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Hi Jon,
Welcome to the races.
Make sure you speak to the officials about what all the flags mean. Even if you have prior racing experience you should do this, as some of the flags might have a slightly different meaning in karting.
Also make sure you understand the procedures for track sessions and the races (like gridding, pace laps, pit in, pit out, etc.).
Get a copy of the race day schedule and make sure to know when your group is on track.
In qualifying, Remember the purpose is to get a quick time, not to race. So try not to run closely to other karts.
Be patient and learn the track. You’ll have several sessions to get up to speed. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.
Get any spare parts you have organized so you can find them if you need them.
Use the track scales to check the weight of your kart carefully and ensure you’re not underweight for your class.
There’s lots more so ask lots of questions – everybody will be willing to help you.
Have fun,
CharlesNewbie:
make a list of things you should check between races, vibration will work things loose, don’t find out the hard way.
know what classes are ahead of you and recognize their engines. Nothing worse than seeing your class pregridding and you’re in the pits still
don’t waste laps in qualifying to get a hot lap. If you cant do it in 5 you’ll never do it. Save it for the heat or the main…
Have fun!!!
Again, have fun!!!8)
Joe
The fast guys will most likely be very fast and will lap you at some point. When being overtaken by faster karts, the officials may or may not show you the blue flag. If you are being overtaken, do not try to get out of the way.
The fast guys will most likely already be trying to get around you by the time you are aware of them and any sudden movement by you out of the racing line will just collect them. I’ve seen if happen way to many times.
If you know you are being overtaken or have been shown the blue flag, the best and safest thing you can do is let them go. Don’t try and race them, most likely they are already in a battle and they need to get around you quickly.
If you are in a straight, stay in the racing line but slow just a bit and point to the side you want them to pass. Above all, be predictable. Nothing worse than a new driver out there wandering around trying to get out of the way. All that does is cause wrecks. Also, be aware that if a driver all of a sudden appears next to you, don’t jerk away in the opposite direction. There may well be a second kart trying to pass on the other side.
All great tip’s from the pro’s! To add to what Doug said. If you are being lapped, expect more behind the first kart. The will be the lead pack and you don’t want to change the outcome.
See you this weekend, stop by the Gp pits and meet Roman and I.
Rick
Joe,
Don’ be shy, ask all the questions you want, most will go out of their way to help.
Find someone in your class and keep an eye on them in the pits, when they start to get ready thats a sign.
Expect to get their early and stay all day.
IF YOU HAVE A TENT AND WANT TO KEEP IT, TIE IT DOWN.
Bill
Volunteer to start last if you are intimadated, you will learn alot just chasing the pack and you won’t be in anyones way for the first few laps.
J.B.
Great advice from JB!
When is the old shifter guy going to resurrect?
Jon,
Welcome to CO Karting, im #186, Pro Shifter under the gigantic RBI tent, so stop by if you need anything, we would be more then willing to help. My first race ever was TaG CSC at GJ, so i know what your feeling. Most likely you will be faster then you anticipate yourself to be. A few things to remember
Stay Positive
NEVER give up
Work as hard as you can, it will pay off
Like many of the guys stated above, learn the flags-critical-if you have been testing and working hard to be fast for this year, you likely will not get lapped, but do not get discouraged if the front of the pack is leagues ahead, there are some National caliber drivers in that class, so don’t set too high hopes. Your best bet for goals is to finish every race, and not break anything. To add to what Mike said, prep your kart in between every track session, check your jetting, chain tension, tire pressures, all the little things, it only takes something really small to end a great weekend.
Advice on GJ…
Everyone usually hangs out Saterday Nite outside the pool (more specifically, the bar) at the Double tree, and the best thing you can do is go introduce your self to everyone, there are some great people out here, so do not be shy.
It will probably be hot and windy, expect 80 some odd degrees, ive seen over 100 numerous times in the summer there, and the wind really, really can blow, as to what Bill said, tie everything you want to keep down.
Stock up on water, food, although Stacey and Darren really keep stock of food and drink, you will be using a lot of it, and remember to stay very hydrated yourself, as well as your crew.
Places to Eat, odviously the Double Tree has a 2 decent resturants, there is a good applebees down the road, right off horizon i believe. Pantusos is really good, but the service the past few times i have been has been, terrible….
Make sure to rest up well each nite, the days are very long (7/8 am 6/7pm)
Best of luck
Marc
PS if i forgot anything, anyone feel free to add to this
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