From Beginner to Winner
The Book...
The First Edition was written for new and veteran racers to improve their racing knowledge and performance. In the upcoming Second Edition, some of the biggest names in oval track kart racing are collaborating to share their experience and improve your on-track performance. Second Edition is due in Spring 2025!
Chapters in the Book
1 - New to the Sport?
We'll give an overview to explain the sport and how to get involved.
2 - Choosing a Chassis
Whether buying new or used, it can be a challenge if you're buying your first. Here's what to look for in a used chassis.
3 - Understanding Weight Transfer
Understanding how the chassis transfers weight is the key to understanding how it makes speed. We introduce you to the "X" and break it down in five parts of the track.
4 - The Frame
The frame is the heart of the chassis. We will delve into it and its anatomy.
5 - Steering Wheel, Block, Lock, and Upright
These components sit right in the driver's face and are key elements in the cockpit. Adjusting them properly for comfort and ease for the driver makes speed.
6 - Tie Rod Assemblies
Tie rods are simple but if not installed, adjusted, and positioned correctly, they can make steering a nightmare.
7 - Caster Blocks, Caster, King Pins, and Lead
Caster is the major mover of weight. Other components that tie to the caster blocks are discussed in detail.
8 - Bearings
Smooth, clean bearings make speed but they have to be maintained properly.
9 - Spindles, Camber, and Crossweight
Spindles are more than just something to hang a wheel hub on. How they interact with camber and crossweight are explained.
10 - The Axle
The axle is a key component with a limited life and does more than hold the rear tires in place.
11 - Wheel Hubs
Wheel hubs can and do affect performance and are often overlooked.
12 - Sprockets, Sprocket Hubs, Chains, and Chain Guides
There's a right way to install a sprocket, care for the chain, and keep everything flowing smoothly!
13 - Brakes
How the brake system works, maintenance, adjusting, locating, and rebuilding.
14 - Pedals, Control Rods, and the Throttle Cable
From the pedals and through the control rods, braking and power have to get from the feet to control it all. Here's how.
15 - Nerf Bars and Bumpers
Put them in wrong and they can seriously affect a frame's ability to do it's job. Learn the right way to install them!
16 - Floor Pans and Fuel Tanks
Floor pans can affect a chassis ability to flex. Fuel tanks are more than a means to store fuel.
17 - Seats
Mounting the seat is the MOST critical part of assembling a chassis. We'll walk you through it - step-by-step... with photos so you do it correctly.
18 - Bodywork
The body can affect the frame's ability to transfer weight. We'll show you how to properly mount a body - step-by-step... with photos to show you how.
19 - Graphics
Got a wrap but don't like putting decals on your kart? Don't be frightened. Cool tips and tricks here. It's easy...
20 - Engine Mounts
There's more to it than putting it on the kart and dropping an engine on it. If that's how you do it, there's more to learn about here.
21 - Engine Maintenance
Keeping the engine clean - inside and out - is vital to preserving its horsepower. Having an air filter program and proper cleaning and more are covered!
22 - Lines, Catch Cans, and Cables
Fuel lines and tach cables must be routed correctly to perform correctly. There's more...
23 - Clutches
We'll break down drum and disk clutches, how they work, and how to clean and maintain them.
24 - Custom Clutches
A clutch right out-of-the-box, works fine. But, there's more launch speed to be found when they're refined. Here's how that works...
25 - Gear Ratio Theory
Figuring out gear ratio using the right combination of sprockets on the axle and clutch is a key element in making speed. Mini gears? Yeah, we got that covered, too.
26 - Tire Stagger
Stagger helps you turn left. Sometimes, too well. We'll explain how it works and can make or break handling.
27 - Ballast
Lead. Big heavy pieces of metal that are used to meet weight requirements... but can be used to balance the chassis using strategic placement. Mounting is important from a material and safety standpoint. Let's talk lead.
28 - Wheels
Picking the correct wheel size and how they can influence handling and tire circumference. A bonus... how wheels are made in the factory!
29 - Tires
Mounting, balancing, surfacing, shrinking, growing, and more - and a look at the major brands of tires - from the manufacturer's perspective.
30 - Tire Chemicals
The right chemical at the right time will make speed, get it wrong, and you're in the back. Our new chart will help you pick the right chemical for the right condition.
31 - Scaling the Kart
Consistency. It's all about scaling correctly and consistently every time. We'll walk you through the procedure.
32 - Getting the Most from Your Mychron
More than just getting lap times and RPM... if that's all you're using your Mychron for, you're missing a lot of information to get more speed out of your Mychron. And we'll look at the new Mychron 6!
33 - Champ Karts
Tips from the top Champ racers on assembly, maintenance, and how to get a Champ kart around the track even faster!
34 - Wing Karts
Wing karts are becoming popular all over the country and we'll look at some tips from the experts on these new winged beasts!
35 - Safety Equipment
Helmets, neck braces, gloves, suits, and jackets - what to look for when choosing the right safety equipment.
36 - Titanium, Carbon Fiber, and Lightweight Parts
More than just nuts and bolts, titanium is showing up in important parts of our racing machines. Carbon fiber is also lightening things up and we'll look at improving performance using these new space-age materials.
37 - Driving Tips
Learning to drive the proper line is a huge part of getting faster, but there are lots of tips and tricks beyond mashing the gas and turning the steering wheel to driving. We'll look at those.
38 - Handling Tips
If you're lost when it comes to diagnosing handling problems and how to fix those issues, here's where you'll take what you've learned to this point in the book and apply it for better performance!
39 - Trailering
How to trailer your kart properly, ideas for trailer outfitting, and trailer maintenance to prevent issues to and from the track.
40 - Post-Race Cleaning and Maintenance
Post-race clean up is a great way to find bent or broken parts, a good time to do a full inspection, and learn how to do it right. A dirty chassis only leads to corrosion and headaches.