So, you’ve been training for a while and want to go for your first race. Your coach and team staff have helped you get your registrations done, the truck is loaded and you’re ready to go to your first race. Once you get to the track listen to your coach and always obey the stewards because it is important to remember that motorsport is dangerous, so safety procedures are in place to make sure you stay safe. Here’s a few things you need to know:

Once you arrive at the track, locate your designated pit area. Many teams have reserved pit lanes at various tracks. The Worr staff typically arrives the day before the race to prepare, so when you come in the morning, your kart will be ready and waiting for you.

Check in with the race secretary to ensure all your documentation is in order and sign on the Driver Entry form. You will also have to fill in your scrutineering (read scrutineering) documents online or buy them from the desk. Please ensure that your scrutineering documents are completed in full and keep them with your mechanic or coach for after free practice.

Now that you are done with your paperwork, you can go for Free Practice. Free practice is normally from 7am and lasts for 2 hours or so. Many drivers are on the track at the same time so practice caution on track. The aim is to become familiar with the corners, race line and your coach will give you all the instruction you need during this part of the program.

Once you come in from free practice you will go for weighing and scrutineering.

Scrutineering is a process of checking your equipment, attire and kart for safety and if it is within regulation for your race class.

Each driver must attend a Drivers Briefing Session which happens after free practice. This briefing will inform all the drivers about the procedures of the day, and you are encouraged to ask questions about anything you do not understand.

Now that you are done with the briefing it’s time to get into your kart for timed practice. Timed practice is to inform your grid position, and it relies on your top times so the aim is to get in 2-3 good laps in and not to race. Get as much clean track as you can and get your good laps in to set times for the heats. Now that you have placed on the grid, identified your arch-rivals and got your last tips from your coach, it is time to go racing.

Finally, you are ready for your first race. A race consists of 3 heats of between 10 and 15 laps. It is important to focus on getting the best out of your kart and improve gradually through each heat. As a novice you are likely to start in the middle or bottom end of a race with more experienced drivers in. So focus on improvements without damaging your kart to complete all 3 heats. Remember all the procedures of a rolling start and you are ‘A’ for away to enjoy your first race.