What is go karting

Go-karting is a recreational motorsport activity that involves driving small, open-wheel vehicles on a track. Go-karts are typically powered by petrol engines between 8-30hp and are designed to be lightweight, nimble, and easy to handle. Go-karting can be done for leisure or as a competitive sport, with races held at both amateur and professional levels. Go-karting is a popular activity among both children and adults and is a great way to experience the thrill of racing in a safe and controlled environment. It is seen as the foundation for a motor racing career with the majority of the Formula 1 grid having started out in go-kart racing.

There are several types of go-karts, each designed for a specific purpose. Here are some common types of go-karts:

1. Rental Go-Karts: These are the most common type of go-karts and are designed for recreational use. Rental go-karts are typically used in commercial go-kart tracks for recreational use and are built more robust to handle inexperienced drivers.
2. Racing Go-Karts: These are high-performance go-karts built specifically for competitive racing. They are lighter and faster than rental go-karts and are designed to reach higher speeds with less safety parameters around them. Racing karts can reach speeds of up to 80mph on some race tracks.

When participating in go-karting, it is important to wear the appropriate safety equipment to ensure your safety. Here are some of the essential go-karting equipment that you should wear:

1. Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is crucial when go-karting, as it protects your head from impacts and prevents head injuries. Make sure that the helmet is approved for go-karting and meets safety standards. Arai, Bell and Stilo are popular helmet brands.
2. Racing Suit: A racing suit is a full-body suit that is designed to protect you in the event of an accident. It is typically made of fire-resistant material and needs to meet a certain level of FIA standards.
3. Gloves: Go-karting gloves provide a better grip on the steering wheel and protect your hands from blisters and abrasions.
4. Shoes: Shoes that are above the ankle are essential for go-karting. They protect your feet from injury and give good traction on the pedals.
5. Neck Brace: A neck brace helps to support your neck and prevent whiplash injuries in the event of an accident. These are advised for the cadet drivers who don’t have the strength of adults.
6. Rib Protector: A rib protector provides extra padding and protection for your ribs and chest. This is another luxury item that isn’t compulsory, but can help drivers comfort. Go-karting offers a range of benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some of the benefits of go-karting:

Karting offers many benefits to drivers, helping their physical and mental state, whilst also being a team sport with support crew.

1. Develops Coordination and Motor Skills: Go-karting requires a high level of hand-eye coordination, balance, and reflexes.
2. Builds Confidence: Go-karting can be a challenging activity and mastering it can help build confidence and self-esteem.
3. Provides a Physical Workout: Go-karting requires a lot of physical effort, including core and leg strength, as well as endurance. Regular go-karting can provide a good cardiovascular workout and help build muscle strength.
4. Reduces Stress: Go-karting can be a great stress reliever, as it provides an outlet for releasing pent-up energy and frustration.
5. Promotes Teamwork: Go-karting can be a team activity, and working together with others to achieve a common goal can help promote teamwork and communication skills.
6. Improves Reaction Time: Go-karting requires quick reflexes and fast reaction times, which can be improved with regular practice.
7. Enhances Focus and Concentration: Go-karting requires a high level of focus and concentration to remain consistent. Regular practice can help improve these skills.

Overall, go-karting is a fun and challenging activity that offers a range of physical and mental benefits.

If you're interested in getting started in karting, here are some steps you can take:

1. Find a Local Track: Research karting tracks in your area and visit them to get a sense of the facilities and racing programs offered.
2. Get a Racing License: If you're interested in competitive racing, you'll need to obtain a racing license from a recognized karting organization. Your local kart track or shop will know how to apply.
3. Purchase or Rent a Kart: Once you have some experience and feel comfortable driving, you can either purchase your own kart or rent one from the track or local shop. Renting a kart is a good option if you're just starting out and want to try karting without making a big investment.
4. Invest in Safety Gear: Safety should always be a top priority when karting. Make sure to invest in quality safety gear, including a helmet, racing suit, gloves, shoes, neck brace, and rib protector.
5. Practice and Improve: Regular practice is key to improving your karting skills. Set goals for yourself and work on improving your lap times and racing strategies.

Overall, getting started in karting requires a combination of practice, training, and investment in safety gear. With dedication and hard work, you can become a skilled karting driver and enjoy all the benefits that this exciting sport has to offer.

Start your go karting with our Karting beginner program which teaches you everything you need to get up and running