01-07-2011, 12:40 AM
Driving an automobile quickly on a race track is one thing, but a shifter kart… that’s a totally different story. You see unlike a car, shifter karts have no suspension, no protection and are able to generate up to 3.0 G’s during hard cornering. Top speeds for 250cc karts can be as high as 150 mph, with 125cc karts running up to about 100 mph. Another thing to keep in mind is that your ass is literally mere inches from the ground, and since the karts have no suspension, every track imperfection is translated through the seat. This can make for some pretty harrowing racing. This video shows a kart running practice laps at Mazda Leguna Seca Raceway in CA. Note the speed at which the kart is traveling and how small the steering inputs are. This kart packs a 125cc Honda engine that makes about 32 hp and runs on 110 octane fuel. At these speeds, and with such close proximity to the ground I think I’d be more inclined to be wearing motorcycle racing leathers than that of a standard driving suit as I hate it when my skin peels off due to road rash!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIrNNEbWmi0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIrNNEbWmi0