My incisions/bones have healed and strength is on its way back. It’s time to start having some fun. I received some Autobahn Indoor Speedway Link (Jacksonville FL) gift cards for Christmas. Any tips for a first time indoor karter? I don’t want to be the old guy going slow. Thanks - Scott
Don't loose your grip. The tendancy in a kart is to fling it around but you need to drive it just like a larger racecar to get the best from it. It's momentum racing at its finest. Smooth in, smooth out. Oh, and I know of two cases of broken ribs at our indoor track, and also some whiplash. Adjust the seat and belts properly and bring your own helmet and neck protection.
I should add that it is such fun! We go regularly.
If you've ever autocrossed or done a track day you won't be last. Brake as little as possible--scrub speed on turn-in with the front tires. Power-to-weight makes a big difference when your kart only has a few horsepower, so don't be surprised if you can't catch the 14-year-old pipsqueek who brought her own helmet.
Make a conscious effort not to grip the wheel tighter than necessary because it can be hard on your arms...luckily these karts are electric so it won't be hard on your lungs.
Consider a nice pair of driving gloves. Blisters are a bitch, and can happen after one session.
Breathe--- seriously, remember to breathe and relax behind the wheel. The comments about not gripping the wheel too tightly are spot-on. Kart racing--- especially indoors can be pretty intense--- like an 20 minute autocross sped way up, and with higher G-forces. Wear a neck collar, eat healthy food the night before, hydrate, and relax. Karts are much, much more physically demanding than anything but a full-on race-car.
A quick stab of the brakes is usually enough to rotate the car. Left foot brake if possible--- you want to keep the throttle pinned whenever possible so you don't lose momentum. Sliding is slow---- try to maintain grip and keep that engine wound up! Have fun, hydrate after each session, and keep your mind in a relaxed state. Once you find your rhythm, you'll start to go faster. (probably not as fast as that 14 year old girl though! )
In reply to Joe Gearin:
Left foot braking is usually pretty easy in a kart, since the brake pedal is usually under the left foot. :)
snailmont5oh wrote: In reply to Joe Gearin: Left foot braking is usually pretty easy in a kart, since the brake pedal is usually under the left foot. :)
yeah, yeah...... I meant simultaneously using the throttle and brake. I'm pretty sure the OP caught on. 
In reply to Joe Gearin:
Power braking may or may not be the way to go. I had been power braking all night one time at Myrtle Beach Grand Prix, and doing what I thought was pretty well. Then, between runs, I talked to one of the guys working there, and mentioned that I was power braking. He said that it was faster to let off the throttle. I didn't believe him, but I tried it anyway, and dropped a second.
Also, I would think that an electric motor wouldn't care as much as a gas engine, because the power production should follow the request much more closely. I've never been to Autobahn, but I'd almost be willing to bet that there's an interlock between the brakes and the accelerator to save brake and motor wear.
The moral of the story is, try both.
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I went to the track tonight and had a great time! I rolled in right after work so I had the place to myself. I did my first session of 14 laps on the Le Mans track. Started to get the feel of the kart. Second session they asked if I wanted some other people on the track so 3 staffers joined in the fun of the Monaco course. Those guys are fast! The one guy I followed (for a couple of laps after he blew by me) didn't touch the brakes except a quick stab right at the apex of the hairpins. I was 1.2 seconds off a 21.6 sec lap. I think they were taking it easy on me. The last session was back at Le Mans running with a family. Managed to pass them all but was not able to match my previous avg/best lap time. My age was higher then my fellow racers combined age in each session.
You are given a race result showing laptimes and position and overall standing.
Weeknight rates are $40.00 for three sessions and weekend rates are a little higher.
Nothing broke or busted out of my body. I'll see how I feel in the morning.
I'm calling the night a suscuss. - Thanks for the support and tips!
What was your time on le mans?
20.164
Nice, they periodically do multi hour endurance races there. They are pretty fun, you should look into it.
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