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This safety feature tries to identify some key issues concerned with getting Karts started when pushing them out of a sometimes crowded (and therefore potentially dangerous) pit lane. Circuits like Bayford Meadows and Birmingham Wheels have tight pit lanes that make pushing hazardous due to the restricted space available. This safety issue overlaps nicely with one of our operational headaches, which is getting races started as quickly as possible. Therefore this article doubles up to provide some advice on getting Karts started. It is imperative to getting the races started in a timely fashion that you pushers make every effort to get the Karts you are pushing started first time, hopefully without needing a pusher Kart to help out!

Here are some key things to remember when pushing Karts to get them started:

• When trying to start a Kart, ensure you keep pushing until the Kart fires and it is obvious the Kart will keep going. If it fires a bit, then stops - KEEP pushing. Many people make the mistake of thinking the Kart is going to start - then stop pushing. If the engine shows no signs of life at all, then stop pushing, but not before you have given it your best shot!

• Hopefully the driver will have been fully briefed by myself or another member of the C-100 team about the amount of throttle to use when starting a Kart. Just in case any of you are unsure or want some clarification - here it is. You should use no more than 1/3 - 1/2 throttle when trying to start you Kart. Never floor the pedal thinking this will make it go - it won’t. If, having used just the recommended amount of throttle the engine is still showing no signs of life, then come off the throttle completely before trying again but again with only 1/3 -1/2 of the full range of the throttle. Repeat this on/off application until the Kart fires.

• As a driver, try to lean as far forward as possible. This moves the weight forward and makes pushing easier.

• Always give the pushers in front a bit of space in order that they can get out of your way once they have pushed their driver off (count to two - then push). As a driver, always look right ahead and ensure you make every attempt to miss the pushers trying to run out of your way!! As a pusher, always get out of the way as soon as you have pushed.

• At times when we are short of pushers, we may ask you to run back and push another Kart or try to restart a Kart that hasn’t started and is on the race track. Never push a Kart that is in a dangerous position, leave this to the pusher Karts.

• As a pusher or a driver always look to the Pit Lane Manager for additional instructions. He may have noticed a blockage on the track and would like you to hold back for a few seconds. He, ultimately will control the release of Karts onto the track.

• Never choke (cover the air intake box with your hand) the Kart unless instructed otherwise. This is not necessary.

Article by Steve Dart