Go-Cart Chassis

Go-cart Chassis; it's all in the framework.

The go-cart chassis is one its most important components. The chassis functions as a rear wheel differential. It does this by means of flex. If the go cart didn't have this feature the inside rear wheel would make it hard to do a successful turn on the track. Without a differential it would be hard to stop the forward momentum of the cart.

The go-cart chassis does not usually include any suspension components. The chassis is not any bigger than it needs to be. Space for a drive and a small engine is sufficient. The chassis is typically constructed in a tubular pattern and made of steel. A variety of different grades and thicknesses of tubing are used. The way these are used together determines how flexible the chassis will be.

A go cart will perform differently on different terrain depending on the configuration of the chassis. This makes the go-cart chassis essential to the carts speed, road holding and overall performance. If the cart is used for indoor or non-professional races it will typically have four large bumpers on each side.

However, if the go cart will be going at high speeds or for direct driving, it will usually be fitted with plastic or fiberglass spoilers. This makes the go-cart chassis more aerodynamic and the cart will be safer to drive.

A go-cart chassis can be 'open' or 'caged'. In a caged cart a roll cage is fitted so that it surrounds the driver. Open go carts are not fitted with a roll cage. If the cart is going to be used in dry track conditions the chassis should be stiffer and less flexible. If the cart will be used in wet or other poor traction conditions it should be fitted with a chassis that offers more flexibility.

On the professional go cart racing circuit carts can weigh 200 to 300 lb (100 to 150 kg). TonyKart, Birel and CRG are just three of the European manufacturers of chassis for racing carts. In the United States Trackmagic and Margay manufacture top-quality go-cart chassis.

So be sure to check out our pages about How To Build a Go-Cart, Racing Go-Carts, Racing Dirt Go-Carts, Go-Cart Kits, and Go-Cart Parts elsewhere on this site.