PacRacer: An Affordable DIY Go-Kart
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Faculty Mentor Name
Kyle Watson
Faculty Mentor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Artist Statement
The world of motorsport can be an exciting, competitive pastime for all ages. The sport dates back to the late 1800s and encompasses motor-driven vehicles ranging from motorcycles to cars. However, it can be a very expensive hobby and intimidating to those who would otherwise be interested in the sport. Kart racing is a form of open-wheel motorsport on a small-scale race track. It is generally considered to be the most low-cost and reasonably safe alternatives in the racing community and is proven to be the gateway to advancement in the sport. Unfortunately, kart racing isn’t accessible to everyone. Enter PacRacer - a go-kart kit meant to serve as an affordable and lightweight, hands-on gateway into the world of motorsport. The PacRacer's design is supported with engineering analysis to guarantee durability of the kart, user safety, and fun. The kart is meant to be assembled with a minimal amount of tools and tool-use experience. The main frame is made of PVC and built around standard go-kart parts to remain competitive with the karts on the current market. With a maximum rider capacity of 250 pounds, the PacRacer is rated to reach speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour. This product can better ease people into the sport without having to invest a lot of money or practice into it. The PacRacer could serve to promote the understanding of automotive mechanics on a basic level and incorporate hands-on aspects through detailed drawings and instructions included in the kit.
Location
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Start Date
5-5-2018 3:30 PM
End Date
5-5-2018 4:30 PM
PacRacer: An Affordable DIY Go-Kart
School of Engineering & Computer Science
The world of motorsport can be an exciting, competitive pastime for all ages. The sport dates back to the late 1800s and encompasses motor-driven vehicles ranging from motorcycles to cars. However, it can be a very expensive hobby and intimidating to those who would otherwise be interested in the sport. Kart racing is a form of open-wheel motorsport on a small-scale race track. It is generally considered to be the most low-cost and reasonably safe alternatives in the racing community and is proven to be the gateway to advancement in the sport. Unfortunately, kart racing isn’t accessible to everyone. Enter PacRacer - a go-kart kit meant to serve as an affordable and lightweight, hands-on gateway into the world of motorsport. The PacRacer's design is supported with engineering analysis to guarantee durability of the kart, user safety, and fun. The kart is meant to be assembled with a minimal amount of tools and tool-use experience. The main frame is made of PVC and built around standard go-kart parts to remain competitive with the karts on the current market. With a maximum rider capacity of 250 pounds, the PacRacer is rated to reach speeds of nearly 40 miles per hour. This product can better ease people into the sport without having to invest a lot of money or practice into it. The PacRacer could serve to promote the understanding of automotive mechanics on a basic level and incorporate hands-on aspects through detailed drawings and instructions included in the kit.