American Kart Companies, modern era?

Ted Hamilton

Just curious what American companies have produced "modern era" sidewinder style kart chassis for a medium to long duration of time (ie. longer than a 2-3 yr. test run)....
The short list off my mind is:

Trackmagic
Margay
Invader
Coyote
Emmick
Comet Kart Sales
MXK

What others are/were there?
Any defunct labels you'd like to see bought out and brought back?
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Owner, www.hamiltonhelmets.com // UAS Racer #76 // Karting for karting's sake...keep it fun!

Frankie Schaffier · Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 5:26 pm Post subject:

Proline and White chassis are a couple that I can think of off the top of my head that were decent karts. There's more Ted, I'll remember them after I hit the submit button..
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Frankie

Comet Eagle
Emmick Elite-Parilla TT25
Burris Racing www.burrisracing.com
Stoney Creek Motorsports

Ren Benjaman · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 285

This I'm sure you are aware of. Sidewinder goes back aways, 30 years ??

Trick for my contribution, Merged with Olympic. (And I'm refering to Sprint chassis, not oval)
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TBD

David Siller · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 6:45 am Post subject:

A North American kart brand was GT Karts. That brand had great potential but ended when the driving force and part ownwer was murdered a few years back.

There was also Shockwave, although some were made in Italy but most in the US.

Otherwise, back in the mid to late seventies there was the Burton Magnum karts, the Mayko Shark (probably limited production) and the JKS .357 karts as well as the Vipers that Comet was having built (I believe by Coyote at that time). They were all sidewinders of that era. There was also Bug and Red Devil and a few others like Kee and Lancer.

Sorry if this isn't the modern era but all were American built sprint karts.
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David Siller
Since 1952
Kwik Kart Racing
Since 1972

David Siller · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 6:55 am Post subject:

Oh, there was also Alpha Karts built by a guy named Bruce I believe in Indiana or close to that. He made a Emmick copy and I bought one way back when but it was not a well made kart. I remember that the tubing that comprised the left front wishbone did not meet correctly so he added a load more welding. I dumped that kart quickly to someone that wanted to use it for a yard kart.
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David Siller
Since 1952
Kwik Kart Racing
Since 1972

Carl Keese · Joined: 20 Dec 2011 Posts: 50

Don't forget tommy karts!

Ted Hamilton · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:01 pm Post subject:

Was thinking primarily late 70's to current sprint chassis, American origin.

Birel had sidewinders as early as late 60's, IIRC. That's kinda' why I laugh at the vintage rear engine kart definition as it exists now, especially since they allow modern tires and brakes... But that's another topic.
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Owner, www.hamiltonhelmets.com // UAS Racer #76 // Karting for karting's sake...keep it fun!

rick schmidt · Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:21 pm Post subject:

Can we squeak Hartman in there?

Frankie Schaffier · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject:

Ted Hamilton · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the contributions to the manufacturers list.

For the 2nd part, which manufacturers/models would you like to see return?
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Owner, www.hamiltonhelmets.com // UAS Racer #76 // Karting for karting's sake...keep it fun!

Frankie Schaffier · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:45 pm Post subject:

If I had to pick just one, I'd pick Hartman.

My heart would like to see Emmick and Invader back in the fold.

As far as models, I'd say Emmick Elite, Express, Margay SR-16, Coyote Bullet, Invader AC's, 26's time frame. Back to the 1 1/4 axles, 48" max width with 1 1/8 tubing, using the $25 Van-K hubs, etc.. Get the chassis back into the $2,000 / $2,500 range. Make it so Dad can buy a kart for his son and for him self.

Focus on the avg family at the club level.. That will make the sport grow once again.
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Frankie

Comet Eagle
Emmick Elite-Parilla TT25
Burris Racing www.burrisracing.com
Stoney Creek Motorsports

Dustin Schnelle · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 25

An american made kart manufacture of a sidewinder chassis that I didn't see stated was a Midwest company called Olsen Karts by Greg Olsen of Illinois.
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Schnelle Racing #66
Dustin Schnelle
2005 Intrepid Suzuka / 2001 Yamaha YZ 125 Stock Moto
1999 Jolly Kart / 1999 Yamaha YZ 125 Mod Moto

Charles Kaneb · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject:

Frankie Schaffier · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:52 pm Post subject:

Well Charles, the $2,400 Comet Eagle is getting close. There's a chassis I feel a new or experenced club racer can afford to buy new.
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Frankie

Comet Eagle
Emmick Elite-Parilla TT25
Burris Racing www.burrisracing.com
Stoney Creek Motorsports

David Siller · Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 2:38 pm Post subject: