Standing Start

Joe Brizzolara · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:32 am Post subject: Standing Start

Just finished my second road race weekend and it was a blast. Once I got going, the engine ran strong and didn't have a problem with the engine or clutch (old style) all weekend.

The problem was the standing start, the Leopards and PRDs got off the line a lot quicker than me and the other Rotax guy. I realize that with the tall gearing and being a bit (to say the least) over the minimum weight I was not expecting to be quick off the line but it was really slow. I wound up losing at lot of time on the starts and then lost the draft of the lead karts.

Anybody have any advice on how to set up the carb or engine to help with a standing start?

Thanks!

Jeff Salak · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:59 am Post subject:

Time the start, when they give you 30 second flag. Have someone with a stop watch, with 3-5 seconds to start. Heavy foot on brake and get the revs up. Green waves and off you go!!!

Dont go crazy and fry the clutch. Just need to get the revs up a little more for a quicker start. If your just at idle and green waves. Your going to be slower.

Ken Schilling · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 1340

I've driven a Rotax a few times and you have to be very smooth and gentle on the throttle or it'll fall on its face. Don't floor it too soon from a standing start or slow corner. Drive it like there's an egg under your right foot.

I've also heard of pinching the fuel line a little bit to lean it out a little from a standing start.

Thoughts?
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Joe Brizzolara · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:24 pm Post subject:

I'll did try really easy on the gas but it just didn't pick up. Didn't try reving it too much with the brake on...not sure it it will rev...have to check.

Will practice it next time I'm at the track and see what works.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject:

Joe, it will rev and it works.
Last 2 Master races for CES series. I grabbed the hole shot with this method. I run Rotax.

Chad Landers · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject:

The old style clutch just doesn't work very well for standing starts in road racing. The newer clutch is a lot better.

Like Jeff said you need a timer and start the kart 5 seconds or less from the waving green flag. Rev it up slightly, but don't burn up the clutch. Timing and practice is what you need.

At the last CES race in Senior I started about 15th and was 2nd by the first turn by usnig the above method.
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Joe Brizzolara · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys...I am going to get a new style clutch and try it.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 8:33 pm Post subject:

My bad, didnt even see you said old style. New style method works, thx Chad.

Joe, its an expensive upgrade, but worth every penny. I got a new 2012 engine and Im VERY happy with it.

Greg Gabriel · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 13

Joe you are to lean on the bottom end set your air screw at half a turn out and watch what happens

Joe Brizzolara · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 12:40 pm Post subject: