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.

American Sportworks:  The "new" Manco.  Most, if not all, of their karts now come from China.

Baja Motorsports:  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 discontinued their go-kart line in favor of their Chuck Wagon utility vehicle.  Brister's was then 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.  Most of their karts were being imported, with them adding components to Chinese-built frames.  Carter is closed -- they burned down in a fire on July, 12, 2010, and their future is uncertain at this time.

Hammerhead Offroad*:  The company appears to be managed well, and they stand behind their product.  Parts are plentiful, except when Customs delays shipments.  The Twister products represent tremendous value for your money.  Previously, they were "Twister."

Kartco*:  Better than most.  Unfortunately, they are no longer selling karts or parts, as of Summer, 2010.

Ken-bar*:  Closed in July, 2010.

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.

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 out of business, too.

Manco**:  Manco Products filed bankruptcy in the early 2000's, then re-emerged as Manco Powersports.  Manco Powersports was purchased by American Sportworks.

Murray:  Murray filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December, 2004.  Murray was 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 out of business.  See "KINT".

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

Twister*:  See "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.)  They are out of business.

* indicates we are (or were, if they are out of business) an authorized dealer for this brand.

** 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.