Here is how we coach drivers to tackle the
Whilton Mill kart circuit. The lines work for just about
all classes from Rotax Max to Cadet, but Cadet drivers
will be able to brake much later at the braking points
referenced here.
Take a look at the Whilton Mill Track Guide
video below then check out the explanatory notes below including
example driver drawn diagrams.
The key to this corner is to prepare your self for turn 2. It’s
a corner where you sometimes have to sacrifice corner speed so you
have your kart settled, and in place to attack the next corner to
get a good run onto the straight
So, first off you need to pick a turn in point.
If you look at the video I have identified a rough marker where
to turn in. There is a small dent in the grass. This can act as
your initial turn in point. The next point you must concern yourself
with is the apex point of turn 1. The point you should aim for is
at the end of the kerb. You can see this in the video it’s
worth taking a little nibble at this kerb to make sure you are in
good shape for turn 2.
At this point some drivers like to power brake.
This is where you apply some brake pressure while keeping your foot
on the throttle. The idea is to help balance the kart without dropping
too many revs. I wouldn’t recommend it though if you only
have one engine. This technique eats brake pads, and isn’t
really good for your motor.
The important thing on turn 2 is to have the kart
as straight as possible for the run up the hill. So remember to
be careful, and smooth on the throttle. If you watch the video you
can see how the driver has the kart stable.
As with any corner your posture in the kart is
important. So my tip is to stay strong in the kart, and be careful
not to lose control of your body weight as this can unsettle the
kart. If you watch the video you can see how the driver is super
solid in the seat.
If you are in a class with low grip tyres a little
tip is too lean you body to the left a little on the exit of turn
2 while still remaining strong in the kart. This helps give grip
to the outside wheels, that in turn helps give the kart some extra
grip out of the corner.
The approach and braking zone to turn 3 is uphill.
That means that you will be able to brake later than usual. First
of all you must pick a braking point. In most class’s it is
just before the marshal post on the left before the corner. As you
reach this point hit the brakes nice
and hard (this is demonstrated in the video). The kart might
step out a little so make sure your posture is nice and secure.
Because turn 3 immediately goes into turn 4 imediately
and onto a small straight you have to sacrifice corner speed from
turn 3 so you can get a good run out of turn 4. To do this you must
apex turn 3 late, so you’ll get a decent run out of 4.
If you watch the video you’ll notice the
driver braking late, and when he gets to his turning point gradually
turns the kart in, and comes off the brake and gradually onto the
throttle while hitting his reference points.
Be careful not to snap the steering wheel at your
turning point. You must remember to be gradual, and smooth
on the steering wheel. So your turn in point is where your initiate
turn in.
It is very important to have a late apex on turn
3, otherwise you will run too wide. This will inevitably cost you
time as you will not be able to recover to get a good run out of
4.
Turn 4 is simple enough. It’s flat-out. You
main priority is to get a good line into turn 5. You do this by
taking a late apex on turn 4. This allows the kart to be ready for
turn 5.
You won’t be carrying a lot of speed into
turn 5, so once again braking nice and late is essential. The most
common braking point is around the marshal post, and turn in point
just after.
The key to this corner is exit. Though you cannot
see this on the video, on the exit of this corner there is a line
that runs down the middle of the circuit. You should treat as your
reference point for the exit.
So the key is to hit a late apex, as demonstrated
on the video, and then on the exit make sure you don’t drift
too wide over the line in the centre of the track. If you do you
won’t be able to recover for the next sequence of turns.
Once again hitting the late apex is the order of
the day. The exit out of 8 is on to a short straight, so a good
exit out of this corner is essential. But how good your exit is
out of turn 8 is all down to turn 6, and 7.
Going into turn 6 run the inside of the corner
with a nice late apex. The important thing is how you have your
kart is prepared for turn 7, so make sure you are nice and easy
on the throttle. You will feel at first like you are too far over.
But you’re not.
Turn 7 has a kerb, which you can nibble. You can
go nice and late on the kerb. At this point you will probably feel
like you will never make turn 8, but trust the kart it will make
the late apex on turn 8.
What is important through these 3 corners is how
you balance the throttle. Remember to be gradual on the throttle
keeping the kart nice and stable.
But throughout the whole sequence of these corner
prioritise your exit from turn 8.
So once again you must approach the corner, with
the corner following in mind.
This is quite an easy part of the track to reference
point. You braking point is just before the marshal post, and your
turn in point is just before the end of the kerb.
If you watch the video you’ll notice how
hard the driver hits the brake. This causes the kart to step sideways
a little. But this actually sets the kart up for the corner. You
must aim for a nice late apex here. What you’ll notice if
you look at the driver notes is that there is pit exit painted on
the circuit.
This is great for referencing. You should take
corner nine as if you were to enter the pit late. This means an
ultra late apex. This gives you a great entry in 10.
This is the corner that many drivers will run too
hot into and run wide. This will cause them a loss of time in and
out of 10. So remember – slow in, fast out!
Like most corners at Whilton Mill take a nice late
turn into 10. Once again to be careful on the throttle keeping the
kart balanced. You don’t want the kart to step out.
On the video the driver takes a nice tight line
out of 10, which is fine. But some drivers like to run a wall of
death on the exit. It is longer that way, but you can get on the
throttle earlier. From my experience both produce the same results.
It’s really up to you which one you take.
Turn 11
Turn 11 follows on to a long straight, so exit
speed is key. If you watch the video you can see Tony Kart works
driver Gary Catt attack the corner. The approach to this corner
feels very fast so it is important to have reference points so you
have confidence in where the kart is. The most important point is
turn in. You’ll see that Gary Catt is using the beginning
of the kerb on the left as his reference. Be sure to be gradual
on the turn in. You don’t want the kart to step out on exit
and blow your exit speed.
The key here is to get real early on the throttle.
In some classes this corner will be flat towards the end of a race
as the tyres reach optimum temperature.
But if you watch the video you can see how early
Gary Catt is on the throttle. Be careful not just to slam the throttle.
Being smooth, and gradual is the key!
