Onboard Hot Lap Guide - COTA Karting [Austin, TX]

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Duration: 6:08 Views: 11K Submitted: 3 years ago

Description: (53.3s) 2022 LAYOUT HOTLAP: https://youtu.be/nx1JIZcuFpo Check out my video on kart racing basics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBXktNg_1M0&t=123s In this video, I share my top tips for running fast laps at COTA Karting!! The lap analyzed in this video was: 55.558s. Although it isn't quite lap record territory, this is sure to put you on track for competition-ready times. The track is constantly evolving and modifications in the placements of curbs, barriers, etc. affect times regularly. For reference, my fastest-ever time is a 53.3s lap on the configuration in January 2022. Anything is possible, and there's always more to learn. Enjoy!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Creating and publishing this video means a lot to me. I remember several years ago as a young aspiring racer searching the internet for any bit of information I could use to learn about my local track. I was shocked when I came up empty handed. Ever since I've dreamed of filling that void with a video of my own to inspire other young drivers that want to begin karting, especially those that struggle financially and every second of seat-time counts. I hope this video will reach those who can use it most!! I'm so thankful to be in the position I am today and truly living my 12 year-old self's dream. To all those that have supported me, Thank You. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript!!! :) The track begins here at the start-finish line. Coming out of the last turn, you should be “right of center” of the track, not quite fully wide, so that you can set up well for turn 1. Coming past the start finish line, slide over to the left side of the track to set up for turn 1. On some days, this area can get bumpy, so if it is you can enter this corner a little further right. Done correctly, this turn should be flat out, and should hug right up to the curbs on the inside. Coming into turns 2 and 3, stick all the way to the right to maximize your exit. This corner is essential because it leads to the longest straight on the track! You can let off a little if your kart has trouble turning, or in some you can take it flat out. Turn in and get the kart rotated to hug the inside for a relatively late apex. It’s important to keep the kart smooth and keep sideways movement to a minimum. Remember to use all of the track!! On the exit, continue to keep it tight and get the kart pointed forward while fanning out so you don’t lose momentum. Down the straight, try to keep wheel movement to a minimum and let the kart do its work. Coming into turn 4, creep onto the red to maximize every inch of track available. Don’t brake just yet, and turn in to apex like usual. Stick to the left side of the track on exit. Coming in to turn 5, I like to hit the brakes a little to help get the kart rotated, and get immediately back on the throttle before apexing. A late apex here sets you up beautifully for the next few corners. However, overshooting it is very consequential and you can lose a lot of time. It’s important to slow down enough to make this corner. Coming into turns 6 and 7, continue going flat out and try to keep the kart as straight a possible. Use all of the track available to maximize your line. Coming into the turn 8 hairpin, stick all the way to the right on entry, either let off slightly or dab the brakes, and apex right up to the curb. You can see that on this lap, I overshot the exit just a little bit, so try to keep it a little more tidy on the exit than I did. Coming up through turn 9, try to turn the wheel as little as possible and continue to use all the track available to maximize your speed. Now into my favorite section of the track, turns 10,11,and 12. Although it’s technically 3 corners, it kind of blends into one. Hug the barriers to the left on entry, and turn in once you’re on the curb. Again, you can let off or lightly hit the brakes to get the kart rotated easier. Apex right to the curbs on the inside and keep the exit tidy. You can see I carried just a wee bit too much speed into the corner and had a little bit of oversteer at the apex which can scrub speed, so try to avoid that. Approaching turns 13 and 14, flat out, keep it tight and turn just enough to make the corner without sliding. Fanning right and cutting back here is slower than just keeping it tight. Turn 15 is a simple flat out 90 degree turn, so use all the track and apex close to the barrier, and remember to be just “right of center” on the exit. #karting #kartracing