10 Advanced Tips to win your go kart race
Welcome to our 2nd installment on tips to drive faster and win your go kart races. Today’s article covers some more advanced tips and techniques. If you missed the first one, or your new to racing, we recommend reading these go kart racing tips first.
Last time, we showed you how not to spin out like a cartoon character. Now it’s time to level up. These are the secrets the regulars don’t share. Buckle in, adjust your helmet, and get ready to corner like you mean it.
1. The Racing Line: Geometry Is Finally Cool!
The racing line is the smoothest and fastest path through a corner. Enter wide, clip the apex, and exit wide. It’s all about reducing the distance you travel while maintaining speed. The shorter and more efficient of a curve, the better. Every inch counts.
2. Brake Like a Pro with Trail Braking
Trail braking means keeping light brake pressure as you enter a turn. This keeps weight on the front tires for better grip and sharper turning. Ease off the brake smoothly as you steer. Done right, it’s magic. Done wrong, you’re spinning. Practice finding that balance.
3. Transfer Your Weight As If You and The Kart Are One
Your body weight affects the handling of your go kart. You want to remain mostly neutral as you go into turns, with only a very slight lean at most, then shift forward on entry, and relax back as you accelerate out. Small movements change how your kart grips the track. Think of yourself as an extension of the machine. Your balance helps it perform better.
4. Be Smooth: Sudden Steering movements slow you down
Avoid jerky steering. Quick, rough inputs slow you down. Commit to one clean turn and let the kart rotate naturally. Smooth steering keeps traction and speed. If your hands are flailing, you’re fighting the kart, not guiding it.
5. Be Smooth II: Control Your Throttle
Don’t stomp the gas. Apply it gradually as the wheel straightens. Smooth acceleration keeps traction and improves exit speed. The goal is to keep your tires gripping, not slipping. Be patient—speed comes from precision.
6. Time Your Passing in Corners
Passing is an art. Set up your move a turn or two in advance. Brake a little later, take the inside line, and control your space. Be assertive but clean. A well-timed pass looks effortless and keeps both karts on track. Don’t bump anyone or get overly aggressive. Just line up your path, time it right, and accelerate with confidence. Check out this article about cornering like a pro for even more tips on this.
7. Eyes Up, Not Down
Don’t fixate on the corner you’re in, look ahead to the next one. The further you look, the smoother your reactions. Scan the track continuously, anticipate what’s coming, and plan early. Your focus should stay one step ahead of your wheels. Anticipate what’s coming and plan properly.
8. Defend Your Position
Let’s be real, you’re not going to be the only one on the track trying to pass others. Just like other sports, you need a strong offense and defense. When someone’s close behind, protect your position. Move to the inside before the corner and maintain a predictable line. Don’t weave or block recklessly, and definitely don’t brake check them. Keep it clean but firm and make them work for it. Smart defending of your position keeps your speed (and your dignity).
9. Avoid These Common Mistakes
If you want to maintain your bragging rights as the hottest hot shot on the track, avoid these common mistakes:
- Over-braking: You lose too much momentum. Brake earlier and lighter.
- Turning too early: You’ll miss the apex and lose exit speed.
- Slamming the gas mid-turn: Spins are fun… until they aren’t.
- Drifting: It looks cool, but it slows you down. Keep the tires gripping the track.
10. The Mental Game: Calm and Focused
Fast laps begin in your head. Stay calm, breathe, and focus on control. Confidence matters, but so does composure. The best drivers are steady under pressure. Here are a few quick tips to give you professional levels of focus on the track:
- Visualize your laps. Picture every braking point and apex before you drive.
- Find your flow. Feel the rhythm of the track and connect each corner.
- Recover fast. Mistakes happen. Reset instantly and keep going.
- Trust your instincts. Once you know the track, stop overthinking. Let your reflexes take over.
BONUS TIP: Reserve Your Race!
Now that you’re armed with all these advanced techniques, it’s time to put them to use. Practice is still the key to mastering your driving skills and winning more races. The more laps you log, the more natural it becomes. Click below to reserve your races and let out your inner champion.
