It seems there is a trend to make karting tracks both longer in distance, and wider. When the sport started, and in its’ hayday, tracks seemed to be .5 mi. to .8 mi. and perhaps 24’ wide (same as a 2 lane road.)
Now tracks are up to double that, and WIDE. I’m convinced that speeds have gone up, but the overall product hasn’t improved. A shorter track is more conducive to 4 cycles (less monotone speeds) and the overall footprint being smaller would reduce overall costs of construction.
When many communities had small kart tracks in the 70’s, early 80’s, they were little more than a pencil sketch paved in a vacant lot, with people having simple fun. The karts were simpler too… Perhaps we’re losing something in the push of “advancement?”
What do you feel the “perfect” kart track length is, and why?
Here’s a defunct track, .25 mi., Sheboygan, WI…looks fun!
ADDENDUM:
Note the simple white track boundaries, no kerbs, tires in infield, and hay bale perimeter… Hate to catch one of those with the exposed tires!!
I think it’s more about layout than length. Extra width theoretically makes is safer because there’s more room to take different lines and carry the momentum. I think a fun raceable track can be as short as 3-4 tenths of a mile.
3/4 of a mile is probably the sweet spot, at least for KZ’s
.75 miles seems pretty standard and reasonable these days. Karts have gotten faster and wider, corner speeds are higher, and so tracks do need to increase in size a bit as the sport progresses.
However, I think it’s totally reasonable a fun to have a mix of long and short tracks. People were mentioned about how “narrow” Daytona was last week, and kept referring to it as a “bull ring”, which I thought was kind of funny. You’re certainly right that new tracks have gotten wider and bigger and so a lot of younger drivers don’t know what a short track even is. Imagine a national race with all these big teams at a track like Springfield. I would love to see that.
One of my favorite tracks to visit. It just happens to be the oldest track in Texas, 1959. It started as an oval track and was originally built as a test track for Hornet Chassis Company which was located next to the track. The current configuration is 3/10 mile in length and is a workout to drive!
I think part of what we like is because it still embodies what everyone here talks about what karting used to be. People show up to have a good time. Yes they race, yes some take it very serious, but mostly people are enjoying a common interest. It is some of the most fun my son and I have had at a track when we visit there.
Short tracks with a lot of turns shows who can really drive! At the same time, it’s fun watching karts utilize the draft at Road America and New Castle. The nice part about traveling series is the variety.
40-60s seems good. Longer is better than shorter. Too short and the track is too busy, turn wise, and you never get a moment to breathe. Too long can involve too much straights, sometimes.
It is weird to me to see 206 grands at New Castle. Long straights, wide corners. It’s just too big. Someone can fact check me here but I think NCMP was built during the TAG heyday. Seems like a good track for higher hp.
I wish we could run 4 cycles on only smaller tracks. I think TJ nailed it: 206 grands at Springfield, IL!
i don’t really care too much about the actual length, but more about lap time. i personally like laps in the 45s to 60s range. laps at the grands last year were pretty close to 90s, and in a 5 minute practice, you might get 4 laps. not enough.
I agree it’s not much about the length, it’s the design.
My personal favorite (and also the one I suck at) is Jesolo - Pista Azzurra. 0.65 mi, half high-speed, half slow, in sequence. So you have the fast part, followed by the technical, slow part. Mix of throwing the kart at super high speeds and driving on 2 wheels. And a straight that isn’t straight. Nuts.
