Juicebox Heroes

By Jim Foose – Speedway Action Magazine

The roar of high-horsepower engines, the smell of race fuel, the dust settling under the Saturday night lights—these are the sensory hallmarks of short track racing across the United States. From the historic bullrings of Ohio to the sprawling clay ovals of the South, the weekly racing program is a staple of American motorsports. But right before the Late Models and Modifieds take the green flag, a different kind of roar echoes through the grandstands. It’s the sound of cheering parents, delighted fans, and the quiet hum of 24-volt electric motors.

Welcome to the Juicebox Division.

Keep It Simple: The Rules of the Road

One of the most intimidating aspects of getting into motorsports is the rulebook. In the Juicebox class, the rulebook is refreshingly thin. Designed typically for children ages two to six, the division has one golden rule: the vehicle must be a completely stock Radio Flyer Ultimate Go-Kart.

That’s it. No engine builders, no tire doping, and no secret suspension geometry. It is a strictly performance-based rule where modifications are entirely prohibited. The kids must use the original plastic tires straight from the manufacturer. Safety rules are just as straightforward: a helmet (often a standard bicycle or youth racing helmet) and closed-toe shoes are required.

While the mechanical side is strictly regulated, creativity is highly encouraged when it comes to aesthetics. Most tracks mandate that the stock “7” decal be swapped out for the child’s favorite number, allowing these young racers to stand out for the scorers—and making for a much cooler-looking race rig.

Pennies on the Dollar: Low Entry Costs

Historically, introducing a child to racing meant taking out a second mortgage. Even entry-level kid karts or quarter midgets can cost thousands of dollars to buy, maintain, and transport. The Juicebox class completely flips the script on the economics of grassroots racing.

The 24-volt karts can be purchased right off the shelf at major retailers or online for roughly $350 to $400. There are no expensive race fuels to buy, no weekly tire bills, and no specialized enclosed trailers required—the kart fits right in the back of a family SUV. Furthermore, recognizing that this division is an investment in the sport’s future, many short tracks across the country allow Juicebox competitors to race for absolutely free, waiving the entry fees and even the pit passes for the youngest drivers.

All Smiles, No Stress: The Focus on Fun

The true magic of the Juicebox class lies in its atmosphere. You won’t find any monetary awards or cutthroat point standings here. Instead, you’ll find a single parent allowed on the infield to help stage the karts, give a reassuring thumbs-up, and watch as the green flag drops.

These 8-mph dashes down the front stretch are about getting kids who might be standing on the fence into the action in a safe, low-pressure environment. Everybody is a winner, and the focus is entirely on fostering a lifelong love for the sport.

It is also an incredible era to document. Capturing those early moments on the track is essential so that families can enjoy them for years to come. Twenty-five years ago, drivers and parents were buying physical printed photos from the track photographer; today, technology has evolved to crisp digital files that can be shared instantly and preserved forever. Having high-quality images of a child’s very first race in a plastic go-kart is a keepsake that will be cherished long after they graduate to full-sized dirt track cars. The kid smiling behind the wheel of a Juicebox kart today might just be a future inductee into their local motorsports hall of fame.

The Future of the Sport

The Juicebox division is exactly what short track racing needs: a fun, accessible, and affordable way to welcome the next generation of racers and fans. It strips away the politics and the price tags, leaving only the pure joy of turning left and mashing the pedal. So, the next time you head out to your local speedway, get to your seat early. You won’t want to miss the Juicebox heroes.