What chain-driven part receives power from a kart engine?

The chain-driven part that receives power from a kart engine is the rear axle. In a conventional chain-driven kart, the engine sprocket turns a chain, which drives a sprocket attached to the rear axle and rotates the rear wheels.

This layout is simple and lightweight, making it well suited to karting. Both the engine and axle sprockets can be changed, allowing teams to alter the gearing for a particular circuit. A larger or smaller sprocket combination affects acceleration, engine speed and maximum speed, so gearing is often adjusted between tight tracks and tracks with long straights.

Karts usually do not have a differential. Instead, the chassis is designed so the inside rear tire lifts slightly, or loses grip, during a turn. That helps the kart rotate despite both rear wheels being connected to the same axle. The rear axle also commonly carries the rear disc brake.

The front axle is not the powered component in this arrangement; it mainly supports the front wheels and steering geometry. The brake pedal and steering column control other systems and do not receive engine power through the chain.