6 Things To Know Before off-road go-kart
Go-karting is a thrilling sport. Most of us have experienced being in the driver’s seat, but we seldom push our limits.
Go-kart racing is a great way to release your inner speed demon and have some fun at the same time. We know it might be intimidating to race for the first time, especially if you’re racing with friends who have spent a lot of time on the track before.
If you’re just getting started on your off road go kart journey, we’ve put up a beginner’s guide on how to get the most out of your first experience. Read our racing advice before your first race and show your friends that you’re not a slouch.
1. Wearing comfortable clothing is a must.
You must wear comfortable clothes. When you’re racing, keep in mind that you’ll be sitting down for a long time. So, before your next race, put away those skin-tight jeans.
Trainers or runners are also recommended for go-kart racing. If you arrive at the circuit wearing high heels or open-toed shoes, you will be turned away. It’s merely a safety measure.
2. Choosing the Right Go Kart.
The way you race and how fast you move around the track may be greatly affected by the go-kart you choose. The karts are divided into several categories. We suggest using the Rookie Kart if you’re learning to drive a go-kart for the first time. Driving a slower kart allows you to fine-tune your turn and maneuver abilities more easily.
Upgrade to a speedier model like the Super Kart when you’re more comfortable driving around a course. When your peak speed and responsiveness are improved, you’ll be ready to set new personal best times.
The posture of your body in a go-kart might impact your driving ability. You must seat yourself such that your feet are in a position from which they can easily reach the pedals. Because the track’s racing curves need quick reactions, you must have easy access to the stop and accelerator pedals.
Your legs should be bent slightly to reach the pedals easily. In addition, you should not have to bend forward to get your hands on the wheel. Adjust your seat to reach the pedals and the steering wheel while driving easily.
Learning to drive a go-kart requires proper grip on the steering wheel. It would help if you held the wheel in a quarter-to-three position with your hands. With this grip, you’ll be able to exert greater control and respond more quickly while driving through corners.
3. Get Used To The Pedals.
We suggest having a few practice laps in the kart before the first race with your friends. Understand how responsive the pedals are by pushing them down. Only push one down at a time, not both!
The kart’s brakes are just on the back wheels, unlike a normal automobile. As a result, you should be braking forcefully rather than lightly while approaching a turn. You should gradually remove the brake as you reach the peak of a bend before accelerating.
4. Picking up speed
You’ll want to hit your kart’s peak speed as soon as possible so that you may begin passing your other competitors. The ability to drive in a straight line is one of the most important things.
More time in a straight path increases your chances of achieving maximum speed in your kart. Speed is reduced when you brake, turn, or skid. There are several reasons why learning to approach the peak of a turn is critical.
Focus on putting yourself on the outside of the track as you approach a corner. As you near the turn peak, begin to use your brakes. The more time you spend driving in a straight line, the more efficient you’ll be at it. This strategy will assist.
- CAUTION: DO NOT DRIFT!
Drifting may seem cool, but it may slow you down dramatically on the track. It will stifle your progress. During a turn, braking may cause a vehicle to drift. So, before a bend, work on slowing down and applying greater brake pressure.
The tendency to steer off course might also indicate that you’re about to make an abrupt shift. Go-kart beginners should refrain from making extreme turns all the time while they’re learning the basics.
When coming out of a turn, it’s possible to slide out wide if you make a sharp turn. When you’ve reached the peak of a turn, focus on progressively rotating your wheel to the right. After a turn, aim towards the outside of the track, and you’ll be less likely to make a sudden right turn.