Introduction to Kart Racing
Motor racing is a popular sport celebrated by its fans throughout the world. Through the excitement of competition, speed and sound, motor racing fans live vicariously through their favorite driver’s experience. Unlike most sports activities, motor racing is watched by many, but experienced by very few. While most of us can pick up a tennis racket, basketball, baseball, soccer ball, or a football, the barriers to motor racing are significant. Motor racing requires the participant to dedicate significant amounts of money, time and commitment to even begin to compete in the lowest level of the sport. So while the interest and desire to participate in motor racing is extremely high and growing, the opportunities to participate in the sport are elusive…until now.
Kart Racing has been around for decades, but interest in the activity has developed rapidly since the mid-90's. Throughout the world, kart racing has been established as a means to enter the realm of motor racing. Kart racing comes in many forms, from the indoor kart centers to the high speed shifter karts that travel many of the world's best race tracks. Many to most of the professional drivers from open wheel racing (Formula 1, IRL, Champ Car) to stock and prototype racing (NASCAR, ALMS, Grand AM) got their start behind the wheel of a kart. Why? Because kart racing is a scaled version of large format racing. The driving and competitive racing skills gained in karting are very helpful when applied to most formats of road racing.
Indoor karting was born from the desire to race. However, the lack of available time, money and facilities, not to mention the variablity of the weather prohibits most from participating. Starting in the UK, indoor kart racing's popularity spread through Europe. Furthermore, it found success where Formula 1 racing has appeal: Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia & finally the United States. In the U.S., kart racing is spreading rapidly as unique recreational activity for adults and teens.