The question is: can go-karts flip or is it possible to flip a go-kart? Well, the short answer is yes, it’s definitely is possible! Go karts can flip and when they do, it’s extremely dangerous and will most likely cause injury to the driver.
Go-karts are constructed with an extremely low center of gravity. This is achieved by having all four wheels as far apart as possible, in order to ensure that your go-kart stays grounded at all times. Wide tires also help with maximizing grip on the race track. However, there are always circumstances that are not foreseeable that can cause you to flip over.
What Can Cause a Go-Kart to Flip?
Although a low center of gravity helps with keeping the go kart on the ground it’s definitely possible that certain circumstances can lift your kart off the track or in the worst case entirely flip over. This can be caused by various things such as steering too sharply when driving over the race track curbs, hitting an object on the track, colliding with another go-kart and many more.
Especially when racing karts on the track, every second you gain on your opponent counts. Everything happens in a split second and when overtaking other go-karts you may accidentally pass them too narrowly and your front wheels touch the other go-kart’s back wheels. This can cause a kart to flip (if your kart has no bumpers or frame).
To summarize, here are the most common incidents that can cause a go-kart to flip:
- Turning too sharply & abruptly
- Sharp turns or collisions on uneven surfaces (track curbs)
- Wheel-to-wheel contact with other go-karts
- Collisions with other go-karts
- Turning abruptly with a high center of gravity
Examples of Go-Karts Flipping
Go-kart flipping is a real danger, especially in go-kart races. Always make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and that you know your limitations. Below are some clips of go-karts that flipped during actual races.
What Are the Dangers When a Go-Kart Flips?
Unlike racing cars, go-karts do not have any roll cages, crumple zones or airbags. This means that you are always directly exposed to the asphalt of the race track. The seats most often also do not have any neck support that can protect you when your kart flips upside down or sideways.
That’s why you need to be extremely cautious and ensure that you have the right safety equipment and drive cautiously at all times! Having your go-kart flip can cause great injury to you as your head and part of your shoulders will make contact with the asphalt. With that being said, please proceed with extreme caution when go-karting! A flipping go-kart can cause bodily injury and in worst-case fatality.
Are Some Go-Karts Safer Than Others?
Yes! There are certain types of go-karts which are safer than others. Usually, professional go-karts have no frame and smaller bumpers. When karts have bumpers that extend to the wheel area, it’s less likely to directly make wheel contact with another go-kart. A go-kart with a frame that extends around the tires is even safer and is recommended for beginners as it greatly reduces the risk of flipping a go-kart during a race.
10 Things You Can Do to Protect Yourself From Go-Kart Flips
There are always ways to mitigate the risk of flipping a go-kart. Here are the top 10 things that can help:
1. Check Your Go-Kart Regularly
Make sure that you have proper maintenance cycles for your go-kart to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. It’s also a good habit to check your go-kart every time before a race. One loose or missing part can spell disaster. Pay special attention to your tires. Swap them out for new ones if your current ones are too worn out.
2. Wear Safety Gear
Always ensure that you are wearing the proper safety equipment. A proper helmet can save your life, if your go-kart flips. There is a separate guide that features the best and safest go-kart racing helmets. Here is a list of safety equipment that you can consider, in order to protect yourself from injury:
3. Don’t Wear Loose Clothing
When you race go-karts always make sure that you wear tight fitting clothes. Avoid wearing loose clothes like dresses, scarfs or other loose clothing pieces, as they can easily tangle up and get jammed in the wheels, causing your go-kart to spin of flip over.
4. Tie up Your Hair
Similarly to loose clothing getting stuck on tires, the same can happen with long hair. When racing, always make sure that you tie up your hair so that it doesn’t get in the way.
5. Don’t Get Too Close to Other Go-Karts
It’s understandable that you need to overtake other go-karts, especially during races. However, be careful not to get too close to other go-karts. A wheel-to-wheel collision can cause your go-kart to flip. Decide carefully when to overtake.
6. Keep a Low Center of Gravity
Try to keep your center of gravity as low as possible and centered at all times. This ensures that your kart stays on the track. You can achieve this by lowering your body position when turning into corners.
7. Fasten Your Seat Belt
Not all go-karts have seat belts. If yours does, make sure to fasten it tightly. When your go-kart flips or collides, you don’t want to be flung out of it. If you don’t have a seat belt equipped and you’re fairly new to go-kart racing, I would highly recommend it.
8. Use Go-Karts with Bumpers and Frames
Some go-karts (typically beginner karts) have wider bumpers or even metal frames that extend around the tires. This ensures that when colliding with another go-kart, the chances of it flipping is much lower. If you are a beginner, it’s always safer to start with karts that have larger bumpers and frames.
9. Duck Your Head When Flipping
If your go-kart flips and you are mid-air try to duck your head, as you will protect your back and neck. Leaning your head backwards can lead to neck or back injuries. It may be difficult to react in the middle of a flip, but if you get the chance to, try to bend forward and make yourself as small as possible.
10. Get Proper Training
Before you start racing on the track, always ensure that you get the right training beforehand. Understanding how a go-kart works and how to drive safely are one of the most important things to know when go-kart racing. Don’t take this lightly!
