Dang those are fast. I just recently did some kart racing here with ones that go about 40-50 MPH and those were a blast. Can't imagine what it would be like in those things.
GJ said 39 minutes later
Best thing about cart racing is the turning. That, and bumping and thrashing other drivers (which, as it turns out, they don't tend to encourage at the track I raced at).
They actually had a "penalty box" and geez almighty did I spend a lot of time there. I still finished in 3rd anyhow. :)
Geoff said 40 minutes later
lol
GJ said about 1 hour later
WHAT WERE THOSE THINGS at 1:10 of the video??
Didn't realize this was a slalom event!
Geoff said about 1 hour later
Yeah really. I'm finding it hard to believe this video is in real time things are flying by so fast...?
Steve said 1 day later
It's real time. Trust me. I've driven a 125 cc shifter kart, and it was insanely fast. This is a 250 cc shifter kart. Formula 1 drivers keep in shape over the winter by driving 125 cc and 250 cc shifter karts.
You guys think the cornering forces are good at the "fast" go kart places? Keep in mind, they use the hardest tire compounds possibly to extend tire life. Put a super soft and sticky tire on, and you can pull g's.....2-3 lateral g's.....
Geoff said 1 day later
that is insane. Where do I sign? jk ;)
GJ said 2 days later
Yeah, there's a reason I wasn't interested in becoming a pilot for the Air Force, even though I could have made their pilot program. Just don't find g-forces all that much fun beyond 1-1.5 g. Getting hit with pucks, on the other hand....
Steve said 2 days later
Oh, believe me, you'd find the g forces fun for a short while, but probably not for an endurance race. That's why a lot of people autocross 125 cc shifter karts. They are cheap to buy and maintain (but with a fair bit of upkeep). And there really isn't anything faster. One of my friends set the fastest time overall at the Solo Nationals (autocross nationals) in his shifter kart - faster than any other vehicle out there, including some incredibly fast high downforce custom built open wheel cars.
I've been tempted again and again to buy one, but first I have to get my weight down to something reasonable, as weight is a HUGE factor when racing shifter karts (or anything light). That's why most heavy racers drive big cars, and why F1 drivers are usually 5'4" tall and weigh 120 lbs soaking wet. Also why a very petite woman is dominating the motorcycle class of NHRA drag racing....
GJ said 2 days later
I found the simulated g-forces fun for a few seconds during Disney's Mission to Mars...after that, it was pure hell.
I'll tell you, though--I'm such a sucker for spaceflight, I'd do it all over again. Those few seconds were AWESOME.
