JOINKarting Genk, known as the Home of Champions, is a challenging track that rewards precision and speed. The old-school circuit that’s easy to drive but difficult to master. Its 1.36 km layout features 13 corners and at least half of them offer chances for overtaking. It is finally available in KartletiX Track Guides, featuring multi-time Belgian and Dutch karting champion Maxim Dirickx. Here’s how to win in Karting Genk.
Sector 1: The Art of Precision
As you approach the start of the Genk track, the first challenge is the sharp hairpin at Turn 1. It’s crucial to brake deep as you reach the first kerb, aiming for a late apex. Ensure that you keep within the track limits at the exit, but nudge the outside kerb. Transitioning swiftly into Turn 2, a 90-degree left, requires you to approach from the middle. In faster categories, you might find yourself flat out or with a slight lift. Hug the inside kerb closely without actually touching it and remain in the middle on the exit.
The fast left of Turn 3 is flat out, carrying speed to the upcoming straight. Keep a tight line just around the apex and utilise the outside kerb for an optimal exit and entry to Turn 4. Use the outside kerb to open up and carry as much speed into the fast Turn 5. Turn in late, slightly lift in faster categories and exit to the middle of the track. Turn 5 offers a prime overtaking opportunity into the hairpin before the backstraight. Go deep under braking and maximise your exit by hitting a late apex. Roll the kart smoothly and preferably refrain from hitting both apex and exit kerbs for maximum control.
Sector 2: Maintaining Momentum
Entering Sector 2, Turn 6 beckons with a right-hander after the backstraight. The key here is to roll into the corner without touching the inside kerb, accelerating as you hit the apex. Maintain full speed and let the kart glide over the kerb with half of its width in Turn 7. But ensure the stabilty of the rear end to fly smoothly into Turn 8. A slight throttle lift might be necessary in the 90-degree right-hand corner. Aim for a late apex to maximize speed into Turn 9.
Turn 9 presents another fast right, where a slight throttle lift at the apex and a jump over the inside kerb can aid rotation. Consider Turns 8 and 9 as a single corner to cover the inside from optimistic lunges. Position yourself strategically for Turn 10 by keeping to the middle of the track on the exit from 9. The hairpin of Turn 10 is a reflection of 5, demanding late braking and entry from the middle. Avoid the kerbs, but hit the apex closely, prioritizing your exit speed.
Sector 3: Strategic Execution
As you enter Sector 3, Turn 11 requires braking at the darkest tar patch. Smoothly roll over the inside kerb, and avoiding the outside kerb on the exit. The fast Turn 12 has been freshly resurfaced and has become significantly faster. Manage the bumps and don’t drop too far out on the outside kerb. Finally, Turn 13, a right 70-degree, calls for a straight-line entry, braking just after the left-hand kerb on the straight. Accelerate tightly on exit to ensure hitting the kerb coming onto the start finish-straight.
To truly find out how to win in Karting Genk, consider delving deeper into techniques with Genk Track Guide. Karting Genk has proved one of the toughest challenges in the wet, being very sensitive to tyre pressures and setup. Find out how Ragnar and Maxim got up to speed and what advice have they picked up from fast drivers around here. In case of quick questions, ask AIceman to remind how to drive a specific turn around Karting Genk.
