For people who love racing and automobiles, you might think that their only hobby would be limited to Formula One and motorcycle racing. But there are other racing hobbies that do not require an expensive sports car or even an off-road motor bike. One of these hobbies is go-kart racing.
Go-kart racing is the closest thing you can get to professional racing without the exorbitant costs and time commitment typical in other racing sports. In the past, go-karting was a children’s hobby that often led to professional motor racing. Some professional racers started as karters, such as Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna. These professional drivers started their love of racing on home-made karts, but these days go-karts can be bought and suited for any kind of race. It might have started as something that interested kids, but now go-karting is a sport that adults and kids both enjoy, and even the adult version of the sport is very competitive and high-energy.
If you want to jump into the sport and try it for yourself, you need to do the following things to give you the extra edge on your first race. Here are the steps to consider before your first official race—ensuring a successful race and a fulfilling first try for you.
Choosing the Right Go-Kart and the Right Track
If you want a smooth ride, you need to check your track first. Look for asphalt crack repair services near your home so you could have a flawless track to practice on. It’s still a good practice track even if you decide to race on dirt because it could help you improve your driving skills and learn to control your go-kart. There are small differences when it comes to driving on dirt or pavement, but it all depends on choosing the right go-kart.
The right go-kart is essential for a smooth ride. It can have a significant effect on your racing performance and lap times. If you’re learning how to drive go-karts for the first time, Rookie go-karts are ideal, providing a more manageable and slower way of driving—allowing you to hone your skills over time. However, if you think you have the skills, Super Karts are faster models, providing higher top speeds.
Whatever your choice may be, ensure it’s suited to your specific needs and preferences. For instance, if you’re a beginner, go for a Rookie go-kart.
Don’t Forget, Safety First!
Once getting a go-kart, ensure to invest in the appropriate safety gear and equipment. You’ll need a full-face helmet, skid-resistant driving full suit, neck collar, driving gloves, and driving shoes—ensuring optimal safety whenever you’re on the go-kart track.
Watch Go-kart Racing in Real Life
Ask Professionals
If you attend go-kart races often, you may score tickets that allow you to scope out the go-karts and talk to the racers. When you get the chance, make sure to ask them for tips on how to get into the sport. These professionals may also recommend tips for getting more training done and what race tracks are ideal for beginners. Doing this not only gives you a professional’s insight into your queries—but it also lets you meet different people in the industry.
Get Some Training and Practice Regularly
Going to your local race track as often as possible is the ideal way of getting into the sports and training for it. Just going through the actual motions of driving around a go-kart race track can help prepare mentally for the race. Many professional go-kart racers also recommend getting yourself fit in your down-time. That’s because being in good physical condition can help you prepare yourself for the race, mitigating stress and anxiety.
Enter an Official Go-Kart Race
You may feel like you have everything in place to participate in your first go-kart race, but the reality is, no matter how much you practice, nothing will prepare you better than joining in real go-kart races. Even if you don’t perform your best during your initial drive on the track, you’ll begin to see the ins and outs of the sport while gaining confidence every time you get behind the wheel.
Go-kart racing is a high-adrenaline and exhilarating sport that everyone of any age can enjoy, and like every other sport, it takes practice and time to excel. However, though it takes a long time to master, go-kart racing is a fun excuse for unleashing your inner racer—and taking the appropriate steps, such as the ones mentioned, you can be closer than you think to your goals while having fun in the process.
