Sprint is the original form of karting, and is extremely strong throughout the country. Drivers compete on short paved and twisty courses we call sprint tracks and are typically one-half mile (800 meters) to three quarters of a mile (1,200 meters) in length. Racing action on sprint tracks demands extremely quick reactions and reflexes from the driver. Requiring full concentration and focus, drivers often challenge each other wheel to wheel and nose to tail. The sprint racing format makes for a busy day to prepare for qualifying and subsequent rounds of race events.

Sprint Class Structure

Class structure for sprint track racing is designed for all ages, weights and competition levels. Different classes are available for two-cycle, four-cycle and 125cc engines. Local promoters will include a variety of these classes depending on popularity in their regional and weekly club races. Many also offer “kid kart” classes suited for age’s five to nine. This class is often offered as training or introductory program rather than an actual competitive racing program. There can be anywhere from 8 to 14 different classes offered at a race event.

Sprint Race Format

Each organization may vary slightly; however, most events include one pre-final heat race and one feature (main) event determining the overall winner. Depending on the track length, lap count is typically eight to ten laps for a heat race and 20 to 25 for a feature. Some promoters accumulate points for heat races and base the final results off the total points. Other promoters base their final results off the finishing position of the feature race.

Individual time trials are frequently used to qualify drivers for their race starting positions, although a random draw for line up is also used in certain circumstances and is a good time saver. A rolling start is used, but most shifter classes utilize a Formula One style standing start. Trophies, plaques or ribbons are awarded to the top placing finishers in all classes.