We would like to believe that passion for karting brings you here, to our blog. However, if you’re new to the world of karting, this article would be a good place to start. So put your seatbelts on and gear up to fall in love with the sport, if you haven’t already!
It is without a doubt that in the recent years karting has arguably become the most popular form of motor sporting. One of the key factors drawing keen interest from participants and spectators alike is the fact that there is something for every individual to enjoy. This is because karting comes in a variety of forms to fit the needs of those engaging with it. When people hear the word karting, they generally think of kart models for children, or indoor go-karting. They often forget that karting also has a high powered competitive side in the form of super-karting which is often the stepping stone to high level Formula One racing!
Fun fact: Due to the huge fan base, and competitive style of advanced karting styles, the very organisation that regulates Formula One races- Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile or FIA, also happens to oversee international karting competitions.
What Is Go-Karting?
In simple terms, karting, or go karting refers to an open wheel car and/or a quadracycle. This is basically the umbrella term for all types of karts that fall under this classification. However, to the common folk the most common image of a go-kart that comes to mind is at amusement parks, or recreational and indoor karting that is not associated with competitive sporting. You might know of the format of ‘arrive and drive’ that is followed for recreational karting where the customer is provided with the safety gear and equipments on arrival. You get to race there at your convenience, at reasonable rates for sessions ranging between 10mins to 30mins.
Another form available for recreational go-karting is on outdoor tracks. These can simply be for amusement purposes with low-speed karts, or fast and powerful karts that are similar to actual racing karts. They can either be powered by 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines that can go up to 15 hp, but are designed sturdily as they are employed on rental basis.
You might also be familiar with the idea of indoor go-kart racing. As the popularity of karting has gained momentum, newer forms have evolved to suit the different comfort zones of participants and spectators. Indoor karting is one of the newer forms that have become wildly favoured due to its adaptability and marketable quality. In major cities all over the world, old factories and warehouses have been refurbished to make indoor go-karting tracks which are usually shorter than the traditional tracks outdoor. Moreover, indoor karts primarily use 4 stroke engines that range anywhere between 5 – 13 horsepower. To everyone’s delight, a lot of these tracks offer competitive leagues and races. And if you aim higher, there is Indoor Karting World Championship at the top.
To add to the pleasure of karting enthusiasts, some countries allow licensed go-karts for use on public roads. In the European union however, there are a few restrictions and regulations that have to be followed. For use on street tracks, a modified go kart must have:
- A horn
- Headlights with high or low beams
- Indicators
- Taillights
- Engine that should not exceed 20 horsepower, or 15 kilowatts
Probably the most striking feature of a go-kart is its adaptability to the needs of the day and age, which makes it easily marketable from the business point of view. There is room for innovation that keep the enthusiasts hooked to this motor sport.
What Is Super Karting? How Is It Different from Go Karting?
Being a subset of karting, Super karting is not very different from go-karting. They are fundamentally similar in their roots, aim, and scope. However, super karting does have some striking features that set it apart from other types. As the name suggests, it is arguably an advanced form of karting that come with greater thrills and speedier tracks. Some striking characteristics of super karts that stand out are:
- An aerodynamic bodykit- they are designed for high speeds, for which they require specialized aerodynamic bodykits to generate a downforce, reduce drag, and provide stability.
- Super karts can race on circuits that are more than 1500mts in length, called ‘long circuits’. Silverstone and Magny-Cours are some examples of such circuits. In the United Kingdom you can also race on ‘short circuits’ that are under 1500mts in length.
- Due to their top speed racing, they need special body parts such as large sidepods, a rear wing, and front fairing.
- You may be surprised to know that racing cars that are more technically advanced and expensive than super karts, often fall short to the lap times set by 250 cc super karts.
- If you wish to compete professionally, there is the British Superkart Championship, Australian Superkart Championship, regional events under Superkarts! USA, and many more.
As it has been stated earlier, go-karting and super-karting fall under the same umbrella. However, the differences lie in technicalities. Either way, both are extremely exciting to professionals, beginners, and spectators alike. To the enthusiasts, this distinction between go-karting and super-karting opens up a wide range of options that they can choose from, and partake in, passionately. There is room for everyone in the world of karting, and that is what makes it so readily accessible to its diverse community that includes kids, teens, adults- practically anyone who is interested!
