“Go Kart” - What’s in a Name? The Etymology Behind the Term
Popular karting mythos proclaims that the “Go-Kart” name was first termed in 1957 by Lynn Wineland, a former editor of Hot Rod Magazine in the USA. Wineland designed the logo and did the artwork for the “GoKart Manufacturing Company” and was paid $2 for each kart sold as payment for the artwork, logo, and use of the ‘Go-Kart’ name and as a result, he was then able to buy his own house shortly after with his earnings.
So did Lynn Wineland actually invent the name Go-Kart? Well…the short answer is no, although its use in the context of the 1956 invention of the kart may be valid. As a consequence of this attribution, many assume the term go-kart to be of 20th century origin…. but it’s not!
Because incredulously, the term go-cart (n.) was first used in the 1670s, originally being a "litter, or sedan chair;" or also "an infant's walker" (1680s), from go + cart (n.). It was also used to describe various forms of hand carts (1759). It remains unclear why the C has evolved to a K.
Of course the standalone word "cart" itself, has been in use since the 12th century. The Oxford English Dictionary cites evidence that the word ‘cart’ was first used in 1175. It is thought to have come from the Old Norse word ‘kartr’.
Perhaps it all evolved from a Goat Cart?
It is believed that goats were first used to pull carts around 4,000 years ago - and they have even been depicted pulling chariots. They continued in use from the 1800s, right up to World War 2.
Meanwhile back on the genuine history trail….Charles Dickens used the term go-cart in ‘Master Humphrey's Clock and other Stories’ [circa 1840-1841] when talking of his travel to Italy. In Genoa, he talks about "a man without legs, on a little go-cart."
The term ‘go-cart’ appeared in an 1848 edition of London’s famous “Punch” magazine which featured a bizarre new-fangled diminutive vehicle.
“Go Cart Picnic in Malta”
In the following year, the illustrated weekly newspaper “The Graphic” depicted a “Go-Cart Picnic in Malta’ on its front cover.
Film
In the film “The Ivory-Handled Gun” (1935), the crippled father of Buck Jones refers to his wheelchair as a "go cart".
Above: Early 20th century advertisements for “Go-Carts” in the USA.
“The Go Cart”
A Scottish ‘go-cart’ connection was created in 1885 by Scottish artist Hugh Cameron who created a painting entitled ‘The Go-Cart’. This painting is now held by the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre.
Racing ahead to the 21st century, karting itself and the terminology used within the sport has over the decades evolved beyond all recognition, and although karting may be one of the simplest forms of motorsport, but the vast array of sporting and technical terminology used behind the scenes can still be overwhelming to the newcomer. So I’ve put together a comprehensive glossary of over 1,600 fundamental terms, abbreviations, and acronyms to act as a refresher or a starting guide for newcomers to the sport.
THE A-Z OF KARTING - The Ultimate Karting Dictionary!
There are countless terms used in karting and understanding every term, abbreviation, or acronym is no easy feat, however, a basic understanding is necessary for communicating effectively with your mechanic, driver, the club and race offcials and others within your team.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Whether you’re an aspiring driver, a parent coaching your son or daughter, a mechanic, or an experienced karter looking to brush up on your vocabulary.
AVAILABLE NOW £15.99 + P & P
