What is the most common injuries in Shifter Kart racing?

[Derek Lodato]

In my last forum regarding Top 5 things that break one of the members said ‘My Body’

This opens up a new area of discussion on safety.

What are the most common injuries in shifter kart racing/kart racing in general?

What do you suggest we do in terms of chassis improvements and/or safety apparel?

Let’s work on improving the sport. Ultimately your ideas can lead to more fun out on the track and less time sitting on the sidelines with an injury

Thanks again in advance for your feedback. The community will be better for it through discussion from experienced racers.

[Greg Wright]

Broken heart!!

Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
Vintage B-Stock Pilot
"When in doubt Gas it, It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[Derek Lodato]

Thanks Greg…

But we are looking for more serious answers here in order to help improve the sport. Also for awareness of beginner/novice drivers… your feedback could help a new driver/experienced driver drive as fast as possible while maximizing their safety intelligence/awareness.

[Ray Lovestead]

If I could include one feature on a kart.  It would be that every time I bump or get bumped my kart would spew 100 dollar bills all over the track.

My injuries have been ankles (when I got thrown clear of my kart, sprained my right ankle).  Some rib soreness (crossing my fingers that I don’t ever brake one).

"Karting Expert Since 2015"

[Steve Libretto]

Ribs are the most likely to get hurt…. Broken, bruised, cracked. Get a good rib vest!!!

[Greg Wright]

<div class=”d4p-bbp-quote-title”>Derek Lodato wrote:</div>
Thanks Greg…But we are looking for more serious answers here in order to help improve the sport. Also for awareness of beginner/novice drivers… your feedback could help a new driver/experienced driver drive as fast as possible while maximizing their safety intelligence/awareness.

 

Evidently not the answer you were looking for I guess. I’m not about to apologize for my feeble attempt at humor on a thread that you seem to think will help new drivers etc. become better by telling them about the injuries they may receive.

  That ought to encourage the newbie. The fact is racing of any sort has a degree of danger that is intrinsic to the sport itself. Shifter kart racing is no different than other forms of kart racing when it come to injuries. Yep, rib injuries would be the most common.

Greg Wright
Rapid Racing Inc.
Vintage B-Stock Pilot
"When in doubt Gas it, It won't help but it ends the suspense."

[Ray Chiappe]

The same injuries that happen in other types of karts, only at a higher rate of speed!

[Bob Baldwin]

Derek : sorry I posted comments on your other posting .

I will point out one thing that I have noticed over the years and that is with guys NEW to shifter karts that are NOT in what you would call ” FIT SHAPE ” I admit I fall into that category .we had gone to Jacksonville Fla 103rd st . to do some testing and tuning on a Rotax kart . I was NOT competing at the time . My son -in-law asked if I wanted to do a few laps which I did came in and was feeling OK Taking a lunch break and a shifter kart driver pulls in with his girlfriend . we helped him unload set-up and shared lunch with them . At that time still feeling good . He had asked if we wanted to do some laps in his kart which we did do . My first time in a shifter Kart and I think I was driving conservatively . Only did 7-8 laps then pulled in . I was fine getting up and out but I started to walk over and take the driver suit off and man was I SORE . Could NOT believe the Forces on the body between Rotax Kart and Shifter Kart

[Chris Hegar]

Karting is very safe as is. Full leathers would be the only addition you could make that would help and we would actually be going back to standard of years ago.  Problem is the sport is already so expensive that no average individual could afford to buy real leathers now days. The option is open to anyone at any time though. Heavy and hot leather is great in a crash but not drafting at Hallet in July.  ;-)

Other than what the driver has on this discussion is basically done due to the fact that all sprint kart chassis changes, safety mods and rules come from Europe and filter across. We got nothing to do with it. I agree with Greg on this one, shifter karting is pretty darn safe even in a wreck. Anyone here ever gone over the high side on a crotch rocket? To me that looks like a nightmare yet they keep gathering runners.

[Charles Skowron]

“Shifter Kart Elbow”,  if you’re not wearing an elbow protector.

[James McMahon]

Sore/Bruised/Cracked ribs
Stiff neck
Bruised knees
Forearm pump

You can take measures to mitigate these of course…

A seat that fits and hugs you in the right places (A lot of people swear by ribtect, let’s just say I don’t)
Rib protector that does same but more padding will mean less feel.
Heel stops (helps support your body under the forces)
Overall fitness and weight.

That said, sometimes you catch a bump the wrong way at the wrong time and……pop. OW!

[Michael Korody]

broken wallet… but i keep telling myself 6 speeds are worth it!

[Derek Lodato]

@ Greg Wright… by no means was I too serious not to laugh at your response. I appreciate you input for certain.. Thanks. This thread is only to make drivers aware of some of the common karting injuries. This is not to worry a newbie but through feedback from experienced drivers who’ve been there done that….it’ll help drivers focus on the right type of safety apparel helping to prevent or greatly minimize injuries.

There has been some good comments surrounding proper seat size and proper rib vest fit to help reduce injury. These types of discussions will only benefit  new shifter drivers.

Thanks again to everyone for your feedback. This is great info … appreciate it.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend guys!

[Chris Reinhardt]

<div class=”d4p-bbp-quote-title”>Chris Hegar wrote:</div>
Karting is very safe as is. Full leathers would be the only addition you could make that would help and we would actually be going back to standard of years ago. Problem is the sport is already so expensive that no average individual could afford to buy real leathers now days. The option is open to anyone at any time though. Heavy and hot leather is great in a crash but not drafting at Hallet in July. Other than what the driver has on this discussion is basically done due to the fact that all sprint kart chassis changes, safety mods and rules come from Europe and filter across. We got nothing to do with it. I agree with Greg on this one, shifter karting is pretty darn safe even in a wreck. Anyone here ever gone over the high side on a crotch rocket? To me that looks like a nightmare yet they keep gathering runners.

Cough, cough…..

But I agree, I came from bike racing, and when I think about going back, all my scares start to itch!!!!

CR

Chris Reinhardt

CR2 Motorsports

http://www.cr2motorsports.webs.com/

XV Racing Products

http://www.xvengineering.com/

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[Andrew Pachon]

Walletrophy :)

 

~A

 

 

[Andrew Pachon]

What kind of elbow pad are you wearing? Right elbow only correct?

~A

Charles Skowron wrote:
“Shifter Kart Elbow”, if you’re not wearing an elbow protector.

[Kerry Matthews]

Here’s why you’d want to wear elbow protection on your right elbow:

https://vimeo.com/71629310

I’d post a picture of the Easton batter’s elbow protector I’ll be wearing when I get back in the kart, but the only place I have it is on FB, and it won’t let me post pics from FB…

Sore ribs most of the time, especially if you’re running on a rough track. And road racing injuries are USUALLY worse than those in sprint racing. but not always… I’ve broken my right collarbone, 3 ribs-all on the right side, and collapsed my right lung.  All of those were obtained in the same wreck when I flipped my TaG kart in my second race in it.

 

[Andrew Pachon]

A li help.

One question, Does it allow full unencumbered articulation?

~A

 

[Kerry Matthews]

I don’t know yet, as I haven’t gotten back in the kart since the incident at Thunderhill.  It’s a bit large, and you might not need that much protection, but you get the idea.  I don’t have any issues moving my arm with it on.  You’ll want to protect that elbow.

 

[Kerry Matthews]

And I know JG had the same injury when he was the hitter and I was on the receiving end last Thanksgiving at Sears Point…

https://vimeo.com/57266997

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