GO KARTING FOR
BEGINNERS
THE KTIPS WAY
OMAR ASWAT
GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
OMAR ASWAT
Copyright ©, Omar Aswat, 2023
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced without the written permission of
the publisher.
Photos by Ahmed Feisal
For permissions and enquiries, contact the
publisher at info@ktips.org
GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
FIRST EDITION
Table of
Contents
Introduction
2
Seating and Hand Position
3
The Racing Line and Cornering
4
Braking
5
Overtaking
8
Mindset
10
The Next Stage
12
Glossary
13
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Hey! You're here because you've tasted
the thrill of go-kart racing and you're
hooked, right?
We get it! That rush of adrenaline
when you're zooming around the track
is unbeatable.
But, if you're ready to take your skills
to the next level, this book is for you!
We're going to give you the secrets to
kart racing success.
From the basics to the advanced
techniques, we can help you improve
your driving so you ca impress your
friends and dominate the competition.
Photos in this book are courtesy of
Ahmed Feisal. Check out his profile:
@FEISAL222
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
SEATING POSITION &
HAND POSITION
Seating Position
& Hand Position
Proper seating and hand position are
essential for effective control and
handling of a go-kart.
To achieve optimal performance, adjust the seat so
that your knees remain slightly bent, even when the
pedals are fully depressed.
Ensure that your arms are slightly bent, and maintain
an upright posture while driving, avoiding any
tendency to hunch.
When gripping the steering wheel, place your hands
specifically at the ‘nine o'clock’ and ‘three o'clock’
positions, as shown on the image on the left.
By adopting these correct seating and hand
positions, you can improve your control, stability
of the kart, and overall performance on the track.
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
The Racing Line
and Cornering
As you advance in go-karting,
mastering the art of cornering
becomes increasingly important.
In this chapter, we will discuss the
racing line and cornering techniques
that can help you become a more
skilled and competitive driver.
Understanding the Racing Line
The racing line is the ideal path a gokart should take around a corner to
achieve maximum speed while
maintaining control. The racing line will
vary depending on the corner's shape
and curvature, but generally, the aim is
to minimize the distance traveled and
maintain the highest speed possible
throughout the turn.
The ideal racing line involves entering
the corner from the outside edge,
smoothly reducing speed before the
apex and then accelerating back out
to the outside edge again in order to
maximize your exit speed.
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THE RACING LINE AND
CORNERING
GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
THE RACING LINE AND
CORNERING
Turn-In
This is the point after your initial braking point at
which you should begin turning the steering wheel.
Different corners require different rates of steering
input but, generally, the position at which you start
turning combined with the angle of steering
determines your next two points: the apex and exit.
Apexing a Corner
The apex is the point at which the kart is closest to
the inside of the corner. It is the point that separates
the turn-in and exit phases. The aim of cornering is
to hit this point precisely, allowing the kart to travel
in a straighter line and exit the corner faster.
The key to hitting the apex is to approach the corner
as wide as possible, pressing the brakes at your
breaking point, and then turning the steering wheel
smoothly as you direct your kart towards the inside
edge aiming for a smooth arc (as shown in the
diagram).
Exit
The exit point is the location where your kart needs
to be at the end of the corner. In order to maximise
the radius of the turn, the exit point is likely to
require you to use all of the track available. It is not
unusual to run two wheels over the kerbs at the exit
of a corner.
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
Braking
The ability to brake effectively is a
crucial skill in go-karting and can be
the deciding factor between a good
or a bad lap time.
Whether you're a beginner or an
experienced driver, understanding
the technique of braking is crucial to
achieving optimal speed while
maintaining control.
Tackling Corners:
Tight corners with a small radius
require more braking, while wide
corners with a larger radius require
less braking or can even be taken by
briefly lifting off the gas pedal.
If you find yourself sliding or drifting
through a corner, you're carrying too
much entry speed and probably did
not brake enough.
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BRAKING
GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
BRAKING
Threshold Braking
In rental karts where the brakes are located only at the rear, threshold braking is a
commonly used technique. This involves pressing the brake pedal hard for a short period
until you feel the rear end of the kart slip out slightly. This technique also helps you turn
and rotate your kart easier when cornering.
Using Reference Points
A reference point is an essential tool in establishing a consistent braking point for a corner.
A reference point can be anything in your peripheral vision, such as a tyre, tree, or even a
marking on the track. You use a reference point to gauge when to press the brake.
In summary, braking is a vital technique in go-karting that can significantly impact
your lap time. Understanding the different techniques and using reference points can
help you master the art of braking and improve your performance on the track.
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
OVERTAKING
Overtaking
A successful overtaking maneuver relies on timing and precise execution.
There are three primary methods of getting past a driver.
The simpler approach is to utilize slipstreaming on a straight, capitalizing on a
superior exit from the previous corner.
Slipstreaming
Human DRS
Switchback
The switchback is one of the most satisfying overtaking maneuvers which you
can pull off. To setup a switchback your opponent has to be on the inside line
and your kart should be on the outside line. This way the corner radius
becomes tighter for your opponent, causing them to overshoot the turn. With
early braking and good acceleration you'll be able to undercut your opponent
and perform a successful switchback
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
OVERTAKING
Another technique involves out-braking your opponent as you approach a corner (AKA
'The Divebomb'). This requires you to occupy the inside line whilst braking later and
harder than your opponent in order to reach the apex first. When overtaking, try to
stay as close to the racing line as possible, especially at the exit of the corner.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 5
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
MINDSET
Mindset
The top drivers in the world are able to drive any kart and maximize the
performance out of it. They’re able to do this by combining various driving
techniques and mental focus which results in consistent lap times.
Remember, being fast across one lap will not win you a race. To achieve
consistent lap times, your driving will need to be predictable. Avoid techniques
that make your kart unstable or erratic; for example, sudden or harsh steering
can destabilise the kart and give you inconsistent timings
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
MINDSET
To attain consistent lap times on the track a combination of skill, focus and
practice is necessary. Here are some key strategies to help you maintain
consistency:
1) Relax! Don’t tense your muscles and maintain normal breathing. Try to be as relaxed
as possible when driving.
2) Smooth Steering: Be smooth and precise with your steering. Avoid sudden or jerky
movements that can unsettle the kart and lead to inconsistent performance.
3) Racing Line: Follow the optimal racing line for each corner, as discussed in Chapter
Three. Maintaining a consistent line helps you carry speed through the turns and ensures
predictable handling.
4) Braking Points: Establish consistent braking points for each corner based on
reference points or track markers. Consistency in your braking allows for better control
and helps maintain a steady approach to each turn.
5) Throttle Control: Learn to modulate the throttle smoothly and progressively. Avoid
sudden bursts of acceleration.
6) Practice and Feedback: Regular practice is key to improving consistency. Take
advantage of track time to refine your skills and learn from your mistakes. Seek feedback
from more experienced drivers or coaches to identify areas for improvement.
Remember, consistency comes with experience and focused effort. By
applying these strategies and dedicating yourself to practice, you will be
able to drive consistently on a go-kart track.
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
THE NEXT STAGE
The Next Stage
The importance of practice in karting cannot be overstated. While
tutorials and instructions can provide valuable insights, true mastery of
the various techniques can only be achieved through consistent track
time.
It is essential to set aside dedicated days or times during the week to visit your
local track and engage in practice sessions. To make your practice sessions
more effective, it is recommended to have a specific objective in mind. Focus on
one aspect or skill at a time, such as braking. By concentrating on a single
objective, you can channel your efforts and make tangible progress in that
particular area. For instance, you might decide, "Today, I will focus on refining my
braking points."
Remember, regular and focused
practice is key to honing your
karting skills and improving your
performance on the track.
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GO KARTING FOR BEGINNERS - THE KTIPS WAY
GLOSSARY
Glossary
Kart: A small, open-wheel vehicle used for go kart racing.
Racing Line: The optimal path that a driver should follow around the track to achieve the
fastest lap times.
Apex: The point on the racing line that marks the innermost part of a corner. Hitting the
apex allows for a smoother and faster trajectory through the turn.
Slipstreaming: Also known as drafting, it refers to closely following another kart to
reduce aerodynamic drag and gain a speed advantage.
Braking Points: Specific locations on the track where a driver initiates braking before
entering a corner.
Throttle: The mechanism or pedal used to control the engine's power output and
acceleration of the kart.
Cornering: The act of navigating a corner on the track, involving a combination of
steering, braking, and throttle control.
Overtaking: Passing another kart to move ahead in position during a race.
Grip: The level of traction or adhesion between the kart's tires and the track surface.
Higher grip allows for better cornering and acceleration.
Understeer: A handling condition where the front tires of the kart lose traction, causing
the kart to push wide and have difficulty turning sharply.
Oversteer: A handling condition where the rear tires of the kart lose traction, causing the
rear end to slide out
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Are you ready to dominate the go-kart
track?
This ebook is your ultimate companion
to kick-start your journey in the world
of rental karting.
From mastering the art of braking to perfecting
your overtaking maneuvers, this ebook dives deep
into essential topics.
Designed specifically for beginner drivers, this
comprehensive and engaging ebook is packed with
valuable insights to learn the foundations of kart
racing and help you accelerate your skills.
You'll discover the secrets to gaining a competitive
edge, improving lap times, and unleashing your full
potential on the track.
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