The SuperNats is a race like no other.
A parking lot circuit, that changes layout each year, where the track evolves from session to session keeping driver, mechanic and team on their feet!
As we head into Race Week in Las Vegas, I wanted to take drivers and families through what it takes to master the SuperNats (ok I'm yet to master it, but P2 will give you a close understanding!) as we walk through the different challenges that present themselves.
A parking lot circuit, that changes layout each year, where the track evolves from session to session keeping driver, mechanic and team on their feet!
As we head into Race Week in Las Vegas, I wanted to take drivers and families through what it takes to master the SuperNats (ok I'm yet to master it, but P2 will give you a close understanding!) as we walk through the different challenges that present themselves.
The topics we'll be covering in the SuperNats edition will be:
- The nature of learning a new circuit
- The barriers
- The International flavour of drivers
- The intensity of Super Sunday
Let's look at the first topic...
THE NATURE OF LEARNING A NEW CIRCUIT
Drivers travel to and from different tracks all the time. But not often do they turn up to a circuit that's a parking lot, filled with barriers, filled with 94 (KA Senior) drivers in the field!
With a parking lot circuit, there's zero (and I mean zero grip!) to begin with. The first session is all about finishing all the laps. Even when you're not watching the session, you'll hear karts clouting into barriers left right and centre and completely wrecking not only their karts, but their CONFIDENCE!
It doesn't matter whether your fast session 1, or you're not! It's about completing all the laps (as on-track laps are limited) and build up your speed with each lap driving closer and closer to the barriers.
One thing that drivers who've never experienced a barrier filled circuit is that when one kart smashes into the barricades, the following lap the circuit (in that part of the track) might not be the same. A barrier could be sticking out a few inches further than the previous lap, and if you're not paying attention, you'll be in there too!
So you need to keep focused, always looking ahead, but noting any incidents you may see.
Some corners will have inner concrete kerbs, and others just barricades, so knowing which corners you can attack more than others is also critical.
I've hit barricades before... and they DON'T LIKE TO BE MOVED!
Stub axles, steering columns, Tie Rods and chassis' bend quickly, and with only 1-1:20 between your next session, drivers and mechanics are hustling to get the kart back on-track rather than working on what the driver could've improved on.
After Session 1, get an idea of the corners, review footage and map out how to up the ante for session 2 and the remainder of the first day.
If you're in the morning session, day 2 will be a lot grippier and nothing like the first day, so get ready to push the boundaries before you head into qualifying.
When you're racing in the afternoon session, you've at least had a few sessions to watch where drivers are making mistakes, overtaking and a general sense on the speed being driven through the corners.
As we step into qualifying, drivers want to have the confidence to run millimetres from the barriers in all corners to maximise their corner speeds. This is a circuit that rewards (& also costs) RISK!
If you're happy cruising around and not edging close to the barriers, the SUPERNATS isn't for you.
You'll need to step out of your comfort zone and truly push the boundaries on what you think is possible!
That's the first edition of our SuperNats Series, tomorrow we'll look more into the barriers and how to best handle them! (staying off them is one point!)
- The barriers
- The International flavour of drivers
- The intensity of Super Sunday
Let's look at the first topic...
THE NATURE OF LEARNING A NEW CIRCUIT
Drivers travel to and from different tracks all the time. But not often do they turn up to a circuit that's a parking lot, filled with barriers, filled with 94 (KA Senior) drivers in the field!
With a parking lot circuit, there's zero (and I mean zero grip!) to begin with. The first session is all about finishing all the laps. Even when you're not watching the session, you'll hear karts clouting into barriers left right and centre and completely wrecking not only their karts, but their CONFIDENCE!
It doesn't matter whether your fast session 1, or you're not! It's about completing all the laps (as on-track laps are limited) and build up your speed with each lap driving closer and closer to the barriers.
One thing that drivers who've never experienced a barrier filled circuit is that when one kart smashes into the barricades, the following lap the circuit (in that part of the track) might not be the same. A barrier could be sticking out a few inches further than the previous lap, and if you're not paying attention, you'll be in there too!
So you need to keep focused, always looking ahead, but noting any incidents you may see.
Some corners will have inner concrete kerbs, and others just barricades, so knowing which corners you can attack more than others is also critical.
I've hit barricades before... and they DON'T LIKE TO BE MOVED!
Stub axles, steering columns, Tie Rods and chassis' bend quickly, and with only 1-1:20 between your next session, drivers and mechanics are hustling to get the kart back on-track rather than working on what the driver could've improved on.
After Session 1, get an idea of the corners, review footage and map out how to up the ante for session 2 and the remainder of the first day.
If you're in the morning session, day 2 will be a lot grippier and nothing like the first day, so get ready to push the boundaries before you head into qualifying.
When you're racing in the afternoon session, you've at least had a few sessions to watch where drivers are making mistakes, overtaking and a general sense on the speed being driven through the corners.
As we step into qualifying, drivers want to have the confidence to run millimetres from the barriers in all corners to maximise their corner speeds. This is a circuit that rewards (& also costs) RISK!
If you're happy cruising around and not edging close to the barriers, the SUPERNATS isn't for you.
You'll need to step out of your comfort zone and truly push the boundaries on what you think is possible!
That's the first edition of our SuperNats Series, tomorrow we'll look more into the barriers and how to best handle them! (staying off them is one point!)
Go-Kart Chassis Guide: What It Is and Why It Matters
This article introduces beginners and developing racers to the kart chassis. Designed as a technical primer, it helps re
Read More
From Karting to Formula 1: Oscar Piastri’s Racing Journey
Oscar Piastri’s rise from local karting club champion to Formula 1 race winner is a masterclass in consistent training,
Read More
How to Prep for a Summer of Kart Racing: Gear, Training & Track Guide
Go-karting was made for summer. While the intense heat of the sun and long track days are common, that’s all part of wha
Read More