Getting Started
Now I have everything .... Can
I race now?
Almost! .... you probably want to get
in some practise first though. Before
going out on a new circuit you should walk the
circuit at least once when it is quiet (this
goes for experienced drivers as well). Take someone who
knows the track with you if possible. Look for places
where the track is "forgiving" when you go off.
More importantly, look for places that will break your
kart if you make a mistake (high kerbs & drop offs
eat sprockets, chains & brake discs!). Look for bumps
& rough spots that may affect the handling or your
braking distance. Mostly just get a feel for the lines
and the track in general.
When you start off, don't try
to be fast .... it won't work and you'll most
likely break something trying (If you're lucky it'll just
be your kart!) - Rather try to be smooth.
Visualise the track before you start and try to stick
to the lines you "saw". (You'll modify these
as you get a feel for the kart). If possible, follow someone
who knows the track. This can be invaluable as 10 laps
behind an experienced driver can be worth 100 on your
own. Remember that you only have limited time (and money)
to practise. Do whatever you can to make the most of your
time.
You also need to remember safety
and etiquette. There will be faster guys
on the track - They will come past you like you're
standing still. Don't weave, stick to your line, drive
smoothly, and they'll be able to go around you. If you
panic and do something totally unexpected it can result
in an unnecessary (and possibly nasty) accident, which
is not likely to endear you to your fellow racers (everyone
can cite at least one "moron" who "almost
got them killed"). If you know they are coming up
on you, let them know on which side to pass you by pointing
with your hand . They'll appreciate this, and your courtesy
will hopefully be remembered when you need some advice
on setup etc.
Once you are driving smoothly (consistently,
not necessarily fast) it's time to fiddle
with your setup. Every chassis is different.
Every track is different. Every day is different. Don't
be surprised when one person tells you to widen the rear
track to increase grip and 30 seconds later another tells
you the opposite ... it's all part of racing! If possible,
have someone with more experience than yourself look at
your kart on practise day. They should be able to get
you in the ballpark with respect to sprocket size, track
(tyre separation) and chassis torsion. The rest is then
up to you.
Take your times for a few laps. Come
in and change only one setting. Make
the change quite large so the effect is easy to notice
(eg. change your sprocket size by 2 teeth, move your rear
tyres in/out by 20mm each, or tighten every adjustable
bolt on your chassis). Go out again and take your times.
Come in and compare times and make notes
about how the kart feels (does it understeer/oversteer
going into/out of a corner, does it bog down or over-rev,
does it "hop" around corners, etc). You
may be going slower now, but knowing how the kart reacts
to various changes is important for future adjustments
when conditions are different. Try to figure out what
settings work best for a particular track under given
conditions (hot, cool, plenty grip, not enough grip).
Remember: All the time concentrate on driving smoothly.
You can't be fast if you're not smooth.
Once you are within 2-3 seconds of the
midfield runners, you are probably ready to race.
A few lessons at a karting school is
highly recommended!
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