When I first started karting at the Mont St-Hilaire track in 1984, I had to learn everything at once: namely how to control the kart, the best racing lines on the track, chassis setup, tire pressure, carburation etc.

Some of my competitors took a perverse pleasure in advising various supposed tricks that in the end had no other use other than to keep me away from the pole position and the podium.

Because of the lack of information at the time, it was only after months of trial and error that I finally learned the basics of karting, with the help of my dad.

Just like in professional motorsports, karting demands rigorous precision. Occasionally races are won even before they start. Since the karts themselves all perform at around the same level, the best drivers on the track are often those who made the most of their chassis and engine, talent filling in the rest.

With this guide of basic setups, you will rapidly learn the basic tricks of the trade, enabling you to go head to head with your competitors.

Even after all these years, I still practice karting regularly, if only for the unique sensations and thrills it provides.

With all these tips, maybe we'll see each other on the track one of these days?

Happy Karting!

Patrick Carpentier