Go-Karting Facts

Go-karting offers individuals the opportunity to enjoy racing small vehicles. Go-karts can often be seen at tourist locations for recreation, such as the beach or amusement parks. They also are used by more serious drivers for competitive racing in clubs, tours or racing leagues.

Safety

Some go-karts do not have seat belts, and that is not an oversight. It was done on purpose as an actual safety precaution for go-kart use. The design of a go-kart was made to actually throw the driver out of the go-kart in the case of an accident. This removes the driver from the close proximity to the gasoline which could ignite in the case of an accident and cause a fire, potentially injuring or killing the driver. Items, such as seat belts or roll cages, could hinder the driver's ability to get away from the go-kart in the case of an explosion or fire.

Safety Equipment

Go-kart drivers have special safety equipment designed for them, including helmets and suits. The suits were designed with the knowledge that the go-kart will toss the driver out in the case of an accident. The suits are designed to be abrasion-resistant to protect the driver from injuries to his skin when he is thrown from the vehicle. It is recommended to purchase a suit that is one piece, so the pieces do not ride up on on you while driving, exposing your skin around your mid section in the case of an accident. As for the helmet, it protects the head of the driver in case it comes into contact with the ground or another object. Specially designed go-karting gloves can also protect your hands.

Optional equipment includes special go-kart shoes--these can be purchased but standard thick soled shoes will do. Another piece of equipment is a neck brace, which some organizations actually require to protect your neck. Rib protectors are also helpful in the case of an accident.

Speed

The speed of a go-kart can vary significantly. This depends on if it has one or two engines, and the type of restrictors put on the speed of the go-kart when it was manufactured. Ones with heavy restriction placed on the speed tend to have a top speed of 50 miles per hour. Without restrictors, 100 miles per hour or slightly higher can be reached in a go-kart.

Turning

Do not be surprised when one of your tires comes off the road when making a sharp turn with a go-kart. This is actually part of the design of the go-kart itself and does not represent a flaw in your vehicle. A go-kart does not have a suspension system like a car, in fact it does not have one. This puts the torque on the chassis. This torque is a result of centrifugal force and allows the chassis to twist, lifting the inside rear tire off the ground slightly.

Terminology

The terms go-kart and kart are sometimes used interchangeably. The Aspen Motorsports Park website does offer a distinction though. It indicates that the vehicle referred to for recreational use are more often referred to as go-kart, while the one used for racing are commonly just referred to as kart.