How to Slow Down a Go-Kart

Some go-karts are raced professionally.

A go-kart is a single-person, scaled down, open-cockpit racing vehicle. Go-karts range from low-powered amusement park karts to high-powered Superkarts that can compete on full racing circuits. Slowing down a go-kart can be done off the track with engine modifications or on the track with brakes and gearing. Go-karts have good braking systems as the vehicle has slick tires and is light and low to the ground.

Instructions

1. Tune down the engine. Depending on the model of the engine; 2-stroke, 4-stroke, or electric. There should be a switch to adjust the performance of the engine. This type of switch is present on many amusement park-style karts and all electric carts. The switch may be controlled remotely from a central control unit. The switch limits the engines revolutions to whatever the user desires, thereby effectively slowing down the go-kart.

2. Use the brakes. Go-karts come with a good braking system. The brakes are designed for high performance track conditions. The slick racing tires are designed to grip the track and when braking, stop the car in a hurry. Brakes are the best way to slow down a go-kart.

3. Gear down. On higher performance model go-karts with a sequential gearbox, the kart can be slowed down by gearing down. When the driver gears down, the engine is effectively braking the kart in order to accommodate the lower gearing. This is a braking technique used by professional racers.

References

• Motor Sports Association United Kingdom; Publications, Technical Papers and Club Equipment
• CIKFIA; Karting Technical Regulations
• "Karting: Everything You Need to Know"; Memo Gidley and Jeff Grist; 2006
• "The Karting Manual: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Competitive Kart Racing"; João Diniz Sanches; 2011