Whether you’re a child or an adult gazing at a sports car, an ATV, a motorcycle, a jet ski, a boat, a motorized skateboard, or a super-fast go-kart at Autobahn Speedway & Events, the inevitable question that comes to mind is, “How fast does this thing go?” And the answer is simple: just ask and find out. While the speedometer on a sports car can be deceiving, and you might not have the courage to push a motorcycle or skateboard to its limits, the go-kart, or rather, the ‘pro kart,’ can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Speed becomes more thrilling as you get closer to the ground and the vehicle gets smaller. A sedan cruising at 50 mph on a road may feel slow, whereas riding a Big Wheel at the same speed through the neighborhood feels much faster due to the proximity to the ground. German cyclist Robert Forstemann has achieved speeds of up to 50 mph on a track, which begs the question of how fast he could go on a Big Wheel. Robert’s power output is so high that he can toast a slice of bread with it, which is quite remarkable. Denise Mueller-Korenek has accomplished something that no other person has done before by riding a bike at 184 mph.
However, let’s not get too carried away with the topic of speed and return to the main point. You may know what it feels like to travel at 50 mph in a car, but it’s a completely different experience in one of our go-karts. The turns are tighter, and the competition makes it all the more exciting.
It’s important to note that just because a go-kart can reach speeds of up to 50 mph, it doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically be driving it at that speed. The more relevant question is, “How fast are YOU in a 50 MPH go-kart?” This is where skill comes into play.
At Autobahn, we offer various opportunities for you to improve your driving skills and compete against others, including your friends, family, co-workers, top league racers, and even fun-loving characters like The Grinch.
If you want to reach your highest speeds and fullest potential as a kart racer, here are some tips that can help:
Tip 1: Smooth is fast!
When you’re racing, it’s important to maintain a delicate balance between speed and control. Smooth steering inputs, along with the smooth application of power and braking, can help you maintain control and avoid losing your balance. Haphazard and jerky driving may look fast, but it’s not the fastest way to race.
Tip 2: Drive one corner ahead.
To efficiently set up the driver ahead of you for a pass, you need to always drive ahead of the track and the vehicle in front of you. Anticipating what lies ahead can help you avoid obstacles and make better decisions on the track.
Tip 3: Drive your line.
No two drivers will ever drive the same line. It’s easy to get caught up in following the driver in front of you, but this can be a trap. If you caught up to them, it’s likely because your line was faster. Stick to your line, apply pressure, and wait for them to make a mistake.
Racing is a mix of science and art, and finding your own line requires Zen-like concentration amidst the chaos of the race. By following these tips, you can improve your racing skills and achieve your highest speeds on the track.
Indoor tracks offer the perfect environment for practicing kart racing. Outdoor tracks are susceptible to changing weather and track conditions, which can greatly affect the speed and handling of the kart. A track that is wet, cold, or covered in rubber and debris can make it challenging to test different lines and tactics. This is why many experienced drivers are skilled at adapting in real-time to rapidly changing conditions.
On the other hand, indoor tracks provide a constant environment with a consistent temperature and humidity level. This makes it easier to receive near-instant feedback and experiment with different lines and edges. Whether you race on dirt, asphalt, concrete, oval, road, or rally, practicing indoors can improve your performance on all tracks.
To improve your racing skills, consider attending group or private clinics, or simply spend more time racing. Losing a second can be the difference between finishing first or last, so it’s crucial to focus on improving your speed and techniques.
