Informational Articles for 2011+

For most Go kart enthusiasts, it is already a known fact that the transmission plays a very important role in the mechanism of the Go kart. Because of the transmission system, the driver gets to manage the speed of the kart.

What is the Transmission?

A transmission system, simple in its kind, consists of a number of gears and these are responsible for controlling the speed of the equipment.

Engines have this rev limit and going past this, expect that the engine will blow up. This limitation is commonly known the ?redline?. This is where transmission comes in. it allows the changing of gears in order for the gear ratio connecting the engine and the drive wheels changes the moment you speed up or slow down. This mechanism allows the engine to stay below the ?redline? while still keeping up with the optimal revs per minute or rpm. The transmission is vital to maintain the greatest possible rpm while making it sure that the engine does not overheat and eventually blow up.

Manual Transmission

Having a manual transmission is definitely more challenging than riding one that has an automatic transmission system but definitely more exciting and fulfilling to drive. The mechanism of manual transmission systems requires the driver to learn the necessary changing of the gears to be able to operate the karting machine.

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Kart Racing. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Getting used with changing the gears usually takes time and a lot of practice and sometimes, it can be quite frustrating especially for starters, but once you get to learn to basics, it would not be difficult to carry on. It will be a lot easier by doing the activity often and sometimes it can end up to be one’s second nature.

Another advantage of manual transmissions in karting cars is that the driver can select better which gears that he wants. There is also a driving technique called a heel-and-toe downshift, to better match the gear ratio for a given speed with the engine’s powerband, keeping it in the thick of the horsepower output, meaning, that the RPM of the engine is always where there is most power. This translates into better lap times as well, because the engine is outputting more, and able to propel the vehicle better.

One driving technique common to manual transmissions is the ?heel and toe downshifting?. At an instance of hard braking for an approaching slow corner, the driver will downshift to a particular gear that is appropriate for the corner without overstressing transmission or upsetting the car.

This kind of technique is, however, complicated to execute. Once the driver will downshift to a gear while braking, with the use of the right foot for the brakes and the left foot to the clutch, the go kart will lurch once the clutch is released and this will strain the drivetrain which will lock up the wheels. So it would really come handy to have a third one with which to use the accelerator to match revs when the clutch gets released. But as they say, practice makes this maneuver perfect!

Advantages Of A Manual Tranny Over Automatic

The power is always flowing in a manual tranny, and during cornering there is no power lag when exiting corners, because by the time that the automatic is downshifting, the manual is already in a lower gear and putting the power down when it counts the most.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

If you’ve ever had dreams of being a successful race driver, then you’ve probably imagined a scenario where you actually compete for the pole position on track. But the reality for most people is that they actually have little to no background when it comes to racing, and when put out on track, will actually have no idea on how to drive properly to get the best time. Most street driving habits will result in understeer, whether resulting from braking too late or steering too little at corner entry, so now it’s easy to see the need to learn how to drive properly on track.

Learning To Race With Karts

For most, learning the basics of driving through kart racing schools is a good way to actually learn track driving basics, as well as compete in a popular sport which also gave rise to formula one stars. Karting is a very competitive sport, rivaling the best touring car races in up close and personal racing action. In racing schools, with high engine outputs, no suspension, and no downforce-inducing aerodynamics, the driver factor in races is maxed out to the absolute limits.

There are classes of karts available for use during learning sessions. Beginners can start along their karting school lessons with 100cc karts, with two-stroke engines that propel the lightweight vehicles much faster than one would expect them. Then there is an uprated version of kart racers, which can reach speeds of 100mph, guaranteed to raise the adrenalin level of even the most seasoned clubracer.

Driving Techniques Learned On Track With Karts

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Using a kart racer to learn and refine driving techniques is not a new idea. With racing schools, one can learn how to master the art of going fast through corners, and the fundamental concept of going fast, the racing line. The racing line is perhaps the most basic techniques, yet one of the most important to any racing sport. The basic out-in-out cornering method is taught, as well as targeting the apex for faster times, among others. Setting up on corner entry and making slingshot exits out of corners is also taught at this time.

Braking And Acceleration Techniques

Of course, along with steering and cornering lessons, the foot pedal controls are also given time so that one can learn how to fully use them to a racer’s advantage. Acceleration and braking seems deceptively easy, but actually has subtleties difficult to master. Beginners are trained to brake on the straightaways, and as they progress, master late braking, as well as trail-braking through corners.

The importance of braking points is important, because when you stop braking is more important than when you start, and learning when to open up the throttle during mid-turn is exercised as well. Expert techniques like threshold braking, which is the maximum rate that one can use the brakes without having the wheels lock up, are available for those who have mastered the basics as well.

On the acceleration side, learning when to use the full power of the engine and when to use part-throttle driving is critical to reduce lap times. It seems counterintuitive, but sometimes one actually goes faster when not stepping on the gas, especially in tight corners where control is everything in reducing lap times.

Aside from having track time, there are classroom instruction sessions that teach the concepts involved in racing. Much of the things that students will actually learn on track are discussed beforehand so that they can be prepared on what to do next. With kart racing schools, one can discover the hidden racer within, and perhaps even become the next superstar in kart races.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Kart Racing to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Kart Racing experts.

Between karting indoors and outdoors, the thing that differentiates them from each other is handling different weather conditions. One may probably think that karting in adverse weather conditions is not a safe thing to do. Nevertheless, a lot of kart racers still manage to do well on the track despite such a terrible weather.

To be successful in the racing track during poor weather conditions, it takes more than just the usual kart racing skills. There are certain maneuvers and once you get a good grip of all these, it will be of great advantage for you against other racers. Indeed Go karting in bad weather is perhaps the ultimate test for handling a Go kart.

Braking In Wet Weather

Braking on wet tracks is very much different than braking on dry ones. Normally, braking should not be very aggressive to prevent sudden stops. On the other hand, during bad weather conditions, it is recommended to get a little on the hard line.

If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

When braking on wet lines, one should aim to press on the brake sharply so that the rear tires will lock and hang on the track. By doing this procedure, the Go kart will not slide or fly off the circuit because the tires will have sufficient facility to grip the track.

Turning Into Corners In Wet Weather

Drivers who are not very skilled at driving in wet tracks prefer the dried out lines out of lack of confidence that they may not make it driving in the wet. What they do not really know is that a lot of the rubber material from the other drivers’ tires will then collect in the dry surface and this can be unsafe given that the material will only make the track slippery hence creating a lesser grip on these drier lines.

It is thus better to just take the wet lines where less rubber material exists. One can notice the difference between tracks that collected more rubber than those that have less debris since less rubbish lines are lighter.

The right move would be to turn into the curve the latest possible time. With the simultaneous leaning forward to the outside of the Go kart, rotate the wheel sharply to fasten them up. This scheme lets the tires clasp the track and consequently reducing the likelihood of sliding while the leaning reacquires the balance of your Go kart.

By the moment you find the right timing, though usually requires a trial and error process, the Go kart should turn into the corner in one hard and sharp motion. At this instant, you have to lean back to properly distribute your weight and maintain the balance of your Go kart. Once you get to stabilize, set the steering wheel straight up and increase speed but keep it in a gradual manner. By perfecting this maneuver, this can be another area to gain advantage over fellow drivers.

Naturally, accidents in the track happen most of the time during bad weather conditions. With the extra caution coupled with the right maneuvering, there would be a smaller probability that the driver will compromise his or her own safety. Of course, this would not be possible without a good amount of practice. Most kart drivers do not bother practicing in the rain so this will definitely give you an edge over them.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

The best course of action to take sometimes isn’t clear until you’ve listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.

For beginners in the karting sport, it is essential to know the system of the Go kart with which you will ride in on the track. It will not only educate you but also help you to keep a safe ride.

Among the different parts of the Go kart, the next most important element after the chassis is the engine. Today, a lot of brand new state-of-the-art Go karts are already built with their own engines so there should be no more problem finding one while for those who plan to build your own Go karts, choosing the perfect engine is one issue to face. It is best to go for engines that suit your demands as a karting enthusiast.

Off The Shelf Engines

This type of engine is designed primarily for use of only a short period of time. They have this aluminum cylinder bore that can be rubbed against a steel piston ring thus creating a great deal of friction. Because of this, they do not last very long and therefore, are not a good choice for those who intend to do the sport a lot.

As for larger models, they have this cast iron cylinder, a variety that is more expensive than aluminum. However, this type lasts longer so it may be a good option to consider.

For some engines of this type, an electric start is built on them and along with this is an alternator that allows them to power a light and even charge batteries.

Motorcycle Engines

The more authentic information about Kart Racing you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Kart Racing expert. Read on for even more Kart Racing facts that you can share.

The most popular and by far the most versatile type of engines are the motorcycle engines since not only can they be used for racing on tracks but also for the off road Go karting. They don’t need a lot of modification to fit a used or self-constructed Go kart. However, this type of engine is one that is hard to find.

Lawnmower Engines

A horsepower of three to five, these engines are relatively powerful ones. Unlike the previous type of engine, these are not difficult to find. Nonetheless, there are a number of downsides. They are not really fast. They are also difficult to adapt with to fit a particular Go kart’s needs.

Another disadvantage for using this type of engine is that upon running on a vertical pin, it requires a lot of work so that it will be able to run on the horizontal pin demanded by Go karts. As a result, there is a risk of piston failure since the engines are primarily designed to settle for that same way up.

Other Sources

There are also other sources of engines that can be used for your Go kart. These include moped engines, generator engines, tractor lawnmower engines, chainsaw engines and car engines. Some of them may be easy to adapt with while others may turn out to be dangerous and really challenging to become accustomed to.

Choosing the right kind of engine may be quite a challenge especially when you are having your Go kart built on you own considering that the best ones are not as easy to take hold of. For regular karters, brand new Go karts are probably the best option.

For safety reasons, its best to acquire the help of a professional or perhaps an experienced karter to have the engine fit since it is quite a risky procedure to get it done.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson (Click on the link to learn more about me)

Having the talent to win kart races is good. But there are times in races where any performance advantage you can gain over your opponents is crucial. Winning takes talent and dependable hardware, so that both man and machine can perform to their absolute best, the end result of which can be a podium prize. Now that you’ve got the talent thing down, it’s time to attack the mechanicals. Racing kart catalogs can provide you ideas to up your game when it comes to your hardware.

Parts Shopping From Home

Whether it’s some new tires, or titanium valves for your engine, parts catalogs offer different items for that winning advantage. It’s because the parts manufacturers also know that good traction can mean the difference between winning and losing. And here they have products that can help your ride bring out its absolute best. A wide variety of parts and manufacturers is represented in catalogs, and you can just take your pick of what you like, and what fits your racing budget.

Comprehensive Guide

A good parts catalog will present in detail the specifics of the item it has on its pages. In performance applications, where parts from one maker must work in harmony with another from a different manufacturer, you have to be sure that your chosen part will not come into conflict with another component in your racer, so that breakdowns can be avoided. It’s not like you can just stick a part in and then expect to see a performance gain; you have to match the right parts together so that everything runs smoothly.

Comparison Charts

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Kart Racing, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

You should also expect to find related items to your inquiry, and comparisons between equivalent parts from different manufacturers should also be available. Significant things like fit, rated load, expected increase in performance, as well as price could be very good comparison bases, so it’s wise to see other items before you make that purchase. Not shopping wisely could spell disaster for both your budget and your machine’s performance. An untimely breakdown in the middle of the race not only means that you have to replace the broken part, but it also could cost you a win, and you’ll also waste additional time installing parts twice.

Parts Availability

Look for parts catalogs that have comprehensive sales support for purchasers. Those that have helpdesks will be happy to field your calls regarding their parts as well, if it’s in stock, and the variants that are available for you. Different-capacity variants for enthusiast of performance use are available, and price will differ accordingly. Those looking for the toughest parts should just go ahead and check out performance versions, because a little price premium goes a long way in terms of endurance and performance.

Payment Options

Looking around racing kart catalogs for new parts is easy. But actually ordering from the supplier what you want is a little more involved. But this has now been made easier than ever because you can make payments through your credit card or send a money order to the supplier. Check their pages to see what credit cards they honor, and what other payment options are available.

The good thing about it is that you can just do everything by phone; you won’t ever have to leave the comfort of your home. The parts you ordered will also arrive right on your doorstep via popular couriers, so no worries about the condition of your parts when they arrive. Once there, you can install them on your competition machine and win that next race.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Kart Racing into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Kart Racing, and that’s time well spent.