Not directly F1 content but definitively related to F1 because karting is the first step onto the F1 junior ladder.
GAZOO Racing (GR) launched the “GR KART”―an entry-level racing kart developed to broaden hands-on access to motorsports for children and families―nationwide today in Japan at kart tracks and GR Garage locations.
Cost: 385000 Yen (around 2150 Euro / 2500 USD)
Not sure why they put mirrors on these, no FIA karting would allow mirrors. There already is a Formula Tillotson T4 class , fixed setups, 200cc motors, fixed tires, this is very popular worldwide. Tires are critical, because they can cost thousands/season. The have ages from kids in Bambino class. These classes are trying to save karting, as the FIA let karting degrade into pay-to-win and this is killing karting. For transport and storage, many tracks offer rentals or storage lockers.
To give you an idea of how out of control this could be, Eddie Cheever and Riccardo Patrese raced karts in the 70s and spent the equivalent of $775,000 in one season.
Not sure why they put mirrors on these, no FIA karting would allow mirrors.
It’s not for FIA Karting. Japan only, select tracks only.
Seeing it fit in the back of a minivan is so cool, these things look awesome.
We never had problems fitting our racing karts into a van.
Like a regular minivan? I’m thinking of dodge grand caravan or something that would be the equivalent to toyotas noah here
This is a great initiative, I hope it’s actually competitive too.
Given the target market is only Japan for now, I have a wild guess and assume that the people responsible are the ones who build the Super Formula cars. Doesn’t seem the Cologne team. If it were, the Michael Schumacher Kart Track is relatively nearby and would be a natural first partner.
