A critical component of a speedy and strong go kart is the go kart frame, also known as the chassis. The frame is one of the most valuable items if you are expecting to have good results on the race course. It requires a precisely-designed and sturdily built frame to keep your tires glued to the track while racing through busy tight corners at top speed. Whirling out of control is much more liable to happen with an inferior frame.

A go kart frame or chassis is made from strong steel tubing, is attached to the axles, and is designed to hold the engine and body. Since go karts don't have a suspension the chassis must be rigid enough not to break under the strain and flexible enough to act as the suspension. Challenging corners are a major aspect of go cart racing and can be very tough on chassis, so some flexibility is crucial for maneuvering although some stiffness is crucial for strength.

Offset, straight, caged, and open are the four frame types. A caged frame has a roll-over cage fastened that encircles the occupant of a cart. Its most important objective is to prevent harm or injury during a crash, principally in a crash involving a roll-over, but additional can also help reinforce the chassis. A roll-over bar is sometimes used as a substitute for a cage. The roll-over bar is positioned immediately behind the driver and offers a moderate amount of safety in an accident involving a roll-over, but not as much as a roll-over cage. An open frame does not have a roll-over cage and will not safeguard the driver as well.

Straight and offset chassis are given their respective names based on the position of the driver. If the driver sits in the middle of the go cart it is known as a straight frame. If the driver sits on the left side it is an offset frame. Straight chassis are usually used in sprint racing whereas offset frames or chassis are most commonly used for speedway racing. Speedway racing is most commonly the name given to oval tracks encompassing all left turns.

Despite the type of frame used, a well-built frame will supply you with a sturdy kart that can hold up under the punishment it receives on brutal tracks. Different types of race courses and conditions call for different amounts of frame stiffness for maximum efficiency and durability. The total amount of stiffness will fluctuate depending on whether the track is concrete, blacktop, or dirt.

A stiff frame is usually ideal in dry track conditions and a more flexible frame is ideally suited for soggy track situations. The best frames or chassis permit easy altering of the stiffness to ideally fit the prevailing weather and track conditions. Varying the stiffness is done by adding or removing stiffening bars on the rear, front, and side of the go kart. The best go karts provide this capability.

Excessively stiff chassis, lacking enough flexibility, can fracture easily. The appropriate amount of flexibility and stiffness will allow a driver to keep a truer line through tricky cornering instead of drifting sideways. This will improve performance and also increase the lifespan of the chassis.

If you would like the proper frame for your situation you have to determine what type of go karting you will be participating in. If you are going to race at a specific track you would be smart to chat with the experts at that track to determine the ideal frame for that particular track. They can help guide you toward chassis that will work best for the unique conditions of their track.

Moreover, there are many go kart governing bodies, each having their own unique set of rules. Understanding what is up to standard and what is not up to standard at the track you plan on racing at will prevent you from getting a go cart that is not permissible on that specific track. Buying the best frame for the precise track and conditions, and having the capability of changing the stiffness as wanted, will add greatly to your enjoyment and accomplishments when go kart racing.