Slow In, Fast Out: The Cornering Strategy for Faster Lap Times

1. What Does "Slow In, Fast Out" Mean?

This concept is pretty simple. The idea is to take the corner slower so that you can accelerate faster when exiting. If you rush into a turn at full speed, you’ll mess up your exit, losing crucial speed for the straight that follows. But if you slow down first, you’ll have better control and be able to pick up speed much faster on the exit. This approach will make your overall lap faster. It’s about being smart, not just fast.

2. Why It Works

Here’s the thing, straights are where you can really hit your top speed. If you come out of a corner too slow, it ruins your entire momentum for the straight. But when you’re quick coming out of the turn, you reach your top speed sooner, and that’s where you gain time. It’s really that simple. The faster your exit, the more time you shave off your lap.

3. Start with Braking

Good cornering starts with proper braking. This is where most people mess up. Brake early and brake hard. Don’t wait until you’re in the turn—it’ll be too late by then. And don’t slam the brakes either, because that’ll make your kart slide out of control. Instead, slow down in a straight line as you approach the corner, then ease off the brakes smoothly. It’s all about control and setting yourself up for the perfect corner, not just stopping abruptly.

4. Find the Apex

The apex is like the sweet spot of every corner. It’s the point on the inside where you’re closest to the curb. To hit it, approach the corner wide, turn in smoothly, and aim for that specific spot. If you miss the apex, you’ll either go too wide on the exit or have to slow down even more mid-turn. But when you nail it, you’ll feel the kart flow perfectly through the corner. It’s a great feeling, and it makes a huge difference in your lap times.

5. Accelerate Out

Once you’ve hit the apex, it’s time to accelerate out of the corner. But here’s the trick—don’t mash the throttle right away. Start gently pressing the gas as you straighten the wheel. If you go too hard too soon, you’ll make the kart slide. As the kart straightens, press harder on the gas. The goal is to reach full throttle as quickly as possible without losing grip. Timing here is everything.

6. Know the Track

Every corner is different. Some are tight hairpins, while others are fast and wide. Take the time to learn each corner on the track. Walk the track beforehand if you can, or watch other drivers to see how they handle it. Figure out where you need to brake early and where you can carry more speed. The better you know the track, the smarter you’ll drive.

7. Stay Smooth

Jerky movements are the enemy of speed. Smoothness is what makes everything easier—and faster. Keep your steering, braking, and throttle inputs as smooth as possible. Imagine you’re drawing a clean line through the corner, and stick to it. The smoother you are, the more control you’ll have, and that translates into faster lap times.

8. Be Patient

I know how tempting it is to rush through a corner, but patience is key. If you hit the gas too early, you’ll either slide out or lose speed. Wait until the kart is properly set and ready before you accelerate. It’s better to take your time and execute a clean exit than to rush and mess it up. Trust me, patience pays off in karting.

9. Learn Weight Transfer

Weight transfer plays a big role in cornering. When you brake, the weight shifts to the front tires, and when you accelerate, it shifts to the back. Smooth inputs help you control this transfer. Brake firmly but release gently, and steer smoothly to maintain stability through the corner. Feeling how the kart settles during weight transfer is what keeps you steady and in control.

10. Watch and Learn

One of the best ways to improve is by watching experienced drivers. Look at when they brake, how they turn, and when they start accelerating. If you get the chance, ask them for tips. Most drivers are happy to share their insights, and you can learn a lot just by observing.

11. Practice Makes Perfect

This strategy takes time to master, so don’t expect perfection right away. Start by focusing on one corner at a time. Work on your braking, turning, and accelerating until it feels natural. Once you’re consistent with one corner, move on to the next. Keep practicing until the technique becomes second nature.

Bonus Tip: Trust the Process

At first, slowing down in corners might feel counterproductive. You might even feel like you’re losing time. But stick with it. Once you master the "slow in, fast out" strategy, you’ll start seeing faster lap times and feeling much more in control. It’s a game-changer, and it’s worth the effort.

Conclusion

And that’s it! Slow in, fast out. It’s a simple concept, but when done right, it can completely transform the way you race. Give it a try during your next practice session, and I promise you’ll notice the difference. Let me know how it works for you! Good luck, and I’ll see you on the track!