Home to iconic race tracks such as Interlagos in Brazil and the Autódromo Oscar y Juan Gálvez in Argentina, the South American continent has its fair share of racing ground. The same holds true for go-kart tracks, which have given prominence to many drivers today such as Franco Colapinto, Helio Castroneves, and Gabriel Bortoleto. In today’s article, we will look at some of the best go-kart tracks in this area that have sharpened the skills of many racers.
Located in the state of Paraiba, a northeast region in Brazil, this track has the honorary title of having hosted a Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) race back in 2018. Furthermore, their website states that the track is the only go-kart track in Latin America with a track approved by the FIA and prepared to host national and international competitions.
The lap features ten turns, kicking off with a medium-speed right-hander in Turn. A clean exit is essential for maintaining momentum as the driver heads into the sweeping left-hander, a prime overtaking spot.
Another prominent section of the track is the short back straight, followed by a sequence of slow, winding, corners. This part of the lap is capped off by a double apex corner which then leads the driver back onto the main straight. Keeping up with the driver ahead is a must to have any chance at a move down the inside in the first corner.
Overall, the Paladino circuit is a true test of skill. With a diverse set of sections, it's a well-balanced track that pushes drivers to their absolute limits.
Source: Rumbo al podio
Heading over to Argentina, the Kartodromo Internacional de Zarate is a simple yet fun track to drive. From hosting various karting championships to being a place where even professional drivers go for training, this Buenos Aires circuit is a great place for beginners and pros alike.
Featuring 12 turns, the driver is set for a high-speed affair as they zoom around the circuit. There is not much time to prepare as the short main straightaway immediately heads into a fast left-hander, quickly followed by a tight chicane sequence.
Following those first three corners, a short straightaway presents itself, allowing potential divebombs into turn 4. Then comes the twisty section of the track, having a blend of medium to slow-speed corners. Should you be able to keep up with the pack, the driver is awarded with one more overtaking opportunity at the penultimate corner, turn 11.
When the track layout is glossed over, it is clear that it features many overtaking opportunities and challenging sections. In conclusion, Zarate is truly a test of both qualifying pace and overall race trim.
Source: Katodromo de Tocanpica Official Instragam Account
Also known as the Juan Pablo Montoya Karting Track, the Tocanpica circuit in Cundinamarca, Colombia, is one of the more technical tracks on this list. With many kinds of corners, its layout tests the adaptability of go-kart drivers. It has also become a venue for the ROK Cup Global, a one-engine make championship, similar to that of the Rotax Max Challenge and the IAME Series.
After the main straight, a slow right-hand hairpin kicks off the lap. Another straight follows before a long-flowing right-hander. This is followed by a quick sequence of corners in turns 5-7 which features a quick chicane followed by a small left kink before yet another hairpin.
The circuit’s final section before the main straight, in particular, emphasizes braking, with multiple slow corners in close proximity to each other. Bold overtakes can also be performed here; however, it is important to note how the track gets very narrow at some points.
The same ordeal repeats for the whole lap: a small section of corners, followed by a long straight into a hairpin. Thus, the kart track is a haven for multiple overtaking opportunities throughout the track.
Source: RF1 Journalism
Often abbreviated to KGV, this track in Brazil is a great place to start for beginners, with the circuit having multiple rental karts at its disposal. In fact, there is an event dedicated to these rental karts known as the 500 Milhas de Kart or 500 Miles Karting. Its popularity is so large that former F1 driver Rubens Barichello once took part!
The track spans over 1030 meters long and has a total of 12 turns. The track is high-speed in nature, featuring only a few major corners and a lot of time fully on the throttle. Turn 4 is the first overtaking opportunity on the track, which comes after the driver navigates a quick right-left-right section.
From there, the next best chances are in turns 7-10, where the track is at its slowest point. This allows for multiple switchbacks before the speed begins to ramp up again as the track’s last two corners can easily be taken flat or with a slight lift.
Due to the simple nature of the track, it is easy to get a hang of the circuit. However, the focus and mental toll it takes on the mind, especially during endurance racing is something that must not be taken lightly.
Source: Kartodromo La Chutana Facebook Page
Located in the San Bartolo District in Peru, this track is notorious for having many different layouts. In fact, one article claimed the track had 19 different layouts! While a track having many layouts is nothing new, the sheer number of them in this track is truly impressive.
Focusing on the main layout, however, the lap starts with a long, flowing left-hander. The track then slowly drifts over to the right onto a quick hairpin. Afterward, the track veers to the left, leading to a double apex corner. This is a great indicator of what this track can offer, as this is how La Chutana plays out for the most part.
All in all, the track is a smooth-flowing circuit with its fair share of challenging corners. With around 10 turns, this presents many chances to make a move on the opposition.
Source: ProKart
The Kartódromo Internacional de Buenos Aires, located in the bustling capital of Argentina, is one of the most iconic karting tracks in South America. It is known for its challenging layout and rich motorsport history, including being a staple in the IAME series Argentina. The circuit features 12 dynamic corners that test the skills of even the most seasoned drivers.
The lap begins with a high-speed straight leading into Turn 1, a sweeping right-hander that demands commitment and sets the tone for the technical challenges ahead. This is followed up by a flowing left-right combination, where smooth steering inputs and precise throttle control are critical.
An overtaking spot then presents itself in Turn 4 as it is a sharp left-hander requiring heavy braking. Moving onto the middle section features turns 5 through 7, a series of technical bends that reward rhythm and kart balance. This then leads to a tight hairpin for another chance at an overtake. Turns 9 and 10 transitions into a fast right-left chicane, requiring agility and a stable setup to navigate effectively. Finally, concluding the lap are turns 11 and 12, a pair of sweeping corners leading back onto the straight, where maximizing exit speed is vital.
Overall, this track is a thrilling mix of high-speed sections and technical challenges, offering a perfect venue for competitive racing and skill refinement.
Source: Ministerio de Telecomunicaciones Ecuador
The Kartódromo Cotopaxi, situated in Latacunga, Ecuador, is a premier karting destination renowned for its 1,600-meter track length. Known for its high-altitude location and picturesque views of the Cotopaxi volcano, the track features a layout that demands precision and strategy.
Cotopaxi’s main layout starts with a long straight onto a tight right-hander that sets the tone for the rest of the lap, requiring accurate braking and a clean apex. The following left-right combination in Turns 2 and 3 is tricky, where drivers must find the perfect balance between speed and control to maintain momentum.
Following the combination of corners is a sharp right-hand bend which then opens the track up into a flowing section with Turns 5 and 6, a series of medium-speed corners. Turn 7 is a sweeping left-hander, perfect for setting up a strong exit onto the backstretch. The technical portion of the track begins with Turn 8, a hairpin that allows for risky overtakes. Turns 9 through 11 then offer a complex mix of right and left turns before the last corner is a fast right-hand turn that leads onto the main straight.
The combination of tight corners and high-speed sections makes Kartódromo Cotapaxi an exciting and demanding circuit for karting enthusiasts.
CONCLUSION
If there’s anything to pick up from this article, it's that South America boasts a competitive karting scene. With countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador having notable go-kart tracks, you can expect a high-octane experience should you find yourself racing in these world-class venues. From the grassroots nature of KGV, to the grand finals stage in Paladino, there is a track for every kind of racer.
To elevate your go-kart racing career to the next level, Kart Class has your back! Under the tutelage of a multi-time race winner and Australian kart champion David Sera, a variety of training programs are in store for you.
For beginners and champions alike, and even track guides on the most notorious race tracks out there, Kart Class will be sure to take you from the back of the pack and to the winner’s circle!
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