An American paper, The Salt Lake Tribune, did an article recently about how kart racing is a possible stepping-stone towards proper Formula series grand prix racing.
It is not a lie, because karting teaches the basic fundamentals of control, racing discipline and endurance, these of which are vital in any form of competition motorsports.
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| Racers can cut teeth on karts |
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Updated:09/09/2009 05:59:01 PM MDT |
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Alex Noshirvan Salt Lake Tribune |
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Tooele »Below the serene backdrop of the Oquirrh Mountains at Miller Motorsports Park bellows the thunderous sound of 250cc-engine karts, preparing to reach speeds in excess of 160 mph in preparation for the United States Kart Grand Prix Championships.
Three-hundred-fifty drivers from around the world gathered in Tooele last month to test themselves on the MMP, a 3.08-mile, 15-turn course that will leave your knuckles white and your heart pounding.
It was the first time the Miller Motorsports Park hosted the Kart Grand Prix, and track officials said they would not be surprised to see a course speed record broken during the three days of racing.
The previous track record was 121 mph, set by Simon Pagenaud in May. No results were available on the Miller Motorsports Web site or on the Kart Grand Prix Web site.
For many young drivers, the series provides a way to cut their teeth on a racing circuit and prepare themselves to move up into the higher profile racing leagues. The 250cc Superkarts often set faster lap times than much more expensive and technically advanced racing machines, which can be seen as paradoxical, because kart racing is viewed as a minor-league system compared with NASCAR, F-1 and Indy racing leagues.
The reason kart racing is generally looked upon as an introduction to the world of racing is that – relatively speaking – it is an easier and safer way for young drivers to learn how to race and is considered the first step in any serious racer’s career.
Current NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya all got their feet wet in racing by starting in Kart racing.
In fact, Stewart won a World Karting championship in 1987, a harbinger of what was to come once he got into NASCAR. He was the NACAR champion in 2002 and 2005.
Karts prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills. In addition, karts bring an awareness of the various parameters that can be altered to try to improve the competitiveness of the car.
Learning lessons on tire pressure, gearing, seat position, and chassis stiffness are invaluable tools that will prepare a racer for other forms of motor racing later on down the road in his or her racing career.
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