Go karting is one exciting, adrenaline pumping sport preferred by many motorsport enthusiasts. That said, if you’re to go karting, traversing on the track can be overwhelming. However, if prepared in advance, the go karting experience becomes really enjoyable for first time racers. If you’re a first timer, we’ve compiled a list of useful go kart driving tips to make the process easy.
How to Become a Go Kart Racer
Among other benefits of go-karting, the sport is ideal for quenching your thirst for high speeds. However, racing on the go kart track for the very first time can be a little intimidating. Especially, if you’re accompanied by friends who are pro at the sport.
Let’s go through effective go kart racing tips. Following the tips prepared first time racers and gives them the edge.
Wear What You’re Comfortable With
This may seem obvious but many people don’t really understand the importance of easy clothing. When discussing, go kart driving tips, comfort dressing is the top contender. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or loose, wear what’s comfortable.
Keep in mind you’ll be sitting behind the wheel for an extended period of time when racing. Ditch the super tight jeans for your next race session. You’re racing on a track not a fashion runway.
Wearing runners or trainers are ideal for go kart racing. Also, make sure your footwear is sensible, no one can race on a go kart track with heels, open toes or slippers.
Select the Right Go Kart
Selecting the right go kart is second on the list of useful go kart driving tips. This has a major impact on the kart’s racing performance and lap times. Go through these tips for first-time go kart buyers to select the kart that goes best with your racing style.
Different types of karts are designed for different skill levels. If you’re learning how to drive a go kart for the first time, select a slower kart. That will make it easy to hone go kart racing skills and help manoeuvring on the track. Later on, when you are fully confident on the track, you can upgrade to a faster model.
Keep Your Posture Right
Useful go kart driving tips also include positioning of the driver. It is really important to get in a comfortable position where reaching the pedals doesn’t feel like a task. Easy access to the pedals and brakes are necessary to move quickly on the racing turns and for safety.
Ideally, you should reach the acceleration pedals with your legs bent slightly. Plus, you should be sitting in a position where you reach the steering wheel without leaning forward to reach it. Keep adjusting the seat of your go kart till you reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably.
When learning how to become a go kart racer, it’s pertinent to know the importance of gripping the steering wheel properly. It is recommended to hold the steering wheel in a quarter-to-three position. This steering grip position gives you more control and helps you react quickly on fast track turns.
Practice Acceleration
Before you start go-kart racing with friends, we recommend you practice a few laps all by yourself to learn how to handle the karts. Practice flooring the pedals to determine their sensitivity. Just don’t press both pedals at the same time.
Remember, a go kart is not like a real car. The kart brakes are only on the rear wheels. This is why racers should brake hard instead of soft when approaching a corner. When you approach the apex of a turn, gradually release the brake before coming off it and accelerating.
Picking up Speed
Naturally, to meet the need for speed, racers crave to reach top speed levels crossing others on the track like a true champ. An important aspect that will help you pick speed is your ability and focus on driving in a straight line.
The more you practise driving your go-kart in a straight line, the more chances of reaching your kart’s top speed. Case in point: braking, skidding or turning to reduce your kart’s speed. This is why it is important to approach the apex of a turn with precision.
When you’re approaching a turn, your focus should be on positioning yourself on the outside of the track. Next, apply the brakes as you’re approaching the apex of the turn. This technique helps maximise the amount of time you spend driving in a straight line.
Don’t Drift in the Beginning
Avoid drifting no matter your urge for speed levels. Drifting slows you down on the track significantly and decreases the momentum. Usually, drifting happens when braking during a turn. Therefore, you must focus on braking more before a turn.
Drifting can also happen when you turn really sharply into a corner. When learning go-karting, resist the urge to pull off a sharp turn at every corner. Keep all your focus on turning the wheel gradually when you hit the apex of a turn. Aim for the outside of the track when you exit a turn and you won’t have the urge to turn so sharply.
Navigation
There has to be a fair distance between two go-karts on the track. Every bump on the track slows the kart down, on the other hand, quick turns ask for more speed. In both cases, if two drivers are near each other’s vehicles, the chance of crashing into one another is more.
Therefore, always maintain a safe distance. Focus on your own driving, and don’t get distracted by competitors on the track.
When you finally get confident driving on the track, take note of where competitors have a lead. For instance, if a driver passes you on the track on a right-angle turn, you need to improve your right-angle turns.
Look in Front
Another important tip on go karting for the first time is always to look ahead. Learning to drive a go-kart is exciting but can be daunting. A go-kart is really low and close to the ground, and a new driver might feel like they are driving really fast. don’t look only a few metres ahead, focus on looking at least a stage ahead when driving. Your brain needs time to prepare for the next manoeuvre on track.
That is all about go kart driving tips. If you are based in Dubai, take a look at these popular spots for go karting in Dubai, whereas, people from other parts of the country can go through our compilation of popular spots for go karting in the UAE.
Besides, if you want to buy a kart for yourself, explore some used go-karts for sale in the UAE and start enjoying the enthralling activity!
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on go karting and other motorsport activities.
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