Engines continued to evolve for a longer period of time around the same basic principle: two-stroke single cylinder, direct chain drive to a rigid rear shaft. Liquid cooling then brought reliability, while the electric starter and automatic clutch broadened the base of drivers. In competition, the four-stroke engine did not break through as it did in other motorsports, especially motorbikes, at the beginning of the 2000s, as karting retained an artisanal aspect because of its low production volume, while favouring lightness and simplicity. For the same reasons, electronic injection is absent. The 125cc displacement became widespread.

Without suspension and aerodynamic appendages, today's karts are still very simple machines. However, their manufacturing and use is extremely demanding, and this is what creates the beauty of this sport. Setting up a kart is almost an art where detail counts to make a difference. The expertise of the mechanics is a central element, based on many years of experience. The balance between chassis rigidity and flexibility, seat or steering wheel position, tightening of the various components, front end adjustments and tyre pressure are all parameters that must be constantly adapted to the track conditions and the weather.

All this for intense but short races, 15 to 20 minutes maximum. No wonder that karting is difficult to understand for an uninitiated public and that the real talent of a driver is not obvious. During the long winter evenings, no one can be blamed for dreaming of a TV series like Netflix's "Drive to Survive", which would reveal all the fascination of karting to a large audience... Anyone available to finance?

About KartCom

Kartcom is the communication department of the French company KSP Reportages.

A tool for large-scale communication!

In 2004, KSP Reportages was one of the first to offer the production of karting press releases to its customers. Numerous well-known players in the kart and automotive industry rely on KSP Reportages for the production and distribution of their press releases to a mailing list of more than 30,000 targeted and verified contacts worldwide.

Kartcom has recognised expertise and solid experience in the production of press kits and presentations, as well as brochures, advertising materials and collector books.

Launched in 2007, the Kartcom website quickly became an essential tool in the international karting world. Users to benefit from a unique database of drivers, circuits, competitions and much more, which can be consulted free of charge. Published on www.kartcom.com along with news photos by KSP Photo Agency, the articles from KSP Reportages provide simple and accessible communication elements contributing to social network feeds and websites, while benefiting from the archiving and development as well as the influence of Kartcom.