Toyo tires > Racing Go Karts: A History

Racing Go Karts: A History

by: J Larry Alan

Go karts have not been around very long, but they have increased dramatically in popularity. They are fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Go karts were first created in the United States in the 1950s with the majority of historians crediting Art Ingels as the inventor. He built his first go kart in California in 1956 and it was during this post-war period where airmen raced these go karts as a way to pass the time.

They are referred to as go karts, go carts, go-karts, shifter karts, gokarts and many other differently spelled variations. Go karts are related to open-wheel racing such as Formula One and Indy Car. In fact, many top professional race car drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty, got their start on the go kart racing circuit.

Go kart enthusiasts can easily become addicted to the thrill of racing. Once you?ve experienced the excitement it?s hard to let it go. There are ATV all terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, scooters, mopeds, mini bikes and motorcycles, but none give a driver any more of an adrenaline-rush than the popular go kart. They are simple 4-wheeled vehicles with no suspension (relying on chassis flex). They are basically just a smaller version of the professional open wheel cars and race on similar, but smaller, racing tracks.

Go karting can be a stepping stone for drivers desiring to work their way up to professional Formula One or Indy Car racing. It?s a cheaper way to get involved with racing. If a driver shows talent on the go kart circuit he can then move up to the more expensive divisions of motor racing including Formula One and Indy Car.

But go karting is not just for the professionally-minded. Most of the time go karts are raced by non-professionals, people just out for a little fun. Go karts have become popular all over the world and are found in most larger cities. For the faint of heart there are extremely tame tracks located in many family fun centers and amusement parks.

So what is a go kart? Go karts are made up of a chassis, motor, transmission, seat and 4 tires. Since go karts have no suspension the chassis must provide flexibility and yet retain enough stiffness to allow the kart good grip around the track and through the turns. The chassis can be either open or closed. Simply put, the closed, or caged chassis, allows protection for the driver in the event of a rollover. The open chassis does not.

Engines used in karting are typically either 2-stroke or 4-stroke.
The 2-stroke engine is generally more of a specialized engine that is made by companies such as Honda or Briggs and Stratton (who also make lawnmower engines). In fact, 4-stroke engines are usually the standard type used in lawn mowers. The 2-stroke is usually more powerful than the 4-stroke and can attain up to 30 horsepower or more.

Sprint karts can usually get up to about 60 mph while the more powerful enduro karts can reach a top speed of up to 90 mph. Shifter karts use a manual transmission and a clutch to bring out all the engine has to offer and can reach speeds of 160 mph or more. These are not toys.

As with Formula One racing the kart tires can be either slicks or rain tires. Slicks have no tread and are used for best traction on a dry track. Rain tires have tread and are used during wet weather. And in icy conditions there are specially-made spiked tires that give good grip on the slippery ice.

Go karts are generally considered a safer and cheaper way to get into racing. With the many different levels available drivers can move up the line until they reach the professional level. With the right mixture of talent and practice racing alongside the top pros is certainly a possibility.

About The Author

J Larry Alan is go kart enthusiast. He enjoys all forms of racing, but go karts are his favorite. For more information about go karts and karting visit http://www.go-karts-supreme.com.

Understanding the Drive Layouts

Understanding the Drive Layouts

by: Alvin Agomaa

The drive layout is the arrangement of the engine, transmission, and driven axles. The types of drive layouts are Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/ FWD), Front engine Rear wheel drive (FR/RWD), Mid engine Rear wheel drive(MR), Rear engine Rear wheel drive(RR), Four wheel drive (4WD or 4x4) and the All Wheel Drive(AWD). Each of these layouts has their own performance, advantages and disadvantages.

Front engine Front wheel drive (FF/FWD) ? The Engine and the two driven axles are placed in front, where the power from the engine is transferred straight to the front wheels. This layout increases the interior space especially in small cars because there is no central tunnel needed for the driveshaft. FF layout has advantage when it comes on low grip surfaces, and its tendency to understeer reduces the risk of losing control. The disadvantage is the load placed on the front tires. The front tires must...

Understanding the Drive Layouts

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Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

by: Debbie Pettitt

So, you need new tires for your car or truck, but how do you know what to buy?
What do all those alphanumeric codes printed on the tire sidewalls mean, anyway?

If you're in the market for new tires, you may simply want to replace your worn tires with exactly the same tire it came with.
But you MAY want to consider an upgrade.
If you know how to read the tire sidewalls, chock full of valuable information, you've got an advantage over most people and are prepared to make an informed decision.
So let's get underway!

Tire Size Markings (example: P215/65R15 89H)

Broken down:

P = Passenger

Other designations are

LT = Light Truck

T = Temporary (spare tire)

215 is the width (in millimeters) of the tire from sidewall to sidewall.
A wider tire has more grip but the bad news is that you lose fuel economy,...

Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

Toyo tires > Demystifying The Tire Sidewall Code

For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

by: Ken Reno

In today's world of contemporary society, we have many cartels and monopolies, but the one, which stands out for being the most profitable, most effective, and most powerful is the one involving oil.

This is the main reason why oil prices continues to escalate in the market area. On a global basis, this high-pricing of oil is considered as a worldwide dilemma.

Hence, in order to cut down extra cost in gas or fuel consumption and have a better gas mileage, it is a must for every driver to understand and employ the different ways on how to maximize their fuel consumption with a lower cost so as to achieve a better gas mileage. Here's how:

1. Check your filter.

One of the most important factors that affects your chance of getting a better gas mileage is your car's air filter. In order to have a better gas mileage, it is important to know and maintain you car's performance...

For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

Toyo tires > For Better Gas Mileage, Have a Better Car

My Neighbor Got A New Car

My Neighbor Got A New Car

by: Al Thomas

I don?t know what kind it is, but I saw it on TV running full speed along the shore (I don?t live near the shore) throwing up spray or maybe it was that one climbing up the steep mountain trail thru the mud, rocks and snow. Very exciting. (I don?t live near the mountains either.) WOW! Just what I need.

But there are a few obstacles.

It costs about $28,000. (That?s close to the average annual wage.) I have perfect credit and they?ll give it to me for no money down. All I have to do is make the monthly payments for the next 5 years of only $541. Maybe it won?t be that much because I?ll be trading in my car and I have it almost paid for it.

I can see me now headed for the beach or climbing that mountain in that shiny new car.

I tell my wife.

She says, ?So?.

I say, ?Waddayamean ?so???

She elaborates that our car is almost paid for and hasn?t a scratch on it. It looks...

My Neighbor Got A New Car

Toyo tires > My Neighbor Got A New Car

Racing Go Karts: A History

Racing Go Karts: A History

by: J Larry Alan

Go karts have not been around very long, but they have increased dramatically in popularity. They are fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Go kart enthusiasts can easily become addicted to the thrill of racing. Once you?ve experienced...

Racing Go Karts: A History

Toyo tires > Racing Go Karts: A History

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

by: Marilyn Pokorney

Driving in winter conditions tests your car to the limit.

If something isn't working properly under the best

conditions it certainly isn't going to work when it's cold

and stormy.
Here are some tips to keep your car running

well in the winter.

The first thing to check before the weather gets cold is the

anti freeze level.
Not only how much fluid is in the

radiator, but also the ratio of antifreeze/water content.

Have a tune up done. Have your spark plugs cleaned and re-

gapped or replaced.

Change to a lighter oil which will help protect your engine

from excessive wear when starting a cold car. Heavier oil

takes longer to circulate into the motor and internal damage

can occur.

Change to winter wiper blades are a must for icy driving.

Whenever starting your car, make sure that there is nothing

obstructing the...

Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Toyo tires > Get Your Car Ready for Winter

Slide Shows - Great Gift Idea for Everyone and Every Occassion

by: Sandra Clukey

Very often when gift giving time comes around; birthday, anniversary, graduation day, wedding day, Mother?s Day, Father?s Day, Christmas, Valentine?s Day, Pastor Appreciation Day, etc? we tend to run to the stores and purchase the typical items. For her: Jewelry, chocolate, flowers, books, perfume, photo album books and boxes ? which I received for my last birthday - even cooking...

Slide Shows - Great Gift Idea for Everyone and Every Occassion

Toyo tires > Slide Shows - Great Gift Idea for Everyone and Every Occassion

Fast delivery flowers

by: Clinton Porter

Are you in a rush and looking to send flowers to celebrate a special occasion with a friend or family member? Or do you need to act quickly to respond to a bereavement overseas? Next and same dayflower delivery services offer the perfect solution for you - featured on selected online florist websites.

If you?re not sure what types of flowers to send, several ideas are listed below.

Flowers sent in sympathy...

Fast delivery flowers florist

Toyo tires > Fast delivery flowers

Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice

by: Sintilia Miecevole

Carrying car insurance is a crucial decision for anyone on the roads today. With so many drivers on cell phones, eating fast food and even watching TV while at the wheel, it isn?t unusual to find yourself in a ?fender bender? or serious wreck. Having car insurance can make such an ordeal a lot less stressful for you and your family.

Car insurance, in plain English, protects you and your family...

car insurance

Toyo tires > Carrying Car Insurance Is A Smart Choice

Great Job Resumes: The First Step To Landing Great Jobs

by: Paolo Basauri

How Important are Job Resumes in Securing the Perfect Job?

The function of outstanding job resumes is to get the attention of your potential employer. More than simply a listing of your accomplishments, education, skills and experience; a job resume is the first point of contact you have with the company with whom you are seeking employment. No matter what skill set you bring to the...

Great Job Resumes: The First Step To Landing Great Jobs sample resume Toyo tires Racing Go Karts: A History

Toyo tires > Great Job Resumes: The First Step To Landing Great Jobs

Five Tested Ways To Find The Perfect Drop Shipper

by: Keith Gloster

You?ve heard about it many times in recent months. Being the business-minded person that you are, you most probably got curious and did some research of your own. But resources seem to be few, and what meager data you?ve found made you wonder even more?

Is drop shipping a fact or a myth?

I can?t blame you. There are quite a lot of reasons why information about drop shipping hasn?t...

Five Tested Ways To Find The Perfect Drop Shipper electric generator

Toyo tires > Five Tested Ways To Find The Perfect Drop Shipper