What Are The Golden Rules Of Go-Karting?

When go-karting, there are certain golden rules of engagement that ensure you have the most fun and feel the remarkable speed of outdoor karts whilst also respecting the other racers on the same track as you.

This is not a set of sporting regulations that are a requirement to race on our track safely, but instead some guidelines and top tips for racing that make it more fun for you and for everyone around you.

In order to get started and get up to speed, here are our top unwritten rules of go-karting.

Keep Looking Forward

Particularly in the early parts of a race when all of your friends are rushing around you, it can be tempting to turn around and instinctively follow the noises around you. This is usually when you lose sight of the track, miss your apex on a corner and crash out.

Instead, rely on the mirrors of your kart and only turn your head if another kart is close to you, whether you are overtaking or being overtaken.

Run Your Own Race

The secret to the success of many go-kart racers is not aggression but often the polar opposite. 

It can be easy to get intimidated, frustrated or even tilted when other racers overtake you, but the secret to doing well is to remain consistent and build up both your confidence and speed over time.

Once you get used to the track and to how the kart feels, you can get yourself back in the race.

Similarly, avoid being intimidated or bullied out of corners. Holding your racing line means you are more predictable and thus there is less of a chance of an accident.

Avoid Drifting A Go-Kart

Whether due to too much Mario Kart or due to seeing drifting videos, there is an assumption that drifting is the fastest way around the corner. In reality, this is never the case with go-karts and other open-wheel racers.

It does not look as cool as you think in a go-kart, it can be uncomfortable due to the g-forces pulling at you, and it often leads to accidental oversteering and collisions.

Instead, focus on track positioning; start a corner on the furthest edge of the track, turn towards the inside of the corner, braking gently and attempt to hit the apex.

Watch For Flags

Whilst you are on the track and you have the whine of the go-kart engine to keep you company, the main way in which the track stewards can contact you is through the use of coloured flags or signs.

The most important of these to follow are:

• Green - Normal track conditions or the start of a race

• Chequered - The end of a race

• Yellow - Slow down as there is a hazard on track

• Blue - Get out of the way of a faster driver

• Red - Everybody drive into the pits

• Black - One specific driver (identified by number) must go to the pits

Blue flags should not be ignored; it means a driver is very close to you who is looking to overtake, and you need to stay out of their way for the safety of everyone on track.