How to drive a faster lap in a go-kart
2 min read · Updated 12 November 2026
Seven things fast drivers do that take seconds off your lap, even in a rental kart.
- Look far ahead, to where you want to go, not at the nose of the kart.
- Outside, inside, outside: enter wide, touch the inside at the apex, run wide on exit.
- Brake in a straight line, briefly. Rental karts brake on the rear wheels only.
- Never press throttle and brake together.
- Smooth hands: less steering is faster. Squealing tyres mean you are turning too much.
- Get on the throttle early on exit: exit speed carries down the whole straight.
- Be consistent first, then look for tenths.
At tracks on NitroLap you see every lap on your phone, your best lap at each track and your place in the monthly championship.