5 Common Myths About Go-Karting
Stop believing karting is just for kids. Here's what actually happens on track—and why every pro started here.
- Karting is for all ages with categories from kids to masters over 50, not just children’s birthday parties
- Racing karts are extremely fast – shifters hit 170+ km/h and feel even faster just centimeters off the ground
- Karting is the foundation of professional motorsport where every F1 driver started their career
- You can start karting affordably with rental karts and second-hand equipment before committing big money
- Karting is extremely physical with high G-forces, no power steering, and heart rates hitting 170+ bpm
- Most karting myths come from people who’ve only tried rental karts, not proper race karts
Karting is one of those things people think they understand… until they actually try it.
Over the years, I’ve heard so many myths and misunderstandings…from “karting is just for kids” to “it’s not physical.” Seriously?
Some of them are funny, some are frustrating, but they all have one thing in common: they stop people from truly experiencing how incredible karting really is.
So let’s get some clarity about what karting really is, and, equally important, what it’s not.
Here are five common karting myths, and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Karting is Only for Kids
I’ve heard this one way too often. People imagine karting is just something you do at a birthday party when you’re 10 ahahah.
But that’s just the entry point for some.
Karting is for all ages. There are categories for kids, teens, adults — even masters categories for drivers over 40 or 50. Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s a category for you.
And some of the best racing happens in the adult categories. Whether it’s seniors or shifter karts, you’ll find intense, real racing.
Myth 2: Karts Are Slow
If you’ve only driven rental karts at a rental track, I get why you might think that. But real racing karts?
Oh boy…Whole different level.
Racing karts are FAST. Shifters can hit 170+ km/h on a long straight. Even mini karts for kids can do 115–120 km/h on the long tracks. And when you’re just a few centimeters off the ground, it feels like double than that.
Some superkarts even race on F1 tracks and hit over 220 km/h. Crazy ones, though I love to try one day!
So no, karts aren’t slow at all — they’re just underrated.
Yes, if you compare them to Formula 1 they’re slower, quite a lot. But for their sizes and safety standards, they’re already very very quick!
Myth 3: Karting is Just a Hobby (plz don’t make me cringe)
Yes, it’s really fun. Yes, lots of people do it for the love of the sport. But calling it “just a hobby” really undersells what karting actually is.
Karting is the foundation of professional motorsport. Every single F1 driver started here.
Karting is the foundation of professional motorsport. Every single F1 driver started here. It’s where you learn the fundamentals: racecraft, focus, fitness, and pressure.
And for some drivers? It is their actual career. There are factory drivers who get paid to race for top teams, they travel the world, test equipment, and race full-time.
Myth 4: Karting Is Too Expensive
Motorsport has a reputation for being expensive — and yes, high-level karting can cost a lot. But it’s also one of the most accessible ways to get into racing.
You can get started without breaking the bank. Try rental karting first — it’s cheap, fun, and gives you a feel for the sport. When you’re ready to commit, you can buy a second-hand kart and train on your own without spending crazy money.
Only when you start aiming for international titles, world championships, or F1 does it get really expensive. But for local or national racing? There are ways to manage it.
Myth 5: Karting Isn’t Physical
This one really makes me laugh — usually from people who’ve never done a 25-lap race in a KZ shifter.
Karting is extremely physical. You’re dealing with high G-forces, no power steering, and tons of grip. Your neck, forearms, core, and even your ribs take a beating. It’s not uncommon to have sore arms, blisters and scratched hips after a proper session.
And it’s aerobic too — heart rate easily hits 170+ bpm.
I’ve had more than a few gym freaks tell me they were destroyed after a full day of karting.
Final Thoughts
Most of these myths come from people who haven’t tried the real thing — or have only done a few laps in a rental kart. But once you step into a proper race kart, everything changes. Oh, it does.
Karting is fast, physical, competitive, and seriously fun. Whether you’re doing it for a hobby, fitness, or chasing a dream — give it a shot.
Just be warned: once you get hooked, there’s no going back.
I told you so 😉
Just Senndit
– Alessio Lorandi
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Alessio Lorandi is the former CIK FIA World Junior Champion, winning against Lando Norris in 2013 & F3 multiple race winner. He's helped 200+ karting drivers worldwide get faster & win WSK titles with BabyRace Driver Academy & now through Senndit, his online karting coaching platform.
