Keen to learn a bit about go-karting history?
The history of karting in Australia
The Australian Karting Association was formed in 1963, marking the start of organised go-kart racing in Australia. The early karting days saw kart racers competing in Granville, New South Wales; Sunnybank, Queensland; and Brooklyn and Seymour in Victoria. Interestingly, women have always been allowed to race karts in Australia and, up until 1986, were crowned National Champions in their class.
Ingels invented the first go-kart in 1956, which laid the foundation for karting worldwide. The world’s first go-kart, created with a simple tubular frame and lawnmower engine, quickly evolved into a competitive sport with advancements like the shifter kart, racing kart designs, and specialised kart engines.
In the 1970s, Australian karting saw notable pioneers emerge. John Pizarro, a 15-time Australian Karting Champion, became a legend of the sport, while Drew Price founded Drew Price Engineering, now DPE Kart Technology, Australia’s most successful kart manufacturer. Their innovations contributed to developing dedicated karts, durable kart tyres, and advanced designs for oval tracks and road racing.
The sport’s infrastructure also improved, with permanent circuits emerging globally. The first permanent karting circuit, built in Azusa, California, in 1958, set a precedent for venues like the kart circuit Alain Prost, which exemplifies modern karting excellence.
Globally, the World Karting Association and other organisations helped formalise the sport. Manufacturers like Tony Kart brought high-quality designs to competitive karting, and innovations like electric karts have further diversified the experience. Whether you’re driving a kart for fun or competing professionally, karting has become a global motorsport phenomenon.
Today, over 7,000 licensed kart drivers and 86 affiliated clubs across Australia exist. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most exciting motorsports, Australian karting continues to thrive as both a recreational and competitive sport.
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The evolution of Ace Karts
While competitive go-karting is a fun and affordable sport, you don’t need to be a licensed driver to grab a group of mates and head to your local karting centre. The thrill of racing has captivated fans worldwide, with many becoming enamoured with the kart and the experiences it offers.
The History of Karting
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The first kart races were grassroots events, often held in makeshift locations.
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Early pioneering kart racers looked for innovative ways to enhance the sport and its accessibility.
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The first production go-kart was developed in 1958 by the Go Kart ManufacturingCo.o, sparking a wave of interest.
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American companies producing karts, such as the Borelli Kart Company, soon joined the market.
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Organisations like the International Karting Federation emerged as karting grew, formalising rules and championships.
Kart Tracks and Racing Evolution
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The first kart track was built in Azusa, California, in 1958.
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Events were initially held on full-size road racing circuits, but soon, racing circuits that are usually smaller and purpose-built became the standard.
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Indoor karting also gained traction, offering year-round racing opportunities.
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A new go-kart raceway or place at the kart circuit often features advanced safety measures and cutting-edge designs.
Kart Development
Over the years, kart designs and engines have continually improved:
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Early karts were basic, but companies like Go Kart Manufacturing Co. and Caretta Kart introduced higher-performance models.
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Specialised engines, like those used in dark karts for unique racing formats, have pushed the sport’s boundaries.
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Modern karts offer adjustability in left-turn-only racing, making them more versatile for oval tracks.
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High-performance karts, such as Super Karts, deliver thrilling experiences for enthusiasts.
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Ace Karts: A Leader in Karting
Ace Karts in Melbourne has been a leader in the sport for over 20 years:
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The Track
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Originally 700m long, built in 1994.
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It was rebuilt in 2001 and upgraded in 2014, including installing track lights for safety and night racing.
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The Karts
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Initially sourced from basic designs, Ace Karts began innovating:
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Modified Kart: Powered by a Honda GX200, 6.5 HP engine, designed for beginners and young drivers.
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Super Kart: Powered by a Honda GX270, 9 HP engine, built for experienced drivers seeking speed.
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Upgrades included chromoly steel frames and improved wheel protection for safety.
Today, karting occurs at the kart circuit and beyond, with millions of fans enjoying the thrill. From full-size road racing circuits to indoor karting, the sport continues to evolve while remaining accessible to all.
Ace Karts boasts a fleet of machines crafted by the world-class French manufacturer SodiKarts. These go-karts for adults and children meet rigorous safety standards and are powered by Honda engines. They feature adjustable pedals and seats, brake and headlights, and rack-and-pinion steering for precise control—perfect for all levels of kart racers.
The Birth of Karting
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Art Ingels is generally accepted as the father of karting. In 1956, Ingels invented the first go-kart in Southern California.
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He created the first go-kart using a simple tubular frame, sparking the motorsport’s inception.
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The go-kart name quickly gained traction as karts became a sensation across the U.S.
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Kart racers sought another thrill, transitioning karting from a backyard hobby to a professional motorsport.
Evolution of Karting
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American companies producing karts, like the Go Kart Manufacturing Co and Dart Kart, were among the first to commercialise karting.
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McCulloch, the first kart manufacturer to produce kart engines, adapted chainsaw engines for racing.
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Kart chassis are classified for different racing formats, including shifter kart classes for high-performance competition.
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By 1959, karting infrastructure developed rapidly, with the first permanent karting circuit built in Azusa, California. This permanent karting circuit in 1959 event at the new go-kart track marked a significant milestone.
Rookie Kart
Are you starting your racing journey? Our Rookie Kart is ideal for beginners, offering safe speeds and easy handling for ages 6-11. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to the excitement of go-karting, with plenty of fun around every corner.
40km/h
Easy steering for beginners
2Seater Kart
For young racers not quite ready to drive solo, our 2Seater Kart is the perfect solution. Share the excitement with an adult in our double karts while enjoying our popular track's smooth handling and mid-speed thrills.
55km/h
Easy and comfortable
Super Kart
Our Super Kart is perfect for thrill-seekers who love high-speed fun. With a finely-tuned Honda engine and highly responsive handling, it's designed for those ready to test their limits on our technical turns and wide and twisty track.
75km/h
Highly responsive
Karting’s Global Appeal
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Karting expanded beyond racing in the United States, reaching Europe and beyond.
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Leading brands like Zanardi or FA Kart dominate professional karting circles today.
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Modern innovations have elevated karting to global motorsport, supported by iconic venues and high-performance machines.
Summary
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Karting began when Art Ingels built the first kart, evolving from a hobby to an internationally loved motorsport.
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American pioneers, kart manufacturers, and go-kart companies popping up globally fueled the sport’s growth.
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Kart engines are developed for both competitive and recreational use, from basic karts to advanced designs like those by SodiKarts.
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Creating dedicated venues like the karting track in Azusa and innovations in shifter kart classes paved the way for today’s professional circuits.
Whether competing on an advanced circuit or racing casually at Ace Karts, karting remains an exhilarating activity that continues to captivate fans of all ages worldwide.
Got the racing bug? Grab your mates and book your arrive and drive now at Ace Karts, or call us on 03 9360 5005.