Introduction to Go Karts
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Classifying Go Karts
In the US go karts are classified as follows:
Closed karts have roll cages to protect the driver and are usually used on dirt tracks
Open Karts do not have roll cages
Straight Chassis in which the driver sits in the center. They are usually used for sprint racing
Offset Chassis in which the driver sits on the left side. These karts are usually used for ‘left turn only’ speedway racing.
Components
Chassis
As go karts have no suspension the chassis must be flexible enough to substitute and rigid enough to stand up to sharp turns. For this reason the chassis is made of tubular steel.
The stiffness of the chassis dictates the best conditions for racing the go kart. A stiff chassis will be better under dry conditions. In wetter conditions or when the traction is poor a more flexible chassis is preferable. A chassis that allows the addition of stiffening bars is preferable as the kart can then be adapted to suit the conditions.
Brakes
Disc brakes mounted on the rear axle are used in most go karts. Although front brakes are gaining in popularity some race classes prohibit them.
Engine
Small 2 stroke or 4 stroke engines, both single cylinder and twin cylinder, are used in racing karts. A single cylinder 2 stroke engine will provide between 4 and 7 hp and a twin cylinder about 90hp. Most engines are water cooled although older go karts may be air cooled. Smaller 4 stroke engines from manufacturers like Tecumseh, Briggs & Stratton, Robin, Kohler, and Honda develop about 5 to 20hp More powerful engines, specifically developed for go kart racing, from Yamaha, or Aizro develop between 15 and 48 hp.
Transmission
Go karts lack a differential so the chassis is designed to allow the inside rear tire to lift slightly when cornering.
A chain transmits power to the rear axle. The axle and engine sprockets must be adjusted to the track to get the best performance.
Clutch
Karts are increasingly moving away from direct drive to the use of dry centrifugal clutches which is now used for all the top international classes.
Tires
Smaller than a normal car wheel, go kart wheels are made from aluminium or magnesium alloy. A range of tires is available for use in different conditions.
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