Everyone Wants to Drive Faster
It is no secret, we all want to win! But in order to win, we have to find a way to drive faster and become more adept on track. Below we have collated some of the best tips and techniques to help you become the best kart racing driver possible.
1. Be smooth
“Fast is smooth and smooth is fast”
Being smooth is one of the most under appreciated facets of driving fast, it’s an art that needs to be mastered. So often people will drive aggressively feeling that this will provide the best results. Don’t get us wrong, if you are driving in the wet you might need to wrestle it a bit. But in the dry you need to maximise the grip and ensure you don’ break this on the corners. You may need to go slow to begin with to master this, but believe us, it will be worth it.
2. Get plenty of time in the seat
It is pretty simple, do as much as you can around your local kart track, or racing. The more you do, the better you become. Practise really does make perfect.
3. Learn how to drive in the wet
Driving in the rain is a skill in and of itself. Being a competent driver in the wet will help differentiate you from your competition and provide an advantage that can the difference between winning and losing.
When it rains, the rubber that is down on the racing line becomes slippery and therefore slower to drive on. To be quick in the wet, you have to avoid those rubbery lines. Whether that means going around the corner wide or taking it tighter and coming in closer to the curb. From here it then requires time and patience as you begin to feel out the best racing lines on the day.
Next time it’s raining … get out there and practise 🌧️
4. Be ready to adapt your lines
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
Trying a variety of things is key to becoming faster. Try braking later, try getting on the power earlier. Like that, you learn and find time.
5. Work with an instructor
Sometimes you need to be aware of your own limitations. There is loads of support available, both online and at your track. By asking around you will no doubt receive some good suggestions. If you want to keep costs down and work on your driving from home then you may want to consider some online resources. From generic YouTube content to specific feedback from online coaches like Driver 61 there is a huge wealth of support online.
Other Next Steps:
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Think about buying your own helmet
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Get started in club races at your local kart track, when you are ready you can progress on to more competitive championships
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Consider joining a team. This can help you develop as a driver – but if you’ve just started karting, spend time learning how to drive the kart on your own
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Start taking an interest in the mechanics of the kart – fine-tuning things like gear ratios can help you find lap time
