(Karting) When driving on a new track..?

Question

..what is a good approach? Start slow and go faster with every lap?

Is it necessary to study the layout and memorise it or is it better to learn it by driving?

By the way I'm posting this here because there is no karting section.

Answer 1

the first thing i do when going to a new track is walk the track and study the corners and the surface of the track to see what the entry,apex and exit of each corner and look for natural braking markers or landmarks,then i go out and drive the track to feel the corners and i adjust the corners for the best entry and exit so i can work to a faster lap every lap.when you plateau and cant find any more speed i work towards smoothing my line.start with your tire pressures at the tire manufacturers specs when sorting out your chassis then make fine tuning adjustments with your tire pressures.i race a shifter kart so i have four wheel disk brakes and i go into corners very deep then brake,turn and accelerate out so depending on what you race and the chassis this can change.remember when the green flag drops stay with your markers and drive a smooth race and play it like a chess game,take advantage of the mistakes that the person in front of you makes to gain places and always remember to drive smooth and consistant and make them take the long way around you.

edit:in the case of blind corners i always try to set the karts exit so that i am set up for the next corner with the least amount of steering input,this way you arent trying to use the power you have to try to correct your line.most people are not going to fly into a blind corner but you can use them to your advantage.