How to Improve Your Lap Times at any Outdoor Go-Karting Track

Outdoor karting might seem like a simple, fun activity at first glance, just jump in a kart and go right! No, whilst it is most definitely fun, if you’ve ever watched someone fly past you on the track, you know there’s more to it than meets the eye. Mastering the control of the kart and improving your lap times on an outdoor karting track is all about technique and focus.

1. Learn the Track Layout

Before you even get into the kart, it’s a good idea to understand the layout of the track, for instance, our track has 4 very challenging hairpin corners which many novices can struggle with. Many outdoor go-kart tracks have twists, turns, and straights that might not seem complicated at first, however the way you approach each section can make a huge difference. If you can, ask if you can take a quick walk around the track if it’s not busy. Watch other drivers to get a feel for where the sharp corners are and where you can open up the throttle. Remember, knowledge is power and, coming from experience, the marshals appreciate a conscious effort to avoid spinning out.

2. Understand the Racing Lines

The racing line is the best route around the track and allows you to maintain speed and flow smoothly. While it might feel natural to hug the inside of a corner, the fastest line usually involves starting wide, cutting across the apex which is the inside of the corner and then exiting wide again. This gives you more space to accelerate out of the turn and allows the kart a longer time to exit the corner gradually without causing speed scrubbing.

As a beginner, you might not get it perfect right first time, but paying attention to how others handle the corners can help you on your journey to understanding the best way to approach them.

3. Smooth, Controlled Braking

It’s very tempting to slam the anchors on and hit the brakes whilst approaching a tight corner, but that can hurt your overall lap time, speed, and control. Instead, try to brake smoother, more gently and earlier than you think you need to. Slowing down gradually helps maintain balance in the kart, making it easier to turn. Once you start to understand the track, you can fine-tune your braking points to stop later and carry more speed into the corners.

4. Throttle Control: Less Is More

You may think that going full throttle all the time will make you faster, but that’s definitely not the case. Overdoing the acceleration can lead to overshooting the corners, which in turn makes you go the long way around the track. Over speeding is the by far the number 1 reason you might spin out and crash aka losing traction, especially on tight corners. Instead, focus on gradually applying the throttle, especially when exiting corners. Gently pressing on the throttle pedal as you turn can help maintain better control and set you up for a smoother exit.

5. Look Ahead, Not Down

A common mistake for newbies is focusing too much on the kart’s wheels or the track immediately in front of them. Instead, try to look further ahead, especially through the corners. By focusing on where you want to go rather than where you are, your body and hands will naturally adjust, and you’ll feel more in control of the kart.

6. Don’t Overdrive the Kart

It’s very easy to get excited and try to push the kart as hard as possible, but trying to go too fast can lead to mistakes. Instead, focus on consistency. If you can keep the kart steady and controlled and maintain a decent pace for several laps, you’re likely to end up with a faster overall time than if you’re constantly sliding around corners and making adjustments.

7. Get Comfortable with Your Kart

Even though most rental karts are similar, they each have their own quirks. Some might handle a little differently, so pay attention to how yours feels. If the kart feels sluggish or too twitchy, try adjusting your driving style to compensate. For example, if the kart feels like it’s drifting too much, ease off the throttle a bit to regain control. If the kart isn’t turning properly in the corners well you may have a slightly underinflated tyre, ask the marshals to have a quick look for you. Remember, always drive into the pit lane at walking pace!

8. Practice Makes Perfect

Its simple and we’re taught it from birth “Practice makes perfect” and improving your lap times takes practice. The more you drive, the better you’ll get at reading the track and adjusting your driving style. Don’t be discouraged if your lap times aren’t amazing at first—just focus on making small improvements and eventually, you’ll notice your times getting faster.

All in all, karting is about learning and having fun while pushing yourself to improve. Whether you’re racing against friends or just trying to beat your own personal best, taking a thoughtful, controlled approach to each lap will help you become a faster driver. Keep practising, stay focused, and before long, you’ll be flying around the track with the best of them.

We offer 1-to-1 Tuition at Midland Karting so if you want to improve a little in a relaxed environment, why not give us a call, and we’ll help you reach your karting potential.