Ever since the first go-kart was invented in 1956 by American Art Ingels, Go-Karting as a motorsport has gained immense popularity among people of both sexes and across the age spectrum. Many national and international Go-Kart championships are held each year across the world, of which the annual CIK-FIA ruled Karting World Championship is the most coveted one. This championship, held in a different country every year follows the short duration Sprint racing format with tracks measuring anywhere between 400 to 1600 metres in length. Earlier, the 100 cc Formula A karts were used for kart racing. These were replaced in the year 2007 by the KF1, 125 cc karts with a maximum of 16,000 rpm as per new regulations, an electric starter and clutch.
Go-Kart racing for children begins at around 8 years. However, this interest in Go-Karting finds its roots in childhood with toy go-karts. To give young children the right feel of what a go-kart really is, manufacturers are creating toy go-karts that are very close to the real thing.
The Maclaren go-kart has a speed of 4 km/hr and can be driven by a two year old. It comes with a 6V rechargeable battery, a charger, a thermal fuse for extra safety, a foot pedal accelerator, automatic brakes and forward and reverse gears. The accompanying play helmet is worn over a kid’s racing suit costume. This costume, designed in the style of the Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 McLaren racing suit with sponsors’ logos included, gives a child the feeling of being a real go-kart driver. For three year olds, there is the Roary go-kart, a four wheel pedal driven vehicle fitted with a moulded seat, chunky wheels and rear brakes.
For kids between 8-10 years, there is the Safari go kart, a high backed seat offering spine and back protection, dual handbrake, freewheel facility, anti slip pedals with large sport car wheels and extra wide tyres all fitted onto a sturdy steel framework.
The Dino Baby Pedal Go-Kart Trike is the smallest go kart meant for babies and is half pint in size. The classic model of the Dino series offers a forward and reverse gear while the Blizzard model boasts a reverse and five forward gears. It has a sports steering wheel with an adjustable steering column, floating front axle and wide rear tyres for better road grip and stability. Both these models offer adjustable seats that can accommodate kids of different ages and sizes.
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