Vehicles, not toys

The safety rules in go-kart racing do not limit fun or experimentation. Karting remains an exciting, fun, adrenaline-filled sport. We know this, just as the mechanic and car manufacturer Art Ingels – the father of karting – knew it. Much has changed from the 1950s to today, but not the desire to have fun in absolute safety. Because respecting the safety rules not only helps to make our experience memorable, but also that of our competitor on the track. In this discipline where perhaps the challenge with oneself has priority over victory against the opponent, it is important to keep in mind first of all that karts are not toys. They are motor vehicles and, as such, require attention, care, and - last but not least - compliance with the directives of each circuit. So also age and speed limits.

Rules valid for everyone

Strict compliance with safety rules should not lead us to believe that karting is a more dangerous sport than others. Go-karting turns out to be a pleasant and safe experience when compliance with the rules is constant over time. Obviously the outcome of a session does not depend exclusively on ourselves. Let's just think about sudden changes in the weather or the inappropriate behavior of a driver on the track. This is why it is important that pilots

• Keep up to date by consulting articles and news on the subject
• Have quick reflexes and maintain high concentration regarding the context
• They know how and when to intervene with maintenance work on the vehicle
• Do not ignore warning lights or signals of a mechanical, technical or environmental nature.

It is therefore extremely important to prioritize safety not once, or several times, but in each individual case. Before, during and after every lap on the track.

Never without a helmet, belt and... respect

Despite the evolving means and technologies, compliance with safety rules always remains current, and never an optional. Before hitting the track, let's always remember that we are also responsible for others - friends and adversaries, whether conscious or unconscious. A non-abstract awareness that can be translated into measures that make the difference

• Correct use of the helmet, which should not be worn loose
• The adjustment of the seat belt based on our physical conformation
• The sedentary position, for which it is crucial to avoid standing.
• The giving up of space to the fastest and most experienced pilots, so also watch out for sudden braking

Intentionally malicious contact is a clear symptom of lack of respect both towards others and towards this sport. Psycho-physical health is an essential requirement, therefore the consumption of alcohol or narcotics before and/or during the race is absolutely prohibited.

Security is strategy.

Every sport has its strategies, and karting is no exception. A sport that entails its risks - inevitably, like all the others - and yet capable of making us protagonists once we accept the idea that the track it's ours, but not just ours. In addition to safety rules, go-karting involves other rules thanks to which we will respect others and the vehicle supplied. Understanding them before each competition is equivalent to honing our skills in view of increasingly stimulating competitions. It is implicit that it is useful to avoid sudden braking or dangerous hesitations: all this is possible thanks to training. As well as study, observation, adequate preparation that will help us

• maintain control of emotions as well as the right trajectory.
• Anticipate your opponents' moves, especially near corners
• Finding the right driving line, the right speed and the correct timing when braking.

Small, big injuries

Knowledge of this sport is not limited only to what happens on the track. What happens before and after is equally important. Therefore, careful observation and in-depth study of the causes help to prevent the effects of unpleasant behaviors. Such as failure to comply with safety rules, which must always be guaranteed even before or after the race. The analysis of data obtained from studies, observations and testimonies reveals that irresponsible conduct can lead to a series of injuries. Serious and non-serious, how

• Contusions and ecchymoses, especially around the pelvis
• Lacerations due to cuts or contact with blunt objects
• Whiplash, especially in the event of a collision with other vehicles
• Sprains, fractures – both at the lower and upper limbs – as well as abrasions. In the latter case, accidental and disastrous falls on the slopes have an impact above all

Pay attention to maintenance

Finally, let's always focus on vehicle maintenance. Sometimes negligence - ours or that of others - is the main cause of accidents and risks compromising our experience on the track. Everything, from the steering to the engine, from the brakes to the roll bar makes a difference and contributes to our safety. We are always responsible for what we do; therefore, our approach to the track and karting is no different. Compliance with safety rules is the number one requirement that cannot be waived. But also a point in our favor and in many cases the decisive one.