If you really want to win races, you’ve got to become the latest breaker on the grid — no excuses.
Yep, it’s now your problem fiiguring out how to do it😉.
Seriously, mastering braking is one of the biggest things that separates top drivers from the rest of the field.
And I’m not just talking about smashing the pedal.
I’m talking about real braking skills: braking late, braking hard, and doing it efficiently.
And repeatedly, not just one off!
Let me break it down for you.
Understand Braking Zones by Corner Type
Not every corner is the same — so don’t treat them like they are. This is very important to remember!
- High-speed corners? Sometimes you don’t even need the brakes — or just a light tap.
- Low-speed corners and hairpins? You better be slamming the brakes hard and late.
The braking approach has to change depending on the type of corner you’re in.
A slow hairpin needs a whole different level of commitment compared to a fast corner.
Braking Efficiency = Big Lap Time Gains
If you want to be fast, you’ve got to be efficient on the brakes. Period.
That means braking as late as possible while locking up the rears, which is needed in most categories on most tracks (in heavy braking hairpins).
And trust me, it takes time to get comfortable with that.
You’ll probably lock the tires, spin, go off, stall the engine… and that’s totally fine.
That’s part of learning curve.
I’ve done it too several times — everyone has.
But the more you do it, the more you start feeling where the limit is.
You’ll eventually be able to brake just at the edge and still hit your optimal line.
Use the Track – Especially the Entry Kerb
Here’s something most people don’t talk about (and think about) enough, using the entry kerb while braking.
If the kerb is flat and usable, take full advantage of it. No excuses.
That massively opens up the corner thus allowing you to carry in more speed at the apex, and ideally also having a better exit.
If you’re avoiding it, you’re just keeping the track too tight and not maximizing your entry line.
And guess what? That means you’re not carrying as much speed into the corner — and that’s costing you lap time. You bet it.
Be consistenly over it. Get used to it. Get confident uset it.
The more you trust it, the more speed you’ll carry.
Braking Late Is More Mental Than Physical
Being a late braker isn’t just about grip — it’s mostly mental. It really is.
You need to trust yourself, trust the kart, and push your limit.
You need to want to brake later, over and over, until you reach that point where the kart’s nearly locking and you’re still just about making the corner.
That’s the magic zone. That’s the sweet spot you want to be in.
Practice, Mess Up, Repeat
Don’t expect to get this right on your first try. Or your tenth.
It takes hundreds, even thousands of reps. You’ll go wide.
You’ll overshoot corners. You’ll maybe even switch off the engine by mistake sometimes. No problem.
It’s fine. That means you’re learning. You’re pushing yourself.
But keep at it. Every mistake makes you better.
Why Braking Skills Make You a Beast on Track
Once you become confident and efficient on the brakes, you unlock so much more in your racing:
- You’ll be able to divebomb and overtake from way back.
- You’ll defend better — people won’t be able to brake later than you.
- You’ll find lap time in spots where others are just coasting.
Tracks like Genk, Sarno, or even Franciacorta have long braking zones — and they reward drivers who commit hard on the brakes.
So commit to pushing those limits every time out on track!
Final Thoughts
If you can master braking, not just pressing the pedal, but actually understanding it, using the full track, and braking late and efficiently, you’ll become a whole new kind of threat on the grid.
And hey, just remember: no one’s perfect from day one. Not even F1 legends were.
But the more you commit to pushing your braking limits, the faster and more unstoppable you’ll become.
Now get out there, smash the brake pedal, and go chase those last couple of tenths😉.
Just Senndit
– Alessio
