Competition Karting (2024)

FAQs

How fast do competitive karts go? ›

Karts vary widely in speed, and some (known as superkarts) can reach speeds exceeding 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph), while recreational go-karts intended for the general public may be limited to lower speeds.

KF1 is the top level of karting.

Physical Demand and F1 Perspective

According to Haas F1 Team driver Romain Grosjean, go-karting can be more physically demanding than driving an F1 car.

It is expensive to go karting. A decent set of gear will set you back around $1,000 for a racing kart. Entry fees, fuel, consumables, repairs, and travel are some of the extra costs that will be incurred if you are participating in a championship. For a year of competition, the cost will be around $11,000.

On average, children's go-karts can reach speeds of 10 to 25 mph, depending on the engine size and design.

Gas and electric models can accomplish paces of up to 45 mph. However, hustling karts — some of which can arrive at velocities of more than 150 mph are intended for speed.

While drifting is more common in cars that go at speeds of over 40mph, it is possible to drift in a go-kart. However, this is not usually recommended - while drifting can be fun to learn and put into action, it's more risk than reward.

Go-karting requires constant use of various muscle groups, particularly in your arms, shoulders, and legs. Holding the steering wheel tightly while maneuvering sharp turns can put a strain on these muscles. Just like after a rigorous workout, overworking these muscles can result in fatigue and soreness.

Lightweight Construction. Go-karts are the featherweights of the motorised world, and this is a huge part of their handling prowess. Lighter vehicles are easier to maneuver and can go from zero to 'whoa!' in seconds flat.

While it is possible to earn money through go-karting, it often requires a combination of talent, dedication, and financial support. Racers need to consistently perform at a high level, secure sponsorships, and participate in competitive championships to have a chance at making a living solely from go-karting.

What are the disadvantages of go-karting? ›

Limited Battery Life. One of the biggest disadvantages of electric go-karts is their limited battery life. Most electric go-karts can only run for a few hours on a single charge, which can be a problem for longer play sessions.

Professional go-kart racers' earnings differ based on their expertise, the tournaments they participate in, and their sponsorship agreements. Typically, they earn between a few thousand to several tens of thousands annually.

Adults can expect to enjoy a high octane adventure in an Electric go-kart at up to 40 mph (the same as our petrol karts), while juniors will be able to go for gold at speeds of up to 25 mph (again, the same as our petrol karts).

Q: How fast does it go? A: Really Fast! The 450RS will do upwards of 90mph.

How fast do go-karts go? Most adult karts can go as fast as 40mph, while junior karts have a top speed of 25mph.

Cadet 160cc karts up to 25mph. Adult 200cc karts up to 35mph. Pro kart 400cc up to 60mph.