:: Racing ::

This Sprint race at Granja Viana, Brazil

Kart racing is generally accepted as the most economic form of motorsport available on four wheels. As a free-time activity, it can be performed by almost anybody, and as a motorsport in itself, it is one of the sports regulated by FIA (under the name of CIK), permitting licensed racing for anyone from the age of 8 onward.

In the USA, there is not as much FIA involvement; instead, many organizations regulate racing, such as the IKF ( International Kart Federation), WKA (World Karting Association), KART (Karters of America Racing Triad). An indoor karting World championship (IKWC) exists.

In the UK, the MSA regulate 'owner driver' Karting. Some associations, such as NATSKA (National Schools Karting Association), organize race meetings throughout the country under the authority of the MSA. Various four-stroke 'hire kart' series such as EPEC (European Endurance Prokart Championship) or BRKC (British Rental Kart Championship) fall outside the governance of the MSA.

In Australia, kart racing is administered by the Australian Karting Association on the behalf of FIA and CAMS . There is a manual released every year detailing the various rules and regulations that race meetings and drivers have to follow.

A variety of kart circuit permit the sport to be practiced, although only homologated tracks can have official races in Europe.

Racing classes start at age 7 or 8 (5 in the US with "Kid Karts") and generally run in 3-year age groupings or weight divisions until "senior" status is reached at age 15 or 16, depending on the series.