Tips and tricks for karting

How does it work?

Want to get on the kart track for the first time and are unsure how to properly operate the kart? Wondering how it actually works? Don't worry - karting isn't that hard, but to help you get a little familiar, we've put together some helpful tips for you here.

• The karts are the same on the indoor and outdoor track in terms of their function. The tracks differ mainly in length and surface, and of course the weather conditions on the outdoor track can vary.

• After registering at the terminals in the foyer, you go to the ticket counter, book your card ride and get a start license with both your running and card number.

• Then there is the briefing, which is done via video. The video will be played from the front, so you can watch it again if you need to, in case something isn't clear. Our track staff will also be on hand to answer any questions.

• Now choose a suitable helmet, under which a balaclava must be worn for hygiene reasons. You can buy these balaclavas locally or bring your own. If you have your own motorcycle helmet, you can of course use it too.

• Once you’ve taken your seat in the kart and all the other riders are ready to go, it’s finally off – the race starts and you drive from the pit lane to the track.

Now on to the karts:

• Karts have no shock absorbers and no power steering. That means you can feel all the driving characteristics directly. The steering is very direct and because the kart is relatively short compared to a car, every steering motion is implemented immediately.

• You only have one accelerator pedal (right) and the brake (left). At first, it may be unusual to brake with your left foot. The important thing is that you don't apply the accelerator and brake at the same time - this will damage the kart and negatively affect your lap times.

• The tread tyres (slicks) that our karts are equipped with need some temperature to develop the necessary grip. So it's important to drive carefully the first one or two laps to get to know the track and to warm up the tyres properly. Once the tyres are warm, they grip better on the tarmac and you have more control over the kart.

Driving right into the bends:

• It's important to adjust your speed before a corner so you can accelerate at the apex of the curve to take the momentum to the straight. Warning: Don't brake too hard in the corner, otherwise the kart could slip.

• And once again to the braking technique: It takes a bit of practice to brake properly with your left foot – take it slow!

• If you're driving in a rental kart, make sure you drive as round as possible to avoid big speed differences. This will lead to better lap times.

• Remember: "No master has fallen from the sky yet!" So, just dare, give it a go - you can do it! With a little practice, you'll progress quickly. Even better, enlist the expertise of an experienced kart driver who will teach you the best tips and tricks at the RS Kart School.

In our kart school, you will learn how to drive properly in three modules - both in theory and in practice. The lesson plan includes general rules, correct overtaking and valuable tips on ideal lines, braking and acceleration points. You will quickly realise how helpful it is to listen to the kart and the tyres!

Find out more about the RS Kart School here: RS Kart School.

We look forward to welcoming you to your first warm-up sessions and will be happy to support you if you feel like reaching for the stars!

How does a kart team race actually work?

Want to rent a kart track with more than 20 people indoors or 25 people outdoors, or plan a team-building event? Then a kart team race is just the thing for you! But how exactly does such a race work? Find out here!

The division into teams of two

From a group of more than 20 people on the indoor kart track or 25 people on the outdoor kart track, you have the opportunity to run a kart team race with the support of our race directors. At the beginning, everyone starts with a qualifying. Our race director divides the group into two smaller teams because not everyone can run the qualifying at the same time.

From the results of qualifying, we create a list of lap times. To ensure that the teams are as equal as possible, the division is made on the basis of this leaderboard. The fastest driver is grouped with the slowest driver in a team, the second best with the penultimate and so on. Once the teams are formed, the kart team race can begin!

This is how the team race works

From the starting position, which results from the qualifying times, it's then off to the real start! Optionally, you can do another qualifying within the newly assembled teams. The teams themselves decide who starts first and when the driver change takes place. In the flying changeover, Driver 1 then drives into the pit lane at the chosen time and switches with Driver 2, who continues for the team. This creates an exciting race in which the best strategy wins in the end.

The race ends after the time has expired, and the three teams that have done the most laps during the race and are the first to cross the finish line will emerge as the winner. At your request, our race director of the Ralf Schumacher kart team will be happy to conduct a victory ceremony afterwards.

Kart team racing: fun and teambuilding

The kart team race is not only a pure race, but also a team activity that stands out for its dynamics and the strategic decisions made by the teams. All participants are equally involved in the action throughout the race. Therefore, the race is perfectly suited as a team building event where everyone has to work together to develop the best strategy and win!

Are you ready for the fun and teamwork? Then don't miss the kart team race!