At FastLane Racing School, we offer a wide variety of programs to help drivers become more
proficient behind the wheel. One way to start that journey is behind the wheel of a racing go-
kart. Many World Champion Formula One drivers got their start in karts and will tell you that it
was really fun and a great training tool for getting prepared to step up to the big leagues. Three-
time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna spoke about his favorite time in racing was back in his
karting days.

Why is karting so popular? First of all, it’s accessible and inexpensive compared to getting
behind the wheel of a real race car. The tracks are typically less than a mile in length so getting a
lot of laps in takes less time than a race car on a race track. That translates to learning faster and
getting more laps in.

At FastLane, we use four-cycle racing karts that are easy to start and learn in. What can you
expect when you come to us at the Kart track? A general safety briefing and helmet fitting along
with a walkaround on the kart to point out controls and getting fitted properly is just the start. We
cover the track map and will start with a lead/follow session whereby your FastLane instructor
will be in another kart and lead you out on the track. It’s the student’s responsibility to follow
and learn the proper racing “line” around the track. After a number of laps, the instructor may
wave the student by and then the instructor does the following. This allows the instructor to see if
there are any mistakes being made in hitting the proper marks (turn-in, apex, and track-out) on
the track. After a de-brief, multiple sessions will follow. Some of these sessions will involve
having the instructor place himself at specific corners and watching intently to see the student’s
technique. Since the track is small, the instructor and student can also walk the track to point out
specific areas of the track that can help the student hit their marks.

Between the lead/follow, de-briefs and track walks, all of the input works together to help the
drivers improve their technique and lower their lap times. By the end of the day, a few tired
muscles including that of your smile reflex are typical of a day on the kart track. Best of all, this
can be done for a fraction of the cost of getting behind the wheel of a race car. Does this sound
like something fun you’d like to do? Schedule a phone consultation with a FastLane Lead
Instructor today and we’ll see you at the track!

*NOTE: These karts are gas-powered outdoor racing karts. There are height/weight restrictions.
Contact FastLane today for additional details and restrictions. www.raceschool.com

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2026 Larry Mason