Ive worked in the automotive industry my whole life virtually, grew up drag racing. I understand a lot of terminology in terms of setting up a car etc…but I’ve never done anything with road racing or karts.
I purchased a lo206 top kart recently and plan to try and race this year at a track in East Lansing Michigan. I think I need a mentor of sorts to help with the setup and learning the basics to all that goes into putting a kart on that could compete.(essentially helping me make the most out of what i have with my kart/budget/etc) i know enough hi about automotive and drag racing to know that I’m a fish out of water with this, but will pick it up fast i believe.
I’m from Oklahoma, we moved in the last couple of years, so I’m not even sure of what resources, if any, are out there to help me with that track specifically. Because it’s the only one I would run this year.
Even if no one happens to be from this area specifically, but have knowledge that i will need in setting up/adjusting this kart before April that i may be unaware of I’d be thankful
Hi Jackie,
While chassis setup does play a pretty large role in karting, to be honest the biggest gains are from the driver. For newbies, the best bet is to set the kart up neutral (medium settings on everything) and pound laps to get used to the kart before really diving into setup. A lot of the chassis adjustments are going to be subtle enough not to feel anything for the inexperienced driver. Once you get consistent and with a second or so of the leaders, then chassis tuning really starts to come into play.
We have lots of 206 gurus on here who can probably point you in the right direction for your specific situation, and a few local Michiganders too I believe.
Otherwise this forum is a treasure chest of info if you want to fire your questions off here.
I think the main thing is to manage expectations. While we all want to be fast from the start, the reality is that this is a learning process, even with someone helping you, it will take time. Certainly understanding the dynamics of chassis set up and terminology will be helpful but it is not a guarantee of anything. Some tracks offer start of the year instruction and other racers will help you at the track too. While there are some people who are reserved with helping too much the reality is the more people we can help and encourage the better it is for the sport. As TJ is pointing out there are many resources like videos, books and message boards like Kartpulse and even kart manufactures supplied set up guides. Keeping a record of what changes you made and what you felt it did to your kart is a good idea too.
The good thing about racing (all types of racing) is that people are always willing to help each other. Throw a few extra beers in your cooler and always be the first one to help when people are lifting their kart onto the stand and before you know it everyone will giving you advice.