10 Go Karting Tips from Former British Champion Mike Simpson

Mike Simpson has done almost everything there is do in the world of go karting. Heâs a former eight-time British Grand Prix champion, four-time British champion and vice world champion.
Mike now works for Ginetta, one of Europeâs biggest race car manufacturers. Heâs head of Ginettaâs commercial team and their factory driver, so he travels the world helping customers on and off the track.
When it comes to go karting, Mike really knows his stuff. Looking to improve your average lap time? Read his top 10 go karting tips for budding racers.
1. Time on the Track
âPractice as often as you can. Even if itâs just you and your dad, rather than an organised race, just get as much time in the kart as possible.â
2. Visualise Success
âVisualisation is important in karting. It builds your confidence and helps you get ready for big races. You need to be mentally prepared, so walk the circuit in the morning before the race and imagine how youâre going to handle each bend.â

3. Hit the Gym
âGo karting has changed. You canât just try your luck on the day and see if you can get a result. You need to act like a professional and this means keeping fit. If youâre going to do well, your arms and neck need to be in good physical condition.â
4. Look After Your Tyres in Qualifying
âA lot of people start weaving around the track straight away in qualifying, to get the tyres up to temperature. I prefer to build them in really slowly to avoid damaging them.
âTake two laps nice and slowly, then give it two hard laps. Do few more gentle laps to cool the tyres off, wait for the track to clear and go again. Itâs not all about flying out of the pits straight away.â

5. Be Alert on the Starting Grid
âWhen youâre on the starting grid you need to look for the gaps. Sometimes the outside might be the way to go, other times it might be the inside. You canât just focus immediately in front of your bumper – you need look way ahead.
âYou can try to come up with a plan before the green lights flash, but it wonât always work out. Itâs more about instinct. You need to be very aware and alert at all times in case someone spins in front of you.â

6. Handling the First Corner
âWhen things are tight at the start of the race, a general rule is not to leave a gap between you and the kart in front.
âIf there is a big space and you get hit from behind, youâll go forward and hit the racer in front. This could result in a crash or get you in trouble with the marshals. If you’re hit when youâre right on the other guyâs bumper, youâll all get shoved along, but you should get round the first corner unscathed.â
7. Keep Hydrated
âMake sure youâre well hydrated before you get in the kart. Drink lots several days before the race because it takes a long time for your body to store water. Start well in advance and youâll be fine, and whatever you do donât use energy drinks.â
8. Healthy Eating
âNutrition is really important. Having a bacon sandwich and a coffee when you arrive at the track wonât cut it. You need to start thinking about your food three or four days before your race. Healthy eating is the way to go.â
9. Pace Yourself for Endurance Races
âIn endurance races youâre part of a team and youâll be handing the kart over to another driver, so you need to look after it. Be quick, consistent and clean, so the kart is in good shape for your teammates.
âFind a comfortable pace and stick with it. Itâs very difficult to do an hour flat out without hurting the kart or yourself, so try running at 95% and manage the race as well as you can.â
10. Enjoy Yourself
âEnjoying go karting is the most important thing. You should end every session with a smile on your face.â
For more advice from Mike on making it in karting click here.
Our exhilarating indoor go karting circuit in the West Midlands is the perfect place for budding racers to practice their skills. Weâre just a short drive from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley. Call us on 01902 565000 or book online to reserve your place on the starting grid.