Go-Kart FAQ
Is go karting hard?
Amateur go-karts are not meant to go overly fast, which makes them easier to control.
And an amateur kart is the kind you’ll get when you go go-karting for leisure.
However, go-karts do have more responsive steering than a car, so it can take a little getting used to driving one.
Is go karting safe?
Go-karting for recreation is fairly safe.
Tracks are designed so that spin-outs and crashes have little risk of severe injury.
However, minor crashes are common on go-kart tracks, and at higher speeds, these crashes are likely to leave you with some bumps and bruises.
You can make your karting safer by driving at speeds where you can still easily control the cart, and wearing proper safety equipment.
Will I get sore from go karting?
Probably a little.
Go-karts can go pretty fast, require constant steering, and go-kart tracks have a lot of twists and bends designed to put the karts to the test.
Due to this, you will probably have some soreness in your upper back and shoulders from steering.
You may also have some whiplash-type soreness if you take a lot of fast turns.
Basically, a go-kart moves your body in ways it doesn’t move on a regular basis, so you can expect some muscles aches.
And, of course, if you crash a time or two, you will likely have some impact soreness.
What should I wear go karting?
Recreational go-karting doesn’t require any specialized clothing.
But you do need to be able to sit comfortably in the kart.
So, flexible clothing works best.
Clothes should also be well-fitted. (No dragging t-shirts or loose ends that can get tangled in kart components.)
And since people climb in an out of carts every which way, it’s best to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. (Especially if there’s been any rain, tracks can get quite messy.)
The one thing you absolutely must wear to a go-kart track – if you want to be allowed into a kart, that is – is closed-toe footwear.
Something non-slippery on the bottom, like a sneaker, is ideal, but the important thing is that your shoes are not open-toed. (Many tracks will not let you drive/ride in sandals.)
You should also wear the helmet provided by the track. At most tracks, they are mandatory.
What should I know about go karting the first time?
When it comes to your first go-karting experience, we think three things are most important:
1 – Start slowly.
Go-karting may be a form of racing, but that doesn’t mean you have to start racing from the get-go.
The first time you kart, you should get used to the feel of steering, accelerating, braking, and how the kart moves on the track.
Once you feel comfortable with the handling, you can add a little bit of speed at a time.
2 – Try to stay lose.
We’ve already warned you you will likely get sore from go-karting.
But, if you tense up, you’ll get sore a whole lot faster.
Driving around a tight track at speed is definitely going to shift you about.
Nothing will make you sorer than trying to stay in one place while momentum wants to move you.
So, stay loose.
Not only will it spare you some aches and pains, it will help you get used to the feel of steering the kart.
3 – Be wary of your brakes.
When you are driving a go-kart, the brakes aren’t your enemies, but they’re not your friends either.
Braking a go-kart can often lead to skids or spin-outs.
If you have to keep using your brakes, you’re probably going too fast for the part of the track you’re on.
Practice pushing and letting off the accelerator pedal to increase or reduce your speed, instead of using the brake.
It’ll make for a much smoother ride.
How old do you have to be to drive a go-kart?
The minimum age to drive a go-kart is dependent on the track.
Some tracks have minimum ages starting at 5 years old, while others require drivers to be at least 16.
If you have younger kids, it helps to keep in mind that tracks designed for higher-speed racing typically have higher minimum age limits than tracks designed for lower-speed racing.
There are also go-kart tracks specifically designed for younger kids that allow 3 and 4 year olds to drive.
Generally speaking, though, many recreational tracks allow drivers starting at 5.
To keep things safe, karts for younger drivers are smaller and slower and races are divided into age brackets.
So, you should never have to worry about your elementary-schooler racing a teenager.
