JOINSlipstream carries much power in karting, and motorsports in general. Claims that it may be impossible to set a competitive lap time without slipstreaming could be truthful on some occasions. Here are three tips to recognise the benefits of slipstreaming and make the best use of each.
Slipstream within effective distance to boost lap times
Slipstreaming is very effective on fast kart circuits to find extra lap time on the straights. Less powerful karts benefit more from the effects and could even gain up to half a second a lap. Using slipstream wisely can give a hefty boost to your qualifying practice times. Setting yourself up to be at the perfect distance from the driver in front, though, may propose a challenge. If you are not equally paced, the driver ahead could get in the way. They might cause more harm than gain. Ideal pacer boosts straight line speed and does not block in the corners.
Slipstream to overtake on the straights
The extra speed can also be acquired to pass another driver at the end of the straights. It is one of the most effortless and common overtaking method on any race circuit. For instance, Formula 1 even aids slipstreaming with their Drag Reduction System (DRS) to facilitate overtaking on long straights.
The boost in speed makes it easy to get alongside your competition before or on the braking zone. Rarely, the power of slipstream enables going around the outside on very long straightaways, like in Kartodromo do Algarve. The best drivers can make a slipstream overtake stick even on a flying lap.
Slipstream a faster driver ahead to avoid getting overtaken from behind
Evidently, slipstreaming gives a boost without much effort. This can be used strategically to not only overtake, but defend a position. How often does a driver become vulnerable when dropping out of the slipstream. Even a slower driver can maintain pace and drag along in a slipstream of their quicker opponent. Especially on faster tracks, gaining a few tenths on the straights could make all the difference to end the weekend on a high. Keep within the slipstream range of the driver ahead to not fall prey to the predators behind.
Slipstreaming is crucial in karting, providing speed boosts on straights and aiding overtaking. Key is to position oneself closely behind another kart to gain pace. KartletiX courses go over overtaking opportunities, defending mechanisms and the optimisation of qualifying performance in detail. Explore more at KartletiX programs and work with pro karting drivers.
