Introduction on Karting

Introduction - Recreational Go-Kart

Karting has long been known as a motor-sport to breed Formula 1 racing drivers, with the legendary greats like Nigel Mansell, former UK Junior National Champion and Alain Prost, the former Junior World Kart Champion.

Ayrton Senna, never a major Champion and a whole lots of other greats like Michael Schumacher all coming through their own Karting scene.

The greatest benefit the entire community derives from Karting is the involvement of young people in a healthy competitive sport which always produces better drivers.

This is a sport which nutures our youngsters to develop their mental confidence, physical fitness and driving skills.

These youngsters may have years of supervised motoring experience well before they are old enough to qualify for a road licence.

Karting can be a leisure weekend sport or a training ground preparing for future development in more serious motor-sport.

Karting teaches the youngsters car control, defensive driving techniques and an appreciation of other vehicles in close proximity and the dangers of overdriving.

Karting - A Sport for all Ages

Karting isn't only focused on the young generation. Karting caters for people of all ages from as young as four years old, teenagers, adults and even senior citizens.

The sport provides unique excitement that appeals to all ages and sexes.

Cost Effective Motor-Sport

One of the main attraction of Go-Karting is the relative low cost compared to other motor-sports. Go-Karting is the cheapest form of motor-sport that gives the same level of fun and excitement as other motor-sport, but only at a fraction of the cost.

Safety

Competitor and spectators safety are the prime consideration to both the governing body of Go-Karting and local authorities.

CIK-FIA ( International Federation of Go-Karting, which is under International Federation of Automobile racing) of Switzerland is world's governing body of Go-Kart, except U.S.A. Their local agent is Automobile Association of Malaysia or AAM.

Safety officers and track inspectors are employed by the governing bodies to ensure racing is conducted in the safest environment possible.

What is Go-Kart Made Off?

Karting is considered to be the purest form of motor-sport because it is made of only small number of components.

This keeps everyone on an equal level, which means a competition emphasis on drivers' skill. It also generates excitement as all Karts are on equal level that ensures close wheel-to-wheel racing.

Engine

Most of the engines used today in Karting are 2-stroke 100cc engines. The engines range in power from a restricted J class that produces around 5.5hp capable of 90km/h, to Rotax Bombadier 125hp engine that produces around 28hp with maximum speed of 120km/h.

However, 2-stroke engines produce heavy emission compared to the low emission 4-stroke engines.

Chassis Type

With so many classes in Go-Karting, Go-Kart manufacturer usually produce 4 to 5 different types of chassis to suit various classes. Generally, chassis are specifically designed for age 4-9, junior 9-15 years old and adult classes.

Tires

As with most motor-sport, tyres are critical to performance. In Karting, only 1 or 2 of the classes let competitors select the type of tyre to run. Most classes have strict rules on brands and type of tires. Karting uses slick tyres in the dry and grooved tyres for wet weather conditions.

Settings

There are literally hundreds of different modifications and settings that can be made to change the overall handling performance of a Go-Kart. Examples of basic changes are: tire pressures, front and rear track width (the width between the wheels), wheel camber and castor, seat positioning, weight positioning, gear ratios, rear axle stiffness, chassis stiffness, carburettor jetting and etc.

Weight

The weight of a Go-Kart is measured by the total weight of both the kart and the driver. Each class has a specified total weight restriction for karters to comply with.

Karting's Safety Equipments

A very important aspect of Go-Karting is safety. New drivers must equip themselves with the following  safety equipment before they start racing.

Safety Helmet

An approved safety helmet conforming to AS1698 or SNELL 1980, 1985, 1990 or 1995 or BS6658-85 shall be worn. It must offer full facial protection and be moulded in one piece. Safety helmet must be securely fasterned and helmet visors must be in a clipped down position.

Driving Suits

 Karters must wear a one-piece protective driving suit with full-length sleeves and trousers, adequately secured at the neck, wrists and ankles. Suit of abrasive resistant material approved by the governing body is strongly recommended.

Gloves

Good quality gloves that are approved by the track safety officers must be worn at all times. Full finger protection must be implemented into the design of the glove to be acceptable. With all specially designed safety gear, race gloves give great feel for the steering wheel but at the same time protecting your hands from flying debris and fire.

Footwear

Securely fastened footwear must be worn to cover and protect the ankles. Specially designed light weight race boots are to protect the feet but at the same time give great comfort and better control/feel for the pedals.

Other Safety Equipment

Optional safety devices such as a Neck Brace, Kidney Belt, Rib and Chest Protectors are strongly recommended. Drivers that wear extra devices such as these, almost certainly will walk away with fewer injuries or less serious types of injuries than drivers not wearing these devices in case of high-speed accidents.