Machines may only weigh about 160 pounds, but can pack a serious punch. Vigneault, for instance, can hit 45 mph on a long straight. That may not sound particularly fast in a world of high performance automobiles, but those speeds on a small circuit are plenty quick. With the restrictor and stock muffler for his kart removed and an exhaust header installed, young Vigneault can achieve up to 55 mph.
Karts are generally are sold in two individual components: the chassis and the engine. These make up the heart and soul of any performance vehicle, and should be chosen carefully.
Mike Maruini of First Kart USA suggested some cost-effective engine and chassis options for the serious racer. He recommends the Rotax Max or Touch and Go engines. "These packages are low maintenance and do not require a lot of work to participate in the racing action." He told me, adding "both compete in different classes both in the USA and Canada."
One of the biggest advantages for youngsters entering kart racing is learning the skills picked up both in regard to the safe driving and handling of a vehicle, as well as the technical skills like maintenance and repair. This respect for a vehicle as a machine and a hobby instills values which will remain for the rest of their life as a driver.
Go-Kart Powerplants at a glance
Rotax Powerplant
Displacement: 125 cc
Single cylinder, two-stroke reed valve
Oil-in-fuel lubrication
Electric ignition, liquid-cooled,
Pneumatic adjustable exhaust valve
Power: 28.5 HP at 11,500rpm
Light alloy with Gilnisil plating
Aluminium radiator
Exhaust pipe with after muffler
12v battery, electric start
Honda GX Powerplant
Displacement: 160cc-200cc
Single cylinder 4-cycle
Oil lubrication
Electronic ignition, air-cooled
Overhead valve design
Power: 5Hp Novice to 10 Hp (Senior and Masters) at 6500 rpm
Aluminum alloy block with aluminum head
Exhaust: Muffler for Novice classes, header pipe with silencer in Junior, Senior and Masters Classes
Recoil starter
photo:Justin Pritchard
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Karts are generally are sold in two individual components: the chassis and the engine. These make up the heart and soul of any performance vehicle, and should be chosen carefully.
Mike Maruini of First Kart USA suggested some cost-effective engine and chassis options for the serious racer. He recommends the Rotax Max or Touch and Go engines. "These packages are low maintenance and do not require a lot of work to participate in the racing action." He told me, adding "both compete in different classes both in the USA and Canada."
One of the biggest advantages for youngsters entering kart racing is learning the skills picked up both in regard to the safe driving and handling of a vehicle, as well as the technical skills like maintenance and repair. This respect for a vehicle as a machine and a hobby instills values which will remain for the rest of their life as a driver.
Go-Kart Powerplants at a glance
Rotax Powerplant
Displacement: 125 cc
Single cylinder, two-stroke reed valve
Oil-in-fuel lubrication
Electric ignition, liquid-cooled,
Pneumatic adjustable exhaust valve
Power: 28.5 HP at 11,500rpm
Light alloy with Gilnisil plating
Aluminium radiator
Exhaust pipe with after muffler
12v battery, electric start
Honda GX Powerplant
Displacement: 160cc-200cc
Single cylinder 4-cycle
Oil lubrication
Electronic ignition, air-cooled
Overhead valve design
Power: 5Hp Novice to 10 Hp (Senior and Masters) at 6500 rpm
Aluminum alloy block with aluminum head
Exhaust: Muffler for Novice classes, header pipe with silencer in Junior, Senior and Masters Classes
Recoil starter
photo:Justin Pritchard
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