The CKRC was formed in the late seventies to organize and promote the sport of go-kart (or “kart”) racing in Southern Alberta and is a member group of the FIA though its Canadian affiliate ASN Canada. It began as a small, dedicated group of individuals racing in Calgary area parking lots, and evolved to what is today a well organized, thriving non-profit organization with its own purpose built track, Calgary Speed Park, located in SE Calgary, adjacent to Race City Motorsport Park. The CKRC organizes approximately ten regular season sprint race events and one enduro event from April through October as well as regularly scheduled practice sessions throughout the summer.

An ambitious expansion of the CKRC will include introduction of corporate entertainment events, racing schools and a more structured learning process to ensure successful introduction of new participants in a cost effective, safe and competitive manner.

One of the main benefits of membership include unlimited use of the facility for practice whenever the track is unused for race events or third party rentals.

CLASSES

Kart classes are determined by driver age, weight, engine size and type. There are classes for children, starting at 8 years of age, to those for adults from 16 and older.

The 4-cycle classes are the most cost effective form of kart racing and are where the majority of new drivers begin racing. They require low maintenance and are generally less powerful than the other classes, thus requiring a smooth driving technique, which prepares a driver for the higher performance classes.

The 2-cycle engines can propel karts to over 130 km/h, are more physically demanding to drive, and provide more intense racing. 2-cycle karts generally require more maintenance than their 4-cycle counterparts.

The “Shifter Kart” category is the highest performance level of karting with performance characteristics similar to that of a Formula Atlantic racecar. They have four wheel disc brakes, powerful 125cc engines coupled to 6-speed sequential gearboxes, body fairings and wider, stickier tires for maximum traction and acceleration.

Below are a list of our classes as well as the approximate straightaway speed on the Calgary kart track.

The following is a list of current CKRC classes:

Junior 1 Age 8-11
restricted 5.5-HP Honda 4-stroke engines 75-80 Kph

Junior 2  (4-Cycle) Age 12-15
approx 7.5-HP Honda 4-stroke engines  85 Kph

Rotax MiniMax  Age 10-13
restricted 125cc Rotax 2-stroke engines. 100 Kph

Rotax Junior Max Age 13-16
125cc Rotax 2-stroke engines (no power valve) 110 Kph

Rotax Senior Max Age 16 & up
Power-valve equipped 125cc Rotax 2-stroke engine 115 Kph

Senior 4-Cycle Age 16 & up
Honda and Briggs & Stratton 4-stroke engines 90 Kph

Senior Open Age 16 & up
Variety of 2 and 4-stroke engines 90-110 Kph

125cc Shifter Age 16 & up
125cc 2 stroke engines, 2-speed or 6-speed sequential transmissions 125 – 135 Kph

The speed of karts will vary, depending on the size of the track and the length of the straightaway(s).

The speed figures shown above are what we achieve every day, on our track.

While many of these karts are capable of speeds considerably faster than shown above, these speeds are realistic for a typical kart track.

As a point of reference, a Rotax Senior Max has a similar power-to-weight ratio as a typical 300 Hp sports car with driver and fuel on board.

VARSITY SPEED PARK - CKRC’S WORLD-CLASS TRACK

Varsity Chrysler Speed Park is located at 12740 68th Street SE (southwest corner of Race City Motorsports Park). The circuit measures 1.1 kms in length and 9 meters wide. There are a variety of configurations to provide continued challenge to competitors through the season. Recent additions include repaving the track surface, an upgraded timing system, improved safety barriers, redesigned paddock layout, upgraded tower and meeting rooms, on site medical facilities and improved bleachers and viewing area for spectators.

RACES

Races are held approximately every 3 weeks from April to October. Races are typically one day events, held on Sundays, with practice commencing at 9:00 AM, races starting at 10:00 AM and continuing until 4:00 PM. For better competition, some classes are combined to create larger racing fields. Sprint races typically last 10-15 minutes each, with each class holding 1 practice session, 1 qualifying session and 2 to 4 races at each race day event. Races are usually run rain or shine. In the event of rain, karts are fitted with wet weather treaded race tires and drivers outfitted with durable rain gear.