Kart racing

Kart racing (as the word is so spelled by enthusiasts) or karting is a variant of open-wheeler motor sport with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles called karts, go-karts, or gearbox/shifter karts depending on the design. By definition a kart must have no suspension, (relying on chassis flex), and no differential, (solid back axle). They are usually raced on scaled-down tracks, but are sometimes driven as entertainment or as a hobby by non-professionals. Karting is commonly percieved as the stepping stone to the higher and more expensive ranks of motorsports.

Racing

Along with its motorcycle equivalent pocketbike racing, Kart racing is generally accepted as the most economic form of motorsport available. As a free-time activity, it can be performed by almost anybody, and as a motorsport in itself, it is one of the sports regulated by FIA (under the guise of CIK), permitting licensed racing for anyone from the age of 8 onward. In the USA there is not as much FIA involvement.

Related Topics:
Pocketbike racing - Motorsport - FIA - CIK

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A variety of kart circuits permit the sport to be practised, although only homologated ones can have official races.

Related Topics:
Kart circuits - Homologated

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Typically, race formats are one of the following:

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Sprint

The sprint format is a series of short-duration races, normally for a small number of laps, that qualify for a final, with a variety of point scoring calculations to determine the event's overall winner. Typical duration does not normally exceed 15 minutes. Here, speed and successful passing is of the most importance. It normally occurs in the format of three qualifying heats and a final race for trophy positions.

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The FIA championships, including the World Kart Championship, take place in this format.

Related Topics:
FIA - World Kart Championship

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Endurance

Endurance races last for an extended period, from 30 minutes up to 24 hours or more, for one or more drivers. In general, consistency, reliability, and pit strategy is of greater importance than all out speed.

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