Briggs & Stratton Animal

Infobox Automobile
name=Briggs & Stratton Animal


manufacturer=Briggs & Stratton
production=2005
class=Junior Sportsman 1 Lite, Junior Sportsman 1 Heavy, Junior Sportsman 2 Lite, Junior Sportsman 2 Heavy, Senior Sportsman, Briggs Animal, 4-Cycle Open Modified, Stock Appearing, Stock, Junior Restricted Lite, Junior Restricted Heavy, Restricted, Junior Champ 1, Junior Champ 2, Senior Champ
platform=MR
related=Briggs & Stratton Raptor, Briggs & Stratton World Formula
similar=Honda GX390

The Briggs & Stratton Animal is a single cylinder, four stroke overhead valve engine used in many go-karting series, such as the IKF, WKA and others. It is based on Briggs & Stratton's 6.5 horsepower generator engines.

History

At the end of the 2004 karting season, many karters were beginning to look for better ways forward in terms of technology. The Raptor engine had reached its engineering maximum, and with the speed required to be competitive constantly rising, they needed a new engine. During the winter break leading into the 2005 season, Briggs & Stratton began to prototype a smaller, faster, and more efficient engine. This would be the Animal.

Over the next year, more animals were phased into the field. After the Animal's immediate domination in virtually all classes, including Junior Sportsman and 4-Cycle Open Modified, the World Karting Association deemed it too fast to compete against the Raptor.

Current status

In late 2005, the WKA made the shift from Raptors to Animals for most classes, due in large part to the engine's durability and efficiency. The Raptor, being a better beginner engine, was kept, but due to its being a better beginner engine, was set in its own few novice categories, while the Animal has taken over most oval-track competition since its introduction.