CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

Looking at Monza & Yokohama track maps confirmed as such. Though LeMans course is wider with less grip in same 9hp kart, meaning more passing opportunities.

In many ways, you want to have enough runoff space to drive different lines, while leading & defending.

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

There's some nice straights that you can pass up if you get into the turn with the right line. You are just going to have to try it when I do the next GoKart meet for the bay area

LionZoo

You are correct in that the kart emphasizes momentum; especially with such soft engines, there isn't much acceleration to be had. The karting experience can be very tiring for first timers as the steering so high effort, your hands will often get tired.

There are a couple points I like to add though. First off, the tires that most rent-a-kart places use are rock hard; it takes a bit of time to get them up to temperature and a little bit of sliding is useful to really get them in the zone. Some places compound this problem by having a slippery surface so that it's more "fun." Unfortunately, what this means is that there are some corners where sliding will be the quickest way around which is hardly indicative of real karting. Another point is that these karts only have brakes on the rear wheels. This means that trail braking is useful to a greater extent than on cars though it also requires a bit more caution as the grip becomes more front biased under trail braking than normal cars. Finally, the pedal position makes the karts perfect candidates for left foot corrections, but all rent-a-kart places discourages that. However, if you ever move up to real karts that actually have some power, keep in mind that left foot braking corrections mid-corner is an especially useful technique to add some stability back to the kart. This is very useful when out on slicks during a passing rain shower.

In conclusion, driving a kart is a bit different than driving a car as it really rewards smoothness. You can't pitch a kart into a corner like you can with some cars and since karts are such momentum vehicles, passing has to be very calculated amongst people that are roughly equal. Having first learned to drive fast on karts, I can say that the experience has been very positive for me in regards to learning how to drive smoothly.

CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the insight, LionZoo. Too bad you moved down to LA, otherwise, we would have a core group of karters.

As for smoothness, not surprisingly, RX-8 needs to be driven just the same out on autox. With the lack of torque coming out of low speed corner, RX-8 is a prime example of speed maintenance triumphing point-and-shoot driving style. Regarding brake, I was under the impression that the brake system on the kart also decouples the engine. Hence, the enforcement of no both gas/brake pedals in at the same time. Pitching/Sliding did indeed seem to be the fastest way around certain turns.

LionZoo

Well, the engine is attached to the wheels with a clutch mechanism. I'm not sure how the clutch is set up, but I don't use left foot corrections on the rent-a-karts anyway. I'm actually talking about real race karts. If you ever get a chance to sample them, don't pass it up. The performance capabilities on the karts are amazing right up to where they top out at around 70-90 mph. It's certainly a ton of fun.

Even though the karting places in America can be some fun, in truth I feel they're overpriced so I would never go more than about once or twice a month. However, I will admit that the Bay Area RX-8 Club is a bit divided in the experience that people actually want from their RX-8s.

dontfeedthenerd

I WANT TO GO FAST WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

no seriously after riding in Dick's pimped out 8 I want coilovers now too -_-

unfortunately I can't justify spending 2 grand on coilovers if I'm not going to track my car

Unfortunately I won't track my car until I get myself some lessons first

i can't get lessons until I stop blowing all my paychecks on hookers and heroin....

So there's a long road to go.

Throwdown

iTrader: (1)

You guys seem really into karting lol.

You do NOT need lessons to Autox! Just go out there and practice on twisties.

Oh yea I forgot to mention, I'm bringing a different vegan bitch this Friday. Yvonne doesn't work Friday's anymore though so I say we boycott Sushi Boat.

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

The experience is a lot different when you are on a kart. It feels like you are going crazy fast and you can go as fast as you want without fear of damaging anything. It's fun going through the twisty's but you are wearing down your tires, clutch, and car in general. Lets say you run over some loose gravel and spin out and wreck your car? What's going to happen then. You just have to try karting with us one day, i'm pretty sure you'll like it.

Spinbreakz

WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!?! Screw that non sense! What about my sail-ads?

Friendlydacat

I can live withouot the prostitutes (I'm married so what's the difference?), but damn, my cocaine and heroin addiction is out of hand.

Throwdown

iTrader: (1)

You talk like karting is free. It's probably more expensive than driving my own car and I don't even get to drive my car! I love not just driving, but driving my car. Plus twisties offer a much better view for my vegan nature-loving side. I'll always be a softy for twisties.

Yea Yvonne told me yesterday that they pulled her off Fridays. I don't think we should go back. Or maybe we could take to the manager or something. We've been going there for months and months now and spend well over $100 every day we go there.

CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

The conversation of karting/autoxing versus driving on the street seems to come up time after time. We are all entitled to our own personal beliefs/preferences/risk avertness/budget. Therefore, feel free to ignore the ongoing conversation if the topic is no interest to you. For me, I tune out all the non-performance oriented chatter (ie: degenerating comments toward female & drug).

Anyway, let's all get along and forget about influencing others or making non-value added comments. Peace.

LionZoo

I prefer the mountains to karts, but I do have some experience with the karts. I realize mountains have their inherent risks, but racetracks and parking lots are poor substitutes for a good mountain road for me. I try to offset the risks by being extremely religious in terms of car preparation, inspecting key components of the car every time before I go out. I also drive at night when I can see oncoming headlights and when there is probably less traffic. Nonetheless, karting does have its entertainment value, it's just a different type of fun.

Spinbreakz

I wonder if they pulled her off cuz we were sometimes loud and obnoxious? Nah, couldnt be OUR fault, lol.

Where are we gonna eat now? Jolli-bee is OUT of the question. What about Fuddruckers? Or maybe find a new spot? Say in Fremont? There are alot of spots to meet up over there

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

I just wanted Dick to give it a try, that's all! Maybe if you use your vegan powers, it can be free...

Anywho... maybe they're mad cause she gets the most tips! you guys want to change the food for this friday? any suggestions?

Throwdown

iTrader: (1)

I'll try it if someone pays for me, but I'm not that interested.

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

HAhaha, go find a girl who's willing

tournapart

iTrader: (1)

You'll eat what I tell you to eat. no more of this vegan non sense, your eating a ******* steak on friday and I dont want to hear another word

Friendlydacat

I thought we're doing South Bay meeting this Friday?

Friendlydacat

+1

Friendlydacat

How about finding out where she's going to work on Fridays?

dontfeedthenerd

not sure if I want to see ***** of fury after reading some the reviews.

Friendlydacat

I haven't seen Bourne Identity....

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

MTV gave some good reviews about that movie.. What about Mr. Bean or we can watch War again!!! lol

8rotor8

iTrader: (2)

Next Friday is the meet in Cupertino