From humble beginnings (so humble in fact, no one knows exactly WHEN barstool racing got its start!) comes a hobby and a sport whose participants and viewers follow with excitement. Barstool racing has been around at least since the 1970’s (which was when there were several headlines about it) and has grown now into specialized divisions and races.
There are three different categories for barstool racing vehicles; electric, gas, and show. Electric barstools are for indoor karts and personal use. They are not as fast as the gas powered but they also are not as noisy. These are normally run on a 12 volt battery. Gas powered barstools are used primarily for the barstool racing scene. These are the fastest type of barstool karts and are run on oval tracks, road courses and in drag racing events. Some of these karts are able to go in excess of 70 MPH. Show barstool karts are more for admiration that speed. Price is normally no object when preparing a barstool show kart. There is a lot of chrome, polish, shine and of course, attention poured into these wonders.
In the world of Go Karts, barstool racing has ups and downs. The popularity of barstool racing waxes and wanes. It certainly has brought an entirely new dimension to Go Kart racing! Of course, the different between Go Karts and barstool racers are that the seats are actually made of barstools and not the traditional go cart seats. Many have said that barstool racing feels “fun, but dangerous” because the rider is actually near standing instead of sitting. While popularity seemed to die down around 2004, the interest is again growing in the sport/hobby.
The Utah Salt Flats Racing Association is one that boasts full day events of barstool racing and other kart racing events. Others are following suit. A rally held in September of each year draws out enthusiasts from all over the country along with motorcycle and car racing enthusiasts. It is a big event and holds a fun-packed 3 days of excitement.
The speed record for the 2008 barstool races was 49.972 MPH and was set by Rob Spencer. Normally, barstool racing is a side event held at the larger Go Kart and other racing venues. In fact, all racing in the Kart arena began back in 1956 when Art Ingels pioneered Karts and Kart racing. It was standard practice then to adapt motorcycle engines to accommodate Go-Karts. Some time in the 1970’s someone got the fun and seemingly profitable idea of attaching a barstool to a Go-Kart and barstool racing was born. These races are a highlight of many racing events of all types around the world. It is tradition at many racing events now to have barstool racing on their program of events and there is not a shortage of those willing and eager to participate.
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