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This is an overview of who is building karts, and their current status as we understand it, as of the update date of the page.  Please keep in mind that, in the business world, things can change.

Baja Motorsports:  The "new guys on the block," but from someone you know.  According to what we've heard, this company was formed, in part, by the "Godfrey" who was "Yerfdog."  (See "Yerf-dog" below.)

Brister's Design & Mfg. Co. Inc.*:  The Brister family started building karts in 1959.  Brister's has discontinued their go-kart line in favor of their Chuck Wagon utility vehicle.  Brister's has been bought out by Manco, which was then bought out by American Sportworks, and is operated as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Carter Brothers*:  Carter has been in business for many years and produces a well-built kart, although they tend to have "very unique" parts.  Some of their karts are now being imported, with them adding components to Chinese-built frames.

Kartco*:  Better than most, although we currently don't stock them.

Ken-bar*:  Better than most;  we only stock one model.

Kinroad*:  One of the two Chinese-built karts we have carried.  The company provides a decent product and has a parts inventory to maintain their karts, but parts delivery is very slow.  Our opinion:  spend the extra money and get a Twister.

KINT:  Karts International bought out Thunder Karts, USA Karts, Straight Line, and several other companies, then quit producing them.  They then "became" Nitrous Go-Karts, but they are reportedly out of business, too.

Manco**:  Manco Products filed bankruptcy in the early 2000's, then re-emerged as Manco Powersports.  Manco Powersports is reportedly in good financial shape.  While we do not carry the Manco go-karts, we do carry parts for them.  They have now been purchased by American Sportworks.

Murray:  Murray filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, 2004, and portions of the company were purchased by Briggs & Stratton.  Although we are a dealer, we do not sell Murray go-karts (we do, however, carry their parts, if we can get them).  Murray has been purchased by the Briggs and Stratton Corporation as of February 11, 2005.  Briggs and Stratton has "determined that it will not manufacture, sell, or distribute [go-karts], nor will it provide any service parts, warranty coverage, or technical support for these products."  Further, it has been reported that Briggs & Stratton destroyed all replacement parts for the Murray go-karts.  Therefore, parts are very limited for Murray karts.

Nitrous Go-Karts:  Nitrous is reportedly out of business.  See "KINT".

Thunder Karts:  Out of business.  See "KINT".

Twister*:  The only kart we carry.  The company appears to be managed well, and they stand behind their product.  Parts are plentiful.  The Twister products represent tremendous value for your money.  They have recently changed their name to "Hammerhead Off-road."

USA Karts:  Out of business.  See "KINT".

Yellow Jacket:  Bought out by Manco in the late 90's and discontinued.

Yerf-Dog:  A company formed by a man named "Godfrey."  ("Yerfdog" is "Godfrey" spelled backwards.)  Be aware of their safety recall:    http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05205.html.  You may not be able to get the parts, however, as, according to Commercialappeal.com in August of 2005, Yerf-dog has decided to discontinue building go-karts.  And, they are now reportedly out of business, although they are reportedly still being sold at mass-merchants.

* indicates we are an authorized dealer for this brand.  We may or may not carry their products in stock.

** indicates we are an authorized dealer for parts only for this brand.

Names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. This page represents facts as we understand them, plus our opinions.

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