Report of a Go-Kart Riding

Yosua Heru Irawan (D10803806)

Department of Mechanical Engineering

National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
1. Love kart track
The love kart track is located in Laoqiankeng road., Bali District, New Taipei City. The
track length is 350 meters with about 5 meters track width. We have 10 minutes for one
session riding. The sketch of the track can be seen in the figure below.

Figure 1. The sketch of Lovekart track

The go-kart engine type is HONDA270CC (9HP) four-stroke high horsepower engine.
The pedal control for go-kart consist of two pedals, the left pedal is the brake, and the
right pedal is the accelerator or gas. There is no power steering in a go-kart so that the
steering wheel will feel too heavy.
All go-kart rider in Lovekart should wear a racing helmet (full-face helmet) and also
some other safety accessories. If we get a crash or accident, we are not allowed to get
off the go-kart, the Lovekart staff will help us to ride again. One crucial thing is that we
should not step on the brake and gas pedal at the same time, because it can damage
the go-kart braking system.
2. Go-kart Riding
2.1 First session
This is my first experience to ride a go-kart. In this first session, I studied the response
of each of the brake and gas pedals as well as the steering wheel. I also learned about
timing to hit the brake or gas pedal when turning. Go-karts do not have a suspension
system, so the vibrations felt by the driver are very strong. I also learned to adapt to
these vibrational conditions. My best lap time in this session is 30.288 seconds. I was
able to complete 15 laps in this first session.
2.2 Second session
Based on what I learned in session one, I tried to drive the go-kart as fast as possible.
When we turn at a high enough speed, we will feel as if we are going to be thrown out of
the go-kart. Some tips given by students who have often played go-karting are that we
have to try to cut the distance when turning, which means we have to have a small
turning radius. We need the right time to hit the brake pedal when turning, and of
course, the right time to hit the gas pedal after turning. My best lap time in the second
session is 25.983 seconds. I can increase my record time 5 seconds faster. I was able
to complete 19 laps in this first session.
3. Conclusion
After riding the go-karts I was able to learn some driving basics. We must not step on
the brake and gas pedals at the same time because it will damage the braking system
and also make the vehicle wasteful of fuel. We need the right time to hit the brake or
gas pedal, especially when going to turn and after turning. We must always reduce
speed when turning so that the vehicle does not slip.