gokarting

Gokarting is a form of motorsport that uses small, open-wheel vehicles called go-karts. It is raced on purpose-built tracks or temporary circuits and encompasses casual recreation as well as formal competition. The sport is widely regarded as an accessible entry point to higher levels of motor racing.

The modern go-kart originated in the United States in the 1950s, developed into a standardized format in Europe, and grew into a global sport. Over time, engine options expanded from small two-stroke and four-stroke units to larger, more powerful engines and, in recent years, electric variants.

Karts fall into rental or competitive categories. Rental karts emphasize ease of use and reliability and are common at entertainment venues, while competitive karts use purpose-built chassis, adjustable tuning, and stricter weight and age classifications. Engine power ranges widely, from roughly 60cc to 250cc or more, including two-stroke, four-stroke, and electric options.

Racing takes place on indoor or outdoor circuits with varied corners and straights. Formats typically include practice, time trials, heat races, and finals, with safety and technical regulations set by national bodies and international federation rules.

Internationally, FIA Karting oversees the sport along with national karting associations. The organization sanctions world and continental championships such as the FIA Karting World Championship and the European Championship, and provides the guidelines followed by most national series.