If you are just learning to drive a go kart or hoping to win your first go kart race, this article will teach you the basics. Whether you want to start a hobby, drive better, or just get in first, this is the ultimate guide to small scale go-karting!
Steps
Driving Faster Safely
- Pick a fast kart (if you can), but be careful because if a kart is going too fast you may drift and lose control. If you are selecting from seemingly identical karts, look for karts with fresher tires or from karts that have been winning previous races that day at the track. [1]
- Enter turns slow, exit turns fast. This single tip is the most important lesson of fast go-karting. Winning a go kart race is about maintaining momentum throughout the entire track.[2]
- Be smooth. You may think you are cool slamming on the accelerator, but sliding and jerking actually slow you down. Accelerate smoothly, brake smoothly to retain momentum and be faster all around that track. [3]
- Plan your drive path as "out-in-out", the wide path will help you maintain momentum. For example when you are entering left turn you stay at the right side, then cut in the apex. Then drive to the right again. For a right turn, vice versa.
- When you are just learning, it can help to follow a fast driver to duplicate her race line as closely as possible.
- Limit the sliding in your turns. Sliding and drifting may look cool, but they aren't actually fast techniques for the beginner or intermediate driver.
- Brake at the end of the straightaways before you enter the turn. If you start breaking during the turn, you will slide.
- Control your front tire grip. If your front tires stay in control, your kart will stay in the line you want. It can be OK to let the back tires slide a bit.
- Time your passes carefully. Don't pass when there is risk that you will end up in the tires.
- Do not crash into people, it may sound obvious know but out on a busy go kart track it is an easy mistake to make. Also, most go kart tracks will make you leave if you repetitively crash into people.
- Learn your way round the track and its history. If you go a lap without crashing then push a bit more and you might gain some seconds. If you crash, slow down a bit. Also learning about its history if it's quite old and quite big can help you "get into touch" with the track.
Picking a Track
- Find a style of go-karting that is right for you. If you are a beginner, try one of the smaller tracks without a lot of hairpin turns. As you get better you can move on. If you feel extremely confident with handling, you could try slick-racing.
- Try it out at first. A small track, with only one or two karters, will help you start getting the feel of the kart. Drive cautiously.
- Move on to larger, more complex tracks and slick tracks as your expertise grows. Even the best karters spin out on slick tracks and slippery ovals.
Tips
- Lift your bum off the seat when exiting a tight turn, this will give the engine a bit more ability to accelerate you quickly into the straightaway.[1]
- Try racing next to an experienced friend, it will help.
- If you feel unsure, it is ok not to proceed to a greater track. Do what you are comfortable with.
- If you lose don't get mad and quit. Instead keep practicing.
- Listen to instructions and always follow the rules, they are the simplest and best part to be victorious!
Warnings
- Be sure to wear appropriate protection while riding.
- If you have any medical conditions, be sure to consult a doctor before attempting go-karting.
- If any of this information contradicts posted rules, follow the posted instructions.
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Sources and Citations
