Do you know how to go faster?? I know it sounds like a dumb question, but everybody thinks they know how to faster, but it’s been my experience that they don’t.
The drivers I have worked with can tell you what my most frequently asked question is: “Where are you waiting for the kart??”. You should see the looks I get when I ask it the first couple times.
If the track was all straights, I would never have to ask that question. Since physics dictate that you must slow down for the corners, he/she who slows down the least will probably win. Unfortunately, the brain is hardwired for survival, and it’s very effective at making you do things that ensure it survives your racing habit.
Even the best, most talented drivers fall victim to slowing the kart down too much. Let’s examine ways to fix it…
February 6th, 2010 by Mike Jones
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Lately, the Chonda class (or Chinese Honda) has gained some interest here in the North Texas area.
It’s an overhead valve four stroke engine replica of the Honda and so far appears to be near the quality of the Honda at a fraction of the cost. I found this engine on sale at Harbor Freight for $79 and for an extra $20, you get a warranty! I couldn’t believe it when I saw it! For the first time I can remember, the stuff you connect to the engine costs more than the engine itself!
OK, just how nuch does it really cost to manufacture this engine in China? Surely it can’t be more than $5-$10? Despite the manufacture cost, this engine could possibly be used as the “starter package” for the new racer in karting. While it’s not my cup of tea, the Chonda might be an ideal way to ease novices into kart racing. It might make it affordable enough to ensure they show up (and keep showing up) at the race track, hone their skills and possibly graduate to a TaG, Rotax or shifter class later. You know, actually have some FUN before they start getting “serious” and selling their 1st born to pay for their racing fix!
January 28th, 2010 by Trevor McAlister
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Have you ever been struck by bad luck in qualifying, or just didn’t have that desirable lap and it left you starting mid-pack? We all know this is usually the start to a not so great race weekend. You’re likely to have some close racing, but shelve any dreams of spraying the champagne on the podium! Don’t worry though, you’ll still be able to show your friends, family, engine builder and Facebook buddies that you had the fastest lap during your run to 8th place!
A lot of times you get stuck in mid-pack, and you are just as fast as the front runners. You should be with them. You’d be beating them if you had just qualified better!!! Right!?? Instead, you’re banging-up that new nose piece you just bought and watching the leaders drive off into the sunset as the race zooms by faster than it ever has.
