NHKA Racing Series – Real Go-Kart Racing for Adults and Kids in New Hampshire: Kart

Rule #1: You Need a Kart!

The NHKA Racing Series has classes for every speed and budget. We offer 2-cycle & TaG classes as well as 4-cycle Briggs classes that racers can race from their 5th to 75th birthdays, from Kid Karts all the way to Masters – often with only minor changes. Also, we work very hard to keep our rules in line with other tracks and series to make it easier for you to race wherever you want. We’re always looking for ways to help you get maximum value and enjoyment out of your kart!

Directly below is a chart giving a brief overview of our championship classes and rules. Scroll down further to find detailed descriptions of each of those classes. We know, it looks overwhelming at first, but only a few of the classes will apply to the age of your driver. If you’re not sure which kart is right for you email NHKA Race Director and Co-Owner, Mike Camarra at [email protected] You can also ask other racers by posting to our Facebook page. You should also acquaint yourself with our NHKA Authorized Dealers who offer the karts, parts and service you’ll need to race, and the trackside support to help you win. If you want to try before you buy, some shops will bring a kart to the track for you to rent.

2024 Championship Classes and Weights

Click here to download and print a copy of the Classes and Weights sheet.

NHKA World Formula Box Stock Engine Program

The affordable and reliable Briggs World Formula engine’s consistent performance makes them perfect for racers just getting started and seasoned veterans looking for some racing fun. The NHKA World Formula Box Stock Engine Program uses seals to lock out the cheaters and keep the racing fun, fair and affordable for everyone.

NHKA World Formula Box Stock Engine Program – 2024 Update

2-Cycle & TaG Classes

NHKA 2-cycle TaG classes offer high-revving speed and power with enough mechanical challenge to keep the race going between events. It starts with a restricted Comer or Honda powered Kid Kart. By the time drivers reach Junior age, they’re in full-size karts with fewer restrictions on their engines, which they can continue to race into adulthood in TaG Senior and TaG Masters. Rounding out the NHKA 2-cycle classes are the top-tier Shifter classes!

2-Cycle Kid Kart
AGE: 5-8 years old
TOP SPEED: 25 MPH
MIN WEIGHT: N/A
CHASSIS: Small, baby kart, WKA Manufacturers Cup Rules
ENGINES: 50cc 2-Cycle: Comer C-50, Comer C-51 or Honda HPD GXH50, WKA Manufacturers Cup Rules
GEARING: 8.9 ratio
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: Open, 4.50 front and rear
CLASS PROCEEDURES: No official scoring or championship. No qualifying, finals or rain racing. On track 3-4 times in morning with the last session during lunch. No entry fee, but pit passes must be purchased for driver and guests.
SUMMARY: This class is for the youngest racers to develop basic driving skills and hand/eye/foot coordination. Generally there’s not much wheel-to-wheel competition. This is also where dads learn the basics of working on a kart, and most importantly lay the foundation for a positive working relationship with their child. The more fun both have, the better they do in the years ahead. Every time.
KART SPOTTING TIP: Kid Karts are so small they almost make the tires look big. You can tell this one has a Comer 2-cycle by the little gas tank on top of the engine. The adorable little driver (and crew chief) is also a pretty good clue that you’re looking at a Kid Kart.

Approved TaG Engines
These approved TaG engines only. Any non-listed engines must be approved in advance by the race director. Must conform to the latest rules according to TaG USA or manufacturer, as indicated. See individual class rules below for details.
– IAME X30: One-piece exhaust only. Adjustable flex not allowed. Selettra Digital K ignition only. Engine specs according to TaG USA Rules.
– ROTAX 125MAX EVO: Must be all EVO, pre-EVO parts not allowed. Engine specs and seals per US Rotax MaxChallenge Rules.
– PARILLA LEOPARD: Engine specs according to TaG USA Rules.
– ROK G.P.: Engine specs according to ROK Cup Rules.

TaG Junior – Non-Championship
AGE: 12-15 years old
TOP SPEED: 65 MPH
CHASSIS: Full-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: LeCont Red, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
REAR WHEELS: 210mm or 212mm only.
ENGINE: 125cc 2-Cycle TaG
– IAME X30: 29mm exhaust header, 315lbs min weight, TaG USA Rules
– Rotax 125MAX EVO: Jr. cylinder, 320lbs min weight, US Rotax MaxChallenge Rules
– Parilla Leopard: 30mm exhaust header, 315lbs min weight, TaG USA Rules
– ROK GP: Restricted exhaust header, 330lbs min weight, ROK Cup Rules
SUMMARY: Some kids work their way up to this class, others enter the sport here (usually with indoor karting experience.) In either case, it’s exciting to watch the quick progress as they harness the speed and learn how a full-size kart should feel through a corner. It’s here they start getting hungry for every tenth of a second, and honing their wheel-to-wheel race craft.
KART SPOTTING TIP: Being the youngest group to race a full-size chassis, TaG Junior drivers can look small in their karts. TaG Jrs. with Rotax engines are most easily differentiated from TaG Sr. and TaG Masters karts by the lack of a red knob on the back of the cylinder.

TaG Senior
AGE: 15+ years old
TOP SPEED: 80 MPH
CHASSIS: Full-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: LeCont White, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
REAR WHEELS: 210mm or 212mm only.
ENGINE: 125cc 2-Cycle TaG
– IAME X30: 370lbs min weight, TaG USA Rules
– Rotax 125MAX EVO: 365lbs min weight, US Rotax MaxChallenge Rules
– Parilla Leopard: 365lbs min weight, TaG USA Rules
– ROK G.P.: 380lbs min weight, ROK Cup Rules
SUMMARY: It’s graduation time! This class features unrestricted 125cc TaG engines strapped to full-size karts. While most young racers in this class have spent at least a year or two in TaG Jr., even the beginners catch on quickly as they work to keep up with the competition. More than a few lightweight adults run this class and enjoy the challenge of going up against racers half their age!
KART SPOTTING TIP: More than anything, age and driver size are the easiest way to tell TaG Seniors from younger classes.

TaG Masters
AGE: 32+ years old
TOP SPEED: 80 MPH
CHASSIS: Full-size, front brakes NOT allowed, TaG USA Rules
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: LeCont White, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
REAR WHEELS: 210mm or 212mm only.
ENGINE: 125cc 2-Cycle TaG
– IAME X30: 405lbs minimum weight, TaG USA Rules
– Rotax 125MAX EVO: 400lbs min weight, US Rotax MaxChallenge Rules
– Parilla Leopard: 405lbs min weight, TaG USA Rules
– ROK G.P.: 420lbs min weight, ROK Cup Rules
SUMMARY: One of our most popular classes, TaG Masters grids are typically 15+ karts deep, making for some of the most competitive club racing anywhere. It’s fierce, but they race each other knowing they all gotta go to work Monday. Masters karts are set up with more weight than Senior karts to help level the playing field for heavier drivers. If you’re an adult who always wanted race, this class is your dream come true!
KART SPOTTING TIP: You’ll often see TaG Masters drivers/karts also running in the TaG Senior race to get some extra time behind the wheel.

4-Cycle Classes

NHKA 4-cycle classes offer the close competition of sealed, box-stock engines paired with low-maintenance reliability and affordability. Our 4-cycle classes are structured primarily around the Briggs 206 engine (once known as the Local Option 206 or LO-206.) A racer can start out in Kid Karts or Cadets, and race their way through Junior and Senior classes up to Masters with the same Briggs 206 engine simply by changing the $15 carburetor slide. Once at Senior age the NHKA offers the option to switch over to the higher horsepower Briggs World Formula engine.
KART SPOTTING TIP: The easiest way to tell between 4-cycle and 2-cycle karts is to look with your ears… 4-cycles have a low rumble, where as 2-cycles have a high-revving whine. As for telling between Briggs 206 and World Formula karts, the 206 is orange and the World Formula is silver.

Briggs 206 Classes
Briggs and Stratton 206 Racing Engine only. All engines must have the factory seal or seals. Engine specs according to the current Briggs 206 United States Rule Set. Exception: All Briggs 206 classes for NHKA must use the Briggs World Formula part #557164 Header and RLV part #4110 silencer. Silencer insert NOT allowed. Hilliard Flame clutch only in all Briggs 206 classes. Stock unmodified Flame parts only. All four shoes must be present and operational. Dust shield behind hub must be used. Stock Hilliard springs only and may be used in pairs of equal tension. For example: 4 black springs or 2 black and 2 white springs. Stacking springs not allowed. Weights are allowed. Drum and shoes must be stock and unmodified and free from grease or chain lube. See individual class listings below for additional information.

Briggs 206 Kid Kart
AGE: 5-8 years old
TOP SPEED: 25 MPH
MIN WEIGHT: N/A
CHASSIS: Small, baby kart, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: Briggs 206, long black carb slide, 4,150rpm black ignition, Briggs 206 Engine Class Regulations
HEADER WRAP/GUARD: Required and subject to post-race tech inspection.
GEARING 3.35 ratio
CLUTCH: Hilliard Flame only.
FUEL: VP MS93, VP MS98 or pump gas of any octane. No mixing.
OIL: Briggs 4T 4-Cycle Oil only. No additives.
TIRES: Open, 4.60 front and rear
SUMMARY: This class is for the youngest racers to develop basic driving skills along with their hand/eye/foot coordination. Generally there’s not much wheel-to-wheel competition. This is also where parents learn the basics of working on a kart, and most importantly lay the foundation for a positive working relationship with their child. The more fun both have, the better they do in the years ahead. Every time.

Briggs 206 Cadet
AGE: 8-12 years old
TOP SPEED: 30 MPH
MIN WEIGHT: 250lbs
CHASSIS Intermediate-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: Briggs 206, red carb slide, Briggs 206 Engine Class Regulations
HEADER WRAP/GUARD: Required and subject to post-race tech inspection.
EXHAUST: Briggs part #557164 header and RLV part #4110 silencer must be used. Silencer insert not allowed.
GEARING: #35 chain 17-57 gearing only. #219 chain 20-67 gearing only.
CLUTCH: Hilliard Flame only.
FUEL: Designated pump gas, VP MS93, VP MS98. No mixing.
OIL: Briggs 4T 4-Cycle Oil only. No additives.
TIRES: LeCont Red, 4.60 front and fear
WHEELS: All wheels must be 5” diameter, width must be 5-5.25” (130mm – 135mm)
SUMMARY: 4-cycle karts are a perfect entry point for kids just getting into the sport or transitioning from indoor karts. The Briggs 206 sealed engine is affordable and reliable which keeps the focus on the fun of racing.

Briggs 206 Junior
AGE: 12-15 years old
TOP SPEED: 40 MPH
MIN WEIGHT: 310lbs
CHASSIS: Full-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: Briggs 206, yellow carb slide, Briggs 206 Engine Class Regulations
HEADER WRAP/GUARD: Required and subject to post-race tech inspection.
EXHAUST: Briggs part #557164 header and RLV part #4110 silencer must be used. Silencer insert not allowed.
CLUTCH: Hilliard Flame only.
FUEL: Designated pump gas, VP MS93, VP MS98. No mixing.
OIL: Briggs 4T 4-Cycle Oil only. No additives.
TIRES: LeCont Red, 4.60 front, 6.00 rear
REAR WHEEL WIDTH: 6.75–7.25” or 180mm
SUMMARY: For the kids coming up from Briggs 206 Cadet, The 206 Junior class is where the restrictor plates come off. However, there are just as many kids who enter the sport at this age. It’s at this point the kids really start to work on their driving. Because the engine rules dictate everything be box-stock, the races are won by the fastest kid rather than the richest parents.

Briggs 206 – Compete Wheel-to-Wheel, not Wallet-to-Wallet
Have you ever wondered how good of a racer you or your kid might actually be? Let’s find out! Thanks to the Briggs 206 it’s never been easier or more affordable to scratch your racing itch. You can get a new race-ready 206 kart for about $4k, or bolt a new 206 engine onto a used chassis for about half that. This is pure spec racing. Everyone has the same tires, fuel and engine. Each 206 is hand built in the USA by Briggs & Stratton to incredibly tight tolerances then sealed to keep out the cheaters. You’ll be free to tune your chassis, but mostly you’ll focus on being the best driver. With basic maintenance, your Briggs 206 engine can deliver two competitive seasons without a rebuild, making it the perfect fit for racers with busy lives.

Briggs 206 Senior/Masters
AGE: 15+/32+ years old
TOP SPEED: 50 MPH
MINIMUM WEIGHT: Senior 360lbs / Masters 390lbs
CHASSIS: Full-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: Briggs 206, stock carb slide, Briggs 206 Engine Class Regulations
HEADER WRAP/GUARD: Required and subject to post-race tech inspection
EXHAUST: Briggs part #557164 header and RLV part #4110 silencer must be used. Silencer insert not allowed.
CLUTCH: Hilliard Flame only.
FUEL: Designated pump gas, VP MS93, VP MS98. No mixing.
OIL: Briggs 4T 4-Cycle Oil only. No additives.
TIRES: LeCont Red, 4.60 front, 6.00 rear
REAR WHEEL WIDTH: 6.75–7.25” or 180mm
SUMMARY: If you’re an experienced karter or just getting your start in the sport, a Briggs 206 might be the right choice for you… it certainly has been for a lot of people across the US and Canada. And no wonder given how affordable, reliable and simple to maintain the package is. The key difference between it and the Briggs World Formula (aside from having somewhat less power) is that you can pretty much race it at any kart track in North America without changing a thing. That includes prestigious national events like Daytona Kart Week, Rock Island Grand Prix and 206 Cup events. How far you take your racing is completely up to you.

World Formula Classes
Briggs and Stratton World Formula engine only. Engine rules according to the NHKA World Formula Box Stock Engine Program. Hilliard Flame clutch only. Stock unmodified Flame parts only. All four shoes must be present and operational. Dust shield behind hub must be used. Stock Hilliard springs only and may be used in pairs of equal tension. For example: 4 black springs or 2 black and 2 white springs. Stacking springs not allowed. Weights are NOT allowed. Drum and shoes must be stock and unmodified and free from grease or chain lube.

World Formula Light and Heavy
AGE: 15+ years old
TOP SPEED: 65 MPH
MIN WEIGHT: Light 360lbs / Heavey 390lbs
CHASSIS: Full-size, no front brakes, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: Briggs World Formula, NHKA World Formula Box Stock Engine Program
SPARK PLUG: Champion RG4HC only, .030-.040 gap.
HEADER WRAP/GUARD: Required and subject to post-race tech inspection.
SILENCER: RLV part #4110 must be used. Silencer insert not allowed.
CLUTCH: Hilliard Flame only.
FUEL: Designated pump gas, VP MS93, VP MS98. No mixing.
OIL: Briggs 4T 4-Cycle Oil only. No additives.
TIRES: LeCont Red, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
REAR WHEEL WIDTH: 7.75-8.25” or 210mm or 212mm
SUMMARY: With speed and power halfway between indoor karts and TaG karts, and a bit beyond the Briggs 206, World Formula is a great entry to outdoor racing for older teens and adults. Thanks to box-stock rules and the relatively low purchase price of the engine, this is the perfect class for new and experienced racers just looking to have a bit of fun. What’s more, their reliability make them perfect for the less mechanically inclined. No wonder this has been such a fast growing class for the NHKA.
KART SPOTTING TIP: Aside from the obvious, to tell the WF Heavies from the WF Lights, just look for the older guys having the time of their lives.

Shifter Karts

Stock Moto Shifter – Non-Championship
AGE: 15+ years old
TOP SPEED: 100+ MPH
CHASSIS: Full-size, front brakes required, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: 125cc 2-cycle adapted from motorcycle, 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox, TaG USA Rules
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: LeCont White, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
SUMMARY: Typically powered by an adapted Honda CR125 (though we do see Yamaha and Kawasaki engines) Stock Motos are powerful, fast, reliable and surprisingly low maintenance.
KART SPOTTING TIP: To spot shifter karts from TaGs look for the shift lever to the right of the steering wheel and listen for the gear changes. The exhaust pipe on the Stock Moto Shifters comes out the front of the engine, then goes straight out the back.

KZ2 Shifter – Non-Championship
AGE: 15+ Years Old
TOP SPEED: 100+ MPH
MIN WEIGHT 385lbs
CHASSIS: Full-size, front brakes required, TaG USA Rules
ENGINE: 125cc 2-cycle for kart racing, 6-speed manual gearbox, TaG USA Rules
FUEL: Racing fuel or pump gas of any octane. Must follow manufacturer specified oils and quantities.
TIRES: LeCont White, 4.60 front, 7.10 rear
SUMMARY: KZ shifter engines are purpose-build for karts, and are the ultimate thrill ride in kart sprint racing! The shifter engine of choice in Europe, they deliver big-time speed and power, plus the coordination challenge of shifting, braking and turning all at the same time while maintaining maximum momentum and revs. In the Northeast, KZ racing has enjoyed a resurgence within the F-Series regional championship. Come to an NHKA race to chat with our shifter racers, many of whom also run that series too.
KART SPOTTING TIP: The KZ’s exhaust pipe has two parts connected by a skinny curved pipe. It’s mounted down low between the seat and the rear bumper.