The World Karting Association (WKA) is a membership- owned, non-profit corporation formed in 1971 to regulate and promote the sport of competitive kart racing. We establish the rules and procedures to set standards by which to sanction tracks and to conduct annual championships for various types of karting. WKA has grown to over 10,000 active members and 120 sanctioned tracks nationwide to make it the largest sanctioning body for kart racing in the United States and one of the largest in the world.

The “go-kart” phenomenon began in the late 1950's as a fun and affordable form of motorsports with informal parking lot events rapidly growing into organized competition on purpose-built tracks. Since then, the sport has spread around the world, forming a true “grassroots” of motorsports and spawning a multi-billion dollar industry. While the “go” in the name has long since been dropped by those involved with the sport, karting (properly spelled with a “k”) has gone on to become a primary recreational activity for an estimated 100,000 plus Americans annually.

Karting can be a relatively inexpensive hobby or a legitimate and sophisticated training ground for those looking to move into other forms of professional motorsports. A majority of today’s drivers at the highest levels of racing trace their beginnings to competitive karting. They include Tony Stewart, Sam Hornish Jr, Sara Fisher and Danica Patrick, to name just a few. Many others have made karting a life long hobby and/or career.

What is a kart? They have no suspension, are about 72” long, 50” wide, and weigh approximately 150 pounds minus the driver. Engines vary from 5 to over 30 horsepower, depending upon the class. What is not a kart are the vehicles often sold in hardware and auto parts stores aptly called “yard karts”. They are fine for putting-about on the back acre, but are not designed for racing. Competitive karts are for tracks only – never on the street or an unsafe area.

There are two types of karts: sprint and enduro. The sprint kart is the most common type of kart. It normally runs short races on purpose-built, .3-.7 mile paved tracks with left and right turns or on 1/6 to 1/4 mile dirt or paved oval tracks. The specialized kart called an enduro is longer than a sprint kart so the driver may fully recline to minimize wind resistance. Enduro (road racing) events (including some classes for sprint karts) are run on “full-size”, car-type road courses such as Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL and Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Click here to read more on the series' and what each one has to offer.

Organized events are available to individuals beginning at age 5. Formal competitive classes begin at the junior stage (age 8) and generally run in 3-year age groupings until “senior” status is reached (age 15 or 16, depending on the series). Around 45 percent of competitive event entrants are juniors.

Regardless of an aspiring driver’s age, experience or budget, there is a karting class for them. Newcomers find an excellent place to get started is to find a nearby kart shop. A kart shop will help beginners get acquainted with what is happening in their area and provide valuable assistance in securing the right equipment to get started.

There is not a better way of introducing yourself to motorsports. It offers an excellent entry level for racing that is safe, economical, and fun. From the beginner to the experienced veteran, it is a sport that involves the entire family. It teaches the humble way to enjoy a victory and continued success, as well as, overcoming defeat and moving on to the next race. It is a great way to grow as a family, a person, and as a driver. WKA invites you to join us for the ride of a lifetime!