First experience on track

On Sunday, October 26, I had my first real experience on the track with my kart, and I want to share some of my immediate impressions. I went to the “Polenta e Motori” track in Vò, a really interesting track for those who want to train seriously: technical, challenging, and perfect for improving your driving style.

The circuit alternates between slow corners, where it is essential to be precise and clean in your movements, and faster corners, where you need to find the right balance between braking and traction to maintain the ideal trajectory. It's a perfect mix for testing your concentration and control of the vehicle.

I decided to participate only in the afternoon session, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. I knew very well that unexpected events are always just around the corner on the track, and in hindsight, it was the right choice.

 In fact, in the event of technical problems or other issues, spending the whole day watching others race without being able to get on the track would have been really frustrating. So it was better to focus on a shorter time, but make the most of it.

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take many photos, as I was anxious and in a hurry to get ready to go out on the track.

The first session was rather frustrating: I went out with the kart still slightly cold and the carburetion not perfectly adjusted. In an attempt to fix it “on the fly,” I made a mistake and the engine flooded... the result? The kart stalled and was parked on the grass. In short, my first embarrassing moment on the track!

For the second round, however, I finally managed to fine-tune the carburetion and complete the round. The times, of course, weren't great, due to practically worn-out tires, a setup that still needed perfecting, and a gear ratio that wasn't ideal for this track.

Unfortunately, after that second lap, I was unable to return to the track. At first, I thought the problem was a spark plug that needed replacing, given the constant need to adjust the carburetion. In reality, the cause was quite different: the fuel line connecting the fuel pump had come loose, leaving the fuel blocked and unable to reach the carburetor.

Another classic rookie mistake, but also an excellent lesson to learn!

The only positive note of the day was the impeccable performance of the bumpers, which protected the chassis during my first “excursion” onto the grass to park the kart, as well as safeguarding it from further contact with the asphalt and curbs.

The goal now is to get back on track as soon as possible, work on perfecting the kart, and finally manage to do some good laps.

Stay tuned!

Federico Rodighiero