I think that you guys are overlooking one thing, in general, kids and parents dont always think along the same lines, i always wanted a go-kart as a kid, wanted to race, because it looked fun. The reality is, a lot of people can't afford it, especially when you get into serious karting competitions. I coach a 5th grade basketball team for the city i live in, with that sport, you have a ball, and some shoes and you can virtually practice anywhere, basketball, baseball, soccer and to a certain degree football and hockey are A LOT more accesable to kids than go-karts, i mean, you cant just take a go-kart and practice in teh street liek you could with lots of other sports, tracks arnt widly available, and most families dont have the money for a dedicated truck or suv with a trailer for a kids go-kart, where they could just give a kid a soccer ball and tell them to play in the yard. that's why i don't think we will ever see that many US drivers competing at the world levels, because i dont believe that go-karts, and competitive racing will ever be close to as popular here as it is in europe.
with that being said, im perfectly content with it staying grassroots, fun, and cheap. Because, like stated, it's too late for all of us now
but its still fun as hell.
PS: sorry to bring this thread back from the dead, and this section rocks.