Tips & Tricks: How do I overtake a kart?

A good prerequisite for overtaking is to know the track well. This is the only way you can best assess where it makes sense to start an overtaking attempt. There are basically two different ways to overtake other karts:

Variant 1: The opponent uses the ideal line

A good opportunity to overtake the front man's kart is especially when entering a corner. When the opponent drives the ideal line, he uses the full width of the track: he drives from one side of the track to the other until he reaches the apex of the corner, and then carries himself to the other side of the track in order to accelerate out of the corner.

At this point, you can try to sit next to your opponent once you've reached the apex point. That way, you can easily slow him down and stop the kart from accelerating out. But be careful with your braking. If you brake too hard, the opponent could fly into the gang, and this should be avoided.

Variant 2: The enemy uses the battle line

Another opportunity to overtake is when the front man crosses the battle line. If he moves inwards before the corner, you can take the corner with more momentum over the ideal line and accelerate past your opponent. At the end of the corner, you have the opportunity to overtake him with the extra speed gained.

This variant is particularly well suited for karting beginners, but it still needs to be executed neatly and precisely to be successful.

If you want to learn more tips on how to overtake properly while karting as well as ideal line training, the right braking and acceleration points and other topics, please visit our kart school! Our kart teacher will take you on the course in practical and theoretical sessions.