About
My Cyclekart Journey began in 2019 when a friend sent me a video of Graham Appleyards Cyclekart flying around a go-kart track. I did some research, started my build, joined the club and went from there.
Since completing my cyclekart I have attended many CKGB events with it, currently holding the World Drivers Championship and the Corona Challenge for 2023.
Corona Challenge video!
Westonzoyland 2023
Spirited Driving with Jim Tanner at Race The Waves 2024
My cyclekart is based on a Frazer Nash Norris Special, we were lucky enough to meet the car and owner at a recent VSCC event.
Stefan Nahajski Also attended this event and photographed his cyclekart next to an original Bugatti.
Where to find information:
Be sure to download the current regulations from the CKGB website. While you are free to build anything you can dream up, to enter CKGB events static or dynamic you will need to conform with the current regulations.
What is a cyclekart?
A cyclekart is a type of small, open-wheeled vehicle that dates back to the early days of motor racing. It is designed to provide an accessible, affordable, and exhilarating driving experience reminiscent of vintage racing cars. A cyclekart is built using simple, low-cost materials and features a lightweight frame, basic suspension, and minimalistic controls. Its appearance often mimics early 20th-century racing vehicles. Such as those from the 1920s and 1930s, complete with vintage-style bodywork and exposed mechanical components.
These vehicles are generally powered by small engines, generally a Honda GX200 or Clone engine, which are sufficient to propel the cyclekart. The simplicity of the design not only makes cyclekarts more affordable to build and maintain, but also offers a driving experience that is fun and safe. The low-speed, high-engagement nature of these vehicles makes them ideal for amateur motorsport and track days.
One of the key design philosophies behind cyclekarts is the adherence to the “Steveson Formula,” a set of guidelines that ensures these vehicles maintain a classic racing feel while being practical to construct and operate. According to the Steveson Formula, cyclekarts should have a minimum weight of around 150 kilograms (330 pounds), a maximum length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), and a width of no more than 1.5 meters (4.9 feet). These parameters help balance the vehicle’s performance characteristics, making it agile and responsive, while also ensuring safety and stability on the track. (please note that CKGB rules may vary from this)
Cyclekarts are often built from a combination of off-the-shelf components and custom-made parts. The frame is usually constructed from tubular steel or similar materials, providing a sturdy, lightweight structure. Suspension systems are often simplistic, utilizing leaf springs and friction shock absorbers, which align with the vehicle’s vintage aesthetic and low-speed performance. The use of traditional design elements, such as spoked wheels and vintage-style body panels, further enhances the cyclekart’s appeal.
Cyclekarts cater to motorsport enthusiasts who appreciate the charm of early racing cars but seek a more accessible and less expensive way to experience that thrill. By adhering to the Steveson Formula, builders and drivers ensure that cyclekarts remain true to their vintage roots while offering a fun, hands-on approach to motor racing. The result is a unique and engaging driving experience that celebrates the spirit of early motor racing in a modern, affordable package.
Many people never drive their cyclekarts and instead enjoy the building process, show them as a static display.
