Go-Kart racing has been a part of the Ohio racing scene for about thirty years. A fast paced, competitive sport, go-kart racing is probably the most economical way to break into auto racing. Top drivers such as Keke Rosberg, Lake Speed, and Nelson Piquet started their careers in go-karts. Used equipment is readily available and a competitive set-up could probably be outfitted for under $1500. Kart racing is a widespread sport with tracks located nationwide. The Dart Kart Speedway Club runs enduro races throughout the summer at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course located between Cleveland and Columbus in Lexington, Ohio. The 2.4 mile road course allows for an average speed of about 70 mph with a top speed of approximately 130 mph.
There are three major forms of Kart racing in the USA. Sprint karts compete on short, twisty tracks and the races usually last about ten minutes with the karts reaching a top speed of about 60 mph. One of the newest forms of kart racing which has been gaining in popularity is that of oval or dirt track racing. Driving modified sprint karts with specially grooved tires, these drivers compete on short dirt ovals in a scaled down version of large sprint cars. Enduro karts are specially designed and built to compete on high speed roadracing circuits. The driver lays down for better aerodynamics and speeds of over 125 mph can be attained in such karts. These karts run on most major tracks including Elkhart Lake, Daytona International Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and more. The races are generally forty-five minutes in length with a standing LeMans style start. Each form of kart racing has a variety of classes from which to choose from, allowing a place for almost anyone to race. There are stock motor classes for the beginning karter along with modified twin engine classes for the advanced karter. The juniors have classes of their own which allow young drivers to gain experience as well. This variety in classes offers the option for the whole family to be involved either as drivers or crew members.
The Dart Kart Speedway Club was founded in 1958 with about 60 members. During the first few years DKC ran sprint races on a 1.2 mile asphalt track appropriately named Dart Kart Speedway. By 1964 Enduro racing was added at the nearby Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. During the late 60's the club was typically running 8-9 sprint races and 5 enduro races per year. From 1965-1973, one of the enduro races was a 250-mile race. In 1970 the sprint track was closed because of factory exansion by Rupp Mfg. Co, on whose property the track was located. Since that time the club has concentrated on promoting enduro kart racing. Dart Kart Speedway Club was involved in organizing the World Karting Association in 1972 and ran WKA National races in 1974 and 1975. From 1976-1980 approximately $20,000 in prize money was awarded to top placing karters in the yearly money series. In 1983 DKC was invited to run an exhibition race at the CART/PPG Indy Car race at Mid-Ohio which gave the sport of karting much needed exposure. In the future the club hopes to continue promoting enduro racing at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course as well as possibly becoming involved again in sprint or dirt track racing. While we no longer run the "Money Series" due to escalating costs, we continue to run 3-4 events per season including two WKA National points races.