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1. How does a racing kart differ from a fun kart?
2. What are the major types of racing karts?
3. What types of engines are used?
4. Who establishes the rules for kart racing?
5. What is involved in joining either organization?
6. Do I have to belong to either organization in order to race?
7. Can I win money by racing karts?
8. How do I get started in kart racing?
9. Do I need a kart racing license?
10. Are there karting schools?
11. What is sprint racing like?
12. What is enduro racing like?
13. How much of a factor is weight?
14. How old do you have to be?
15. What fuel do karts use?
16. What procedure should I follow in order to get involved in kart racing?

Questions:

Answers:

1. How does a racing kart differ from a fun kart?

back to top The biggest difference is that fun karts -- or amusement karts -- are equipped with speed governors to limit their speed. Fun karts also have extremely hard tires and protective nerf bars, much more so than racing karts. Fun karts generally do not have sophisticated braking systems; racing karts do. Racing karts are built specifically to be raced. Their engines generally are high strung, purpose-built engines. They usually run on alcohol (most 4 cycles) or a mixture of racing gas and 2-cycle oil (2 cycles). Racing karts compete on soft, purpose-built tires. Racing karts do not run with speed governors, although some classes might have a specific kind of intake or exhaust restrictor to restrict horsepower (most Junior classes fit into this category but also some Senior classes).

2. What are the major types
of racing karts?

back to top
Sprint Karts and Enduro Karts

(1) Sprints have two subcategories. (a) 2-cycle sprints and (b) 4-cycle sprints. These subcategories are broken down even further: (i) Sprint roadracing; (ii) sprint paved oval; (iii) sprint dirt oval. Most, if not all, sprint racing is done on short tracks, rarely more than one-half mile in length, either road-racing or oval, either paved or dirt. Both 2-cycle engines and 4-cycle engines are used in all three forms of sprint racing, although various tracks/clubs/sanctioning bodies might vary as to what they allow.
(2) Enduro karts also have various subcategories: (a) laydown enduros, the more traditional form of enduro karts; and (b) sprint enduros, of which there can be 2-cycle and 4-cycle classes. Enduros race only at long sports-car type tracks (such as Daytona, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca, New Hampshire International, Charlotte, Rockingham, Summit Point (W.Va.), etc.). Sprint enduros can be tailor-made for enduro tracks (generally, they have narrower, stiffer frames) or can be run on sprint tracks one weekend and enduro tracks the next, usually by changing gearing and retuning. Within both sprint and enduro racing are many classes according to type of engines, number of engines, combined weight of driver and kart, type of fuel allowed, etc.

3. What types of engines are used?

back to top In the 2-cycle classes, primarily 100cc engines designed and produced specifically for kart racing. In the 4-cycle classes, it is primarily Briggs & Stratton 5-horsepower engines.

There are other types and sizes of engines. For example, in the 2-cycle classes, it is not uncommon to have 135cc engines or 150cc engines; also common are twin-engined 2-cycle karts, generally running twin 100cc engines. In the 4-cycle classes, some kart clubs allow Honda 4-cycle motors.

There are also shifter classes, where the sprints or enduros are equipped with 80cc or 125cc or 250cc motorcycle engines with six-speed gearboxes. These engines can be air cooled or water-cooled. Shifters can run on either sprint tracks, enduro tracks or both.

4. Who establishes the rules for kart racing?

back to top In the U.S., there are three kart racing governing bodies:

The International Kart Federation 4650 Arrow Highway, Suite B-4, Montclair, CA 91763 (714) 625-5497

The World Karting Association PO Box 294, Harrisburg, N.C. 28075 (704) 455-1606

K.A.R.T. (Karters of America Racing Triad) Raymore, MO

Basically, the IKF covers the western half of the U.S., the WKA covers the eastern half, and K.A.R.T. is active in the middle. They all somewhat overlap in the Midwest, although none of the organizations are restricted geographically and, indeed, the IKF sanctions some races in the Northeast. In 1995, there was published information from the IKF and the WKA about "getting together" for the benefit of all karters. Generally, the rules of the organizations are fairly similar.

5. What is involved in joining either organization?

back to top Simply paying annual membership fees. This entitles you to race at sanctioned events and to receive the organization's monthly magazine. You can subscribe separately to either magazine without joining the organization. Costs are relatively inexpensive.

There is at least one independent karting magazine available in the U.S.: National Kart News 51535 Bittersweet Road Granger, IN. 46530 (219) 277-0033.

6. Do I have to belong to either organization in order to race?

back to top
Not to race at most club races although some clubs might require national membership. In order to race at a "national" race, you will be required to join the sanctioning organization. At most club races, you are not even required to join the club, although this varies from club to club.

7. Can I win money by racing karts?

back to top Yes, some clubs, and at least one sanctioning organziation (WKA), offer some classes that race for pay. These classes generally carry higher entry fees and the payback generally goes back only three to five places. It is generally accepted that kart racing is an amateur sport.

8. How do I get started in kart racing?

back to top The best advice is to visit a race, observe what's going on, talk to karters, and get a sense of what kart racing is about. Either of the organizations listed above have directories of kart tracks, kart clubs, national and regional races, and kart shops. Their magazines are also good sources for information about karting if for no other reason than you get names and addresses of kart suppliers. Contact a club in your area; most clubs have programs for people interested in karting and most clubs will have further printed information.

9. Do I need a kart racing license?

back to top No. Neither organization requires a kart racing license, or even any evidence of driving ability. If you have the kart, any required memberships, meet the minimum age requirements and can pay an entry fee, you can go racing.

10. Are there karting schools?

back to top Yes. Several advertise in the karting magazines, and at least WKA (and perhaps IKF) offer kart driving schools for both sprints and enduros.

11. What is sprint racing like?

back to top Sprint races are usually held every other weekend in most venues, although every weekend is not uncommon. Again, the tracks are usually oval (either dirt or paved) or very short road courses (0.25-mile track is typical). These events are usually held on just one day, a Saturday for example. Practice and qualifying (by class) takes up most of the morning and afternoon, and the heats and features are held afterwards. Overnight travel is usually not required and entry fees are generally less expensive than enduro racing. Since the heats and features generally are very short (15 laps or so), maintenance on the karts is not as extensive as enduro racing. Sprint events are more likely to have a smaller turnout than enduro events in terms of numbers of entries. A sprint race will average around 100 entries (enduro events will be several hundred up to 400-500).

12. What is enduro racing like?

back to top Enduro races are held on permanent sports-car type tracks, such as Road America, Mid Ohio and Daytona International. These kinds of tracks are 1.5-3.5 miles in length and entail long straights, hairpin turns, elevation changes, etc. Enduro events almost always involve overnight travel, and usually the travel can be quite extensive (10-hour tows are not uncommon). Enduro events are usually three days, with Friday devoted to all day practice and Saturday and Sunday to some abbreviated practice followed by a schedule of races. Most enduro races are 45 minutes in length, although sprint enduro races are usually 30 minutes due to the capacity of their fuel tank. Since the races are so long, engine and kart maintenance is considerably higher than for sprints. One financial factor in favor of enduro racing is that the kart frames generally last much longer (they're stiffer to begin with).

13. How much of a factor is weight?

back to top Since most kart engines are fairly limited in horsepower, especially the stock classes such as some 4-cycles and the Yamaha classes in 2-cycle racing, weight is of paramount importance. It is a simple matter of horsepower-to-weight ratios and you want to compete as advantageously as possible, so the more horsepower and the less weight, the greater advantage you have.

Most kart classes have minimum weights. You should choose a class(es) in which to compete where your combined weight (driver plus kart) is closest to this minimum weight. Drivers closest to the minimum weight have an advantage that works greatly in their favor, all other things being equal.

14. How old do you have to be?

back to top In some forms of sprint racing, you can start at the age of eight. For enduro racing, you must be at least 12 years of age.

15. What fuel do karts use?

back to top Basically three kinds: (1) In some 4-cycle classes, it is strictly pump gasoline (can be racing gas). (2) In some other 4-cycle classes, it is alcohol (methanol). (3) In 2-cycle classes, the fuel is a mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil. In some few 2-cycle classes, fuel is "open" and anything is allowed (most often, alcohol).

To further complicate matters, some organizations require a "pump-around" for all 4-cycle entries. This means you must fill your fuel tank with the required fuel (say, methanol) and push your kart to the "pump-around" where your fuel is pumped out - and into a common collection tank - while new fuel is pumped into your tank - from the common collection tank. This insures that all competitors are using the same fuel.

Also, in some 2-cycle organizations, there might be a "spec fuel" rule, where a specific brand and octane of gasoline is designated (generally, track-supplied gasoline) and it must be mixed with a specific 2-cycle oil in a specific ratio.

Unless there is a spec fuel rule, your engine builder is generally the best source of information on which fuel to run.

16. What procedure should I follow in order to get involved in kart racing?

back to top Here's what is most often recommended: 1. Contact a nearby kart club (available through the sanctioning organizations noted above) and attend one of their events. 2. At the event, interview karters about pros and cons of their classes, their type of karting. Observe the different classes. Ask a lot of questions. Take a lot of notes. Write everything down. 3. Read all that is available. 4. Join the local club. Frequently, the club will appoint a mentor to any new karter who will shepherd them through their first year of karting. Ask the mentor a lot of questions. Take a lot of notes. Write everything down. 5. Buy a kart. 6. Some clubs have a novice program or school. If your club does, participate. If it doesn't, ask them to start. Ask questions. Take notes. 7. Enter a race. Start slowly. Build your confidence. Try to compete every lap of every practice session and every lap of at least your first race. 8. Have fun!

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Questions:	Answers:
1. How does a racing kart differ from a fun kart? back to top	The biggest difference is that fun karts -- or amusement karts -- are equipped with speed governors to limit their speed. Fun karts also have extremely hard tires and protective nerf bars, much more so than racing karts. Fun karts generally do not have sophisticated braking systems; racing karts do. Racing karts are built specifically to be raced. Their engines generally are high strung, purpose-built engines. They usually run on alcohol (most 4 cycles) or a mixture of racing gas and 2-cycle oil (2 cycles). Racing karts compete on soft, purpose-built tires. Racing karts do not run with speed governors, although some classes might have a specific kind of intake or exhaust restrictor to restrict horsepower (most Junior classes fit into this category but also some Senior classes).
2. What are the major types of racing karts? back to top	Sprint Karts and Enduro Karts (1) Sprints have two subcategories. (a) 2-cycle sprints and (b) 4-cycle sprints. These subcategories are broken down even further: (i) Sprint roadracing; (ii) sprint paved oval; (iii) sprint dirt oval. Most, if not all, sprint racing is done on short tracks, rarely more than one-half mile in length, either road-racing or oval, either paved or dirt. Both 2-cycle engines and 4-cycle engines are used in all three forms of sprint racing, although various tracks/clubs/sanctioning bodies might vary as to what they allow. (2) Enduro karts also have various subcategories: (a) laydown enduros, the more traditional form of enduro karts; and (b) sprint enduros, of which there can be 2-cycle and 4-cycle classes. Enduros race only at long sports-car type tracks (such as Daytona, Road America, Mid-Ohio, Laguna Seca, New Hampshire International, Charlotte, Rockingham, Summit Point (W.Va.), etc.). Sprint enduros can be tailor-made for enduro tracks (generally, they have narrower, stiffer frames) or can be run on sprint tracks one weekend and enduro tracks the next, usually by changing gearing and retuning. Within both sprint and enduro racing are many classes according to type of engines, number of engines, combined weight of driver and kart, type of fuel allowed, etc.
3. What types of engines are used? back to top	In the 2-cycle classes, primarily 100cc engines designed and produced specifically for kart racing. In the 4-cycle classes, it is primarily Briggs & Stratton 5-horsepower engines. There are other types and sizes of engines. For example, in the 2-cycle classes, it is not uncommon to have 135cc engines or 150cc engines; also common are twin-engined 2-cycle karts, generally running twin 100cc engines. In the 4-cycle classes, some kart clubs allow Honda 4-cycle motors. There are also shifter classes, where the sprints or enduros are equipped with 80cc or 125cc or 250cc motorcycle engines with six-speed gearboxes. These engines can be air cooled or water-cooled. Shifters can run on either sprint tracks, enduro tracks or both.
4. Who establishes the rules for kart racing? back to top	In the U.S., there are three kart racing governing bodies: The International Kart Federation 4650 Arrow Highway, Suite B-4, Montclair, CA 91763 (714) 625-5497 The World Karting Association PO Box 294, Harrisburg, N.C. 28075 (704) 455-1606 K.A.R.T. (Karters of America Racing Triad) Raymore, MO Basically, the IKF covers the western half of the U.S., the WKA covers the eastern half, and K.A.R.T. is active in the middle. They all somewhat overlap in the Midwest, although none of the organizations are restricted geographically and, indeed, the IKF sanctions some races in the Northeast. In 1995, there was published information from the IKF and the WKA about "getting together" for the benefit of all karters. Generally, the rules of the organizations are fairly similar.
5. What is involved in joining either organization? back to top	Simply paying annual membership fees. This entitles you to race at sanctioned events and to receive the organization's monthly magazine. You can subscribe separately to either magazine without joining the organization. Costs are relatively inexpensive. There is at least one independent karting magazine available in the U.S.: National Kart News 51535 Bittersweet Road Granger, IN. 46530 (219) 277-0033.
6. Do I have to belong to either organization in order to race? back to top	Not to race at most club races although some clubs might require national membership. In order to race at a "national" race, you will be required to join the sanctioning organization. At most club races, you are not even required to join the club, although this varies from club to club.
7. Can I win money by racing karts? back to top	Yes, some clubs, and at least one sanctioning organziation (WKA), offer some classes that race for pay. These classes generally carry higher entry fees and the payback generally goes back only three to five places. It is generally accepted that kart racing is an amateur sport.
8. How do I get started in kart racing? back to top	The best advice is to visit a race, observe what's going on, talk to karters, and get a sense of what kart racing is about. Either of the organizations listed above have directories of kart tracks, kart clubs, national and regional races, and kart shops. Their magazines are also good sources for information about karting if for no other reason than you get names and addresses of kart suppliers. Contact a club in your area; most clubs have programs for people interested in karting and most clubs will have further printed information.
9. Do I need a kart racing license? back to top	No. Neither organization requires a kart racing license, or even any evidence of driving ability. If you have the kart, any required memberships, meet the minimum age requirements and can pay an entry fee, you can go racing.
10. Are there karting schools? back to top	Yes. Several advertise in the karting magazines, and at least WKA (and perhaps IKF) offer kart driving schools for both sprints and enduros.
11. What is sprint racing like? back to top	Sprint races are usually held every other weekend in most venues, although every weekend is not uncommon. Again, the tracks are usually oval (either dirt or paved) or very short road courses (0.25-mile track is typical). These events are usually held on just one day, a Saturday for example. Practice and qualifying (by class) takes up most of the morning and afternoon, and the heats and features are held afterwards. Overnight travel is usually not required and entry fees are generally less expensive than enduro racing. Since the heats and features generally are very short (15 laps or so), maintenance on the karts is not as extensive as enduro racing. Sprint events are more likely to have a smaller turnout than enduro events in terms of numbers of entries. A sprint race will average around 100 entries (enduro events will be several hundred up to 400-500).
12. What is enduro racing like? back to top	Enduro races are held on permanent sports-car type tracks, such as Road America, Mid Ohio and Daytona International. These kinds of tracks are 1.5-3.5 miles in length and entail long straights, hairpin turns, elevation changes, etc. Enduro events almost always involve overnight travel, and usually the travel can be quite extensive (10-hour tows are not uncommon). Enduro events are usually three days, with Friday devoted to all day practice and Saturday and Sunday to some abbreviated practice followed by a schedule of races. Most enduro races are 45 minutes in length, although sprint enduro races are usually 30 minutes due to the capacity of their fuel tank. Since the races are so long, engine and kart maintenance is considerably higher than for sprints. One financial factor in favor of enduro racing is that the kart frames generally last much longer (they're stiffer to begin with).
13. How much of a factor is weight? back to top	Since most kart engines are fairly limited in horsepower, especially the stock classes such as some 4-cycles and the Yamaha classes in 2-cycle racing, weight is of paramount importance. It is a simple matter of horsepower-to-weight ratios and you want to compete as advantageously as possible, so the more horsepower and the less weight, the greater advantage you have. Most kart classes have minimum weights. You should choose a class(es) in which to compete where your combined weight (driver plus kart) is closest to this minimum weight. Drivers closest to the minimum weight have an advantage that works greatly in their favor, all other things being equal.
14. How old do you have to be? back to top	In some forms of sprint racing, you can start at the age of eight. For enduro racing, you must be at least 12 years of age.
15. What fuel do karts use? back to top	Basically three kinds: (1) In some 4-cycle classes, it is strictly pump gasoline (can be racing gas). (2) In some other 4-cycle classes, it is alcohol (methanol). (3) In 2-cycle classes, the fuel is a mixture of gasoline and 2-cycle engine oil. In some few 2-cycle classes, fuel is "open" and anything is allowed (most often, alcohol). To further complicate matters, some organizations require a "pump-around" for all 4-cycle entries. This means you must fill your fuel tank with the required fuel (say, methanol) and push your kart to the "pump-around" where your fuel is pumped out - and into a common collection tank - while new fuel is pumped into your tank - from the common collection tank. This insures that all competitors are using the same fuel. Also, in some 2-cycle organizations, there might be a "spec fuel" rule, where a specific brand and octane of gasoline is designated (generally, track-supplied gasoline) and it must be mixed with a specific 2-cycle oil in a specific ratio. Unless there is a spec fuel rule, your engine builder is generally the best source of information on which fuel to run.
16. What procedure should I follow in order to get involved in kart racing? back to top	Here's what is most often recommended: 1. Contact a nearby kart club (available through the sanctioning organizations noted above) and attend one of their events. 2. At the event, interview karters about pros and cons of their classes, their type of karting. Observe the different classes. Ask a lot of questions. Take a lot of notes. Write everything down. 3. Read all that is available. 4. Join the local club. Frequently, the club will appoint a mentor to any new karter who will shepherd them through their first year of karting. Ask the mentor a lot of questions. Take a lot of notes. Write everything down. 5. Buy a kart. 6. Some clubs have a novice program or school. If your club does, participate. If it doesn't, ask them to start. Ask questions. Take notes. 7. Enter a race. Start slowly. Build your confidence. Try to compete every lap of every practice session and every lap of at least your first race. 8. Have fun!