Using A Two-Seater Go-Kart As A Tool
The two-seater can be one of the most fun and biggest teaching and learning tool for karting. I’m fortunate enough to race at a facility, SyKart in Tigard, Oregon that has a two-seater go-kart that can be used by approved drivers. The reason why this exists is so people who are not old enough to drive themselves, too small or even for people who don’t have the ability to drive and want to experience the thrill of racing. Like most motorsports, there are two-seated vehicles that allow the normal onlooker to mostly experience what the racer will experience. There are even forms of racing that allow for two people in the car! Rally racing allows for a driver and a co-pilot to race on street and circuit courses. However, I digress and will get back to the two-seater go-kart. There are a couple of do’s and don’ts to be aware of to use this tool effectively. First and foremost be aware of the passenger’s abilities. There is a reason why they are a passenger in the first place
The Do NOT's
Here are a couple of things that you should NOT do, as a driver in the two-seater go-kart.
- Don’t overdrive or push the limits of the kart on the course. Younger children normally don’t have the neck muscles to support their head and helmet while driving at the speeds normally taken by a kart racer. So limit your aggressive turn-ins, late braking zones and pushing on the throttle too much. The last thing you want is to give your passenger whiplash and therefore potentially ending any love for the sport of racing.
- Don’t drift the kart. This not only means that your driving beyond the limits of the kart but your could be putting yourself in danger by hitting a wall, hitting another driver or spinning out and having another driver hit you. Keep your driving as clean as possible.
The Do's
- If the passenger is handicapped, make sure to adjust your driving accordingly. Pay attention to your passenger’s weaknesses and don’t exploit them. Cater to their needs without potentially injuring them.
- As a the two-seater go-kart can be a tool, here is your opportunity to show your potential future racing driver a couple of things without going overboard. The racing line is one of the most important things you can show your passenger.
- Stick to the racing line as much as possible. Chances are you will be on the track at the same time as other drivers. If this is the case, this also a great
opportunity to show them the “let-by” pass as discussed in Blog Post
16: Different lines – The “Let-By”. - Demonstrate where the “turn-in”, “apex” and “track-out” zones
are and show them that there are different ways to take a corner. However,
consistency will be also of high importance so be consistent wherever possible.
Communication
One of the most important aspects of using the two-seater is coming up with a way to communicate with your passenger. My boys and I have come up with a very simple way to communicate while on the track. We give the “okay” hand gesture to indicate that everything is fine and that the speed is fine. A “thumbs-up” indicates that all is good and he would like to go faster. A “thumbs-down” indicates that everything is okay but to please slow down. Making an “X” with their arms means to please stop and something is wrong.
Except for the “X” with the arms, take these gestures with a grain of salt, as the passenger is your responsibility, and watch how they are reacting to the ride. If their head is moving around too much because they can’t handle the g-forces then it’s time to slow down. If they are not paying attention to the course, then slow down. Also, it’s your responsibility to initiate the communication. If you think everything is “okay” from your perspective, then give them the “okay” gesture and see how they respond. If they are not responding then take that as a gesture to either slow down or stop at the next available spot.
The two-seater go-kart is fun and a powerful tool when used right. Following these tips will not only teach the fun aspects of racing but allow will show the natural progression of racing. The two-seater go-kart is the starting line for any young driver and where to racing bug begins to bite.