End User News - Automobiles (cars)

The 1961 Rathmann Xterminator go-kart displays first-of-its-kind aluminium chassis

  | AlCircle   |

The Rathmann Xterminator go-kart was created in 1961 by Jim Rathmann Racing Products Inc in Dallas, Texas. Jim Rathmann, a successful race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500, developed the go-kart with a lightweight aluminium alloy frame, which was unique for its time.

The 1961 Rathmann Xterminator go-kart displays first-of-its-kind aluminium chassis

This frame was advantageous because it was lighter and less prone to corrosion than the more common tubular steel frame.

Jim Rathmann had a successful racing career, consistently placing in the top five positions at the Indianapolis 500 throughout the 1950s. In 1960, he won the Indianapolis 500 in a thrilling race against Rodger Ward, which solidified his legacy as one of the greatest racers of his time.

Jim Rathmann Racing Products Inc produced a series of advanced go-karts with duralumin aluminium alloy chassis, and one of them is now on display in the Smithsonian Museum.

The 1961 Rathmann Xterminator go-kart featured in this article is powered by an 87cc McCulloch MC-10 two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a Palmini exhaust. It has a single seat with red upholstery, a steering wheel, and pedals on either side of the steering column. The kart rides on Firestone bias-ply slick tires mounted on aluminium wheels and has dual rear scrub brakes.

Later in life, Jim Rathmann owned a Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership in Florida and became friends with astronauts Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, and Gordon Cooper. He convinced General Motors (GM) President Ed Cole to establish a program that provided each astronaut with two new cars per year.

Transportation

This program resulted in the Corvette becoming the car of choice for NASA astronauts, providing invaluable publicity for GM during the Apollo years.

Edited By:


This news is also available on our App 'AlCircle News' Android | iOS


Related Business Leads
Aluminium Coil / Foil grade 8011 / H -14. Various sizes
Posted On : 15/May/2021

Alumina Ceramic Foam Filter is mainly for the filtration of molten aluminium and alloys in foundries and cast houses. With the excellent resistance t...
Posted On : 13/May/2019

Selling offer Aluminum Foil
We are offering the following products, Please kindly check if you are interested in this. Aluminum Foil: Chocolate foil , gold foilPacking Foilhous...
Posted On : 03/Aug/2017
Alternate Text
EPIQ Machinery

A world class equipment designer specialized in developing innovative & effective solutions for heavy equipment, vehicles, and material handling systems

Alternate Text
RIA Cast House Engineering

Leading supplier of rail mounted precision Furnace Charging Machines and Furnace Skimming Machines

Alternate Text
Altek

Leading manufacturer of value-added equipment for the aluminum casthouse

Alternate Text
Jagannath Company

Manufacturers & Supplier of Magnesium Metal and Aluminium Foundry Chemicals

Alternate Text
CETAG

A supplier of proven systems and an expert adviser in aluminum casthouse technology, offering its services worldwide to the aluminum industry.

Alternate Text
LB ALUMINIUM BERHAD

Leading Aluminium Extruder in South East Asia, offering world class solutions from die fabrication, extrusion to value-added finishing.