From Beginner to Winner
The Book...
Written for new and veteran racers who want to improve their racing knowledge and performance. 180 pages, in full-color, with more than 440 images and 86,000 words. Some of the biggest names in oval track kart racing collaborated to share experience and improve your on-track performance.
A valuable tool for any racer.
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 - 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 biggest 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
Know how to break a chain correctly? How long should it be? Know how to rebuild a floater sprocket hub? I'll show you.
13 - Brakes
How the brake system works, cleaning, 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
How and why bumpers and nerf bars work with - or against - the frame and weight transfer.
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.
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.
19 - Graphics
Got a wrap but don't like putting decals on your kart? Don't be frightened.
20 - Engine Mounts
There's more to it than putting it on the kart and dropping an engine on it.
21 - Engine Maintenance
Keeping the engine clean - inside and out - is vital to preserving its horsepower.
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 - Gear Ratio Theory
Gear ratio is simple - but can be challenging. I'll throw some scenarios out to help explain.
25 - Tire Stagger
What stagger is, how it works, and how it affects handling.
26 - Ballast
Adding weight to the chassis is more than just bolting it on. There's a right way to do it.
27 - Scaling the Kart
I'll walk you through the scaling process to help you better balance your chassis.
28 - Tires, Wheels, and Prep
The biggest chapter. Mounting, dismounting, balancing, surfacing, prepping - there's a lot here. And there's a little chemical talk, too.
29 - Getting to Know Your Mychron
The most underused tool you have. We'll show you how to get more speed out of it.
30 - Safety Equipment
Choosing and caring for safety equipment. What you need to know.
31 - Champ Karts
A look at this style of chassis for tips and tricks on them.
32 - Handling Tips
How to recognize and fix handling issues.
33 - Post-Race Cleaning and Maintenance
When the race is over, take care of the kart. Clean the chassis, engine, and other components to keep them looking new and in top shape.