How to Steer A Go-Kart

A seemingly simple task at the outset, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to maneuvering a go-kart. How one may steer a regular family car is drastically different from how to turn a go-kart. In today’s article, we will look at the many intricacies of how to steer a go-kart, this time being purely from the driving aspect. From the ideal style, up to how the weather plays a factor, all of which we will look at.

Driving Style

Source: Karting Australia

As the saying goes, “smooth is fast”.

A go-kart’s composition sees a dynamic front end. This means that the tyres can turn at different angles.. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the rears as they are connected by a solid axle which means they always turn at exactly the same rate.

This results in the driver using a tactic that is otherwise unheard of in the upper echelon of motorsports known as the inside rear wheel lift or kart jacking. As the name suggests, it's when a driver forces the inside tire (which will differ depending on if the corner turns left or right) to raise up into the air. This allows the kart to turn in more compared to when both rears are planted on the ground.

It takes time to master this style, as the driver will push their outside arm into the wheel, whilst the inside arm is doing the majority of the turning. By doing this technique, and holding the wheel, it allows the inside wheel to lift and maintain it for longer, allowing the kart to corner nicely with a fast exit.

Furthermore, the less steering angle put in, the better. Try to keep the wheel as straight as possible by turning in as little as possible. As Jack Aitken once said, “to be faster on track, you must try to straighten the race track”.

Avoid making multiple corrections as well to lessen the turning of the wheel. This will keep the balance of the kart when cornering, with multiple inputs likely experiencing oversteer and the kart sliding around the turns.

Mother Nature’s Impact

On the subject of irregular racing conditions such as a slippery track, or torrential downpour, these conditions require the driver to adjust their steering style. More turn-in is required as there is little to no grip on the track’s surface which sees the driver practice a harder and more aggressive driving style.

Drivers can use a full steering lock technique in wet conditions. This is due to minimal grip on the circuit, but it is also an effective way of slowing the kart down with the front tyres scrubbing off speed entering a corner. With the wheels fully turned, and the nature of understeer occurring in the slippery conditions, this acts as a brake, which when driven effectively allows drivers to push the limits.

Now perhaps the most important part of driving in the wet is the new line that forms along with it. The wet line, as it is usually referred to, can be anywhere between the middle all the way to the outside of the track. While this makes the track longer, it is often the fastest as it has the most grip. This is another major reason as to why drivers turn-in more as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

While braking and throttle application are still used in the dry, it is in the rain where it truly makes the difference. Slowly press on the brake so as to avoid spinning out, but be sure to still do so just before the rears lock up. For acceleration, it is ok to feather the throttle before fully committing immediately.

CONCLUSION

Handling a racing go-kart at over 100+ km/h is no easy feat. To ensure maximum performance and safety, steering it correctly is of utmost importance. Drivers want slow and progressive steering inputs in the dry conditions for the best control and grip. If a driver uses too much steering input, the rear of the kart will begin to oversteer and slide, meaning the driver will need to corner slower to remain in control.

If this is becoming an issue, one way to smoothen your driver's input is by placing a cable tie on the top of the steering wheel. This will move around when a driver turns the corner. If it’s moving constantly, this is a reminder to the driver that they are turning the wheel too much / too often, but if they see it hardly move, they are driving smoothly.

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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 all the way to the winner’s circle!