search
Get Started
search
Art Ingels - Kart Racer
zoom_in Click to enlarge

Art Ingels

description Art Ingels Overview

Art Ingels was an American race-car builder and mechanic widely credited with constructing the first modern go-kart in Southern California in 1956. He built the small vehicle from a lightweight chassis and a two-stroke engine while working in the hot-rod and racing community around Kurtis Kraft. Demonstrations of the machine helped inspire early commercial kart manufacturers and organized competition. His work is chiefly significant to historians and participants in karting and grassroots motorsport.

help Art Ingels FAQ

What is Art Ingels famous for inventing?

Art Ingels is widely credited with constructing the first modern go-kart. He built the small vehicle in Southern California, effectively launching an entirely new genre of motorsport. His creation led to the rapid growth of karting as a global hobby and racing feeder series.

When did Art Ingels build the first go-kart?

Ingels built the pioneering vehicle in 1956. At the time, he was working as a mechanic within the vibrant hot-rod and racing community of Southern California. The kart quickly gained attention at local race tracks and spawned a cultural phenomenon.

What components did Art Ingels use to build the original go-kart?

He constructed the prototype using a lightweight chassis powered by a small two-stroke engine. These components were typical of the era's hot-rod building culture, adapted for a smaller, bare-bones frame. The engine was often a modified lawnmower or chainsaw motor.

Where was the first go-kart invented?

The first modern go-kart was built in Southern California by American mechanic Art Ingels. The region's thriving car culture in the 1950s provided the perfect environment for this motorsport innovation. From this local hotbed, karting rapidly spread across the United States.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Track changes
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare