SUPERKARTS

The word Superkart has traditionally been used to mean 250 cc engine karts, the fastest category in Kart racing. Superkarts often set faster lap times than much more expensive and technically advanced racing machines. At some circuits, Superkarts are the outright lap-record holders, at others they run at around Formula 3 lap times. 

The most obvious difference between a Superkart and any other form of kart is that they have full aerodynamic bodykits and race on car circuits over 1,500 metres in length. The power unit can be a specially designed kart engine or a production motorcycle engine with either 5 or 6-speed sequential gearboxes. Owing to their high top speed and massive cornering ability, Superkarts carbon fibre bodywork includes a front fairing, large sidepods and a rear wing. They use either 5 or 6 inch diameter tyres and wheels.

Superkarts are raced worldwide, in events such as the CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship, UK & USA GP’s and the French Cup supporting the F1 GP at Magny Cours.
 

Superkarts can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds with a top speed in excess of 155 mph (250 km/h). Being light and low to the ground along with a good downforce setup makes for staggering cornering and braking abilities, drivers will often see 3g (G force) on their telemetry. A Superkart is capable of braking from 100 mph (160 km/h) to standstill in around 2 seconds.

Most circuits allow for a large number of karts on the grids at once, and the sight of 60 karts arriving at the first corner at the same time is a real spectacle. The overtaking tends to be easy, as, like motorbikes, there is room to get past, so the races tend to be full of action. Race lengths tend to be around 20-25 miles (30-40 km), because of small fuel tanks, so at most meetings which feature superkarts, the karts race is often a brief and spectacular highlight.