JOIN
Gesturing conveys information and emotion in karting. Communication on track relies on body language to work together or reprove rival’s behvaiour. Heated racing often leads to emotional expressions, taking hands off the wheel in critical situations. Are hand gestures overused in karting or is the level of communication rather lacking?
Emotional Gestures
Photo: KartPhoto.com
Drivers throw up their hands to show frustration, joy or confusion. Emotional gestures have an affect on driving as any uncontrolled emotion will do to conscious judgement. While celebrating on the line is very common and many have their signature moves, signalling during a race is often frowned upon. Putting a hand up in frustration after being pushed out of the line is understandable, but telling your rivals off by showing them a middle finger is forbidden by the code of conduct. For safety reasons, celebrating is also restricted to single hand gestures to avoid dangerous situations. But is it safe to raise a hand at high speed?
Obviously, keeping your cool and hands on the wheel is the mature and safer decision. Drivers might not even be aware of the severity of the situation before expressing themselves. That’s why it is wiser to keep emotions to ourselves on track and discuss the matter after the race. Less emotional gesturing in karting will make the race track a safer environment.
Conveying Information
Despite the risk, conveying information to other drivers by gesturing is the vital part of karting. It is also much safer when the gestures have a purpose and hands are raised out of respect, not emotion. Drivers put up their hands when coming off the track, slowing down, letting faster karts through, pointing out a false start or danger on track.
When racing in karts, you will often come across drivers pointing forward to keep up the race pace. It is used more often than obeyed, but is a valid reason to raise a hand for communication. When the driver ahead or behind indicates forward, it gives the other the confidence to keep pushing and stop defending. Working together can be mutually beneficial and, thereby, requires gesturing. It is done at high speed as well, but the only option to convey information and communicate your plans in favour of both sides.
Is Communication Lacking?
Gesturing is very active in karting and used much for communication. Emotional gestures are used more than recommended, but emotions are part of racing and sports in general. Always assess the situation and keep your head down. Hands are there to control and steer the kart; the longer they’re kept on the wheel, the better.
