Types of Corners in Karting and Techniques for Tackling Them
In karting, understanding corner types and how to approach them is key to achieving fast lap times and mastering racecraft. Every corner on a track presents unique challenges, requiring a combination of proper braking, steering input, throttle control, and precise timing. Below, we’ll explore common corner types and provide general techniques to help you improve your performance.
1. Hairpin (Tight 180° Turn)
Characteristics:
A sharp 180-degree corner that requires the kart to slow down significantly before turning. Common in many karting tracks, hairpins test your ability to maintain control and accelerate quickly out of the corner.
- Braking: Apply hard braking before the corner and trail brake slightly to maintain kart balance.
- Steering: Use a tight, controlled turning motion, avoiding oversteering, as it can scrub off speed.
- Throttle: Gradually apply throttle as you exit the corner, ensuring the kart remains stable without wheel spin.
2. 90° Corners (Standard Right-Angle Turns)
Characteristics:
A common corner type seen on tracks with tighter layouts, requiring smooth transitions between braking, turning, and accelerating.
- Brake early and avoid turning in too soon to maintain the ideal racing line.
- Aim for a mid-apex to keep speed through the corner and set up for the next section of the track.
- Begin adding throttle as you exit and unwind the steering.
3. Sweeping Turns (Fast, High-Speed Corners)
Characteristics:
These are long, flowing corners that allow higher speeds and require smooth inputs. They are often part of sequences that link straights or other corners.
- Steering: Focus on smooth, gradual steering inputs to avoid upsetting the kart.
- Throttle: Maintain consistent throttle or progressively increase it to preserve momentum.
- Avoid scrubbing speed by staying as close to the ideal racing line as possible.
4. Chicanes (Quick Direction Changes)
Characteristics:
A series of sharp left-right (or right-left) turns designed to slow down karts and challenge precision.
- Approach with a balance of braking and steering to maintain momentum.
- Straighten the kart as much as possible to reduce time spent turning.
- Use curb hopping if permitted and beneficial to shorten the track distance, but avoid overcommitting and destabilizing the kart.
5. Linked Corners (Sequences of Turns)
Characteristics:
These are combinations of corners, such as "S" bends or a series of hairpins, where the exit of one corner directly affects the entry to the next.
- Prioritize the last corner in the sequence, as it determines your speed onto the straight or into the next section.
- Sacrifice entry speed on earlier corners to achieve better exits.
- Maintain smooth transitions between braking and throttle to keep balance.
Beyond the Basics
While the above techniques cover common corner types, karting tracks often feature unique combinations or rare corner styles that require additional adaptation. For example, corners on elevation changes or asymmetric layouts can demand more advanced throttle and steering techniques.
Furthermore, changing weather conditions—such as rain—can significantly alter grip levels and require drivers to adjust their braking points, steering angles, and throttle application. Learning how to adapt your driving style in these scenarios is a crucial skill.
To dive deeper into these advanced topics, including rare corner types and how to optimize your driving in varying conditions, we invite you to join us in the next lessons of our Karting Academy. Together, we’ll analyze specific scenarios and refine your skills to handle any challenge on the track.