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An Oulaw Kart is also known as a Sprint
Kart, Outlaw Sprint Kart, or Outlaw Cage Kart. The Outlaw Kart takes its
roots from the standard flat kart or Asphalt Sprint Kart.
The Main difference between a conventional
kart and an Outlaw Kart is the Cage. The basic design of the cage makes
this one of the safest karts out there. The driver of the kart sits in
a real aluminum racing seat like those used in Sprint Car racing. A five
point harness is worn to firmly hold the driver in place. The driver also
wears arm restraints to keep their arms from flying out in the event of
a rollover. Helmets, neck collars, and gloves are required safety gear.
Most tracks recommend a fire retardant racing suit. Lately many drivers
are starting to wear head and neck restraint systems to further prevent
the possibility of injury.
Pee Wee / Box Stock Divsion
Outlaw Kart racing starts out as young
as 5 years old in the Box Stock or Pee Wee division. These karts use a
5hp flat head Briggs and Stratton engine with a restrictor plate to keep
the power manageable for the younger drivers. The engines are usually
modified to some extent to promote durability as the typical engine will
turn about 5,000 to 6,000 rpm while running a restrictor plate.
5hp Open / Stock Appearing Division
Most drivers in this class range in age
from 8 to 12 years old. In this class the 5hp motors are highly modified
many of them running methanol, high lift cams, aftermarket piston, rods,
carburetors, and flywheels. Typical competetive horsepower in this class
is about 12 to 16 hp. These motors typically require a remote electric
starter because they are very hard to pull start. These engines routinely
turn 9,000 rpm.
125cc / 250F Division
This division is the first to take a significant
jump in horsepower where handling and setup of the kart really comes into
play. Most drivers for this class are from 10 to 16 years old. The drivers
in this class are running much faster around the track and sliding the
car through the corners. This is the first class where they can spin the
wheels and break them loose from the track surface. The Engine used in
this class is a slightly modified motorcycle engine usually either a 125cc
Honda or a Yamaha 250F. The 125cc engine has been king in this division
for many years but the 250F is slowly moving in and starting to take over.
Typical horsepower for this class is around 30 hp.
500cc Open Division
This division has the most horsepower
and carries the most speed down the straights. Most drivers in this class
are 14 years and older. On small tracks these karts are almost in a complete
slide all the way around the track starting their turn in for the corner
mid way down the straight stretch.
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