Q&A for How to Successfully Drive a Go Kart

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  • Question
    Is leaning forward into turns for more grip on the front wheels effective?
    Community Answer
    Lifting your bum off the seat when exiting a turn can be slightly more effective, so leaning forward going into a turn could help a bit. But we are only talking half seconds.
  • Question
    Are go karts automatic?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Some professional ones aren't, but you will always get an automatic when renting.
  • Question
    How do I level out if I am spinning out?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't be spinning out in the first place. Try letting off the gas, turning the wheel the right way, gently braking, or crashing safely into a wall. The guys will help you out if you crash. To avoid spinning out, stop drifting so much and try to avoid bumping into objects and other cars.
  • Question
    Is there a special technique to maintain speed while turning?
    Community Answer
    "Smooth is fast" sums this up. You have a limited amount of traction and, at a very basic level, you can either use this for braking, turning or accelerating. Smoothly transitioning between braking, turning and applying power on exit will allow you to use this 'traction budget' to the maximum throughout the phases of the turn. In reality, the turning and braking/acceleration budgets are separate to a degree, and 'trailing' your brakes can load the front wheels more, allowing for a more aggressive turn-in, but at first, using all controls smoothly is going to get you a much better foundation upon which to develop those more advanced skills.
  • Question
    Is lifting off the accelerator better or worse than braking for a corner?
    Community Answer
    Always come off the accelerator when braking, or this will damage the kart. Brake and don't just lift off, because this will slow the kart down much faster.
  • Question
    I like to slightly brake before a corner, then just coast through it and floor it as soon as I can. Is this wise?
    Corey Cox
    Community Answer
    It's a good technique if you have limited fuel and are trying to save it, but if you are trying to get the fastest lap time, don't do it. It wastes valuable seconds and, in karting, every second counts to get the best lap time.
  • Question
    How do I stop sliding?
    Community Answer
    Try to brake before you make any turns and accelerate when coming out of the turns. That should reduce your sliding.
  • Question
    Can a go kart be revved?
    Community Answer
    No. All rental style go karts use a centrifugal type clutch, which is the same used by chain saws. This means if you press the accelerator pedal to try and rev the engine, it will start moving!
  • Question
    What should I do in case of a crash on a go kart?
    Community Answer
    If it's safe to reposition yourself and carry on going, do that, especially if its after a blind corner where other drivers can't see you. If it's a bad crash, or you can't move, wait for a marshal.
  • Question
    Can go karts go on rocks, or just a track?
    Corey Cox
    Community Answer
    The karts shown and described in this article are for track use only. You might want to look into "KartCross," though, as this sport uses karts with bigger wheels and better suspension that are suited to rocky, muddy, and sandy terrain.
  • Question
    Are go karts automatic or manual?
    Community Answer
    Most karts are automatic, but manual ones are available as well. They're called "Shifter Karts."
  • Question
    What is the basic trick for a first timer to get a competitive lap time while karting?
    Community Answer
    Brake as little as possible.
  • Question
    Is there stick shift Go Kart at Go Kart tracks?
    Community Answer
    Some karts called Shifter Karts can shift with a stick movement behind the wheel. Individual Go Kart locations might have Shifter Karts, but you would have to check with them individually.
  • Question
    Do all go karts have to have a clutch?
    Corey Cox
    Community Answer
    Yes. The clutch allows the engine to keep running when the kart is not moving, so if the kart didn't have a clutch then it would cut out every time it stopped (and you wouldn't be able to start it in the first place).
  • Question
    If I'm behind someone who knows what they're doing, should I adapt my line to theirs?
    Addy Leonardi - Student
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, this is an amazing idea! Following the line of someone faster can really help you identify the perfect line, so you can be as quick as possible. You should also try talking to the faster person after the race and see if they have any other tips, if possible. The karting community is generally very helpful and friendly.
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