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| EKN On-Track: Michiana Raceway Park Summer Karting Clinic |
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Following the Fourth of July weekend holiday, I was invited to join three drivers and their families at the Michiana Raceway Park Summer Karting Clinic in South Bend, IN. I was able to load up our First Kart/Parilla Leopard package in the back of my dad’s van along with some tools and fuel, and make the two-hour drive down for the two-day course. The trip would be only my third ever piloting a kart around the 7/10-mile course and my first time on the National Track ‘A’ layout. Having visited the growing facility to cover events and special Rock Kart races with friends, this was my first time as a true racer.
The clinic is designed specifically for intermediate to advanced karters looking to increase their mechanical knowledge as well as their driving skill and race craft. MRP has classes or programs for all different levels, from Intro to Karting for all ages, Junior Development Programs for ages 4-15, also seminars and schools for the mechanic side of the sport. The clinic was a combination of program three, four and five, dealing with intermediate and advanced drivers along with the karting mechanic class. Also added in was an introduction to data acquisition. Being in the sport so long, I come for the ‘old school’ style of get in and go mentality. While I knew some basics, I was never really taught the dynamics of how a kart works so the clinic was a perfect fit for my progression in karting knowledge.
Getting to the track Tuesday morning I was welcomed by instructor Marc Miller. For those that may not know, Marc has been a long-time friend as we met well into our early years in karting. With our long history together, communication with Marc would not be a problem. Certainly those who met Marc for the first time will see how easy it is to converse with him. With the experience he has in karting, along with open wheel cars, stock cars, and road racing cars, his resume speaks volume as well.
 | Miller shows measurements of the front end on Sean Groenstein's Micro Max package
(Photo: MRP Motorsport) |
After unloading the kart and setting up my area under the MRP Clinic tent, all the ‘students’ were introduced with one another. Joining me at the clinic were three young drivers and their fathers. From Brighton, MI was Alex Keyes, along with his parents Bill and Darcy. Alex had been karting for a couple years now, making the transition from Cadet level to the Junior ranks in both WKA and MRP’s local Rotax program. 15-year old Kristin Meyer and her father Morris came from Defiance, OH. Coming from motocross and quads, the Meyer father/daughter pair is making the transition to karting in Rotax Junior. And all the way from Jackson, Wyoming, Sean Groenstein and his father Tim prepared for the U.S. Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals with their Micro Max package.
Following the introductions, the Clinic got down to business with Miller going over the key topics that would be addressed throughout the two days. First was an overview of the driver handbook given to all the drivers. Inside the binder included an official set-up notes page, track maps, along with 13 pages of chassis theory and dynamics reference along with technical tips. While most of the tips focused on the Birel and Freeline products that MRP Motorsport distribute throughout the United States, much of the information is universal.
The rest of the first two hours were spent dealing with pre-run inspections. The pre-session karting maintenance checklist is a must for those new to karting but also for those with experience. During the rush of a race weekend, or possible distractions, a to-do list is certainly a benefit to have on the work bench. The checklist includes items on the chassis, carburetor, engine, driveline, brakes, and tires. Before hitting the track for each on-track session, the check list was needed to be completed to ensure nothing would fall off or not work properly, thus eliminating a test session.
Following the checklist, Miller began a tutorial on chassis dynamics, focused primary on the front end geometrics of the kart. Three measurements are key components to how well or how poorly your kart will drive - Toe, Sweep and Camber. While there are laser alignment systems on the market to measure the toe and camber, Miller offered that the tap measure and the Freeline alignment plates are the best option to record the front-end measurement.
 | Alex and Bill Keyes discuss their opening sessions via the track map and set-up notes with Miller
(Photo: EKN) |
While I, along with most people understand what toe and camber are, it was the sweep that was something new for me. The sweep is the measurement from the king pin to the front side of the opposite plate at its furthest turning in point. Karts today are designed with Ackerman steering geometry built into them. The sweep distance should thus be equal from right to left and vice versa. If not, the kart will turn more to one direction than the other. Though you may have your toe correct, if your sweep is off the kart may turn more to one side then the other.
Another measurement to help ensure your frame is not bent in the front end will be a measurement from the top of the plate to the king pin. The measurement should be equal on both the left and right sides, otherwise there is a bend in the chassis or the front-end alignment is not equal.
While doing the measurements on our chassis, we discovered the measurements were not equal from side to side. After checking all the nuts and bolts, it was found to have both king pin bolts bent. After finding replacements and mounting them on the front end, we were able to set a base-line for the front end measurement.
Following the prep work, it was time to hit the track for our baseline sessions. Being my first time around the track, it was spent learning my marks while also understanding what the kart was doing. Following each session, we were instructed to use our handbook for two things; 1) to mark down areas on the track map that we encountered handling issues 2) record the data to our set-up sheets. One of the key points that we studied throughout the two days was the tire pressures. Prior to each session, we recorded the cold pressure settings and matched them with the hot pressure after coming off the track. Reviewing the data, we came with the decision to play with the tire pressure first to get the cold/hot balance where we felt comfortable based on the weather conditions.
After a few sessions on the track, we went into lunch where everyone got to know one another more, along with telling some funny stories from the track. Getting rehydrated and powered back up with sandwiches, it was back to work. Marc went into a discussion revolving around driver techniques and theory. With the three other drivers running Rotax engines, the focal points revolved around driving that engine compared to others. Throttle control is a key component to driving a Rotax, with the slide carburetor differing from a butterfly-style with a Leopard. Driving a Rotax a couple years ago and having some shifter kart experience, I related to what Marc was explaining to the other students.
 | Miller discusses the track layout while going over data acquisition analysis
(Photo: EKN) |
The rest of the day was spent on track, looking to build on what we learned from the day as well as understanding the changes needed to each kart. For me, I felt I had a loose condition with the rear of the kart. Marc even strapped on the helmet and made a few laps in the kart, coming back with the opposite issues, feeling the kart pushing in the corners I was complaining about. Making some width adjustments for both the front and rear tires, I was able to post a 45.50-lap time, roughly one second off Marc’s time in my kart. This is where I realized I need more track time and help understanding exactly what the kart was doing. The day came to an end with kart prep for the next day followed by a dinner with the group.
After getting a good night’s sleep, we all returned to the track the next morning for the second and final day of the clinic. Following our pre-session inspection, we hit the track again for a couple baseline sessions. In just those two sessions, I was able to knock off a half-second on my fast lap, nearly breaking the 45-second mark. Aside from getting more comfortable in the seat and the track, we made a slight rear-end adjustment, allowing the middle cassette to hang freely.
Once everyone was done with their baseline sessions, Marc gathered the group for a quick introduction to data acquisition analysis. Using the Race Studio 2 software with the AIM MyChron 4 GPS system, Miller walked us through some basics when reviewing data. While analyzing your laps, you can better determine if a change the kart helped or hurt your overall pace. Looking at the speed, RPM, and time lost while comparing laps helps determine which direction your progression is going. While I did not have GPS system set up on our kart, Alex Keyes and Kristin Meyer did, so we were able to compare their best laps. Miller put an emphasis on the mid-corner areas of a lap, highlighting the shape of the speed curves on the graph. The more round the curve shows the kart is rolling through the corner as opposed to a sharp end in the curve, signifying the driver is fast in, slow out.
Wrapping up the morning before lunch was a track walk. Miller took the drivers and crew members around for a track walk. The purpose of the track walk was to help answer any questions the drivers had on specific corners while Miller offered his expertise on where to drive through each turn. Miller was able to help point out a few spots for myself where I could improve on - the esses (turn 2-4) as well as the tight turn 7 left hand hairpin.
 | Miller takes the class for a track walk around the MRP facility
(Photo: EKN) |
Following lunch, the track was opened up once again. It would be my final time on track as I needed to leave a couple hours early to prepare for my next trip on the road. Doing another 10-lap run, taking in the notes from Marc during the track walk, I was able to test out a few changes in my approaches to a couple corners. Thanks to that and fully comfortable with the track and the kart, I was able to break the 45-second mark, 44.7 lap time. Coming off the track, I was all smiles know just how many laps Marc had around the track and what little seat time I’ve had with the kart.
The final few hours of the clinic included some discussion around race craft and passing. Marc reviewed some of the mental aspects regarding the art of passing. Planning ahead and sizing up the opponents were the key points into completing the perfect pass. Marc was also able to answer the questions the drivers had regarding certain passing situations.
Talking with Kristin about the clinic, her and her father came away with the ability to communicate better as to what is happening on the track so they know can address the problems and understand how to solve them. While Alex found more help behind the wheel, learning to be more consistent in his driving as well as making changes to the kart. Sean - like most Micro Max drivers - was just happy to be out on the track and having fun. Working with Marc during a couple lead-follow sessions gave Sean the knowledge to help improve his times as the clinic went on. All drivers and their families agreed they would recommend the clinic to others in the sport, both new and experienced.
After completing the clinic, I was able to take the things I learned during the two-days to my next on-track outing - using my prerace checklist before each session, making changes to the kart during each practice session in search of a faster lap time, and just feeling more comfortable about working and driving in the kart. For those just new to the sport or those looking to refine your mechanical and driving skills, I certainly recommend you take advantage of the Summer Clinic. And if you can not attend the clinic, MRP has other opportunities to for schools or training days at their South Bend facility.
Michiana Raceway Park will be hosting their second Summer Karting Clinic on August 28-29. For more information, call the MRP Speed Schools at 574-288-4922, visit http://www.michianaracewaypark.com or contact Marc Miller directly at news@mrpmotorsport.com |
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