If you haven’t been go karting before, you may be wondering what to expect. So we’ll assume that is who you are and we’ll start with go karting for beginners. Karting newbies can be children or adults, but what happens when you arrive at any karting circuit, is the same whatever age you are.
Arriving at the karting track
All karting circuits have car parking on site and if you’re not going by car there is usually public transport that can take you there, or very near at least. Make you way into the venue and go to reception. This is where you will meet the rest of your group if you haven’t come to race alone. You are requested to arrive 30mins prior to your start time to enable time for registration and to get kitted out in your racing gear. This is where the excitement begins as you absorb the atmosphere and the sounds of karts racing and people cheering. It’s a real buzz.
Checking in & getting kitted out
At reception your details are taken and you will need to sign a disclaimer to show that you understand the risks of taking part in this motor sport. If you are under the age of sixteen, an adult will have to sign you in. Then you will then be taken to a changing room where your racing suit and helmet are waiting for you. You will have been advised by your Geronigo® consultant to wear sensible shoes like trainers or any other closed-in flat shoe. No open shoes or heels are allowed. You will also have been advised to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing so you can move freely and not get too hot. Kitted up you now look like a racing driver so now you need to know the rules.
Safety briefing and go karting track rules
A go karting track provides a real motoring experience, so as with all motorised sports, there are necessary rules and regulations that you need to follow for yours and the other driver’s safety. So, while it’s understandable to be excited, listen carefully or you might get the black flag when you are racing, which is a warning that you are not observing the rules. The instructor will also check that you are dressed properly with no trailing scarfs that can get caught in the mechanisms or jewellery that could be lost while driving. It’s best to leave valuables at home. You are now ready to get into your kart.
Start line and lights
You have slid into your kart under the supervision and you are on the start line under the marshal’s orders. First thing to do is to relax, shrug your shoulders a few times to stop nervousness cramping your muscles. You should be able to comfortably reach the pedals with your legs slightly bent and the steering wheel should be within reach and you shouldn’t have to lean forwards to reach it. Hold the steering wheel firmly but don’t grip like you life depends on it – that will make you and your arms tense. The red light will be on at this stage and that means you stop where you are until it goes out and the green light, or the flag is shown. Don’t thump the pedal to the metal when you get the green light as it’s more effective to squeeze the accelerator so you set off smoothly and in control.
Go karting driving etiquette
The right pedal is the accelerator and the left is the brake just as it is in any car. Keep you feet well apart so you don’t accidentally press the two pedals together or you’ll just hear a lot of roaring and the kart may swivel round trying to set off at the same time responding to the brake. Remember your pre-race briefing in regards to driving safely and observe the flags used by the marshal – red means stop so you must bring your kart to a safe stop, green means go, blue means a warning that a faster go kart is trying to pass you and you should give way, yellow means slow down there is a problem ahead, or just slow down, black means you are being warned about bad driving. If you get the black flag twice it means you must come off the track. Last is the chequered flag which means the end of the race.
Get the best out of your karting experience
Sit relaxed and comfortable with your back flat against the seat and your hands symmetrically on the wheel. Now, gently press the accelerator pedal until you start to move and only go as fast as you feel comfortably in control. When you brake, don’t stamp on the brake, gently but firmly push the brake pedal. Keeping the whole motion smooth is the key. Once you gain confidence, you can increase you speed, particularly on the straights where you can gain on the other drivers. But, you must keep a safe distance from other go karts and the barriers. After a few laps, your confidence will increase and you will find you are racing around the circuit like a pro.
Okay, got it, now where can I go karting?
That’s easy, just hop onto the Geronigo® website and you will find 120 go-kart circuits across the UK and Ireland to choose from. Some circuits are outdoors and many more indoors. These karting tracks are the best of the best, so anyone you choose, you’ll have a great time. Check out what packages are on offer and what the karting circuit offers in regards to track configurations and facilities. Now, book and you can look forward to a great day out.
By CJ