5 MODIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE A KART’S PERFORMANCE ON A WET TRACK

Max Bernardi

31 October 2020

When it rains, the set-up of the kart has to be changed to recover the grip that is lost due to slippery asphalt. There are several chassis adjustments to be made, the main ones being described in the TKART article "Sun and rain. How a kart’s set-up changes". In the following slides we have instead put together 5 tricks "stolen" from the most famous international racing teams to maintain good braking, ensure the reliability of the kart and improve engine performance

ADHESIVE TAPE ON THE BRAKE CALIPER

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On dry asphalt it takes about two laps to reach the braking system’s optimal operating temperature. Otherwise, on a wet track, more attention must be paid to the temperature of the brakes, especially the front ones that shifter karts have. A straight section will be enough to significantly lower the temperature and risk not generating the correct grip between the brake pad and disc when braking. An easy remedy to maintain the correct temperature of the brake pads is to plug the opening of the front brake calipers at the height of the brake pads with adhesive aluminium tape which is resistant to high temperatures. This precaution keeps the heat generated during braking inside the caliper, avoiding excessive cooling of the brake pads when the brake is not used.

A modification seen at the FIA Karting World KZ Champs, Lonato 2020 by the Kart Republic Team

FRONT BRAKE DISC COVER

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Pouring rain and puddles on the asphalt can negatively affect the response of the front braking system in KZ karts. A system already published on TKART to eliminate this problem can be found in the article "The brake disc cover and other modifications seen on the tracks at the KZ World Championship"; this is a cover made by the Official Kart Republic Racing Team. In this case we will explain a similar solution that is simpler, but always effective, made with a flexible plastic strip fixed on the spindle with two brackets. The objective is to protect the disc from getting wet while maintaining the correct friction between the disc and brake pad and, consequently, the right braking for the kart.

A modification seen at the FIA Karting World KZ Champs, Lonato 2020 by the Leclerc by Lennox Racing Team