Whenever one speaks of go karting, a pall of silence falls, then someone shouts from the back " isn't it dangerous". "Didn't someone die in Malaysia", adds another. There are some simple defensive tactics that you can adopt. No one wants to get hurt or at the least, no one wants to pay for costly replacement of parts.
1) Avoid bumper cars. Cars with crash protection, like fun karts are likely to contain inexperienced drivers.
2) Maintain a safety distance. Imagine space as a safety buffer. If you give others space, you can minimize your chances of crashing because you'll both have more time to react.
3) Stay far from inexperienced drivers. You can judge this from their attire. They may be inexperienced or presume that go karting is like bumper cars.
4) Stay especially far away from children who may not understand the dangers of a crash.
5) Take the inside corners of turns so people can't clip you from behind.
6) Don't let people get directly in front of you; they may stop unexpectedly, causing you to crash in the back of them. Similiarly, don;t tailgate.
7) Move to the side to avoid crashes if they get directly in front of you. Stop for awhile if that's the only way to give yourself more room.
8) Warn the operator of the ride if someone is giving you an especially hard time.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
May the force be with you
You've felt it when pulling away in a quick acceleration, while cornering at high speeds and then you crash into barriers. You've even seen it in the bruises on your body. Just what are the forces exerted on the drivers of go karts?
Acceleration/Deceleration
These result when the tyres exert a forward or backward force on the track. It is the result of attempting to brake or accelerate.
This force is in the same plane as the track, below the karts centre of inertia. For this reason, the force exerts a turning moment (or torque) on the entire kart. I.e there is a downward force towards the front of the kart and an upward force at the rear of the kart while breaking and vice versa when accelerating, with the fulcrum at the center of gravity of the kart (which, is below the driver). This is called a rotational torque. There is no actual movement of any mass, but the torque effectively forces the appropriate part of the kart 'harder' down on the track.
While Cornering
While cornering, the driver feels like he is being pushed outwards from the kart. Actually, he is not being throw out but is trying to move in a straight line, due to the forward momentum. The tyres of the kart are producing a grip which imparts an angular acceleration on the kart (and driver), forcing the kart to corner. It is this angular acceleration that produces the sensation of being thrown out. The force which the ground imparts on the kart to make it corner is known as the Centripetal force, and it always acts at towards the centre of the imaginary circle we are cornering round.
Imagine the centripetal force is split into two components, a vertical and a horizontal. The horizontal force we have just described, but the vertical can be regarded as the cornering equivalent of the forward acceleration case. Because the centripetal force is acting on the kart, it imparts acceleration to it, and again, this acceleration is acting at ground level. Therefore a torque effect is again produced, but this time it is acting across the kart, and we get a weight shift to the outside of the kart. This weight shift also helps the inside wheel lift, as the weight shift reduces the weight on the inside wheel by an equivalent amount. This force has not been show on the diagram to aid clarity, but is simply in the opposite direction over the inside rear. In fact once cornering is initiated, this weight shift is more important to raising the inside wheel than the steering geometry.
The distance between the rear wheels affects how the centripetal force is distributed over the horizontal and vertical components. As the width of a track is increased, more centripetal force is distributed as a sideways force in relation to the weight shift. This means a wider track produces less weight shift to the outside rear, and more sideways force. A narrow track increases the weight shift and decreases the sideways force. Therefor a narrow track is less likely to exceed the grip of the tyres when cornering than a wide track. Consequently, the grippier the tyres used, the wider the stance can be before the grip is exceeded.
Accelerating around a corner
The final force to consider is a torque around the vertical axis experienced when accelerating during a corner. It is common knowledge that braking while cornering on a kart causes massive understeer while accelerating can improve cornering. This at first seems counterintuitive, since normally when accelerating there is a weight transfer to the rear, which you would expect to try to push the inside rear back onto the track. However, this weight transfer is dwarfed by the torque around this vertical axis caused by the fact that only one wheel rear wheel in on the track, and this wheel is offset from the centre of inertia.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Singapore Team's 1st Night Race?
Singapore organised the 1st ever F1 night race.
How about a circuit that organises go kart races at night?
Lets take a look at this concept around the world?
I came across some circuits in Australia that offered this possibility.
Also in Miami, USA
There was also a video of a guy who couldn't wait to drive his kart and took it onto the road?
Dangerous and definately ill advised but a fantasy for most, i'll bet.
WET WET WET
Attempted karting in wet weather tyres today.
Familiar with slicks performing as their names suggests at the slightest hint of moisture on the ground, I was pleasantly suprised at the amount of control i was able to regain with wet weather tyres.
Shah Alam, city karting......
After a work trip to KL, i organised a karting session for my collegues.
All that anticipation over the work week and in accordance with Murphy's law, rain clouds came rolling in as soon as we arrived.
All that anticipation over the work week and in accordance with Murphy's law, rain clouds came rolling in as soon as we arrived.
Kudos and appreciation to City Karting who showed us that driving in soaked Y fronts can be an utterly enjoyable experience.
The performance was great, no puddle could wrest control of my vehicle from me.
So, lets have a look at the kinds of tyres available and find out more about them. Upon first glance, we notice that they are about the smallest tyres one has seen on any vehicle. Smaller than a car, smaller than a scooter...
The rims are made from aluminium or a magnesium alloy. There are various choices of tyres to suit diverse weather / track conditions. They are:
1) SLICK TYRES (for dry weather)
2) WET TYRES (for wet weather)
3) INTERMEDIATE TYRES (for conditions between dry and wet)
4) Other specialised tyres ( for ice, etc etc)
4) Other specialised tyres ( for ice, etc etc)
Tyre compounds are what the tyres are made of. The compounds are constructed from very hard to very soft. The manufacturers are Bridgestone, Dunlop, Bridgestone, Maxxis....
The patterns on the tyres itself are known as grooves and determine the usage of the particular tyre.
1) Slicks are smooth with no markings at all. They are designed for optimum contact with the surface of the track. On a dry track it provides the maximum traction possible. However the amount of traction is reduced in the presence of moisture and will hydroplane as water cannot escape the space between the tyre and track. Slicks are constructed of soft rubber but not as soft as wet weather tyres.
2) Intermediate tyres are generally used when there is a little moisture in the air and on the track, but not soo wet that wet weather tyres are required. These tyres are also used when there is likely to be low amounts of traction. As a substitute, worn wet tyres can also be used to serve this purpose. The rubber that they are made from is softer than slicks, but not as soft as wet weather tyres.
3) Wet weather tyres are used when the track is very wet or if there are puddles on the track. They are constructed of very soft rubber and thus should never be used in dry weather where they will break off and disintegrate in a short time. These tyres are grooved tyres, and offer much more traction in the wet than slicks, they offer a lot less traction in the dry. The grooves are designed to wick water away from between the tyres and track, thus creating better traction. It allows more contact with the track surface and maintains its grip.
Here are some pictures of tyres which i have found.
Turf
Studded
Slicks
Offroad Studded
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
USJ - the best track south of well, south of USJ
Over the long weekend, the gang and i headed off to the cooler altitudes of Fraser Hills.
That aside, on the way to KL from the hills, we stopped by USJ, otherwise known as the Elite Highway Track.
It has been awhile since we visited the track but it sure didn't disappoint.
Let me give you a breakdown of the track which, incidentally, has to been driven in a 2 stroke kart to really appreciate.
We begin at the straight away in a clockwise manner.
The beginning of the circuit is at the far left, on the track next to the light grey rectangle.
1) Turn one is a hard right. follow the usual slow in, fast out procedure
2) The next is a series of gentle turns. Essentially, you are more or less able to floor your pedal until you reach the loop at the bottom of the map above. This turn is tighter than the first one and considering that you would be travelling at a high speed at this juncture, do take care not to jam on the brake.
3) The next turn is a 90 degree left turn which shouldn't be a problem if you stick to the racing line.
4) Following is a wide left turn, not much problems here too.
5) Same with the next right turn.
6) The next feature is an series of 2 turns, a tighter left turn which leads into a right turn.
This is in my opinion a real opportunity for training yourself. Since the 1st left turn is pretty narrow, you would have to slow down to avoid spining out or understeering. As this leads into a right turn, the problem (at least with me) is one of going into the turn too slow, due to deceleration in the previous turn. This is an excellent place to overtake for those with better control of their vehicle.
That aside, on the way to KL from the hills, we stopped by USJ, otherwise known as the Elite Highway Track.
It has been awhile since we visited the track but it sure didn't disappoint.
Let me give you a breakdown of the track which, incidentally, has to been driven in a 2 stroke kart to really appreciate.
We begin at the straight away in a clockwise manner.
The beginning of the circuit is at the far left, on the track next to the light grey rectangle.
1) Turn one is a hard right. follow the usual slow in, fast out procedure
2) The next is a series of gentle turns. Essentially, you are more or less able to floor your pedal until you reach the loop at the bottom of the map above. This turn is tighter than the first one and considering that you would be travelling at a high speed at this juncture, do take care not to jam on the brake.
3) The next turn is a 90 degree left turn which shouldn't be a problem if you stick to the racing line.
4) Following is a wide left turn, not much problems here too.
5) Same with the next right turn.
6) The next feature is an series of 2 turns, a tighter left turn which leads into a right turn.
This is in my opinion a real opportunity for training yourself. Since the 1st left turn is pretty narrow, you would have to slow down to avoid spining out or understeering. As this leads into a right turn, the problem (at least with me) is one of going into the turn too slow, due to deceleration in the previous turn. This is an excellent place to overtake for those with better control of their vehicle.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
GPS Lap timers
I first heard about GPS lap timers from an engineer friend. The technology isn't rocket science, the service is free..... It doesn't require set up of transponders and like the unit that helps you find your way around, it can map out your track and show you where you are in relation to that map.
That's where the magic of the GPS lap timer comes in. With minimal effort beyond switching it on and pushing some more buttons to set it up, you can get a map of the track and useful information sush as current speed, lap times, RPM, Max speed, fastest speed, and even your deceleration and acceleration point.
That will prove to be a very useful learning tool. Your racing line and approach to a track can gradually be improved upon.
These devices ,however, cost a pretty penny. I decided to look online to see what the alternatives are until i can afford the real Mc coy.
Enter the IPHONE LAP TIMER:
There is a program created by someone that allows any GPS enabled device to act as a GPS lap timer. It even works on your IPHONE.
http://www.schlangmann.mynetcologne.de/HarrysLapTimer/
That's where the magic of the GPS lap timer comes in. With minimal effort beyond switching it on and pushing some more buttons to set it up, you can get a map of the track and useful information sush as current speed, lap times, RPM, Max speed, fastest speed, and even your deceleration and acceleration point.
That will prove to be a very useful learning tool. Your racing line and approach to a track can gradually be improved upon.
These devices ,however, cost a pretty penny. I decided to look online to see what the alternatives are until i can afford the real Mc coy.
Enter the IPHONE LAP TIMER:
There is a program created by someone that allows any GPS enabled device to act as a GPS lap timer. It even works on your IPHONE.
http://www.schlangmann.mynetcologne.de/HarrysLapTimer/
Sunday, October 19, 2008
ASIAN KARTING - boon for racers and spectators alike in the region
Where does one aspire to arrive at, at their first step to a motor racing career?
Which series can a fan follow that is closer to home?
At the ASIAN KARTING OPEN - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, that's where!
The Asian Karting Open Championship Series had its beginnings in April of 2002, after a call from IM, the CIK approved governing body in Indonesia, to AAP in Philippines suggested and discussed the possibility of holding an asian karting series modelled after the European Kart Championships. It was also moved that a prime goal was to elevate the skills of asian karters to a world standard level and develop karting as a sport.
Thus was the 1st championship series initiated with 3 venues hosting regional karters: Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. A success story, participants flooded in from China, HongKong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines and Brunei.
An average of 80 karters participate at each event, with the strong support of karting teams in the region. AKOC, as the organising body is known has become the premier Karting Series here in Asia, with rounds held in India, Macau, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
There are 6 categories of Karting classes:
1) FORMULA 100 OPEN (FORMULA A)
• 15 years old and above are eligible to join
• International B License is required
• 100 cc Rotary or Reed Valve Engines, approved by CIK
• The premier class and the Highest category for AKOC
2) SENIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 17 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C license is required
• Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• The best attended category
3) JUNIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 12 years old up to 17 years old are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Junior Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• A very popular category among the kids
4) JUNIOR INTERCONTINENTAL A
• 13 years old up to 15 years are eligible to join
• Intercontinental C License is required
• 100cc Piston Port Engine with clutch, appointed by CIK
• Karters from this category step up to Formula 100 open
5) CADET 85• 9 years old up to 13 years old are eligible to join
• Comer K85/W85 engines are used
• The entry level for AKOC karters
• National C-License is required
6) VETERAN ROTAX MAX 125
• 45 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Rotax Max 125 engine
• A popular category for businessman and executives who enjoy karting as a sport
7) MACAU CUP OPEN
• 15 years and above are eligible to join
• National C License is required
• CIK homologated Reed Valve/Rotary valve 100 cc engine.
This year's Schedule is as follows, it's still not too late to watch the action
June 28-29, 2008ROUND 1 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU
July 26-27, 2008ROUND 2 - CARMONA CIRCUIT, PHILIPPINES
August 16-17, 2008ROUND 3 - SENTUL, INDONESIA
October 31- November 2, 2008ROUND 4 - SARABURI, THAILAND
November 28-30, 2008ROUND 5 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU
December 13-14, 2008ROUND 6 - DIAMOND COAST CIRCUIT, HONG KONG
Which series can a fan follow that is closer to home?
At the ASIAN KARTING OPEN - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, that's where!
The Asian Karting Open Championship Series had its beginnings in April of 2002, after a call from IM, the CIK approved governing body in Indonesia, to AAP in Philippines suggested and discussed the possibility of holding an asian karting series modelled after the European Kart Championships. It was also moved that a prime goal was to elevate the skills of asian karters to a world standard level and develop karting as a sport.
Thus was the 1st championship series initiated with 3 venues hosting regional karters: Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines. A success story, participants flooded in from China, HongKong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Philippines and Brunei.
An average of 80 karters participate at each event, with the strong support of karting teams in the region. AKOC, as the organising body is known has become the premier Karting Series here in Asia, with rounds held in India, Macau, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
There are 6 categories of Karting classes:
1) FORMULA 100 OPEN (FORMULA A)
• 15 years old and above are eligible to join
• International B License is required
• 100 cc Rotary or Reed Valve Engines, approved by CIK
• The premier class and the Highest category for AKOC
2) SENIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 17 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C license is required
• Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• The best attended category
3) JUNIOR ROTAX MAX 125
• 12 years old up to 17 years old are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Junior Rotax Max 125cc Engine
• A very popular category among the kids
4) JUNIOR INTERCONTINENTAL A
• 13 years old up to 15 years are eligible to join
• Intercontinental C License is required
• 100cc Piston Port Engine with clutch, appointed by CIK
• Karters from this category step up to Formula 100 open
5) CADET 85• 9 years old up to 13 years old are eligible to join
• Comer K85/W85 engines are used
• The entry level for AKOC karters
• National C-License is required
6) VETERAN ROTAX MAX 125
• 45 years old and above are eligible to join
• International C License is required
• Rotax Max 125 engine
• A popular category for businessman and executives who enjoy karting as a sport
7) MACAU CUP OPEN
• 15 years and above are eligible to join
• National C License is required
• CIK homologated Reed Valve/Rotary valve 100 cc engine.
This year's Schedule is as follows, it's still not too late to watch the action
June 28-29, 2008ROUND 1 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU
July 26-27, 2008ROUND 2 - CARMONA CIRCUIT, PHILIPPINES
August 16-17, 2008ROUND 3 - SENTUL, INDONESIA
October 31- November 2, 2008ROUND 4 - SARABURI, THAILAND
November 28-30, 2008ROUND 5 - KARTODROMO DE COLOANE, MACAU
December 13-14, 2008ROUND 6 - DIAMOND COAST CIRCUIT, HONG KONG
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