1.
Engage Neutral as the kart rolls into your grid box.
a. Finding Neutral is usually much easier as the kart is rolling with the clutch pulled in.
b. After you come to stop, slowly release the clutch lever to make sure you’re
actually in neutral; if you feel the engine trying to creep forward, pull the clutch back in all the way, shift all the way down to first gear, then try to find neutral
again.
c. Pro Tip – while waiting in neutral, pull-in & release the clutch lever 2-3 times to get oil in-between the plates for a smoother launch.
2.
Pull the Clutch in
a. Usually best done just after the starter gives the ‘Visors down’ signal to the front row.
3.
Shift Down into 1st Gear
a. Usually best done as the flagger raises his hand / begins the start procedure
b. Pro Tip – You want to try to wait as long as possible before you put it in gear; the longer you spend in gear with the clutch in, the hotter the clutch plates get and the harder it is to get a good start.
4.
Increase throttle to raise RPM’s
a. You only want around ¾ throttle; too much and you’ll load up the carburetion.
b. Keep some pressure on the brake to hold the kart in place to avoid rolling the start.
c. Find the bite point in the clutch; release the clutch lever slowly until just before you feel the engine try to pull forward.
5.
Launch! Release the clutch lever Quick, then Slow
a. Release the first half of the clutch quickly to get a good jump, but hold onto the clutch lever and very slowly release the second half to keep RPM’s up and avoid bogging.
b. Pro Tip – the biggest mistake drivers make is getting too anxious and releasing the whole clutch lever too quickly which then bogs the start. Try to remain calm, and remember releasing the clutch a little too slow might cost you 1 position, but releasing it too fast might cost you 10!
About FZ Shifter:
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, FZ Shifter is an American company dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective shifter kart engine platforms. Partnering with Yamaha Motor Co., FZ Shifter offers a scalable journey from the FZ65 cadet program to the FZ125 Senior division. With a focus on "More Shift, Less Spend," FZ Shifter combines robust power with simplified ownership to serve the next generation of motorsports talent.
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