Toyota Gazoo Racing has launched the GR KART in Japan as an entry-level racing kart for children and families who want a more practical way into motorsports.

The GR KART went on sale on September 10 at selected kart tracks and GR Garage locations across Japan. It carries a suggested retail price of 385,000 yen, including tax.

GR developed the kart to address some of the usual barriers faced by beginners. Karting often requires separate transport, storage space and regular maintenance. The GR KART was designed to reduce those demands without taking away the basic driving experience.

One of its main features is its size. The kart can fit inside a Toyota Noah or Toyota Voxy without the need for disassembly. This allows owners to use a family minivan instead of a dedicated transporter.

Storage was also considered. The GR KART can be stored upright without draining its gasoline or engine oil. Toyota used a diaphragm carburetor, an oil catch tank and a fuel filler layout that helps reduce the chance of leaks while the kart is in an upright position.

The driving position can be adjusted for users from 135 centimeters to 185 centimeters tall. Sliding pedals and a tilting steering wheel allow children and adults to use the same kart.

A weight box can also carry up to 15 kilograms of ballast for competition use.

GR also reduced some of the maintenance work usually associated with racing karts. The GR KART uses a belt-drive system instead of a chain. An automatic tensioner removes the need for regular belt adjustment.

Its engine has a built-in self-charging battery. The carburetor also uses a primer pump to draw fuel before starting.

Toyota gave the kart a 215 cc engine. It measures 1,820 mm long, 1,160 mm wide and 670 mm high. The wheelbase is 1,045 mm, while the weight is listed at 83 kilograms.

Safety features include a rear bumper designed to reduce the chance of another kart climbing onto the rear tire during contact. Rear-hub stopper pins are fitted to help prevent hub detachment.

The seat also has an area where drivers can place their hands when getting in or out. Its shape helps keep hands away from the hot muffler. The throttle cable mounting method was also developed to reduce the chance of the throttle becoming stuck open.

Toyota said the GR KART is produced at the Gamagori GR KART Workshop in Aichi Prefecture. The small facility follows Toyota Production System principles and allows engineers to quickly try changes to manufacturing methods and components.

The company also offers a dedicated GR app for owners and prospective buyers. It includes instructional material and vehicle information.

Users can register through the app for a driver’s passport. The passport allows eligible GR KART owners to drive at participating tracks without obtaining a separate track license. A separate license is still required for SL Kart Meeting GR KART races.

As of 9 September, Toyota listed 36 participating kart tracks and seven GR Garage locations in Japan. More sales locations are expected to be added.

Accessories and replacement parts are also available through a dedicated online store.

Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda has long spoken about making motorsports easier to enter. The GR KART puts that idea into a product that can be shared by a family, carried in a minivan and stored with less fuss at home.