Superkart
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The word Superkart has traditionally been used to mean 250 cc engine karts, the fastest category in Kart racing. 250 cc Superkarts often set faster lap times than much more expensive and technically advanced racing machines.
The most obvious difference between a Superkart and any other form of kart is the fact they use motorcycle engines and typically feature a 6-speed sequential gearbox. Owing to their high top speed and massive cornering ability, Superkarts also feature aerodynamic bodywork including a front wing (or fairing), larger sidepods, and a rear wing. Their tires and wheels are wider than those mounted on regular karts.
Superkarts mainly race on "long circuits" (more than 1,500 metres) such as Silverstone, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Phillip Island etc. as used by bikes or race cars. However they also race on "short circuits" (less than 1,500 metres) such as Kimbolton which are also used by other forms of Karts.
Superkarts are raced worldwide. There is a CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship.
[edit] Performance
Though its 2-stroke 250 cc engine is small and produces only 90 hp (67 kW), it has 360 hp/l and 0.19 hp/lb (450 hp/tonne), which is higher than a Chevrolet Corvette. As such, Superkarts can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and reach top speeds in excess of 150 mph (240 km/h). Their low weight and good downforce make for staggering cornering and braking abilities. A Superkart is capable of braking from 100 mph (160 km/h) to standstill in around 2 seconds, and taking corners at nearly 3 g (30 m/s²).
At some circuits, superkarts are the outright lap-record holders, at others they run at around Formula 3 lap times.
British Superkart Divisions :
- Division 1 is open to 250 cc karts with one or two cylinders and five or six speed gearboxes. Typically the karts produce 90 hp and are capable of 160 mph - the fastest form of kart. This formula was previously known as Formula E.
- Division 2 is for single cylinder karts with five or six speed boxes. Typically these karts produce 65 hp and are capable of 140 mph. However, being lighter than the twin cylinder (Division 1) karts they can be as quick on twisted circuits. This formula was previously known as 250 International.
Australian Superkart Classes :
- 250 cc International - commonly referred to as 250 twins, these Superkarts are powered by twin cylinder Grand Prix motorcycle engines and usually have 6 speed sequential gearboxes.
- 250 cc National - The single cylinder cousin of 250 twins, the National Class Superkarts are powered by 250 cc MotoX (motocross) engines and also feature 6 speed sequential gearboxes.
- 125 cc Gearbox - Powered by 125 cc Grand Prix motorcycle engines and again featuring 6 speed sequential gearboxes, this class uses smaller and lighter chassis than the 250's.
- 80/85 cc Gearbox - the smallest of the Superkarts to feature 6 speed sequential gearboxes, this class provides an excellent entry into the world of Superkart racing. Running on sprint kart chassis with an 80/85 cc MotoX engine and gearbox attached, this class allows the transition to long circuit gearbox kart racing at a very affordable price.
- Non-Gearbox - dominated by RotaxMAX sprint karts with long circuit gearing, this class is growing in popularity as more sprint kart owners look to Superkarts for a new challenge.
[edit] Spectacle
Being inexpensive, superkarts are very popular, and entries of 60 or more are common, (in Britain at the moment, anyway). Fortunately, 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 the fuel tanks are quite small, so at most meetings which feature superkarts, the karts race is often a brief, spectacular highlight.
