Go-karting is an American invention that has become popular all over the world. But it can be quite dangerous without proper safety. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.

1. GO-KART SAFETY

2. 1956 - first racing go kart built by California
native Art Ingels.
1958 - the Go-Kart Manufacturing Co. was the
first kart manufacturer.
1959 – McCulloch produced kart engines. It’s
first was the McCulloch MC-10, a modified
chainsaw 2-stroke engine.
Source: go-kartblog.blogspot.com

3. Ingels first kart, Kart One
The MC-10, adapted from a chainsaw motor.
Art Ingels in an undated photo
Source: vintagekarts.com

4. Today’s go-karts use two types of engines: the
2-stroke and the 4-stroke.
Most 2-strokes are manufactured in Italy, by
such companies as IAME, Birel, Tony Kart, and
CRG.
4-strokes are used in kart racing and
recreational go-karting and adapted from the
lawnmower engine.
Source: gokartusa.com

5. Combustion: ignited charge pushes down on
the piston crown (or top). Fresh charge is
drawn in through carburetor into the
crankcase via Inlet Port I.
Exhaustion: exhaust Port E allows gases to
discharge. Piston puts pressure on fuel air
mixture in crankcase.
Charging: first stroke is finished. Port E is
fully open and inlet Port P is open to allow
fuel air mixture to enter space above the
piston. Fuel air mixture sweeps out exhaust
gases.
Compression: piston moves up and covers all
ports. Charge is compressed and creates
vacuum. Piston final upward stroke creates
ignition.
Source: roymech.co.uk

6. Spark Ignition Cycle:
Charging stroke: piston moves to let air-fuel into the cylinder; inlet valve is closed
Compression stroke: piston compresses air-fuel; compressed air-fuel is ignited
Working/Power: piston is driven out by ignited mixture; exhaust valve is opened
Exhaust Stroke: products of combustion are driven out
Compression Ignition Cycle:
Charging Stroke: piston moves to let air into cylinder; inlet valve is closed
Compression stroke: piston compresses mixture; fuel is injected into compressed air; spontaneous combustion
occurs
Working/Power stroke: products of combustion drive piston out; exhaust valve is opened
Exhaust Stroke: products of combustion are driven out
Source: roymech.co.uk

7. Karts are considered safe and unassuming
because of their size
Earliest go-karts traveled at around 7-10mph.
Today’s go-karts can reach up to 70mph!
Go-kart accidents largely go unreported since
they aren’t too serious.
BUT ACCIDENTS STILL HAPPEN

8. Helmets help to prevent injury to one of the
most important parts of your body: the brain.
Helmets are non-negotiable
Helmets can deflect airborne objects,
sometimes pieces from a wrecked kart.
When a go-kart flips, a helmet cushions the
blow once momentum takes over.

9. Source: southbayriders.com/forums
Source: flickr.com
Source: blog.ironhorsehelmets.com

10. Secure your harness and seatbelt so you’re not
thrown out of in the event of a roll
Go-karts are light and fast so tipping is not
uncommon during a collision
Seatbelts make sure you don’t catch any air and
get to flying like a bird

11. Source: towardszerodeathsdc.com

12. Race at a speed that suits you.
“Fast” is too fast for some people. Slow down.
Start slow when navigating a new track.
Speed up as you get more comfortable with the
layout and the tricky corners in the track

13. Side impact hits
Sudden flipping
Whiplash
Head-on collision
Burns
Entanglement
Source: bustbubble.com

14. Keep an eye out for:
Loose screws and bolts
Tires with low or high pressure
Leaks of any kind
Frame integrity
Test brakes and steering
If something feels off or handling feels wrong,
pull off the track and examine the kart.

15. Wear clothes with padding or rent fire-retardant jumpsuits
made for racing.
Never wear shorts when driving a go-kart, no matter how good
you look in them.
One of these guys is
race-ready and it’s
not the blonde.
Source: examiner.com

16. Every new driver should know how to handle a
go-kart; go-karts are so fast, a kneejerk reaction
can cause an accident.
Practice responsible driving. Don’t try to
impress your friends or try to make them laugh
by pretending to be drunk.
Stop the kart if you sense danger. Don’t try to
be a hero.

17. MB2 Raceway is L.A. and Ventura County's only indoor karting facilities. We
provide a high speed race simulation with a challenging road course that is
fun for all skill levels. Once you have experienced MB2 Raceway you will
know why indoor karting is the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
Our high-performance electric European karts are capable of speeds of up to
45 mph. Combine that with being only a couple inches off the ground on our
¼ mile road course and you're getting a racing experience that will get your
heart pumping! We also have junior karts for kids, and you only need to be
48" tall to race.