karting

Karting, or go-kart racing, is a motorsport in which competitors race small, open-wheeled vehicles called go-karts on dedicated circuits. Races are typically held on purpose-built indoor or outdoor kart tracks, with short laps and a variety of formats designed for different age groups and skill levels. Karting serves as a common entry point into motorsport and is pursued by hobbyists as well as aspiring professional drivers.

Karts and equipment vary by class. Karts are lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machines powered by small engines. Engine sizes range from about 50cc in junior categories to 125cc or 250cc in senior or shifter classes. Some karts use direct-drive configurations, while shifter karts employ gearboxes and precise clutch operation. Tracks feature safety barriers and run-off areas, and races typically use formats that include practice, qualifying, heat races, and a final, with endurance events also held in certain series.

Governance, safety, and competition structure. The sport is regulated by national motorsport authorities and internationally by the FIA through the CIK-FIA. Classes are standardized to ensure fair competition, with age-appropriate categories and performance groups. Safety equipment is mandatory and commonly includes a helmet, racing suit, gloves, and neck protection; karts have built-in safety features such as bumpers and protective bodywork.

History and significance. Karting originated in the 1950s in North America and Europe, evolving from recreational carts into a formal racing discipline. It remains one of the most accessible forms of motorsport, offering a structured pathway to higher levels of competition for many successful drivers who later compete in formula racing, touring cars, or endurance series.