How to Spot Opportunities During a Race and Take Advantage of Them
Spot where your rival breaks. Plan three corners ahead. Strike when the moment's there—not when it's perfect. That's how you pass in karting.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity – the longer you follow, the more you lose your own rhythm
- Plan your moves a few corners ahead by spotting where they’re weak and preparing for the overtake
- Never make half moves – either commit fully or don’t go at all
- In karting, windows for action are milliseconds – take what’s there even if it’s not ideal
- Be aggressive when you have the pace – every lap behind slower drivers is a wasted lap
- Some contact is part of racing, but timing and control matter more than chaos
Let’s be honest, overtaking isn’t always easy. Sometimes you’ve got the pace, but you’re stuck behind someone and don’t know how or when to go for it.
I’ve been there. We all have.
Here’s how I approach it when I need to make a move — fast.
Don’t Wait Too Long
If you’re faster than the guy in front, don’t sit there waiting for the “perfect” opportunity.
The perfect opportunity doesn’t exist.
The longer you follow, the more you start driving like them and the less likely it is that you’ll get passed them.
You brake where they brake, copy their lines, and you lose your own rhythm.
When you close the gap, go for it. Send it! Don’t hesitate. Be committed.
And please don’t make an half move.
Plan the Move a Few Corners Ahead
Don’t just send it randomly. Plan the move upfront.
Spot where you can get close, where they’re weak. Nail those corners and prepare for the send.
It could be a corner exit, a braking zone, just know where you’re going to go for it.
No Half Moves
A half move is when you think about it, start to go, then back out. That’s the worst thing you can do.
- You lose time
- You lose momentum
- Now the guy in front knows you’re there, so he might even start defending
If you’re going, GO. Get your nose in, commit. You’ve got to believe in it.
Forget the Perfect Conditions
You’re not going to get a clean “DRS-style” overtake. That’s F1 stuff.
In karting, the window for action is very small.
It’s a millisecond decision. You have to take what’s there, even if it’s not ideal.
Sometimes that means sending it in a medium-speed corner, not just a slow hairpin.
Yes, that’s a bit riskier. But that’s racing.
Know When to Be Aggressive
Be sharp. Be brave. Don’t wait 5 laps to pass someone if you’ve got the pace to be up front.
Every lap you spend behind them is a lap wasted.
That could be the difference between finishing 10th and finishing on the podium.
What If There’s Contact?
Let’s be real. Contact happens. So what?
- If you’re fully alongside and there’s a bit of rubbing — that’s part of racing.
- If you’re dive-bombing from 30 meters back and hit them? That’s too much balls. Your fault in this case.
Get close. Time it right. 1–2 kart lengths max before braking. Go for the move with control, not chaos.
Final Thoughts
Race smart, but don’t race scared to pass.
If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment,” you might miss your chance.
Send it. Be confident. And when the gap opens — take it.
Keep trying, keep practicing, keep pushing!
If you need, you could do a bit of visualization before getting in the kart. It will help you a lot!
Let me know how your last overtake went. DM me, and I’ll give you feedback on where you could have done it better.
Just Senndit
– Alessio Lorandi
Want me to review your onboard video personally? Send me your footage and I’ll deliver a full corner-by-corner analysis within 48 hours.
Want the full system? The 6-Month Training Program covers everything — racecraft, technique, mindset, fitness, and more. 550+ lessons, weekly live coaching, 100% money-back guarantee.
Send your onboard footage. Alessio reviews it corner-by-corner and tells you exactly what's costing you time — and how to fix it. Back within 48 hours.
Get My Onboard Reviewed → Reviewed personally by a CIK FIA World Champion — never an assistant.I promise I'll not spam you with repurposed shitty AI content but real experiences that only I, Alessio Lorandi, experienced. Written in my funny English-Italian tone of voice 😂
Alessio Lorandi is the former CIK FIA World Junior Champion, winning against Lando Norris in 2013 & F3 multiple race winner. He's helped 200+ karting drivers worldwide get faster & win WSK titles with BabyRace Driver Academy & now through Senndit, his online karting coaching platform.
