The initial laps of a race is where a driver can gain the biggest time advantage over their competition. In fact, before the very first “racing” lap, work is already done on what is known as the formation lap. This foray sees the drivers separated by just inches from each other, warming up their tyres for grip. Without it, they may lack sufficient grip heading into the first corner. This beginning stage of the race is crucial for optimal grip and performance during a race. In this article, we will dive into how you can properly warm up your go-kart tyres before the race begins.
In shifter karts, gear ratios work similarly to other karts but with an added layer of complexity due to the presence of a multi-speed gearbox. Unlike Touch And Go (TaG) karts with a single gear, shifter karts have a manual transmission, typically with a 6-speed transmission, allowing drivers to change gears during a race. In this article, we look at the basics of gear ratios in shifter karts, and how you can optimize this facet of racing to your advantage.
One of the key skills every kart racer must master is braking efficiently. Effective braking is not just about slowing down, it’s also about maintaining control and maximizing performance. One of the biggest challenges in go-kart braking is avoiding brake lock-ups, which can lead to skidding, loss of control, and slower lap times. In this article, we will delve into how to avoid brake lock-ups and keep yourself in control.
Once you are at the helm of a go-kart, the way you grip the steering wheel and where your hands are placed can help you be more at one with the machine. There are three typical hand positions that are labeled by numbers and their position on a regular clock, those being the 9 and 3, 10 and 2, as well as the 8 and 4 positions.
Today I'm looking at how to check your chain tension. Now, when it comes to chains, I find they're wearing out a lot faster than what they previously were. That could be down to the quality of the chains, or it could be that we're now driving faster engines.
You’ve had an accident, but now you need to work out whether your kart is bent. Kart manufacturers design their chassis’ a lot softer these days. That's to try and counter the softer tires racers use. A softer chassis absorbs a lot of that flex when drivers are cornering. Now we're seeing a lot of karts having accidents because drivers are going at higher speeds which is sometimes too fast for kids.
Rims are an essential part in tuning the kart for maximum performance. They provide different benefits depending on the conditions you’re driving in and the conditions you’re faced with. Similar to other parts of the kart such as the engine, every rim is different. Depending on the material which it is made from, they all offer different characteristics. Today, we lay out the different styles of kart wheels and what performance they are capable of.
Motor Racing is dangerous & kart racing is no different. With drivers as young as six years of age driving at 60mph +, incidents can occur. It is often a neglected area of racing as drivers try so hard that they sacrifice safety for performance. While such events cannot be fully prevented, all drivers have the responsibility to avoid one as much as possible for the safety of everyone. In today’s article, we will look at three major components that a driver must focus on. Taking note of these aspects can drastically reduce incidents over a weekend.
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.
France, a country known for its rich history in motorsports, offers some of the best karting tracks in the world. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the thrill of karting in France is unmatched. This guide will take you through the top karting tracks in the country, including Nevers Magny-Cours, The Grand Circuit of Roussillon, Pau-Arnos, Le Mans, and The Paul Ricard Circuit. Each of these tracks offers unique challenges and experiences that are sure to excite any karting enthusiast.
