Vintage go kart racing questions; karts of early 1960s

You're in the right section (I think) but the question is a bit vague.

You want to take part in go-karting events in a 60's vintage kart?

I may be mistaken, but due to liability issues go-karting venues may only host karts that
are up to date with regard to safety features, etc. Otherwise, they're on the hook if, for
example, a non-compliant kart were to get on the track and some incident happens.

Now, if you have your own private track then by all means have a go at it. But, even
now, is there really any demand for 60's era go-karts? My recollections of those days
are basically thin metal frames with lawn mower engine and very little in the way of
brakes/handling.

BHW

 

https://vkakarting.com/

they have a few events in Florida.

might want to contact the Florida karting tracks directly to see what they have as well.

 

vkakarting is a great place to start. I will say that unless you have a particular affinity to 60's era karts they really are the worst of everything. Really flimsy with almost no driver protection, anemic engines and drive trains, and not much to look at. Karting really came of age in the 80's and 90's where tire and engine technology came to the fore and with lots of interesting manufacturers making truly beautiful karts. I keep a mid 90's Tony Kart Esprit Formula A with a Parilla rotary valve 100cc direct drive engine. Formula A (and Super A) were the epitome of the air cooled karting era and have a cult like following among those in the know.

Yes I know you want to go a little slower but once you experience a 20,000rpm 100cc screamer it is hard to ever drive anything else. 125cc shifter karts may have more power but they are fat toads compared to the light and nimble direct drive machines.

 

You could talk to the guys at RM Motorsports. Craig and Kirt Bennett are still into vintage karts......

http://www.rmmotorsports.com/vintage-karting

 

Sounds like a lot of cheap fun.

 

You would be safer in a modern kart going 60+ mph than in a vintage kart going slower.

Check out Briggs lo206 racing, it's the fastest growing series in karting. Four cycle racing (affordable) that's extremely competitive and fast enough to be entertaining - around 50MPH. I'm 55 and have raced everything between 125 TAG, to Briggs, and I think the Briggs racing has been the most fun.

A little shameless bragging; two seasons ago I finished 23rd out of 2200+ competitors in NA. Briggs sent me a free pressure washer.

I may have it bronzed!

 

Yeah....and you would be safer and go faster in a current LMP2 car than you would be in a Ferrari LM..... but sometimes that’s not the point.....the man said he wanted to run a vintage kart!

Current karts would likely be cheaper too......
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1965-rupp-rupp-grand-prix/

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1967-RUPP-GRAND-PRIX-GO-KART-232916

Congrats on the Briggs success!

 

I know, but you have no idea how long I've waited for an excuse to bring up Briggs racing and do a little bragging!

And thanks!

 

Ha ! My old B&S flatty could beat that !

Trouble is, the vintage kart guys mostly don't like to see 4 strokes for some reason. But there are a couple of tracks where you can run them.

 

You're correct about the technicals, but there is vintage kart racing, and it's getting more popular all the time. A lot of young people are getting into it too. And some like the old karts better.

Vintage karts have a very narrow track, but the tires never had much grip, so you slide around the corners. Don't really use the brakes much, just lift off and let the kart slide. If you were to put modern tires on a vintage kart it would flip over.

 

You can find original vintage karts on ebay, and craigslist. They're usually cheaper on craigslist. A lot of times, the owner doesn't know what they have. Then you get a complete cart with spindles, hubs, controls etc. As long as it's not bent. Easy to restore and repaint.

This is a nice one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Go-Kart/154030121686?hash=item23dce922d6:g:VjsAAOSw1QNe~PyM

 

That sounds like a good plan !

 

might want to contact Margay, they support vintage karts. I was in their shop a few years ago and they mentioned the growing parts of restoration side of their business to support vintage karting, so at least they are servicing that market.

https://www.margay.com/vintage.html