Part 2 of Magic Karting Moments that Blew My Mind

Second in the series of karting moments that made me re-think what could be done in a kart from observing masters.

Here we go with part 2 of bits of magic I see from drivers that fascinate me. Some are subtle, and some are outrageous.

7. Tightening a Double Apex Without Changing Steering Angle

I'm always impressed when I see a driver handle a double apex corner without changing their steering angle. Picture a corner where you hit one apex, continue around, and then come back for 2nd exit apex. Most drivers would adjust their steering between these points, especially when their line needs to tighten.

Karts don’t like being asked to do something when they are set on a trajectory already, so a steering adjustment between apexes usually results in a protest. This can be an understeer, slide, hop, bogging, or a missed apex or unwanted kerb strike.

But occasionally, I'll spot a driver who keeps their steering wheel fixed and instead uses their feet to adjust the kart's line. They're cornering through the whole sequence, but they're not using opposite lock or flicking the kart to tighten their line. Instead, they're making subtle adjustments mid-corner purely with throttle and brake inputs.

It's a delicate balancing act. I can't pinpoint exactly where in the corner they're doing it - it's too fluid for that. They're constantly adjusting, balancing the kart with throttle input, getting on the power early but not too early. They're changing the kart's rotation by modulating its speed through the corner.

Some drivers even employ a slight double-pedal technique, using brake and throttle together. Whatever their method, they're making the kart steer perfectly through the double apex without adjusting the steering wheel. It's all in the feet - they're holding the wheel steady and using power and weight transfer to guide the kart's path.

When I see a driver nail this technique, precisely controlling the kart's angle through such fine pedal work, I can stand and watch all day!

Is this pure natural talent or can you learn it?. Put some time into reducing your steering adjustments and you will notice that your feet will get involved more, and skill development will follow automatically.

8. Superhuman Skills - Overtaking on Slicks in the Wet

Sometimes, I witness something truly extraordinary when it starts raining just as drivers go out on slicks. In these conditions, one driver often stands out - showing skills that seem almost superhuman.

The perfect example is Lucas Ellingham. When he's on slicks in the rain, it's like everyone else might as well pack up and go home. He absolutely lights up the track. What really amazes me is how he pulls off overtaking moves that seem completely absurd.

I'll watch him throw his kart into corners or situations that look entirely unpredictable. He'll be at 45-degree angles, yet somehow make apexes that other top-level drivers simply can't reach in these conditions. He'll brake 10 metres later than someone ahead, going around the outside of them as if they're standing still. I always think “now you’re going off, no way”… and 9 times out of 10 he makes it.

And if he does go off (not that uncommon since 9 out of 10 success means you’re going off somewhere when you make 20 moves per race), he’s so much quicker he makes up the positions in no time!

The truly mind-blowing part is that he's doing this against really good drivers. Yet in these conditions, he makes them look like amateurs. It's as if he's thinking, "I can't believe what you're all doing. Why are you driving so slowly?"

It's not just one or two moves either. He'll be overtaking on every corner, lap after lap. I find myself watching, thinking, "My God, what am I looking at?" It's a level of skill and bravery in impossible conditions that's simply astounding to witness.

Lucas is majestic when there is no grip - photo StuStretton

What Lucas has is a ‘do or die’ attitude to racing, I admire it as the highest racing attribute. Not everyone agrees, but if it chimes with you it is worth studying to bring it out.

Send It - The Essence of the Racing Driver

9. Devious Championship Strategies