Sixth grade student takes interest in go-kart racing

In the small sport of go-kart racing, things can get dangerous. There are 10,500 injuries per year. One student at Sevier Middle has chosen to take that path despite the risks: sixth grade student Katy Lane.

“I’m a 3rd generation [kart racer], following in my dad’s and my grandfather’s footsteps,” Lane said. “My dad has been racing karts, cars, and legends cars for about 3 years now. My grandfather has been racing for about 36 years.”

Nearly 35 million Americans participate in kart racing. Go-Kart is estimated to be worth 104 million dollars as of 2020, yet many people don’t know much about kart racing.

“Racing karts that can be raced on dirt, pavement, or oval tracks that range 45 to 55 miles per hour,” Lane said.

Some equipment is needed to minimize the injuries from go-karts.

“The equipment you need is a helmet, HANS, gloves, fire suits, gloves, and other safety equipment,” she said.

For a year’s competition, kart racing can cost around eleven thousand dollars. That’s why some people may not want to participate; it takes a huge sum of money to race.

“You have to buy the kart, safety equipment, tools, a trailer, tires, and a motor that has to be freshened up every ten races or so,” Lane said.

Many people have never experienced go-karting before. To Lane, it’s a feeling like no other.

“Kart speed ranges about 45 to55 miles per hour,” she said. “It feels like you’re almost laying down, but only 3/4 of the way, and it pushes you to the right side of the seat.”

There are many fun things about go-karting, like meeting new people. Lane’s favorite part of racing, however, is the learning process.

“My favorite part is probably learning new skills before I advance to cars,” she said.

There are many challenging parts of go-kart racing.

“The most challenging part of kart racing is probably being patient and feeling what the kart is doing to make the right adjustments,” Lane said.

It can get scary racing on the track because of the speed.

“[I don’t really get scared] because I’m in a roll cage and I’m buckled in and I have safety gear on,” Lane said.

Although she’s not scared of racing, she has gotten in a few accidents.

“I have been in multiple wrecks and they’ve all been mostly [the fault of] the kart in front of me because they chopped my nose to keep me from trying to pass them,” she said. “Occasionally, wrecks do happen because of the setup.”

Although some parents may be too scared to allow their children to race go-karts, Lane’s parents don’t mind.

“They love it because it’s one of the things we do as a family,” she said. “Racing is what we know.”

Lane has even won a few competitions.

“I do compete at races and my greatest success has probably been at Godspeed Raceway with the Burris Southeast tou,” Lane said. “I won the championship for my class.”

There are many tracks Lane has raced on, but Lane’s favorite is the Godspeed Raceway.

“I’ve raced at the kartway since I started Godspeed,” she said. “It is a really fun place.”

Lane is an experienced driver who has lots of advice for beginners.

“Hammer down and don’t be afraid,” she said. “Beware; it’s very expensive.