Whether you are just getting into go-karting for the first time, or you have a few years of experience under your belt, it’s always a good idea to be familiar with the tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you become a better racer.

As one of the most accessible motorsports in the world, when it comes to go-karting, your age and skill level doesn’t matter. Anyone who puts in enough time and effort on the track can become a force to be reckoned with. Does that sound appealing to do so? If so, you’re in the right place.

By putting these helpful hints into practice you will be more competitive on the track, produce faster lap times, and claim the top spot on the podium.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Get to Know the Track

The key to becoming a faster and more consistent racer is to be familiar with the track. And the best way to do that is to gain real-world experience on the track itself.

Book in a session where you only do practice laps around the track. For the first few laps drive at a pace that is comfortable for you. After a few laps you will gradually learn where every twist, bend, and corner is located. From there, you will start to feel more confident and perhaps have the desire to push the pedal down more too.

Another great tip is to watch more experienced people drive around the track. Watch how they approach and exit each corner, where they brake, and take note of their general driving style. You can then implement their techniques into your own practice sessions to become faster.

Learn the Racing Line

In the world of motorsport, the racing line is the most optimal and fastest route to take around a track. Every track has their own unique racing line. And each one is made up of a combination of the following techniques:

• Use the entire width of the track

• Know when to brake (the braking point) before you approach a corner

• Hit the apex for each corner

• Maximise your exit speed

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with some of these terms. We’re going to break down each individual step. So that you have a better idea as to what’s involved in learning the racing line.

Use the Entire Track

On a race course, the white lines and the kerb define the track limits in which you are allowed to drive. To get the fastest possible lap times, you must take advantage of the entire track.

When you approach a corner do so from the ‘outside’ (for example, when approaching a left corner, you would enter from the right hand side), and then drive into the corner to hit the apex.

By using every centimetre of the track available to you, you’ll be able to carry more speed through each corner – resulting in a faster pace overall.

Know Your Braking Points

When you approach a corner, do so in a straight line and apply the brakes before you start turning.

By braking at the correct time you will drive slow enough to clip the apex. Brake too late, and you risk taking the corner too wide. Brake too early, and you will have to accelerate mid-corner. Either way, this will reduce your lap times.

Sometimes you don’t have to apply the brakes but instead lay off the accelerator a bit before you take a corner. In this case, apply the same logic as you would to using the brakes.

Having trouble finding your braking points? Use a particular landmark as a point of reference. For example, a light post or the red and white racing curbs. This will help you hit your braking points more consistently.

Hit the Apex

The apex is the point at which you are closest to the inside of the corner. Once you hit the apex, you can then straighten out the kart and increase the throttle as you leave the corner. The sooner you can increase the throttle the faster you will be on the straight ahead. This is what’s known as maximising your ‘exit speed’ on a corner.

More Go-Karting Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Lean Into a Corner

Some beginners have a tendency to lean their body to one side as they take a corner. Try to avoid doing this. Why? Because you are shifting all of your weight to the inside of the wheels. As a result, you make it harder to straighten up after you complete the turn.

• Use One Pedal at a Time

Be sure to use one foot for each pedal at a time. So the left foot for the brake, and the right foot for the accelerator. If you apply both pedals at the same time, you will lock up the wheels and spin out.

• Be Aware of Other Drivers

In a race you will be paired up with racers of different skill levels and abilities. If you get stuck behind a slower driver, give them enough space and wait for the right opportunity to overtake. If you’re in a race with faster drivers, stick to your racing line and – if they are respectful – they should know when to overtake you without the risk of causing a crash.