Quick answer: a go-kart timing system and a speed-control system do two different jobs. Timing (MYLAPS is the common platform) records who crossed the line and when, feeding lap times to your screens and customers. Speed control (De Haardt on most rental fleets) lets you slow or shut down karts from a remote or automatically by track zone. They are complementary, not competitors — a professional rental venue typically runs both.
What a timing system does
Timing answers one question for you and your customers: who is quickest? Each kart carries a transponder; a detection loop in or on the track surface picks it up every lap; a decoder timestamps each crossing and passes it to your timing software, screens and printouts. For a rental venue that turns every session into a race — printed lap sheets, leaderboards, repeat visits chasing a best lap.
A working MYLAPS installation needs four things:
- One transponder per kart — rental fleets typically hard-mount them; carry spares so a failed unit never parks a kart.
- A detection loop at the start/finish line (and any extra sector lines), with loop wire rated for the job.
- An activator and loop power supply where active loops are used.
- A decoder connected to your timing software.
Browse MYLAPS transponders, loop components and timing equipment. Compatibility between transponder generation, decoder and software matters — if you are mixing old and new equipment, check before buying.
What a speed-control system does
Speed control is about safety and session management: slowing the field for a spin, stopping one kart that will not respond, or holding everyone to pit-lane speed automatically. On a De Haardt system, each kart carries a shutdown transponder (petrol and electric karts use different units), your marshals carry remotes, and sector beacons can enforce speed zones on set parts of the circuit. A timing host and range extender tie the system together and extend coverage on larger tracks.
Browse De Haardt remotes, shutdown transponders, sector equipment and cables. Generations and connector types differ between installations, so match part numbers to what is already fitted.
Which one first?
If you are opening or upgrading a venue and can only do one this season: speed control first if your concern is safety and marshalling; timing first if your priority is customer experience and repeat business. Most operators end up with both, because they solve different problems — and they coexist on the same fleet without conflict.
Already running one of these systems?
Faults are usually cheaper than they look — work through the checks before replacing hardware:
Planning a new installation or expansion?
Individual stocked components can be ordered online from the collections above or the wider timing and electronics range. For a complete system, a fleet upgrade or anything you are not certain fits, send RKP a timing or speed-control enquiry — that page lists exactly what to include so you get a usable answer first time.
Published 9 September 2026. Product availability and manufacturer specifications can change.