Kart Racing as a learning tool
Kart racing is usually used as a low-cost and relatively safe way to
introduce drivers to motor racing. Many people associate it with young
drivers, but adults are also very active in karting. Karting is
considered the first step in any serious racer’s career. It can prepare
the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop
quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills. In
addition, it brings an awareness of the various parameters that can be
altered to try to improve the competitiveness of the kart (examples
being tyre pressure, gearing, seat position, chassis stiffness) that
also exist in other forms of motor racing.
As well as “serious” competitive kart racing, many commercial
enterprises offer casual hire of karts. Such karts are usually powered
by small, detuned four-stroke engines and are far slower than the
fully-fledged competitive versions.
Many, perhaps most Formula One racers grew up racing karts, most prominent among them Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna and Myka Hakkinen. Many NASCAR drivers also got their start in racing from karts, such as Darrel Waltrip, Lake Speed, Ricky Rudd, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Petty..