August 2005 - A SNAPSHOT OF KARTING IN THE U.S.A. — INTERNATIONAL KART FEDERATION
The International Kart Federation (IKF) takes pride in its long record of achievement as a governing body for the sport of kart racing. In recognition of the need for controls over the sport, the International Kart Federation has published rules for competition since November 21, 1957. Throughout this time, the objectives of the Federation have been the same: to foster strong and fair competition; to provide reasonable rules for the various types of competition; to administer the competition program with impartiality, and to reduce the hazards associated with this sport.
Entrants, drivers and participants in general are required to be fully conversant with these regulations and any supplementary rules or instructions governing an event, and are, by reason of their entry therein, bound by such regulations, supplementary rules, or instructions.
It shall be the duty of every IKF member to conduct themselves, while representing the Federation, in a manner that shall not be prejudicial to the Federation, nor bring unnecessary criticism on the Federation.
The prime responsibility for the condition and operation of a kart or any other vehicle in competition rests with the owner/driver. The track operator’s main responsibility is that of providing a suitable place to conduct events. IKF is the vital link between these two, producing Rules and Regulations of Competition, based on experience gained at racing events all over the world. IKF seeks to communicate this experience to all sectors of the sport, to protect the outstanding safety record of karting, and to maintain the integrity of the sport.
ABOUT IKF SPRINT RACING
Sprint karts are characterized by their sit-up driving position. Sprint kart racing is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in competitive go-karting. With a wide range of classes available for the novice to the expert, there is usually a class for everyone at the sprint track. Races are conducted by either of two systems on the Regional level: three heats with motocross scoring or a pre-final and final format. On the National level, the pre-final/final format is preferred. In both cases, qualifying will determine the starting order of the first race. For the motocross system, the winner is determined by combining the finishing positions for the three heat races. For the pre-final/final system, the winner of the final is the overall winner. At contracted events, the distance will be pre-determined in accordance with the rules for the particular division. Track will be measured at the center of the racing surface. Sprint racing gives the competitor an opportunity to learn the basics of karting, at speeds somewhat slower than those found in Road Racing but with all the excitement you can stand.
ABOUT IKF ROAD RACING
Road Racing came into being when sprint karts began racing on long sports car tracks. It was found that by laying the driver down, out of the windstream, aerodynamics and top speed were greatly improved. As the length of the races increased, there became a need for large capacity, side mounted fuel tanks. Soon the road racing kart had its own distinctive look and purpose. However, in recent years, sprint and sprint crossover classes have been added to improve participation and to give sprint competitors an opportunity to run on the “big” tracks. The sprint road race classes generally run races from 20 to 30 minutes in length. Road races for the enduro or “laydown” karts are usually one hour in length.
They are staged by some of the finest motorsport complexes in the United States. Portland International Raceway, Sears Point, Laguna Seca Raceway, Willow Springs Raceway, and Seattle International Raceway are only a few of the tracks a Road Racing karter can enjoy at a fraction of the cost incurred by the professional race driver.
ABOUT IKF SPEEDWAY RACING
Speedway karts, at first glance, are similar to those used in Sprint Racing. What used to be essentially sprint karts competing on dirt ovals has evolved into a very specialized form of kart competition. Left-Turn-Only or LTO chassis have been developed for precise handling and adjustability on oval tracks. They are raced on recommended one-fifth mile or less oval tracks. One Speedway race is usually broken down into two ten-lap heats and one twenty lap feature. Races, track specifications, and a small number of classes make speedway racing one of the least expensive forms of karting. The crossed up dirt track style of speedway racing is one of the most thrilling forms of kart competition for both spectator and participant.
ABOUT IKF SHIFTER KARTING
Take a high-performance 125cc motocross engine off the bike, bolt it on to a sprint chassis, and hold on! Arguably one of the fastest growing segments of karting, shifter karts are as fun to drive as they are to watch. Shifter karts compete on sprint tracks and are quite at home on the wide open road courses. A sprint chassis designed for high-performance shifter kart racing features 4-wheel disc brakes and radiator for the water-cooled engines. Classes have also been developed for 60cc, 80cc, and 250cc powerplants.
CONTACT IKF
ADDRESS
International Kart Federation
1609 South Grove Avenue
Suite 105
Ontario California, 91761
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
Office Phone: 909-923-4999,
Office Fax: 909-923-6940
KARTER NEWS MAGAZINE INFORMATION
Advertising and Editorial information:
Karter News Magazine
437 W. Wilshire, Ste. C,
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: 405-840-3158, Fax: 405-843-1465
e-mail: karternews@ikfkarting.com
RACE RESULTS AND POINTS
Please send all race results and points to:
results@ikfkarting.com
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Please send any questions and/or comments regarding the I.K.F. or the I.K.F website to:
support@ikfkarting.com
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