The Best Advice To Get Really Good At Go-Kart Racing

Ready to stop seeing the back of your buddy’s helmet and start leaving him in the dust? Go-kart racing looks simple, but shaving off those precious seconds requires more than just flooring it. We’re exploring the best advice to get really good at go-kart racing to help you dominate the track.

Find the Racing Line

The fastest way around the track is rarely the shortest. The racing line is the optimal path that allows you to carry the most speed through corners. To find it, follow the classic outside-inside-outside principle.

• Entry: Approach the corner from the outside edge of the track.
• Apex: Hit the inside curb at the corner’s midpoint.
• Exit: Drift back to the outside edge as you accelerate out of the turn.

Sticking to this line minimizes your steering angle and helps you maintain momentum, which is everything in go-kart racing.

Master Your Braking

Braking is your best friend when it comes to setting up for a corner. Many new drivers brake too late or too gently. Instead, you should brake hard and in a straight line before you start turning. This technique, known as trail braking, settles the kart and plants the front tires for maximum grip.

Once you start turning the wheel, you should be easing off the brake and getting ready to apply the throttle. Smoothness is key. Stomping on either pedal will only upset the kart’s balance and scrub off speed.

Look Ahead

Your kart will go where your eyes are looking. If you’re staring at the piece of track directly in front of you, you’ll always be reacting instead of anticipating.

Keep your head up and look ahead to the next corner or braking point. This gives your brain more time to process what’s coming, allowing you to prepare your next move and maintain a smoother line. You’ll need this skill to handle the different types of corners in go-kart racing, from sharp hairpins to wide, sweeping turns.

Put It All Together

Getting really good at go-kart racing means turning these individual skills into muscle memory. Next time you hit the track, focus on one thing at a time. Dedicate a few laps to just nailing the racing line. Then, concentrate on your braking technique. Before you know it, you’ll be combining these skills without thinking and watching your lap times tumble.