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Karting is the door to the world of motorsports for many young people who love
speed and engines. From Buenos Aires to Mendoza, there are circuits where there is
a lot of excitement and competition. It is common to see entire families supporting
the little champions, and the best thing is that in many cases, the future stars of
Argentine motorsport come out of those karts. So if you like racing and speed,
karting is the perfect place to start.
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Argentine karting:
History and Development Origin:
Karting arrived in Argentina in the 1960s and quickly became popular. The first
formal competitions began in the 70s.
Many of the great Argentine drivers, such as Juan Maria Traverso, José María
"Pechito" López, Mariano Werner, Di Palma, Fernando Croceri and Agustin Canapino
began their careers in karting
Although there are not so many detailed records of his first karting competitions,
traverso was at the beginning of karting that helped him acquire the skills and
experience necessary to succeed in the higher categories.
The successes in karting helped his career in international motorsports. Pechito
López continued his career in other categories, including Formula Renault, TC2000,
Formula E and the World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Before standing out in Turismo Carretera and Super TC2000, Werner had a successful
career in karting, winning multiple championships and demonstrating his talent from
a young age.
Fernando Croceri is considered one of the most outstanding drivers in the history
of Argentine karting. His career in karting was impressive, achieving numerous
titles and establishing himself as a reference in this sport.
Before becoming one of the most successful drivers in Turismo Carretera and Super
TC2000, Canapino had a successful career in karting, where he demonstrated his
skill and competitiveness.
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Championships: There are many championships but the most notable in Argentina are:
The Argentine Karting Championship (CAK)
Rotax Max Challenge it is an international series with a division in Argentina,
which allows drivers to qualify for world competitions.
TBR Cup is the most economic option to compete in proffesional karting,
Circuits: There are numerous karting circuits throughout the country, from
professional tracks to more modest facilities. Some of the best-known circuits are
the Buenos Aires Kartódromo, the Zárate Kartódromo and the San Jorge International
Kartódromo.
This is a pic of Ayrton Senna running in the kartodromo of San Juan in the South
American Championship of 1979.
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Categories:
60cc category:
For younger pilots, generally between 6 and 10 years old.
An initiation category for future motorsport talents.
100cc category:
For young pilots, but with a little more experience, generally between 10 and 14
years old.
It serves as an intermediate category before moving on to more powerful karts.
125cc category:
One of the most popular and competitive categories in Argentine karting.
It includes subcategories such as Junior, Senior and Master, depending on the age
and experience of the pilots.
125cc karts without gearbox: these karts usually have 2-stroke engines and the
power typically ranges from 15 to 30 horsepower (hp). With a gearbox power can vary
between 30 and 45 hp, although some highly prepared engines can have more.
250cc category:
A more powerful and advanced category, often used by more experienced and adult
pilots.
250cc karts usually use 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines.
2-stroke engines are more common due to their higher power-to-weight ratio and
high-revving ability.
250cc 2-stroke engines can produce between 45 and 60 horsepower (hp)
250cc 4-stroke engines tend to be less powerful, but offer greater durability and
more consistent performance in long-duration events.
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Technology and Equipment:
Karts: The karts used in competitions vary in technical specifications depending on
the category. They usually have two-stroke engines and specialized chassis.
Equipment: Pilots must wear safety equipment such as helmet, gloves, fireproof suit
and rib protector.