Go-Kart racing has been a part of the Ohio racing scene for over fifty years. A fast-paced, competitive sport, kart racing is probably the most economical way to break into auto racing. Top drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Danica Patrick started their racing careers in karting.
Kart racing is a widespread sport with tracks located nationwide. The Dart Kart Speedway Club runs enduro races throughout the summer at tracks such as the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course located between Cleveland and Columbus in Lexington, Ohio. The 2.4 mile road course allows for an average speed of around 70 mph with a top speed of around 130 mph.
There are three major forms of Kart racing in the USA. Sprint karts compete on short, twisty tracks and the races usually last about ten minutes with the karts reaching a top speed of about 60 mph. One of the newest forms of kart racing which has been gaining in popularity is oval/dirt track racing. Driving modified sprint karts with specially grooved tires, these drivers compete on short dirt ovals in a scaled down version of large sprint cars. Enduro karts are specially designed and built to compete on high speed road racing circuits. The driver lays down for better aerodynamics and speeds of over 125 mph can be attained in such karts. These karts run on most major tracks including Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Daytona International Speedway, Virginia International Raceway, and more. The races are generally forty-five minutes in length with a standing LeMans-style start. Each form of kart racing has a variety of classes to choose from, allowing a place for almost anyone to race. There are stock motor classes for the beginning karter along with modified twin engine classes for the advanced karter. The juniors have classes of their own which allow young drivers to gain experience as well. This variety in classes offers the option for the whole family to be involved either as drivers or crew members.
The Dart Kart Speedway Club was founded in 1958 with about 60 members. During the first few years, DKC ran sprint races on a 1.2 mile asphalt track named Dart Kart Speedway. By 1964, enduro racing was added at the nearby Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. During the late 60’s, the club was typically running 8 sprint races and 5 enduro races per year. From 1965-1973, one of the enduro races was a 250 mile race. In 1970, the sprint track was closed due to factory expansion by Rupp Mfg. Co, on whose property the track was located. Since that time, the club has concentrated on promoting enduro kart racing. The Dart Kart Speedway Club was involved in organizing the World Karting Association in 1972 and has run many WKA National races since that time. From 1976-1980, approximately $20,000 in prize money was awarded to top placing karters in the yearly money series. In 1983, DKC was invited to run an exhibition race at the CART/PPG Indy Car race at Mid-Ohio which gave the sport of karting much needed exposure.
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