Are you ready to take your Go Karting skills to the next level? If so, then make sure that you don't miss out on these cool Go Karting tips.
We'll be talking about how power sliding is a great technique for creating more momentum.
And while we're at it, let's talk about how weight distribution can affect your speed and balance in the kart.
Hopefully, this helps!
Get Comfortable
Did you know that Go-Kart races can last around fifteen minutes up to one hour and are basically non-stop racing for that whole time?
This means you're going to be doing some hard cornering and braking. So the first thing you'll want to do before getting into your Go-Kart is made sure that you're as comfortable as possible!
You don't want any of these actions to be uncomfortable and distracting at a time when concentration is key.
When you first get into the Go Kart, make sure to position yourself comfortably so that your hands and feet are at a good distance from all of the pedals.
Once you start racing it is important not to stop midway through in order to adjust anything as this will mean multiple pitstops which will use up more time than if you got comfortable before the race began.
How to Corner
The best go-karting tracks are filled with corners, so the faster you can navigate them, the better. Plus, the faster you can corner, the quicker you'll pass other racers.
If you do these few things right, then it will be you who crosses the finish line first and leaves your friends in the dust.
Here are a few ways to take the corners faster, starting before you reach the bend.
When you approach a corner (going around to the left), you want to get your go kart as far over to the right-hand side of the track as you can so that you have plenty of room.
On the left of the turn, you would lose too much speed coming in and being passed.
For a left-hand turn, you should keep your wheel straight and brake just enough to get around (avoiding the barrier).
One thing that I've learned about go-karting is to brake straight with your wheels when going downhill. This gives you much more control and lets you keep a good speed throughout the course.
Now that you have slowed down, you want to start turning into the corner so that you turn wider and come out of the corner as close to the inside racing line as possible.
The first step to winning go-kart races is to remain straight on the corner exit and get your foot down to accelerate.
Don’t Lean In
When approaching each corner, it is best to avoid leaning your body over the apex. Leaning towards the turn will force weight over the inside tires and make them lose traction. Instead, stay in the kart and don't lean as much.
Keep Moving
One thing all successful drivers do is maintain what they think of as a steady speed throughout an entire race. To emulate the likes of Hamilton and Vettel, it's important to keep it as smooth as possible by using both under-steer and over-steer.
One key point to remember is that the braking should be done at the right time, otherwise you will lose your speed and slow down through a corner. The goal is to exit the track as fast as possible. The faster you go in, the faster you will come out.
Power Sliding
One of the most popular maneuvers on a go-kart is the power slide. It's not the most difficult technique, but it can be devastatingly effective if done correctly.
The first thing you need to do is slow down until you come up alongside an opponent (or make sure they are in front of you). When ready, lift-off on the gas and gently steer into a turn. Try to keep your hands steady so you don’t have to waste energy
One at a Time
In addition to slowing lap times and causing spin-outs, simultaneously pressing down on the brake and accelerator can cause some karts to cut out. To maintain a competitive pace, use the gas and brake pedals together.
One of the first things you'll learn about go-karting is that more throttle does not always equal more speed.
Watch out for how affects your exit from corners and try to anticipate when you will need to use the throttle.
It is important not to fight the steering if a kart steps out on its exit of a turn. Steer in the direction it wants to go and keep your back end pointed in the right direction.
Lighten Up
To minimize the force you’ve experienced when racing, try to make your kart as light as possible.
Grab a few t-shirts and sneakers instead of heavy coats or work shoes.
Stay in Control
Go-cart racing is a fun and competitive activity. When you first get on your go-kart, take note of which side is the brake and accelerator pedal so that you have an easier time steering.
When you sit in the go-kart, both legs must be around the wheel and each leg should control either the accelerator or brakes.
When driving, only a single foot can be used at a time on the pedals. Otherwise, you will either speed up or stall the go-kart around corners.
By doing this it will give you valuable seconds over the competition.
Just Relax
Upon arrival at the venue, you will be given a safety briefing that includes an overview of the track layout and some helpful tips on how to get around the course.
At the go-karting track, safety briefings are typically done through a video presentation or a drawing on the wall.
You will also be given a race suit, helmet, and gloves and then be taken to your go-kart.
The most important thing to remember is to have fun, so don't forget to relax as you're all there making some great memories.
Relax and enjoy yourself - this will help you stop tensing up and having a great racer experience.
Wrapping Up
Driving a go-kart is not as easy as it looks, and you're going to want to be comfortable.
The faster that you can navigate the corners, the better your time will be. Start by getting comfy in your seat because there's no way around this one
The next time you go-karting, remember to keep your body upright and move with the turns rather than leaning in. If this sounds like a lot of work for little reward, think about what will happen if you don't follow these tips :)
You'll probably end up spending more energy trying not to fall over when making sharp turns or running into other racers on tight corners. Trust me - it's worth taking measures now to avoid potential disaster later.
One of the best things to do before going out is planning ahead and know what clothes to wear so you don't get too hot or cold. If it's a nice day outside, take advantage of the sunshine by wearing light clothing instead of heavy winter gear.
Make sure not to use both feet at once when driving since this can cause problems with steering control which could lead to an accident.
The key to a rewarding go-karting experience is relaxation. If you’re tense, it will be much more difficult for you to have the best racer experience possible.
One way that can help relax your muscles is by doing some deep breathing exercises before getting into the race car and throughout the course of racing.
When we do this subconsciously, our brain sends signals down to our body telling us when it needs oxygen - which also happens during exercise like running or cycling.
This leads to increased levels of endorphins in our bloodstream- something everyone wants.
You may be feeling exhausted after a few laps around the track but once you start practicing these techniques on a regular basis (just 5 minutes each day), they won't feel so bad.
Main image used by David Armstrong on Unsplash
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