Fastest speed achieved by a jet-powered go-kart

The fastest speed in a jet-propelled go-kart is 121.298 mph (195.210 kph) and was achieved by Scott Littledike (UK), in Elvington, North Yorkshire, UK, on 5 August 2024.

Scott is an automotive engineer having worked in F1 R&D over the last 13 years. He built the jet engine powered kart over the past 3 years having purchased the kart as an unfinished project in 2021. At this stage the kart was in a very basic form and the engine did not work correctly.

Since then, he spent hundreds of hours working in his garage, firstly focused on developing and testing the engine until it was working reliably at maximum power. In 2022, he ran the kart at a runway and (unofficially) achieved 120 mph, but spun out due to lack of stability. He said this was a terrifying experience but was not deterred from improving the kart.

At this stage, he had many problems with the engine and had to rebuild it around 6 times between 2022 and 2023, before finally redesigning the engine to his own specifications. During 2024, he made the decision to strip the kart back to its bare chassis, and re-engineer from scratch. He moved the engine, fitted a new seat, front brakes, a steering damper, a custom made "flat floor" with F1 style diffuser and front splitter, and made all new custom bodywork. He fitted a new home-made ECU to control the engine, and a digital dashboard.

Many more tests later, it was time for an official attempt. Scott has dreamed of a speed record since childhood, and finally after a successful and smooth attempt his dreams have come true.

The final kart was built on a CRG go-kart chassis and runs on Superkart 6" wheels and tyres, with standard kart brakes, seat, rear axle, and steering wheel/system.