KRA first training at Sautron

After the official presentation of the KRA drivers at Le Mans Auto Sport Academy, We travelled to Sautron, Nantes (West region of France) for a 2 days theory and practical training. It was just a ten minutes drive from the Sodi Kart factory in Nantes. We arrived early and the weather was cold and the track was wet.  Alvis was happy to see his kart awaiting for him and decided to take a photo with it.

 Alvis and his kart

The 11 - 15 drivers started the first day with theory lesson. It was a very comprehensive lesson on the characteristic and behavior of a kart. A driver must understand the function and working principle of the various important parts of a kart in order to use it to the optimum performance. The emphasis on a driver's ethic and awareness on and off track are not to be taken lightly. I was quite surprised by the in depth explanation at this level. Well done KRA!

 Drivers listening attentively

Every individual driver was given a custom seat and pedals fitting. Everything was adjusted to the comfort and preference of the driver without compromising too much on the basic measurement. Very professional and dedicated Sodi mechanics ensuring even the smallest detail was taken care of.

 Sodi Team Manager, Nicola (2nd from left), assessing on the pedals fitment

Race driver is not just about racing. It is also about having the various muscle strengths to race. The strength to be able to complete the race in the optimum performance throughout. The initial physical evaluation done at Auto Sport Academy and now the re-emphasis on the pre-karting warm up exercise.

 Warming up exercise

After a few sessions around the track, an instant preview on the various mistakes done by the drivers. A very good training aid to enable drivers to see their mistakes from a spectator view. It was then previewed again after the correction session and compared to the previous video. The drivers will be able to see the difference after making correction to the previous mistakes done.

Drivers previewing their mistakes

Racing is not about just keeping to your fastest racing line and race. It is also about the ability to out brake and overtake. Not just out braking and overtaking a low speed but also the ability to do it in high speed. Here is a short video on one of the overtaking exercises.

Kart Racing Academy by FFSA

It was a cool and beautiful Saturday morning when we arrived at Le Mans Auto Sport Academy for the official presentation of the Kart Racing Academy Drivers. 

The day started with a physical evaluation for the academy drivers. They were put to various stations to carry out exercises to assess their physical ability and reflexes. After which the drivers will work on the area of weakness.

After lunch, all drivers were gathered to lucky draw their chassis and engine.  It will be used for the rest of the training and races organised by KRA.

Immediately after the chassis and engine allocation, the drivers were issued with a academy racing suit and accessories.  They were then given a tour around Auto Sport Academy for an introduction of the creation of the F4 formula car.

 Snapshot with two F4 formula cars

The day ended with a group photo of the Kart Racing Academy management, instructors, mechanics and drivers.

 KRA drivers and parents

Up coming post will be on a 2 days theory and practical training. A short video will be included. So please return for more updates.