History and Style of Vintage Go Kart Racing Jackets

The History and Evolution of Go Kart Racing Jackets

Go kart racing has been a beloved hobby and competitive sport for decades. Like any niche sport, go karting has developed its own unique culture, lingo, and style over the years. An iconic symbol of go kart racing is the vintage-style racing jacket.

Racing jackets first emerged in the 1920s and 30s as functional outerwear for race car drivers. Early racing jackets were made of wool or leather, with snug waists and cuffs to keep out wind and debris. As auto racing gained mainstream popularity in the 1950s, racing jackets became part of the sport's image. Bold colors, sponsorship patches, and the driver's number displayed on the back all became standard features.

The Rise of Go Kart Racing in the 1960s and 70s

Go kart racing began as an amateur sport in the late 1950s, using small low-powered karts on improvised tracks. By the 1960s, commercial go kart tracks with higher-performance karts started opening around the country. Go karting quickly took off as an accessible and affordable racing hobby.

Like their full-size auto racing counterparts, go kart drivers wore distinctive racing jackets. The cut was often based on the classic 1950s bomber jacket style. These boxy nylon jackets featured elastic cuffs and waists, zipper or snap fronts, and bold contrasting stripes down the sleeves.

Vintage Style Go Kart Jackets

While most professional auto racers now wear fire-resistant single-layer suits, vintage-look jackets are still popular in amateur go kart racing. These jackets take inspiration from the classic leather and nylon jackets worn from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Common features include:

• Bright colors and retro color-blocking, like red with white sleeves
• Racing-style buttons or snaps down the front
• Elastic or ribbed waistband and cuffs
• Nylon shell with polyester lining for wind resistance
• Large racing numbers or sponsored logos on the back
• Optional stripes down the sleeves or side panels

Modern go kart jackets are also safer than their vintage counterparts. They use fire-resistant materials that provide protection without reducing breathability and comfort. Contemporary styles retain the classic look while upgrading key features.

Customization for Go Kart Racers

Another hallmark of racing jackets is customization. Drivers add their own large number, name, and sponsor logo to make the jacket uniquely their own. Some key customization options include:

• Number patch - The racer's number is the most prominent personalized element. Numbers are often embroidered or screen printed in contrasting colors.
• Name patch - The driver's name or nickname is featured on the front breast area of the jacket.
• Sponsor patches - Sponsor logos can be added to the sleeves or back to represent and promote sponsors.
• Racing stripes - Varying stripe designs down sleeves or sides allow further personalization.
• Team colors - Jackets may be specially color-coordinated to team colors and designs.

Where to Buy Go Kart Racing Jackets

Retro-style go kart jackets can be purchased from a number of online and local vendors, including:

• Racewear companies like Sparco, Pyrotect, and Simpson offer affordable jackets with racing-grade safety features.
• Motor sports apparel brands like Jeff Hamilton and Pit Crew manufacture themed lifestyle jackets.
• Racing teamwear sites allow custom ordering of jackets in team colors and designs.
• Custom embroiderers and printers can add personalized names, numbers, and logos to plain jackets.
• Vintage racing jackets can sometimes be found at thrift stores or online auction sites.

The right go kart jacket expresses a driver's passion for racing while offering protection during recreational racing. Vintage-inspired design balanced with modern safety features make these jackets a staple in go kart culture.

FAQs

What materials are vintage-style go kart jackets made from?

Modern go kart racing jackets are constructed using fire-resistant materials like Nomex or Proban. Many maintain a retro nylon shell look with internal fire-resistant lining.

When did racing jackets become popular?

Racing jackets first emerged in the 1920s-30s as functional outerwear for early race car drivers. They became part of racing's style image in the 1950s as the sport gained mass appeal.

Where can I get a custom go kart jacket made?

Many racewear brands offer customized jackets. Some local embroiderers and printers can also add custom names, numbers, and sponsor patches to plain jackets.

What size go kart jacket should I order?

Go kart jackets are designed to fit snugly. Order based on your normal jacket size, but size down if between sizes for a fitted look.

Can I wear a vintage leather jacket while go karting?

Genuine vintage leather jackets lack modern fire protection. Opt for a retro-look nylon jacket with internal fire-resistant layer for safety.