Cart Racing Tips

For some, karting is a fun weekend pastime. For others, it becomes an obsession bordering on addiction. But whether you are a one-time karter out for fun or a die-hard enthusiast, everyone has the same objective in mind: go faster. Speed is intoxicating, but trying to master racing basics without instruction can result in endless frustration. These basic karting tips will help you dominate at the track.

  1. Racing Physics

    • You might remember from high school physics the famous principle, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." That principle is paramount to understanding the dynamics of racing. In a kart, when accelerating, weight will transfer to the back of the car. When braking, weight transfers forward. When turning, weight transfers to the outside two tires. Keeping your kart with all four tires optimally planted requires understanding these concepts. To make this work for you, balance the car by using your body weight while racing. Lean slightly forward to balance the car while accelerating, backwards to balance while braking, and to the outside of the turn while cornering.

    Racing Line

    • Karting races (like most races) are not won on the straights, but in the corners. Understanding the science behind proper cornering can shave valuable tenths off your lap time. To corner efficiently, one must minimize the turning radius of the corner -- the sharper the turn, the more speed will be lost. Looking at the attached image, the green line demonstrates the proper racing line -- turning it gradually just at the point where you will clip the apex of the corner (the apex of the corner is the point at which your vehicle is closest to the the edge of the track), then getting back on the throttle immediately after passing the apex and letting the car run wide to use the full width of the track.

    Proper Braking

    • Maximizing speed requires maximizing the amount of time one is on the throttle. To that end, braking should be done swiftly and efficiently. Never combine heavy braking with steering inputs -- this will reduce traction sharply and reduce both your maximum braking ability and your maximum cornering ability. Always complete your braking prior to beginning your corner turn-in. Hit the brakes sharply, and modulate the pedal to avoid locking the rear wheels. Lean back in your seat to place more weight on the back tires. By braking early and completing your slowdown before turning in, you will be in good condition to maximize your steering potential to hit the apex and accelerate out. Good racers live by the maxim "slow in, fast out."

    Proper Start

    • The key to achieving a fast start off the line is to mentally visualize your desired result beforehand. Plan exactly how you imagine your perfect start will go, right down to the last detail. Repeat the process and visualize the entire first lap, including your intended racing line and your passing strategies. Through repeated visualization you will gain confidence in your abilities and reinforce solid racing technique. While on the line, stay glued to the driver in front of you and always make sure you are the first to accelerate. Do not worry about hitting the other driver--if you are close enough to his rear you might nudge him over the line, but this is acceptable as long as you are the first on the throttle.