Karting is not only an exciting sport, but also an entire industry with its own standards, terminology and classification of equipment. Many beginners are faced with confusion: what are the correct names for go-kart cars? This cards (from English kart), racing karts or karting cars? Or maybe just “karting cars”? In this article we will look at the official terminology, types of karts, their design features and popular models - from children's to professional.
Name of "cards" (singular - kart) came from the English language and became established in international practice. In Russian the following variants are often used: kart car, racing kart or even karting car (for sports models). However, in official documents, competition regulations and manufacturer catalogs, it is customary to call them exactly cards. At the same time, in colloquial speech you can hear “karting car” - especially when talking about children’s or amateur models.
Understanding the terminology is important not only for communicating with professionals, but also for choosing the right equipment. For example, kart rental cards and sports cards differ not only in name, but also in design, power and cost. Next, we will consider all the nuances in more detail.
Official name: why "kart" and not "car"
In international classification and documentation karting cars are called kart (plural - karts). This term was established back in the 1950s, when an American racer Arthur Ingalls assembled the first prototype from lawn mower parts. Since then, the name has stuck and become standard.
In Russian they often use:
- 🏎️ Maps — official name (for example, in regulations FIK - International Karting Federation).
- 🏁 Racing kart - for sports models.
- 👶 Karting car - in colloquial speech, especially for children's or rental cards.
- ⚡ Karting car - jargon for powerful professional karts.
Important: in technical documentation and when ordering spare parts, always use the term "card". For example, when searching for parts for a model Birel ART RY30 a query for "kart car parts" may return irrelevant results, while "kart car parts" Birel ART" - accurate.
⚠️ Attention: In some CIS countries you can find the name “karting” as a synonym for the car itself (for example, “buy a karting”). This is incorrect: karting is a sport and cards - technology for him.
Types of karting cars: classification by purpose
All cards are divided into several categories depending on the purpose of use. Main types:
| Type card | Purpose | Features | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental (rental) | For fun runs on the trails | Low power (5-9 hp), speed limiter, reinforced frame | Birel ART Lo206, OTK Rental |
| Children's | For children 5–12 years old | Speed up to 40 km/h, gas pedal with limiter, rollover protection | CRG Mini, Tony Kart Mini |
| Amateur | For beginners and semi-professionals | Power 10–20 hp, adjustable suspension, medium weight | Sodi RT8, Alpha Kart |
| Professional | For competitions (national and international championships) | Power 30–50 hp, carbon fiber parts, telemetry | OTK KF, Birel ART KZ |
| Electrical | Eco-friendly karts for closed tracks | Silent, instant torque, limited range | Sodi E-Kart, CRG E-Trophy |
The type of card you choose depends on your goals. For example, suitable for a family holiday on the highway rental card with a speed limiter, and to participate in championships you will need professional model with certification CIK-FIA.
Kart design: what does a karting car consist of?
Despite its apparent simplicity, a kart is a complex engineering product with a clear structure. Main components:
- Frame — the base of the card is made of steel pipes (for rental models) or carbon fiber (for professional ones).
- Engine - petrol (2T or 4T) or electric. Power varies from 5 to 50 hp.
- Transmission — chain or belt drive, gearbox (in professional karts).
- Suspension — rigid (for rental karts) or adjustable (for sports karts).
- Brake system — disc brakes (front and/or rear) or drum brakes (in budget models).
- Steering - rack or gear mechanism.
- Body — fairing (in professional karts) or open design (in rental karts).
Particular attention is paid center of gravity: in professional cards it is as low as possible for better stability at high speeds. For example, in the model OTK KZ The engine is located to the left of the pilot, which improves weight distribution in corners.
Why don't karts have shock absorbers?
Most karts do without traditional shock absorbers, as their frame and tires act as damping elements. The rigid suspension provides direct contact with the road, which is critical for handling at high speeds. The exception is some professional models with adjustable torsion bars.
Critical nuance: rental cards often deliberately underestimate engine power (up to 9 hp) and set speed limiters (up to 60–70 km/h) for the safety of beginners.
Popular brands and models: what to choose?
The karting market is represented by dozens of manufacturers, but the leaders are Italian and French brands. Top 5 most reputable companies:
- 🇮🇹 Birel ART - world karting champions, models RY30 and Freeline used in Formula K.
- 🇮🇹 OTK (Tony Kart, Exprit, Redspeed) — legendary cards for championships CIK-FIA.
- 🇮🇹 CRG — innovative solutions, for example, the model CRG Road Rebel with adjustable aerodynamics.
- 🇫🇷 Sodi Kart — leader in the production of rental and electric karts (Sodi RT8, Sodi E-Kart).
- 🇨🇿 Praga Kart - Czech brand with models for beginners (Praga Delta KF).
When choosing a model, pay attention to:
- 📜 Certification — homologation is required for competitions CIK-FIA.
- 🔧 Availability of spare parts - y Birel ART and OTK wide dealer network.
- 💰 Budget — rental cards cost from $1,500, professional ones — from $10,000.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used kart, check the history of participation in accidents - frame deformation may not be visible to the naked eye, but it has a critical effect on safety. Be sure to request proof of passage CIK-FIA technical inspection (if the kart is a sports one).
☑️ Checklist before purchasing a card
Electric karts: the future of karting?
Electric cards (e-karts) are gaining popularity due to their environmental friendliness and ease of maintenance. Their key features:
- ⚡ Instant torque — acceleration to 100 km/h in 3–4 seconds (for the model Sodi E-Kart Racing).
- 🔋 Lithium-ion batteries — power reserve 30–60 minutes (depending on driving mode).
- 🔇 Silence — the noise level does not exceed 60 dB (vs 90–100 dB for gasoline karts).
- 💡 Telemetry — built-in sensors transmit data on battery charge and engine temperature to the remote control.
Disadvantages:
- ⏳ Long-term charging (2-4 hours for a full cycle).
- 💸 High cost (from $8,000 for the basic model).
- 🔌 Limited infrastructure - not all routes are equipped with charging stations.
Electric karts are ideal for closed tracks and training races, but are still inferior to gasoline karts in the duration of races. For example, at the championship E-Karting World Championship pilots change batteries every 20 minutes.
If you are choosing an electric kart for a child, pay attention to models with the “parental control” function - it allows you to remotely limit the speed via the remote control (for example, in CRG E-Trophy Junior).
What are the parts for go-karts called?
When servicing the card, it is important to know the correct names of the parts. Here are the main terms:
| Category | Part name | Examples of brands |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Piston group, carburetor, ignition system | Rotax Max, Honda GX200, IAME X30 |
| Transmission | Chain, sprockets, clutch (centrifugal or multi-plate) | RLV, Tillett |
| Chassis | Hubs, bearings, brake discs, shock absorbers (torsion bars) | Brembo, Alpine |
| Body parts | Fairing, seat, bumper, side protection | OMP, Sparco |
When ordering spare parts, please specify model map and year of manufacture — details may differ even for the same brand. For example, a circuit for Birel ART RY30 2020 will not fit 2023 model due to gear ratio change.
Useful resources for finding spare parts:
- 🛒 Karting.com — the largest catalog of parts for karting.
- 📦 E-Karting News — reviews of new products and compatibility.
When purchasing spare parts for the engine Rotax Max be sure to check the serial number of the unit - fakes are often sold under the guise of original parts and fail after 2-3 runs.
Tips for choosing a map for beginners
If you're just starting out in karting, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don't buy a professional card "for growth" — handling of sports models requires experience. Start with a rental or hobby card (for example, Sodi RT8).
- Check the track before purchasing — some maps are not suitable for asphalt or dirt surfaces. Check with the track administration for requirements.
- Pay attention to service — petrol maps require regular carburetor adjustment and oil changes (every 5–10 hours of operation).
- Test before you buy - rent several models to understand what type of control suits you (for example, cards Tony Kart sharper in turns than Birel ART).
A budget option for starting is to buy a used rental card (for example, Birel ART Lo206) with subsequent upgrade. Many trails offer programs "Try Before You Buy" - test drive before purchase.
What to do if the kart does not reach maximum speed?
The reasons may be different:
1) The air filter is clogged (clean every 2 runs).
2) The chain is worn out (check the tension - the slack should not exceed 10 mm).
3) The carburetor is not adjusted (for Rotax Max the optimal fuel/air ratio is 14.7:1).
4) Problems with ignition (check the spark plug and coil).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about go-kart cars
❓ What is the official name of a karting car?
Official name - cards (from English kart). This term is used in competition documents and regulations. In colloquial speech you can also hear "karting car" or "racing kart".
❓ What is the difference between rental cards and sports cards?
Rental karts have limited power (5-9 hp), a rigid frame and simplified suspension for the safety of beginners. Sports karts are more powerful (30–50 hp), lighter (due to carbon fiber) and equipped with telemetry for precise tuning.
❓ What engines are used in karting?
The most common:
- 🔥 2T engines — Rotax Max, IAME X30 (power up to 40 hp).
- ⛽ 4T engines — Honda GX200 (reliable, but heavier).
- ⚡ Electric motors — Sodi E-Kart, CRG E-Trophy.
❓ How much does a karting car cost?
Prices vary:
- 💰 Rental cards - from $1,500 (used) to $5,000 (new).
- 💲 Amateur - $6,000–$15,000.
- 💎 Professional - $15,000–$30,000 (excluding spare parts and maintenance).
❓ Do I need rights to manage the card?
No license is required for rental karts on closed tracks. However, to participate in the competition you must obtain pilot license (issued by the National Karting Federation). For children under 12 years of age, parental permission is sufficient.