Dirt Racing with the Dirt Kart
Where is this kart being raced?
Most dirt karts are found all over the America. It is a very popular type of track and race kart. There are no dirt road courses (at least I haven't seen any!) You will find these raced on big tracks and small tracks. A 1/4 mile would be big and a smaller track would be 1/8 of a mile.
What do they look like?
Two Dirt Karts
They are on an offset chassis (designed to turn left) just like the speedway kart and they are basically the same kart.
They don't have to have a body, but most of them now have bodies that wrap around to the rear tires and front "noses".
They race with softer tires for dirt, so that they get more traction.
Engines - Two Major Types:
Engine Information
There are many different types of engines for different karts. Some places may run an engine for this type of kart that isn't run anywhere else.
If you want more detailed or technical information on engines, you can go to the Kart Engines page listed on the left side on the navigation bar.
- Briggs and Stratton Raptor
- Briggs and Stratton Animal
The Animal is the newer version and is becoming the standard. The engines are rebuilt to the specs of the rules outlined at that certain track. WKA (World Karting Association) rules are usually followed in America for this kart. But there are classes scattered all over that are racing other engines like 2 cycle Yamahas and 4 cycle Hondas.
Some classes you may see at a dirt kart track:
- Adult Classes - These are for ages 15 and up and are the most popular classes to be found, they are seperated by the weights of the kart+driver.
- Light
- Medium
- Heavy
- Super Heavy
- Masters, 35 and Over, Senior - For ages 35 and over.
- Limited, Modified, Open - No rules on modifying engines
- Junior Classes - These are for ages 8-15. Classes depend on age. Llsted from youngest to oldest. These names may vary depending on track.
- Sportsman 1 or Rookie Purple (the restrictor plate in the engines is purple) Ages 8-10
- Sportsman 2 or Rookie Blue (plate is blue) Ages 10-12
- Junior or Jr. Restricted Gold (plate is gold) Ages 12-15
Dirt track racing is fun and if you plan on racing it's a very good option and if you do race but haven't tried dirt, well it's a must.
