The kart is a competitive vehicle, and during races it is always necessary to have maximum performance to finish the race ahead of our competitors. In order to do this successfully, it is necessary to adjust specific mechanical parts according to three fundamental rules: the racetrack conditions and type, weather conditions and above all the driving style of the driver.
It therefore becomes necessary to adapt certain aspects of the chassis to these three unknown factors. Many different factors can be adjusted, including the wheel alignment, camber, casters, axel width, height from the ground, weight distribution and axel configuration. These components of the kart allow adapting the vehicle to specific situations, providing quicker command response.
Soft Wheel Casters
For example, when the kart is affected by exaggerated oversteering, loosening the hub screws and positioning them at a wider length along the axel will widen the rear track and reduce the front track. On the other hand, if the vehicle is affected by understeering, the front track should be widened and the rear track reduced. And speaking of axels, these are especially important when a kart "hugs" a curve too much.
There are various types of axels on the market which are differentiated for their width and length. These axels are organized according to their rigidity: soft, medium and hard. In this way we can cover all the diverse requirements of different racetracks based on personal preferences. According to the installed axels, the kart will change its performance, since the axels basically work as a suspension system, which is actually lacking on a kart.
A hard axel adjustment will cause the kart to hug the curve less, while a soft axel adjustment will cause the kart to have better traction and smooth driving in a curve, as well as good braking stability. However, a soft axel adjustment will also result in increased problems at the start of a curve because the kart tips notably.
Therefore, the best solution is often found in the middleground, as in the saying "in medio stat virtus", with a medium adjusted axel. It is often possible to find the right compromise between insertion, smooth driving, curve support and acceleration traction.