a low-powered racing vehicle with a two-cycle engine. Karts are characterized by the absence of a body, flexible suspension of the front and rear wheels, and a differential gear. The chassis of a kart is a tubular frame that supports the metal floor. The soft-back seat prevents shifting of the driver during turns. The wheels, with pneumatic tires, are mounted on ball bearings. The steering gear is similar to automobile steering gear, with a circular steering wheel. The wheel brakes may be of the hydraulic drum or disk type. The motor is located next to the rear axle. Safety requires the mounting of guards to protect the driver from burns from the hot parts of the motor and the isolation of the chain transmission for the rear-wheel drive.
Five classes are permitted for kart competition in the USSR. The largest classes are Class A, with piston displacements of up to 100 cm3, and Class B, with piston displacements of up to 125 cm3 (gearboxes are not installed on karts of these classes).
The dimensions of a kart are as follows: wheelbase (the distance between the axles), 1, 010–1, 220 mm; track, not less thantwo-thirds of the wheelbase; maximum length, 1, 820 mm; maximum wheel diameter, 350 mm. The maximum speed of karts onstraightaways is 150 km/hr.
A. A. SABININ