Gokarting is serious business - it is not the family fun park ride that most people think of.  Race karts can go well over 100 MPH, often times reaching those speeds in approximately four seconds!  That kind of power is not seen on any production car you can buy, including the super-exotics from Ferrari, Mclaren, etc.  In fact, Car & Driver magazine had an article in 2002 comparing a kart, a super exotic, and an F-16 fighter jet.  The kart out accelerated the super exotic and the jet to 100 MPH!  Cornering and handling is equally impressive.  The only vehicle that can out-perform a kart is a Formula-1 race car.

One series that I regularly compete is Start Racing's Endurance Karting program.  Start Racing races at a number of venues in the North East and Florida and provides up to 25 teams the exact same kart.  The races are typically 6 hours, but can be up to 24 hours long!  They are very safe and go 50 MPH.  The race is basically a relay - each driver on your team alternates every 25 minutes.  This is a great way for anyone to get into karting - beginners and advanced drivers.  Oh, and if you've never karted no matter how good a driver you think you are, you aren't.  I guarantee that the first time you drive a kart you will be in for a rude awakening.

In addition to the Start Racing program, I race in the Rotax Max Challenge series.  Here every competitor has the exact same motor (which is sealed from the factory), the same tires, the same gas, and the same weight.  The only difference between competitors is whose kart frame they use and their driving abilities.  These karts use 125cc water cooled engines and are capable of going well over 100 MPH.  These things are absolutely incredible.  I use a Birel Q31MTS chassis which I purchased from MRP Motorsport.  Even after three years of racing, I am still impressed every time I take the kart out. 

Karting Photo Gallery: (click on an image for a larger view)

		Do Not Try This At Home (100 MPH)	Do Not Try This At Home (120 MPH)
Do Not Try This At Home