A really big revelation occurred to me at the Huntsville Grand Prix as I attempted to get out of a couple cyclekarts.  I had a very hard time due to my bulk and age.  One cyclekart builder fabricated two special handles out of bent up ½” aluminum and mounted them to the front of the cockpit. I thought this was a brilliant idea.  I am not sure if I will use a similar technique, but it sure would have made a huge difference the couples times I found myself struggling to exit the cockpits.