Journey through the history of karting (and OTK Kart Group): who invented go-karting? Why is it called go-karting? Thanks to this article, you will have an answer to these and other questions about the genesis of the world's most adrenaline-pumping sport!

The concept is straightforward: a chassis made from steel tubes, an engine, a seat, a steering wheel, four wheels, and, crucially, the absence of a differential. In essence, a go-kart consists of these basic components. However, it would be a mistake to reduce karting to just a list of parts. Karting encompasses much more; it embodies the very essence of motorsport. In fact, it serves as a vital stepping stone for aspiring drivers looking to compete in prestigious categories like Formula 1, IndyCar, and WEC. It is the pursuit of pure speed, facilitated by a competition vehicle that, while conceptually simple, is equipped with highly refined components and technical features.
OTK Kart Group, the world leader in racing kart construction and the manufacturer of Viper Kart rental karts, has a deep understanding of what karting truly represents. That’s why every kart—whether racing or rental—produced in their factories is not just a simple assembly of components. Instead, each kart embodies over 40 years of experience in the industry since its inception. Curious about the history of karting? Let us tell you more.

Who is the creator of go-karting?

It was Art Ingels who invented the go-kart in the United States in 1956. As an employee of Kurtis-Kraft, a racing car manufacturing company, Ingels was always on the lookout for ways to create a racing vehicle that was both affordable and, most importantly, fun to drive. One fateful day, his opportunity arose when the McCulloch company decided to discard over 10,000 West Bend lawnmower engines due to a technical issue. Ingels seized the chance, acquiring one of these engines and using it as the foundation to build the first go-kart in history. He took it for a spin for the first time in a parking lot in his hometown of Los Angeles.
This pivotal moment is intricately linked to the story of OTK Kart Group's flagship brand, Tony Kart. Ingels’ invention quickly gained immense popularity, spreading across the globe in no time. Just two years later, in 1958, a magazine advertisement showcasing these go-karts caught the attention of Antonio Bosio, who was rooted in a garage in Prevalle, a small town in northern Italy, but always brimming with creative ideas. Known as "Tony" in his village, he wasted no time; he took an engine, welded a chassis, and rapidly created the first kart branded as Tony Kart.
Tony Kart initially operated as a small manufacturer of racing vehicles, handcrafted with care. However, in 1984, it was acquired by Roberto Robazzi, who transformed it into one of the most renowned and successful brands in the world. To learn more, you can explore the history of Tony Kart on its official website. Robazzi’s vision led to the establishment of the OTK Kart Group, now a global leader in racing kart manufacturing (including several brands, Tony Kart among them) and the producer of Viper Kart rental karts.

Why is it called go-kart? 

Given the immediate success of the go-karts, Ingels and his friends quickly recognised the commercial potential of their invention, which was simple yet highly appealing to the public. However, there was one challenge: how to promote a product that still lacked a name. The solution came from Duffy Livingston, the owner of a muffler shop in Los Angeles, who began manufacturing and selling these vehicles under the name "go-kart." This name was simple, easy to pronounce, and perfectly encapsulated the essence of the invention. While Ingels is credited as the material inventor of the go-kart, it was Livingston who ultimately launched it into the market, paving the way for its widespread popularity.

When and how did rental karting begin?

The go-kart, therefore, is essentially a commercial product designed for enthusiasts seeking to combine speed, ease of use, and, most importantly, affordability compared to the significantly higher costs associated with other motorsport categories. This appeal led to the idea of purchasing entire fleets of karts to rent them out for free-ride sessions on existing or specially built tracks, allowing individuals to experience the thrill of racing. As a result, the emergence of rental karts occurred almost simultaneously with the rise of the kart racing scene.
However, the development of indoor karting tells a different story. The first indoor kart track was established in the 1980s in an old bus depot in the London borough of Clapham Town, with one of its founders being Martin Hines, a key figure in the history of karting.