Do you love speed and want something full of action? Go karting gives you this experience in a safe and controlled way. This sport was invented in 1956 in United States. In recent times, go karting is a famous and global game. Many famous formula 1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher started their careers in go karting.
Today, we will talk about what is go karting and its safety rules. You will also learn useful tips to improve your skills in go karting.
Go Karting Meaning
What is go karting game? Go karting is a popular racing motorsport and fun activity. In this game, you drive a small and open wheel vehicle on a track. You can enjoy it only for fun or you can also race to compete with others. However, many professional race car drivers practice with go karting so they can learn basic driving skills.
What is Go Kart?
A go kart is a small and open car which you drive on a race track. It has four wheels, a low seat plus a simple frame. To control this vehicle, you can use the steering wheel and pedals. In most go karts, you will find one seat so you drive alone.
These cars run on gas and use electric power as well. The speed limit depends on go kart types. For instance: when you use a rental kart, you can drive around 15 miles per hour. But if you race a professional kart, you can go more than 100 miles per hour.
Go Kart Track Dimensions
If we talk about a go-kart track, it is a special path which is made for racing go karts. The go-kart track width is around 4 to 8 meters (13-26 ft). However, go kart track length varies based on type of track.
For example: leisure tracks are 150 meters long and competitive tracks have length of 1000 meters. Plus, indoor tracks are mostly 200 to 300 meters long and outdoor tracks can be 1100+ meters. The minimum area for a standard track must be 1200 to 1800 square meters.
How To Drive a Go Kart?
- Kart Operation: When you sit in the go-kart, you should check that your feet reach the pedals easily and your arms have easy access to the steering wheel.
- Control Learning: It’s important to know which pedal is the gas and which is the brake. You should learn how to reverse with the use of the red button.
- Warm Up Tires: Now, you need to drive slowly on your first lap to warm up the tires.
- Speed Building: After that, you can take the first few laps slowly to learn the track. Then gradually go faster as you feel more confident.
- Follow Rules: You should follow all track & go kart safety rules. Also focus on flag signals too. Always listen carefully to the safety briefing and you must ask questions if needed.
- Physical Effort: To drive a go kart, you need to use your muscles because the steering is stiff. Additionally, fast turns create forces on your body, so you may feel tired.
How to Drive a Go Kart For the First Time?
When you drive a go-kart for the first time, you should hold the steering wheel firmly to stay in control. Also, keep your eyes ahead so you can see turns early. You must use smooth & gentle movements on the pedals. It’s important to warm up with a slow lap to feel the kart before you speed up.
You can also read a reddit post where experienced drivers share helpful tips on how you can drive a kart safely for the first time.
Go Karting Safety Equipment
What to wear go karting? You need the right safety tools before you start go-kart racing. Below we listed all required go kart safety gear which you must wear.
Racing Suit: You should wear a racing suit to cover your entire body. It protects you in case of an accident. These clothes are made of fire resistant materials and designed according to FIA safety standards.
Helmet & Gloves: Safety helmets protect your head from impacts. Hence, it reduces the risk of injury. Gloves are required to hold the steering wheel and guard your hands from blisters.
Neck Brace: In a go-karting race, you must use a neck brace to support your neck. It reduces the risk of neck injuries when you are driving a go-kart.
Rib protector: A rib protector shields your ribs from impacts and pressure from the seat belt. It also improves comfort and safety.
Shoes: You should wear closed and comfortable shoes with a good grip. It is useful for you to press the pedals accurately and protect your feet.
How Fast Do Go Karts Go?
The speed of go karts varies a lot based on the type of karts. Karts for kids are generally limited to around 9 mph. On the other hand, you can drive professional superkarts to over 150 mph. In the case of junior karts for kids, these cars can go up to 20 mph, but adult karts can reach 45 mph.
Age Limit For Go Karting
Most go-kart tracks require drivers to be at least 14 years old. Some tracks also have height requirements, but age is mostly the main factor. Furthermore, kids as young as 3 to 4 years can use junior karts. However, faster and standard karts generally require drivers to be 12-15 years old or older.
Benefits of Go Karting
- Improves focus & concentration: When you drive a kart, it requires full attention to the track and speed. This way, it improves your focus.
- Enhances hand-eye coordination: The use of steering, braking & accelerating maximize reflexes and coordination.
- Builds confidence: When you learn how to control a fast vehicle safely, it boosts your self confidence.
- Provides physical activity: In this game, you have to use your core muscles and legs which give you a light workout.
- Relieves stress: The thrill of racing is useful to reduce tension and increase excitement/fun.
Risks of Go Karting
Go-karting is a fun game but it can also be risky for you if you are not careful. You can get small bumps or scrapes when you hit a barrier or another kart. Also, high speeds and sharp turns can lead to more serious injuries when you do not wear safety gear.
Therefore, you should always follow track rules and wear proper equipment. Never forget to maintain speed to stay safe during the race.
Can You Die From Go Karting?
Go karting is generally safe when you properly follow the rules and use personal protective equipment. Otherwise, there are chances of serious accidents and go-karting can lead to death as well. But, it is extremely rare. Because most accidents result in minor injuries due to the track safety system.
Price of Go Kart
Is go-karting expensive? The price of a go-karting car depends on its type and features. For example: rental or basic karts for beginners can cost you a few hundred dollars
But, if you want to buy professional racing karts, you need to pay several thousand dollars. On average, go karts are available in the range of $670 to $1200 or more. The go kart vehicles used for kids cost you approximately 198 to 380 USD dollars.
Go Karting Safety
To make go-karting races safe, go karting tracks use safety barriers and flag signs. These protective physical devices keep you safe from injuries and dangerous accidents.
Go Kart Track Barriers
The go kart barrier system is used to keep you safe when you are driving on the track. Basically, these safety barriers absorb impact when your vehicle hits them. In this way, it prevents serious injuries and crashes. You can place go kart track barriers around turns, track corners, overtake zones, hairpin curves and other risky areas.
These structures are designed with plastic or metal with padding to reduce impact. But, some barriers also use soft materials such as tires or foam. The tracks with barriers are more safe for both beginners and experienced drivers.
Safety Flag For Go Kart
Safety flags are used on go-kart tracks to give you important instructions during racing. Keep in mind, each flag has a different color and meaning. For example, a yellow flag tells you to slow down because there is a hazard ahead on your way.
When you notice a red flag, it means you have to stop your car. In contrast, green flags indicate that the track is clear. You should obey flags during turns or when other karts are on the track. As a result, you can avoid accidents and enjoy a safer go-kart race experience.
FAQs
Can Kids Drive Go Karts?
Yes, kids can drive go karts who are 5 to 7 years old. But, they need special junior karts. The children must be tall enough to reach the pedals safely. Hence, younger children can use electric mini karts.
Do You Need a License For Go Karting?
No, you mostly do not need a driver’s license for recreational go karting at indoor or outdoor tracks. The reason is that safety in this game is confirmed through age, height, health limits plus mandatory safety briefings. Some high-speed tracks may require a membership/license.
Are There Weight Limits For Go Karting?
There is no strict weight limit for recreational go-karting. But most tracks set limits for safety and seat size. Adult karts generally weigh around 18 to 20 stone (250-300 lbs or 115 to135 kg). The main rule is that you must fit safely in the seat.
Can Go Karting Improve Driving Skills?
Absolutely yes. Go karting can improve your driving skills. It sharpens your reflexes and awareness. Further, you learn important techniques such as braking correctly and how to accelerate smoothly. These skills are useful for you to avoid driving hazards on real roads.
To Conclude
So, you can take part in go karting for the thrill of racing & to build your driving skill for real roads. To drive safely, you must follow rules, speed limits and use safety gears as well.
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