8 tips for driving a kart on a track when it's very hot - TKART

INTRODUCTION

Sunshine, a little freer time, many karting tracks with longer working hours ... The summer months undoubtedly involve several additional factors that encourage kart enthusiasts to desert the seaside and beach umbrellas and take a kart in search of the nearest karting track. However, to really have fun in complete safety under the highest temperatures it is good to practice specific precautions, from a technical point of view, regarding the kart, and in relation to preparation and behaviour on the track. Nothing complicated, just some practical advice that will help you face the summer heat without problems.

The sun warms the atmosphere and the track’s asphalt. A little more attention can help you avoid problems and maximize the fun you have

1 HYDRATION

Even before karting, it is good to look after yourself, because in the heat, during a day on the track, you consume a lot of energy, you sweat, and you can lose several kilos. It is essential, therefore, to hydrate well to replenish lost fluids: bringing a cooler bag with lots of water and some drinks containing mineral salts is undoubtedly an excellent idea. After every round on the track, you have to try and drink a lot. And during the lunch break, it's better not to eat too much. An example? A plate of rice salad.

In summer it is essential to replace fluids lost by sweating: drink a lot and have a light lunch

2 CLOTHING

Here are a few shortcuts: safety clothing should always be worn even at 40 °C. However, there are regularly approved clothes with different air intakes to make the body breathe better. However, our advice is to always wear a cotton t-shirt under the suit, to avoid possible skin irritation.
If you know that the track does not have an indoor paddock, you should also get a gazebo or tent: a factor that will make the day without doubt more "comfortable", both for the driver, who can work on the kart and rest without being under the sun, and the tyres, which can stay in the shade during breaks. Note that tyres tend to "age" more quickly under the sun.

A gazebo, under which you can rest during breaks and keep tyres in the shade

4 RUBBER TRACK

Rain is less frequent in the summer and tracks are rubberier. So at times, karts have an excessive grip. In this case, you have to reduce the grip, especially in the middle and when coming out of bends, otherwise there will be an annoying "hopping" of the kart. The following are main interventions that can be carried out: decrease the caster angle, mount a softer axle, use shorter hubs.

If the track is very rubbery, it is better to reduce grip with a softer axle and shorter hubs

8 TIPS FOR... DRIVING A KART WHEN IT'S HOT