Autoblog

Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic

George Kennedy — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Australia

From the files of "wouldn't it be cool if..." comes this case of mistaken vehicular identity. See, the driver of this go-kart must think that he's piloting an actual street-legal motor vehicle. That has to be the explanation as why someone would be crazy enough to take a go-kart on busy city streets. The poster of this video was on his way to Sydney, Australia's Kingsford-Smith Airport, when he spotted this very brave - or very stupid - individual. We're leaning towards the latter.

At one point, the kart driver appears to either nearly lose control of his diminutive vehicle or intentionally try to spin it, in either case, he almost careens into oncoming traffic. This video should serve as a reminder as to why we have sensible traffic laws and regulations for motor vehicles. Apparently the Sydney police agree, and are reportedly keeping an eye out for the driver. We hope this guy made it to work safely, but really, this is a little ridiculous. Fair warning: There is quite a lot of accent-tinged foul language in this one, so it might be Not Safe For Work.

Continue reading Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic

Australian go-kart driver plays in traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch a Syracuse mall's owners race through it in go karts

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

While some of you may have daydreamed about driving through a mall like the Blues Brothers, the owners of the Destiny USA mall in Syracuse, NY snatched a couple of go karts from the Pole Position Raceway located in their shopping center and actually did it.

Bob Conjel and Bruce Kenan speed through the mall at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in what seems to be a great way to promote their mall's current and pending enhancements. While it's clear that most of the stores are closed, there are still plenty of people walking around the mall. And at the 2:36 mark, we see that the new Volvos are in early this year.

The duo slides into some drywall and even uses "stunt drivers" in the tighter areas as the karts blast through the mall's inner sanctum. All that's missing is Otis Redding's "I Can't Turn You Loose" playing in the background.

The video provided by the mall is only a minute and a half long, but Pole Position made one that' eight minutes in length. Both are posted below.

Continue reading Watch a Syracuse mall's owners race through it in go karts

Watch a Syracuse mall's owners race through it in go karts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drivable Lego go-kart is slow but awesome

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Toys/Games

Yeah, yeah, you liked to build with Lego bricks when you were a kid. But could you build a go-kart large enough and sturdy enough to carry your own weight? Don't answer yet. Could you then make this monster kart actually move under its own power, albeit slowly, like the real thing? We thought not, hotshot.

Mind you, it seems as though the adult in this video - a Dutchman by the name of Eric Steenstra - is running the show, and likely the build. The go kart (dubbed "Le-GoKart" on Steenstra's tumblr page) makes use of 48 Lego Mindstorms NXT motors and 16 NXT battery packs, has working headlights and taillights and can support the weight of a 222-pound adult man. It is constructed exclusively from Lego parts, too - no cheating.

Forget the fact that the kart is so slow with a child piloting it that an area rug substantially slows it down, and simply enjoy the videoed madness, below.

Continue reading Drivable Lego go-kart is slow but awesome

Drivable Lego go-kart is slow but awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eGarage makes kids and karting look epic

George Kennedy — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos

Meet Curtis. Curtis karts. Curtis has fun karting. Through the work of Christopher Kippengerger, Curtis karting looks kind of epic.

An installment from eGarage, a self-proclaimed automotive storyteller website, "Kart Kids" uses slow motion and high production values to make the youngsters racing look like F1 drivers. F1 drivers... whose parents work on their karts shirtless, and have the checkered flag waived by an overweight man in a tank top. Good stuff all around.

Curtis, who is nine years old and has been karting for two years, provides a very succinct explanation of grip. In his words "The way grip works is when its hot, the wheels melt a little bit, and you go into the curve it will be a little softer, and it sticks on the ground and then you have grip."

We could not have explained it any better ourselves. Scroll below to see all of the through-the-roof production values that make karting look like the most important thing to ever happen.

Oh yeah, and in explaining traction, Curtis leaves us with his own bit of commentary; "It's easy..."

Continue reading eGarage makes kids and karting look epic

eGarage makes kids and karting look epic originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing Dreams documentary premiering on PBS in February [w/video]

Dan Roth — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

Racing Dreams is an award-winning documentary that follows the racing exploits of three go-kart racing youths chasing an entry into the world of NASCAR. As we reported before, when Racing Dreams took the podium at the Tribeca Film Festival, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson got behind this project as executive producer, and now this documentary is making its broadcast premiere on Thursday, February 23 at 9 PM on Public Television. The PBS documentary series POV (Point Of View) will also stream the movie on its website for a month following the debut.

The idea of a karting documentary may not sound immediately captivating to anyone but the most hardcore of racing fans, but the story of Annabeth Barnes, Josh Hobson and Brandon Warren (11, 12, and 13 years old, respectively), has a track record of surprising viewers. It's more than just the story of how entry into professional auto racing of any sort increasingly starts even before adolescence, it talks about how the experience of fierce on-track competition colors the already-bewildering arrival of adolescence. Indeed, racing isn't the kind of subject matter you'd expect to find on PBS, but director and producer Marshall Curry has woven a story that's been rewarded with honors at many film festivals around the United States. Racing Dreams is a story about life that happens to have racing figure into the plot. Check your local listings to catch the documentary on your PBS station, and after checking out our gallery, you can watch the trailer and read the official press release, both posted after the jump.

Continue reading Racing Dreams documentary premiering on PBS in February [w/video]

Racing Dreams documentary premiering on PBS in February [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kid-sized Mini Seven is perfect for minimalist children

Zach Bowman — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Mini Seven - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're a little torn on this one. You're looking at what could possibly be the most awesome go kart ever crafted by human hands: the Mini Seven. Mini is a company that specializes in high-end electric golf carts that vary from a proportionally-correct Hummer resort vehicle to a Bentley Continental GT lookalike. This, however, is different. The Seven was built specifically with children in mind, and Mini says that the pint-sized interpretation of Colin Chapman's wonder is safe for operation on tarmac or in fields. Powered by a Honda gasoline engine, the car has a top speed of around 19 mph.

Four disc brakes with a fully-adjustable proportioning valve are standard, as are a set of four-point harnesses to keep your budding speed demon firmly planted in the optional leather seats. Even the pedals are adjustable to keep up with a kid's growth.

Unfortunately, all of this unbelievable kit comes with a similarly eye-widening price tag. Expect to fork over £6,995, or roughly $11,305. Awesome? Sure. That awesome? Probably not.

Gallery: Mini Seven

[Sources: Born Rich, Gizmag, Mini Electric Vehicles]

Kid-sized Mini Seven is perfect for minimalist children originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Rémi's real-life Mario Kart is back!

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Humor

Itsa him... Rémi Gaillard, bringing Mario Kart into the real world - Click above to watch video after the jump

Rémi Gaillard is at it again. You might remember the last time the Frenchman took to his local streets in a go-kart, because he did it while dressed as the Nintendo character Mario. Gaillard has stocked up on more bananas and turtle shells in a new video where he gives the real world a taste of Mario Kart.

Since the banana is such an important tool on both the offensive and defensive side of Mario Kart driving tactics, Gaillard needs to keep a few of them handy. When he runs out he simply heads to the nearest grocery store... and proceeds to drive to the produce section.

His original video, posted after the jump, has been watched over 35 million times, and the sequel is already climbing into multiple millions of views as well. Click past the jump and keep an eye out for green shells and banana peels while watching both clips of Rémi Gaillard bringing Mario Kart to life.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Rémi's real-life Mario Kart is back!

Video: Rémi's real-life Mario Kart is back! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harrington's half-size classics to start pint-sized car nuts early

Dan Roth — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Toys/Games

Harrington Group's replica Mercedes-Benz 300SL - Click above for image gallery

Want your little car nut to stand out from the neighborhood pack of wheeled terrors? Go for one of these fantastic looking half-scale classics from the Vietnam-headquartered Harrington Group, and wave goodbye to mediocre renditions of roadgoing vehicles as little Bobby (or Bobbie) cruises in style. These replicas use composite for both the body and chassis, and the detailing is good enough that they look convincingly like the real thing. Until, that is, someone steps into the picture and you get a scale reference. The company claims to have distributors in the U.S. and U.K., as well as Canada and the Netherlands.

A range of gasoline engines brings real internal combustion thunder and the sweet smell of exhaust to the party. Engines start at 50cc and can go all the way up to a terrifyingly irresponsible racing kart unit. Automatic and manual transmissions are available and there is enough room for adults to ride along with their six-year-old and up progeny. Seats and pedals adjust, too, so when Junior is asleep, you can sneak out for a spin without feeling like a circus bear riding a tricycle.

Interestingly, Harrington Group also makes restoration products for real classic cars, including stainless steel reproduction bumpers and interiors for the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and BMW Isetta.

Fisher Price's Power Wheels are extravagant enough that there's a healthy trade in used battery-powered backyard buggies. Harrington has yet to respond to an Autoblog request for pricing information, but these cars are likely to be significantly north of the $250-$400 you'll spend on a tricked out Power Wheels at the local big box store. Available models are Porsche 356, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Jaguar E-Type, Willys Jeep, and Bugatti T35, along with mini scooters that ape Vespas of yore. Put one of these under the tree this (fast approaching) Christmas, and you'll see what the face of bliss looks like. Thanks for the tips, all!

Gallery: Harrington Group's Children's Cars

[Source: Harrington Group]

Harrington's half-size classics to start pint-sized car nuts early originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Honda, Motorcycle

Honda CBR 900RR-powered go kart - Click above to watch the video after the break

Go karts, when properly built and set up, can be some of the most exhilarating rides on four wheels and, in many cases, just about the fastest way to get around smaller race tracks. There's also something oddly enjoyable about piloting a fire-breather with your hindquarters mere inches from the tarmac.

That said, the petrolhead in us says, "If go karts are good, more power ought to make them even better." Sound familiar to you? If so, you'll definitely want to click past the jump to watch a video of a certain Honda CBR 900RR-powered go kart fishtailing its way all over a number of inappropriate settings. Suffice it to say that 'oversteer' would be an understatement of epic proportions. Looks like fun, but a helmet and a living will would probably be very sound investments. Thanks for the tip, Robin and The Auto Insider!

[Source: VideoSift]

Continue reading VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty

VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Batman Tumbler go kart - Click above for high-res image gallery

So, you jumped at the chance to pick up a full-size replica of the Batsuit as worn by the Caped Crusader during his cleanup of Gotham City in The Dark Knight. What's next? Might we suggest a fully functional replica of Batman's Tumbler... albeit somewhat downsized and powered by a 6.5-horsepower engine?

That's right, you can now purchase plans to build your very own Tumbler go kart on eBay or on T-Man's official site. Pictures of the finished product can be seen below, so there's no worry that it can't be built - assuming you've got the welding chops to make it happen. Full 31-page thread of the build available here, and a video of the (mostly) finished product in operation can be viewed after the jump. We can only hope a removable Batpod is up next.

Gallery: Batman Tumbler Go Kart

[Source: T-Man's Go Karts]

Continue reading Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO]

Gotham Go Kart: Man builds mini Batman Tumbler in backyard, offers plans to DIY [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hayabusa-powered go kart redefines the term overpowered

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Suzuki, Motorcycle

Anybody who's ever strapped themselves into a shifter-kart can attest to the fact that they are one of the most exhilarating rides available, and their capabilities are much higher than first expected. That being the case, when swapping the 125cc engine from the go kart with a 1300cc engine from a Suzuki Hayabusa, the resulting machine is nothing if not overpowered. A small blip of the throttle induces massive tire spin and power-slides are available at a moment's notice, possibly less. To handle the power-infusion, the frame was suitably strengthened and elongated with plenty of square-section tubing. We're not so sure that we'd have built this machine in the first place, but now that it's done, we really wish we could get a chance in the drivers seat. Follow along after the break for a video of the machine in action.

[Source: Kart Hayabusa via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Hayabusa-powered go kart redefines the term overpowered

Hayabusa-powered go kart redefines the term overpowered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay find of the day: Jet-engined go kart (w/ videos)

Alex Nunez — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:52:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Click image for gallery

Wanna make a wheeled vehicle more interesting? Affix a jet engine to it. And that's just what the owner of the go-kart you see above did. Powering the kart is a mil-spec JFS-100 engine -- the type used as a starter (JFS = jet fuel starter) for the larger main engines on aircraft such as the A7 Corsair attack plane. In addition to the jet engine, the kart's got a push-button afterburner setup that ups the ante by creating "extra thrust, noise, and spectacular fire and smoke effects." Cool!

Instruments include an EGT gauge and an RPM Meter, all neatly organized in front of the driver. There are no hard performance numbers for this little missile, but we'll assume it's plenty fast, and the owner says that it's stable at speed and handles exceptionally well. If you're able to arrange for local pickup in Inverness, UK, it can be yours, too. The bidding opens at £5,000.

UPDATE: Videos added after the jump

[Source: eBay UK via Engadget]

Gallery: Jet-Powered Go Kart

Continue reading eBay find of the day: Jet-engined go kart (w/ videos)

eBay find of the day: Jet-engined go kart (w/ videos) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 18:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gunning for Danica? Texas cheerleading captain making waves in racing

Chris Paukert — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Trends

Lindsey Adams is 19, has a thing for manicures, designer clothing, and she's the captain of her school's cheerleading squad. She's also a burgeoning threat on the racetrack, having just won a regional Formula Mazda race at Texas World Speedway late last month, on top of achieving some success kart racing nationally. In fact, her racing career is looking so bright that Adams is putting her higher education plans on-hold to pursue driving. Little wonder then, that donning helmets and mixing it up on the track is in Adams' blood. Both Adams' father and grandfather raced, the latter going on to build race cars for some three decades in Dallas after having children.

Admittedly, virtually every female enjoying any sort of success in the racing world is being labeled as 'The Next Danica'... but what's to say Adams doesn't have a shot?

[Source: The Dallas Morning News via WFAA.com]

Gunning for Danica? Texas cheerleading captain making waves in racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jun 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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