Karting 101 - Terminology Explained

Setting up your go-kart is by no means easy. Finding the best setup that maximizes performance and suits your driving style takes a lot of time and effort to get right. It definitely helps if you are familiar with what you are working with and get accustomed to the terms that you will often hear as you set up your go-kart.

Below are an overview of some of the terms that come up while working on a go kart. This is by no means an exhaustive list and note that different drivers, teams etc. may refer to the same thing by a different name. Often there are also regional differences in terminology i.e. what European Karters refer to something as may be different than what it is called in North America.

Gear Ratios

Gear ratios are the relationship between the front and rear sprocket sizes. They depend mostly on track layout and conditions (whether it is dry or wet). Finding the right gear ratio to balance top speed and acceleration is essential. A smaller gear ratio is when there is a larger front or smaller rear sprocket, resulting in more top speed but less acceleration. Conversely, a larger gear ratio occurs with a smaller front or larger rear sprocket, providing more acceleration but less top speed.

Understeer/Oversteer

Understeer: The kart does not turn enough, causing it to go wide on exit.
Oversteer: The kart turns too much, causing the rear to slide out. Some drivers prefer a kart that understeers, while others prefer one that oversteers. Adjusting seat position, caster, and camber can help manage these handling characteristics

Caster and Camber

Caster
Caster affects the distribution of weight on the front tires. More caster means more front grip and easier initial turn-in, while less caster means less front grip, requiring more turn-in effort. Caster also affects the rate of chassis flex. More caster results in faster chassis flexing, while less caster slows it down.

Camber
Camber is the angle of the front tires relative to the vertical axis. It affects the contact patch of the tires, which influences traction, braking, and acceleration. Positive camber (tires tilted outward) increases the contact patch and grip. Negative camber (tires tilted inward) reduces the contact patch and grip.

Seat Position and Seat Height

Seat position is crucial for weight distribution in the kart. The driver's seating position and center of gravity affect the balance of the kart. For faster engine classes like TaG, the seat should be further back for more rear grip. For slower categories like 100cc or 4-stroke engines, the seat should be closer to the front to free up the rear. Driver comfort is also important; arms should be stretched with slightly bent elbows, and legs should have a slight bend at the knees.

Ride Height

Ride height is the distance between the bottom of the kart and the ground. Adjusting ride height affects the kart's handling. A lower ride height provides better stability and grip but can cause the chassis to scrape the ground on uneven surfaces. A higher ride height increases clearance but may reduce grip and stability.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is critical for optimizing traction and handling. The right tire pressure ensures a good contact patch with the track surface. Too high pressure can reduce grip and cause the kart to slide, while too low pressure can cause excessive tire wear and reduced performance.

Carburetion/Jetting

Carburetion refers to the process of mixing fuel and air in the engine. Jetting involves adjusting the carburetor to achieve the optimal fuel-air mixture for performance. Proper carburetion and jetting are crucial for engine efficiency and power.

Telemetry

Telemetry involves collecting data through real-time sensors on the kart, often around the steering wheel. This data, gathered by data loggers like the Mychron 5S, includes temperature, speed, and lap times. Telemetry helps you make informed setup changes to optimize performance.

Seat Struts

Seat struts are additional supports that can be added to the seat to increase stiffness and improve weight distribution. They can provide additional rear grip, especially on tracks with low grip levels.

Baseline Setup

A baseline setup is the starting point for your kart's configuration. It includes standard settings for gear ratios, caster, camber, ride height, and tire pressure. From this baseline, you can make adjustments based on track conditions and personal preferences.

Clutch

The clutch engages and disengages the engine from the drivetrain. Proper clutch setup ensures smooth power delivery and optimal performance. In go-karting, adjusting the clutch engagement point can significantly impact acceleration and overall performance.

Chassis Flex

Chassis flex is the slight lifting of the inside rear wheel during a turn. It is essential for making the kart turn, as go-karts do not have a differential. This flex allows the kart to navigate corners effectively.

Rental Karts

Rental karts are karts that you do not own and can drive for a price, often found at amusement parks. These karts are typically not designed for high-performance racing but offer a great way to enjoy karting recreationally.

Arrive and Drive Race Package

This is a full-service racing package offered by many teams. It includes everything needed for the driver, such as chassis, engine, tires, fuel, and a mechanic. This package allows drivers to focus solely on driving while the team handles all other aspects.

Tire Degradation (Tire Deg)

Tire degradation refers to how much a tire breaks down and how fast it wears out after laps. Low tire degradation means the tires will last longer, while high tire degradation means they will wear out quickly, affecting performance.

Track Evolution

Track evolution refers to how a track changes throughout a day as more drivers drive on it. Typically, as laps are completed, rubber from tires is left on the surface, increasing grip. More grip often results in faster lap times, thus contributing to track evolution.

Technical Inspection (Tech)

At the end of most official sessions, the top 3-5 drivers undergo a technical inspection to ensure compliance with championship rules. Tech officials perform various tests, including checking engine components, carburetors, air boxes, and rear width. Violations can result in penalties or disqualifications.

Conclusion

Mastering go-kart terminology and understanding the impact of different adjustments on your kart's performance is essential for any racer. By familiarizing yourself with these terms and concepts, you can fine-tune your setup and achieve better results on the track. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools to stay competitive and consistently improve your lap times.