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How to improve go karting lap times

So, you enjoy indoor go karting and you’re quite good at it, but you want to take your skill to the next level and improve your lap times – this is vital if you take part in competitive races at our indoor go karting tracks in Bristol and Maidenhead. We sat down with our expert instructors to find out their top ten tips to help you do just that.

1. Position yourself in the kart correctly

You know you’re positioned in the kart correctly when you’re sitting comfortably. The karts at our indoor karting tracks have adjustable pedals and you can move the seats to find the best position for you – your legs should be slightly bent, and you shouldn’t have to lean forward to grab the steering wheel.

2. Learn the racing line

Although every track is different, every track does have the perfect ‘racing line’. This is the optimal route and will help to reduce lap times.

The idea is to use all the space on the track to travel in as straight a line as possible – stay wide when entering a corner, stay close to the apex when rounding the corner, then use all the width of the track when exiting.

3. Work your grip out

Holding the steering wheel symmetrically will allow you to have more control when you turn or manoeuvre. Imagine a clock face and go for 10 and 2, 9 and 3, or 4 and 8 – whatever works best for you.

4. Slow it down

It may sound strange, but knowing when you need to put your foot on the brake and slow down your speed will improve your lap times. This will come from experience by learning the track and learning when you need to brake into a corner, then accelerate out of it. Keeping your foot on the acceleration pedal at all times will increase the possibility of losing control of the kart and causing you to be all over the track . . . and probably off it quite often!

5. Focus on what you are doing

We know it can be difficult, especially when you’re on the track with other racers, but staying focused on what you are doing instead of looking at how other drivers are racing will improve your skills.

6. Avoid contact

This may be an obvious one but avoid contact with other drivers! We’ve told you to focus on what you are doing, but obviously, we want you to be aware of other drivers on the track. However, it’s not just contact with other drivers that will slow you down – hitting the side of the track and barriers can also do this.

7. Play follow the leader

If you aren’t out in front, then follow the line of what those in front of you are doing, and then hopefully you can get close enough to nip past them.

8. Avoid spinning out

As you reach a corner, it’s best to start braking whilst you’re straight, as your tyres can lose traction if you brake while entering a corner – this could cause you to spin-out.

9. Don’t expect overnight changes

You’re not going to knock tens of seconds off your lap time overnight. Focus on achieving minor changes by remembering the basics and working on certain parts of the track at a time. You’ll soon notice that once you begin focusing on your times, they will gradually improve.

10. Have fun!

Indoor go karting is a lot of fun and being relaxed and enjoying the experience will naturally help you to improve your lap times.

The teams at our Bristol and Maidenhead indoor go karting tracks are always on hand to give you advice and help you improve your times. If you really want to show what skills you have and see how you get on against other drivers, join one of our competitive races. We look forward to seeing you on the track.

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