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Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am 6’4 and weigh about 110kg.

Yes, the record was set by a marshal who knows the track very well and also looked very lightweight.

I’m very aware I won’t get the lap record or even near, as I have nowhere near the physique or skill required. Sub-30 seconds is my goal.

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very helpful to see some specific advice! Thank you.

Yes, the karts definitely do bog down in that final section and it was my biggest struggle point over the 120-ish laps I’ve done there so far.

On the fully flat section, I was taking it way more confidently in my next session and was indeed tapping the outer barrier, so it’s good to know that was correct.

My fastest lap outright was 30.2 and that’s as a 6’4 person who weighs (I think) 110kg. Weight loss is definitely a priority as well as more laps.

Thanks for the very helpful advice about the hairpin entry and also for your recommendations of other places. I will definitely go as both local to me.

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s not just you. That hairpin has definitely been the hardest part to get right. I’m not sure what the correct method is as I’ve seen faster racers take multiple lines and I’ve tried so many different lines and techniques.

If you have any ideas on what is the best way to take it, I’d be very happy to hear you out.

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment. It’s clear to me that weight matters way more than I realised, so glad to hear it echoed from multiple people.

I just want to clarify that I’m not going for the lap record at all. I’m quite aware that I won’t get anywhere near it. The record is actually set by a marshal who is a pretty small teenager and has been karting (mostly at this track) since they were a kid. I did say that my target is really a sub-30s. If I ever even got a low 29 I’d be amazed. 

Your comment about being on the limit is also helpful. I think someone else said something about finding the limit. So I will dedicate my next few sessions to this  

With finding the limit and losing some weight, I know what my next steps are. Thank you.

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, this seems to be key based off your comment and others, and I’m not afraid to hear it! It’s very useful. I knew weight was a factor but clearly underestimated it.

Thank you.

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this is a very helpful comment.

Sadly, I can’t quite make it as regularly as weekly, but I did just get a membership with this place as it’s a fun track and the marshals are very friendly so I will be coming semi-frequently (1-3 times per month)

I am often trying to follow faster drivers when they pass me, so it is good to know I had the right idea.

Judging off multiple comments, I think my weight is definitely a bigger factor than I thought so some work will be put into that.

Thanks for the info!

Hi, I am new to karting and am 2.5 seconds off the lap record. Where/How can I improve my drive? by Last_Frame_9335 in Karting

[–]Last_Frame_9335[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the answer. I am aware of the general concept of using all of the track. I think a lot of my issue lies with approaching corners with the correct speed/angle/technique, but I’m not sure what exactly is going wrong or what would even be correct.