== Engines ===
[[File:Shifter_Kart_Engine.jpg|thumb|Shifter kart engine]]
Racing karts mostly use small two-stroke or four-stroke engines; however, as of 2022, there has been small-scale adoption of [[electric motor]]s in racing karts.

* [[Four-stroke engine]]s can be standard air-cooled industrial based engines, sometimes with small modifications, developing from about 5 to 20&nbsp;hp. [[Briggs & Stratton]], Tecumseh, Kohler, Robin, [[Honda]], and Torini are manufacturers of such engines. They are used in both lower-level racing (particularly introductory junior categories) and fun kart applications. There are also more powerful four-stroke engines available from manufacturers like [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], TKM, [[Swissauto]] or Aixro ([[Wankel engine]]) offering from 15&nbsp;hp up to 48&nbsp;hp. They run to and around 11,000 rpm, and are manufactured specifically for karting. Those are used in some National Championship classes like the two-strokes.
* [[Two-stroke engine|Two-stroke]] kart engines are developed and built by dedicated manufacturers.ROTAX, WTP, Comer, [[Italian American Motor Engineering|IAME]] (Parilla, Komet, Woltjer), TM, Vortex, Titan, REFO, Modena Engines, TKM, [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]] are manufacturers of such engines. These can develop from about 8&nbsp;hp for a single-cylinder 60 cc unit (MiniROK by Vortex) to over 90&nbsp;hp for a twin 250 cc.<ref name="Superkart">{{cite web |url=http://www.parcferme.com/content/view/2663/2/ |title=Superkart at Magny-Cours – 2007 |publisher=Parcferme.com |access-date=2011-08-08 |archive-date=14 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414212308/http://www.parcferme.com/content/view/2663/2/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Today, the most popular categories worldwide are those using the TaG 125 cc units. The recent 125 cc [[KF1]] engines are electronically limited at 16,000 rpm.<ref>''"Article 21 ; Specific Regulations for KF1 ; Engine speed limited to maximum 16,000 rpm."'' – [http://www.cikfia.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/C54F7EAD9380CB63C125707500537686/$FILE/WEB_RT%202010_full_version.pdf CIK-FIA 2010 Technical Regulations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330233508/http://www.cikfia.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/C54F7EAD9380CB63C125707500537686/$FILE/WEB_RT%202010_full_version.pdf |date=30 March 2010 }}</ref> Most are water-cooled today; however, previously air-cooled engines dominated the sport.
* While [[electric motor]]s have been used in low-performance amusement park karts for some time—particularly in indoor applications where fumes are a concern - higher-performance competitive racing karts are now becoming commercially available.  For instance, manufacturer Blue Shock Racing offers a range of electric karts for both junior and senior competitors<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electric Racing Karts |url=https://blueshockrace.com/electric-racing-karts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617120714/https://blueshockrace.com/electric-racing-karts/ |archive-date=2022-06-17 |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Blue Shock Racing}}</ref> with performance comparable to combustion-powered karts, and has held race series for them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electric Kart Championships |url=https://blueshockrace.com/championships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617121023/https://blueshockrace.com/championships/ |archive-date=2022-06-17 |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Blue Shock Racing}}</ref> Combustion kart engine maker [[Rotax]] also offers an electric kart motor and has held racing events for karts fitted with it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rotax E20 |url=https://www.rotax-kart.com/en/Racing/E-Racing/Project-E20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617121615/https://www.rotax-kart.com/en/Racing/E-Racing/Project-E20 |archive-date=2022-06-17 |access-date=2022-06-17 |website=Rotax (corporate website)}}</ref>

=== Transmission ===
Purpose of transmission: There are three reasons for having a transmission in the automotive power train or drive train. The transmission can:
* Provide torque needed to move the vehicle under a variety of road and load conditions. It does this by changing the gear ratio between the engine crankshaft and vehicle drive wheel.
* Be shifted into reverse so the vehicle can move backward.
* Be shifted into neutral for starting the engine and running it without turning the drive wheels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oaji.net/articles/2017/1992-1530703509.pdf|title=Design of Transmission System for Go-Kart Vehicle}}</ref>

Karts do not have a [[differential (mechanical device)|differential]].<ref name="chassis" /> The lack of a differential means that one rear tire must slide while cornering. This is achieved by designing the chassis so that the inside rear tire lifts up slightly when the kart turns the corner. This allows the tire to lose some of its grip and slide or lift off the ground completely.

Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle by a chain. Both engine and axle [[sprocket]]s are removable. Their ratio must be adapted to the track configuration to obtain the most performance from the engine.

In the early days, karts were direct drive, requiring push starts. The inconvenience of that configuration led to the [[centrifugal clutch]] for the club level classes. Dry centrifugal clutches are now used in many categories; [[Rotax Max]] is one example. They have become the norm as the top international classes have switched to 125&nbsp;cc clutch-equipped engines as of January 2007.

=== Tires ===
Wheels and [[tire]]s are much smaller than those used on a normal car. Wheels are made of [[magnesium]] alloy, [[aluminum]], or [[composite material]]s. Tires can support cornering forces in excess of 2 [[Gravity of Earth|g]] (20&nbsp;m/s²), depending on chassis, engine, and motor [[Racing setup|setup]]. Some car tire manufacturers, such as MG [[Bridgestone]], [[Dunlop Tyres|Dunlop]], and [[Maxxis]] make tires for karts. There are also specific kart tire manufacturers, which include MG, Vega, MOJO, LeCont, Cobra, Hoosier and Burris.

Similarly to other motorsports, kart tires have different types for use appropriate to track conditions:
* [[Slick tire|Slicks]], for dry track. Slick kart tires come in many different compounds, from very soft (maximum grip) to very hard (amusement and rental karts, less grip but long life span). In international level racing, because the drivers are free to choose their tires<ref>[http://www.cikfiachampionship.com/news.asp?id=77 Latest decisions of the FIA World Motor Sport Council concerning Karting] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926005547/http://www.cikfiachampionship.com/news.asp?id=77 |date=26 September 2014 }} - CIK-FIA, 15 March 2012</ref> and because of the short duration of each round (10 to 20 minutes maximum), these are some of the softest tires found in motorsport.
* [[Rain tire]]s, or "wets", for wet weather. They are grooved, made of soft compound, and are narrower than slicks. Not all racing classes allow rain tires.
* Special, such as spiked tires for icy conditions, or "cuts/grooved" for high grip dirt/clay speedways. Cuts are slicks modified with a [[lathe]] to optimize handling. Tire manufacturers such as Hoosier and Burris also make a slightly larger grooved tire only used in dirt track racing.

=== Data acquisition ===

As in other motor sports, several data acquisition systems have been developed for kart racing. These systems allow the driver to monitor from a display fixed on the steering wheel some parameters such as RPM, timing of laps (including sectors), number of laps, best lap, cooling system temperature, exhaust gas temperature and sometimes speed or even gear for shifter karts.

Some of those systems are able to record (logging) laps data from the sensors, allowing replay of an entire running session or/and direct download to a personal computer equipped with a data analysis software. More sophisticated systems allow for more information such as lateral and longitudinal acceleration ([[g-force]]), throttle position, steering wheel position and brake pressure.

== Racing ==
Kart racing is generally accepted as the most economical form of [[motorsport]] available on four wheels. As a free-time activity, it can be performed by almost anybody, and as a motorsport in itself, it is one of the sports regulated by [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] (under the name of [[Commission Internationale de Karting|CIK]]), permitting licensed racing for anyone from the age of 8 onward.

In the United States, there is not as much FIA involvement; instead, many organizations regulate racing, such as the IKF ([[International Kart Federation]]), WKA ([[World Karting Association]]), KART (Karters of America Racing Triad), USPKS (United States Pro Karting Series) SKUSA (SuperKartsUSA).

In the UK, the [[Motor Sports Association]] (MSA) regulates most "owner driver" Karting. Some associations, such as [[Natska|NatSKA]] (National Schools Karting Association), organize race meetings throughout the country under the authority of the MSA.
Various four-stroke "hire kart" series such as EPEC (European Prokart Endurance Championship)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.teessidekarting.co.uk/European-pro-kart.php |title=European Endurance Prokart Championship (EPEC) |publisher=Teessidekarting.co.uk |access-date=2011-08-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908011101/http://www.teessidekarting.co.uk/European-pro-kart.php |archive-date=8 September 2011 }}</ref> or BRKC (British Rental Kart Championship)<ref>{{cite web |author=Bradley Philpot |url=http://www.brkc.net |title=British Rental Kart Championship |publisher=BRKC |access-date=2011-08-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224094952/http://brkc.net/ |archive-date=24 December 2018 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> fall outside the governance of the MSA. Billed as the UK's first national karting ''league'', the Elite Karting League also falls outside of MSA governance.

In Australia, kart racing is administered by one of the following Karting bodies:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kartbook.au/karting-organisations|title=List of Australian Karting Associations and related clubs |publisher=kartbook.au |access-date=2021-01-18 }}</ref>
*[[Australian Auto Sport Alliance]] - 6 clubs
*[[Australian Independent Dirt Kart Association]] - 19 clubs
*[[Australian Kart Racers Alliance]] - 3 clubs
*[[Karting Australia]] - 6 state associations (previously known as [[Australian Karting Association]] granted rights for [[Commission Internationale de Karting|CIK-FIA]] racing via [[Motorsport Australia]])
*[[Karting NSW]] - 24 clubs, separated from [[Australian Karting Association]] in 2019<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kartsportnews.com/2018/10/12/karting-nsw-announce-committee-appointments/|title=Karting NSW Split from KA |date=12 October 2018 |publisher=kartsportnews.com|access-date=2021-01-20 }}</ref>
*[[Speedway Karting Association of Australia]] - 16 clubs
*[[Wheatbelt Dirt Karting Association]] - 4 clubs
* Unaffiliated - 8 clubs

Racing classes start at age 7 or 8 (5 in the United States with "Kid Karts") and generally run in 3-year age groupings or weight divisions until "senior" status is reached at age 15 or 16, depending on the series.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

=== Racing formats ===
Typically, race formats are one of the following:

==== Sprint ====
[[File:KartingNSKC.jpg|thumb|Sprint race at Eastern Creek, Australia]]
Sprint racing takes place on dedicated kart circuits resembling small road courses, with left and right turns, hairpins, chicanes, and short and long straightaways.  Tracks range from 1/4-mile (400 metres) to over 1 mile (1,600 metres) in length.

The sprint format is a series of short-duration races, normally for a small number of laps, that qualify for a final which last 20 minutes or more, with a variety of point scoring calculations to determine the event's overall winner. Typical duration does not normally exceed 25 minutes. Here, speed and successful passing is of the most importance. It normally occurs in the format of qualifying, one to three heats and a final race for trophy positions.

Sprint Racing in the United States and Canada are held at three primary levels, club racing (local races at purpose-built tracks), regional racing - like the [https://www.superkartsusa.com/regional/california-pkc/3590-california-prokart-challenge-wraps-up-2024-season-at-k1-circuit.html California ProKart Challenge], the [https://www.texassprintseries.com/ Texas Sprint Racing Series], the Florida-based [https://www.amrmotorplex.com/race-events/kart-owner-events/sskc1/ Sunshine Karting Championship Series], [https://www.route66kartracing.com/ Route 66 Sprint Series] in the Midwest, and the [https://thefseries.com/gearup-challenge-new-jersey-pa-new-york-1-karting/ F-Series Gearup Challenge] in the Northeast. National level karting takes place across North America in dedicated national series like the [https://www.superkartsusa.com/national/skusa-pro-tour.html/ SKUSA Pro Tour] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722110937/https://superkartsusa.com/national/skusa-pro-tour.html |date=22 July 2024 }}, the [https://www.uspks.com/ USPKS Championship Series], [https://www.worldkarting.com/series/manufacturers-cup/ WKA Manufacturers Cup] and the [https://rokcupusa.com/ ROK Cup USA]. The SKUSA Pro Tour championship is one of the most coveted, and the [https://www.superkartsusa.com/national/skusa-supernationals/about.html SKUSA SuperNats] event held in Las Vegas annually is one of the largest kart races in the world, attracting drivers from every continent. The SKUSA SuperNats event has been run continuously for 25 years, and a SuperNats win is considered a legendary win in karting circles.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}}

The [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] championships, including the [[Karting World Championship]], SKUSA SuperNats and all SKUSA Pro Tour, USPKS and ROK Cup USA Nationals take place in this format.

Sprint racing can be held at a dedicated purpose-built track (most of which also rent club karts for family fun), and sprint races are also held at kart tracks that exist at many major auto sports complexes like [[Daytona International Speedway]], [[Charlotte Motor Speedway]], [[Pittsburgh International Race Complex]], [[NOLA Motorsports Park]] in New Orleans, [[Homestead–Miami Speedway|Homestead-Miami Speedway]], and [[Road America]]. Sprint races are also held at temporary kart circuits that can be built in parking areas at large stadiums and casinos throughout the United States. Additionally, there are street races where races take place on city streets on temporary circuits like some of the [[IndyCar]] races.

==== Endurance ====
[[File:enduros.jpg|thumb|Pack of laydown enduros at [[Daytona International Speedway]]]]
Endurance races last for an extended period, ranging from 30 minutes up to 24 hours or more, for one or more drivers. In general, consistency, reliability, and pit strategy is of greater importance than all out speed.

Called "enduro" racing in the United States, most [[World Karting Association|WKA]] and [[International Kart Federation|IKF]] sanctioned events typically last 30 minutes (sprint enduro) or 45 minutes (laydown enduro) and are run continuously without pit stops. Enduro events are held on full-size road racing circuits that are usually between 1.5 and 4 miles in length.

As well as the famous [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] race for automobiles there is also a 24-hours event for karts which takes place at the kart circuit Alain Prost at [[Le Mans]], France.<ref>[http://www.circuitalainprost.com Kart circuit Alain Prost – 24 hours] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106063535/http://www.circuitalainprost.com/ |date=6 January 2008 }}</ref> This race has taken place since 1986 and its winners list include four-time [[Champ Car]] champion [[Sébastien Bourdais]] (in 1996).

Endurance racing is also considered a more affordable way of getting into karting. In South Africa, the 24 Hours of Karting Festival race is held annually and lasts 24 hours with multiple classes participating. This event is hosted by the Prokart SSS Club<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://prokartsss.co.za/|title=Prokart SSS Endurance Karting|website=Prokart SSS Endurance Karting}}</ref> near Johannesburg. The most popular class runs the Honda GX390 four-stroke engine, which is both affordable and durable, keeping running costs to a minimum. The Prokart Super Single Series, also known as Prokart SSS, has been running for more than 20 years and has proven to be a very popular entry platform for drivers of all ages who want to get into karting. Many clubs worldwide have taken on four-stroke endurance karting for this reason, since two-stroke karting can be very expensive.

==== Speedway ====
Speedway racing takes place on [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] or clay [[oval (geometry)|oval]] tracks which are normally between 1/10-mile and 1/4-mile long. Tracks primarily consist of two straights and four left-turn corners, few tracks are symmetric and often the shape parallels that of an egg or a [[tri-oval]].

"Offset" kart chassis have been developed for precise handling and adjustability in left-turn-only racing competition taking place on oval and tri-oval tracks. Depending on the track material, different tires are used on the kart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/product_p/81.htm|title=Introduction to Go Kart Tires|website=www.KartPartsDepot.com}}</ref>

Speedway kart races range in length from 4 laps for a trophy dash, to 20 laps for a main event.

The two chief racing formats used in dirt speedway karting are heat races and timed laps qualification:

*The [[International Kart Federation]] (IKF) runs a racing format of two 10 lap heats followed by a 20 lap final. Finishing positions in the two heat races are used to calculate the starting position in the feature race.
*The [[World Karting Association]] (WKA) uses time qualifying. Karts equipped with transponders are sent out onto the track in groups of 5 or less to try to achieve the fastest lap time. Positions for the 20 laps feature event are determined by qualifying time.
*The American Kart Racing Association (AKRA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.akrainc.com |title=American Kart Racing Association (AKRA) |publisher=Akrainc.com |access-date=2011-08-08}}</ref> uses group transponder qualifying to calculate starting positions for 20-lap features.

=== Racing categories ===
There are many different classes in kart. One of the fastest growing in the United States is Lo206. The general classes are 125cc Shifter, 100cc tag, 125cc tag and then the X30 equivalents of these karts.

==== International ====
[[File:Ben Willshire GP1.jpg|thumb|[[Superkart]]]]
The [[Commission Internationale de Karting|CIK-FIA]] sanctions international championships in [[OK (karting)|OK]], [[OKJ (karting)|OKJ]], [[KZ1 (karting)|KZ1]], [[KZ2]] and [[Superkart]]. These are regarded as the top-level classes of karting and are also raced in national championships worldwide. The [[Karting World Championship|World Championship]] is decided here. In May 2019 it held the international under-15 championship. The driver who finished first overall was Vlad Sputzki (Russia) followed by Daniel Smith (England) and then followed by Maximilien Blank (Australia)
CIK-FIA categories:
*OK (the top level) and OKJ for a younger age group. All are using the same water-cooled no-gearbox 125 cc "long life" two-stroke engines, which are direct drive, each with different technical specifications covering mufflers, air boxes, carburetor, speed limiters, etc.
*KZ1 and KZ2, both 125 cc gearbox categories.
*Superkart, a 250 cc gearbox category.

Non CIK-FIA categories:
The Kart World Championship (or KWC)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kartworldchampionship.com/|title=KWC - Kart World Championship|website=www.kartworldchampionship.com}}</ref> as opposed to the FIA's "Karting World Championship" uses 4-stroke rental karts and travels to a different country each year.

==== National ====
In the UK, the most celebrated karting series is the National karting series, also known as [[Super 1 National Kart Championships|Super One]]. There are three types of [[Super 1 National Kart Championships|Super One]] championships:

*MSA series: [[KF2]], [[KF3]], Formula KGP, Super Cadet, Cadet & Bambino
*[[Rotax Max|Rotax]] series: Minimax, Junior Max, Senior Max, Senior Max 177
*[[TKM (Karting)|TKM]] series: Formula Junior TKM, Formula TKM Extreme, TKM Senior 4-stroke and since 2006, Honda Cadet

Other UK National Championships include:
[[Birel]] BirelART series UK: Cadet 60cc, Junior 100cc, Senior Light 125cc, Senior Heavy 125cc, British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC)

The BRKC is the UK's rental karting National championship, and the UK's official feeder series to the rental Kart World Championship.

[[Natska|NatSKA]] is a budget karting association set up for schools and youth groups in the UK, with 13 classes.

In the United States, Dirt oval classes{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} (which often use [[Briggs & Stratton]] industrial engines) are prominent in the Southeast and Midwest.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} In the West, European style sprint racing is much more common.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}} In particular, 125cc shifter karts using Honda CR125 power units have gained tremendous popularity in recent years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.superkartsusa.com/|title=SuperKarts! USA|website=www.superkartsusa.com}}</ref>

In Australia, classes include Cadet (previously called Midget),Junior KA4, Junior KA3, X30, KZ2, Senior KA3, Senior TAG (Restricted and Unrestricted). Most classes run a light and heavy category.

Many people race worldwide in [[Spec series]] such as [[X30 125cc]] (a [[Touch-and-go (karting)|TaG]] class).

=== Racing licences ===
As in other disciplines in motorsports, a license is required to drive a racing kart in competition.<ref>[http://gomotorsportracing.com/go-kart-basics/ Go Kart Basics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424075953/http://gomotorsportracing.com/go-kart-basics/ |date=24 April 2014 }} - Go Motorsport Racing, 14 April 2014</ref> The licenses, issued by governing bodies, are provided by clubs or associations. Basic insurance coverage is usually included in the licence annual fee. In some countries, such as [[France]], regulations require the drivers to pass a medical exam each year.

License classes differ between countries according to age groups or levels. Most of the time a Practice License can be easily obtained, while a Racing License might require a capability assessment.<ref>[http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=765 Karting] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518121012/http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=765 |date=18 May 2014 }} - British [[Motor Sports Association]] (MSA)</ref>

=== Driver equipment ===
For their safety, kart drivers are required to wear proper equipment:<ref>[http://www.cikfia.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/C54F7EAD9380CB63C125707500537686/$FILE/Web_RT2009.pdf 2009 CIK-FIA Karting Technical Regulations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306070039/http://www.cikfia.com/web/karting/webkarting.nsf/C54F7EAD9380CB63C125707500537686/$FILE/Web_RT2009.pdf |date=6 March 2009 }} – Article 3 : Kart and Equipment Safety</ref>
* Full-face [[helmet]] ([[Snell Memorial Foundation|Snell]] SA2020 or K2020 certification is required for racing, K2020 is same as SA2020 without fire resistance) 
* Driving suit (abrasion resistant overalls with at least one [[Cordura]] external layer, CIK-FIA Level 2 homologation for top level racing)
* Gloves
* Driving boots (ankles must be covered)

[[Rib protector (kart racing)|Rib protector]], [[racing balaclava]] and [[HANS device|neck brace]], although highly recommended, are optional in most countries. None of the above need to be made of fire retardant material. Superkart drivers are required to wear leather overalls, similar to those used in [[Motorcycle safety clothing|motorcycling]].

== Cost ==
Since its introduction as a [[Karting World Championship|World Championship]] discipline in 1964, the cost of competitive karting has spiralled; in 2023, Fabio Marangon of ''Vroomkart'' described the sport as "Formula 5".<ref>{{cite web | title=After turning karting into Formula 5, FIA says that it costs too much. &#124; Kart News | date=31 December 2023 | url=https://www.vroomkart.com/news/42951/after-turning-karting-into-formula-5-fia-says-that-it-costs-too-much }}</ref> Under [[Mohammed Ben Sulayem]], the [[FIA]] introduced the [[OK-N]] and [[OKN-Junior]] categories to reduce costs for competitors.<ref>{{cite web | title=FIA announces World Motor Sport Council decisions | url=https://tkart.it/en/news/features/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-2 }}</ref> [[Arrive-and-drive]] championships gained prevalence through the early 21st century, led by [[Club100]] in the [[List of kart racing championships#United Kingdom|United Kingdom]], and the format was given [[Karting World Cup|World Cup]]–status in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=How to be a racing driver… with arrive-and-drive karting | date=24 February 2025 | url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-2025/104/how-to-be-a-racing-driver-with-arrive-and-drive-karting/ }}</ref>

== As a learning tool ==
Drivers can start at the age of 6 in the Motorsport UK Bambino Championship,<ref name="kartingforum.co.uk">KartingForum.co.uk [https://www.kartingforum.co.uk/threads/find-out-more-about-bambino.100 "UK Bambino Championship - Cost effective starter class for 6-8 year olds!"], ''[[KartingForum.co.uk]]'', Essex, 16 December 2019. Retrieved on 1 January 2020.</ref> and even from the age of 5 in the Bambino Kart Club Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bambinokartclub.com/classes|title=Comer C50|access-date=29 November 2021|archive-date=11 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211115129/https://www.bambinokartclub.com/classes|url-status=dead}}</ref> Many [[Formula One]] drivers grew up racing karts, most prominent among them being [[World Drivers' Champion]]s [[Ayrton Senna]], [[Michael Schumacher]], [[Alain Prost]], [[Fernando Alonso]], [[Kimi Räikkönen]], [[Jenson Button]], [[Lewis Hamilton]], [[Sebastian Vettel]], and [[Max Verstappen]]. Many [[NASCAR]] drivers also got their start in racing from karts, such as [[Darrell Waltrip]], [[Danica Patrick]], [[Ricky Rudd]], [[Juan Pablo Montoya]], [[Tony Stewart]], and [[Jeff Gordon]]. <!-- Please do not quote every single driver, only World Champions -->

In August 2009, in anticipation to a possible return to F1 with [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], [[Formula One]] world champion [[Michael Schumacher]] did some preparation driving a kart in [[Lonato]], Italy.<ref>[http://brianat.blogspot.com/2009/08/michael-is-karting-in-lonato.html Michael is karting in Lonato] – [[Michael Schumacher]] official website, 5 August 2009</ref> Schumacher also raced at the [[SKUSA SuperNationals]], an event taking place each year in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], along with F1 drivers [[Sébastien Buemi]] and [[Nelson Piquet Jr.]]<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAnXp_L6RjI SKUSA Supernationals/Michael Schumacher] – [[YouTube]] video</ref> [[Felipe Massa]] also used karting in September 2009 to test his condition in Brazil, two months after his [[2009 Hungarian Grand Prix|Hungarian Grand Prix]] accident during qualifying.<ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article6854211.ece Felipe Massa takes wheel for first time since accident]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} – ''[[The Times]]'', 29 September 2009</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Kart circuit]]
* [[:Category:Kart manufacturers|Kart manufacturers]]
* [[List of kart racing championships]]
'''Related:'''
* ''[[Capeta]]''
* [[Cyclekart]]
* [[Crosskart]]
* [[Go-kart]]
* [[Kart racing game]]
* [[Micro kart]]
* [[Small engine]]
* [[Superkart]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Karting}}
* [https://www.kartingforum.co.uk KartingForum.co.uk] Your #1 Karting Community!
* [https://www.kartingclassifieds.co.uk Karting Classifieds] Karts and Karting related items for sale or wanted.
* [https://kartdirectory.co.uk Kart Directory UK] The Home For British Karters.
* [https://www.kartpulse.com Kartpulse] a worldwide resource for new and existing kart racers.

'''Governing Bodies:'''
* [https://www.kartingukbambino.com Motorsport UK Bambino Championship] - Motorsport UK Bambino Championship
* [http://www.ultimatecorporateleague.com corporate sports league web site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025112/https://ultimatecorporateleague.com/ |date=12 November 2020 }}
* [http://www.cikfia.com CIK-FIA web site]
* [http://www.msauk.org MSA – Motor Sports Association] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818170608/https://www.msauk.org/ |date=18 August 2018 }} – Governing body for motor sports in Great Britain
* [http://www.ikfkarting.com IKF – International Kart Federation] – Governing body for the sport of kart racing in the US, mainly West Coast
* [http://www.worldkarting.com WKA – World Karting Association] – Governing body for karting in the US, mainly East Coast
* [http://www.akrainc.com AKRA – American Kart Racing Association] – Governing body for speedway oval karting in the US
* [http://www.karting.net.au AKA – Australian Karting Association] – Governing body for karting in Australia
* [http://www.asncanada.com ASN Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402154309/http://www.asncanada.com/ |date=2 April 2019 }} – Governing body for kart racing in Canada
* [http://www.natska.co.uk NatSKA – National Association of Schools and Youth Group Karting – UK]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080120162642/http://www.vintagepowersport.com/vka/ VKA – Vintage Karting Association] – Association for support of karts from karting's 1956 inception to 1975

{{Kart racing}}
{{Class of Auto racing}}
{{Racing}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Kart racing| ]]
[[Category:Open wheel racing]]
[[Category:American inventions]]
[[Category:Sports car racing]]
[[Category:Sports originating in the United States]]