Game on: 5 hacks to go-kart racing in the monsoon

Adventure junkies, take notes. Ahead of an upcoming monsoon go-karting championship, we get driving tips and tricks from pro racer Reza Kazerooni

As we enter the Kamala Mills compound (Lower Parel), we hear the noise of speeding karts even before we see them.

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When we reach Smaaash’s Sky Karting arena, interestingly, we see children standing in queue to get on the track. We ask one of the boys about his age. “Seven,” comes the prompt response. Is it safe for young kids to speed on wet racing tracks?

“Go-karting is one of the safest adventure sports there. It is closely monitored at all times, and safety standards are adhered to. It helps you realise that you control your surroundings and that sharpens your reflexes,” says Reza Kazerooni (32), a pro racer, who has participated in bike and drag races across the country.

The track is currently being prepped for an upcoming go-karting championship. Open to both pro karters and beginners, the organisers claim it to be a first-of-its-kind event in the city. Ahead of the event, we get Kazerooni to give us tips to race in the monsoon.

Go-karting hacks

>> If you are a beginner at automobile adventure sport, start your training at a proper go-karting platform and not on damp, open roads. Arenas are built for high speed with safety specifications, especially for the monsoon. The high-end karts also enable you to establish control over the speed of your vehicle.

>> When turning a corner, avoid braking and accelerating. In a race, that amounts to losing time. Instead, pull your foot off the accelerator till you smoothly pull through the curve and accelerate immediately after you’ve crossed it. Don’t jam the break, though — breaking at high speeds will result in skidding.

>> Cut wider turns and lean in the direction you are turning. Your body weight will help the kart skewer in the desired direction. This is important on wet roads as there is a high chance of your car toppling over on sharp turns. The wider the angle, the smoother the turn.

>> Test your vehicle’s tyre pressure. High pressure amounts to bouncy tyres which are not conducive on wet roads. Lower the tyre pressure so that gravity’s working for you on the road, enabling you to speed. In fact, this stands true for all vehicles, be it a bike, kart or a car.

>> Concentrate only on speeding in the first lap. Work on overtaking other participants in the later laps. Turning or swerving around other racers when you’re starting out will reduce your speed. Look ahead of the track to anticipate the moves your peers will be making. This way, you will avoid unnecessary braking and your speed will be at a constant high.

The Monsoon Karting Championship will be held on August 20 and 21. Registrations on now, till August 19 At Smaaash, Kamala Mills, Lower ParelCall: 4914 3143Register on: smaaash.in/explores Price: Rs 1,000 onward