KRA Intensive Training And Race Simulation

Before the KRA intensive training at Ancenis Roger Gaillard karting track, racers from the academy were invited to visit the Sodi Kart factory at Sautron.

Arriving at the Sodi Kart factory at Sautron

We were guided to tour around the factory by Claudia with introduction from designing a kart to manufacturing and testing process. It was a really good opportunity for a kart racer to see how a kart is being produced from many different parts and to witness how a kart can be twisted and return to original form during the testing process.

We were even allowed to enter the Sodi Racing Team workshop with the consent of Nicola, Sodi Racing Team Manager. We were not allowed to take any photos during the tour around the factory and the workshop. However, we were allowed to take some photos in the 'hall of fame'. Thank you Sodi Kart and KRA for the invitation and arrangement.

 A photo with photo of Vincent Fraïsse, X30 European Champion 2012

It was a very beautiful cold and sunny Saturday when we arrived at Ancenis karting track the next day and was really impressed by the arrangement from KRA. The whole place was professionally setup like a race day event.

Kart Racing Academy official Truck

A quick visit to the paddock before all parents were not allowed to enter and restricted to talk to the KRA racers during the training period. Everything will be under the supervision of KRA coaches and instructors.

 A quick snapshot before leaving the paddock

 Very impressed with the presentation

All KRA racers changed to their sports attires and followed by a walk around the track and of course without forgetting some exercise and running.

 Walk the track with KRA coach, Guy Pansart

The on track training kicked off with a free practice followed by an observation and evaluation debrief by the coach and instructor. The first day training went on smoothly with a race simulation at the end of the day. Alvis was 2nd during the qualification(chrono) session and was put to last 2nd row for the race. It was interesting to know that actually the race start position was determined by draw lots. Alvis managed to make his way up to 5th at the end of the race simulation.

Waiting in the pre-grid

 Taking an apex during the race

We were again greeted with a beautiful clear blue sky at the track the next day plus a red hot air balloon that flew right above us. 

 Nice contrast

The whole of Sunday was mainly focused on race simulation. KRA racers were also taught and put to practice on what to expect and how to react to different flags scenario. After which, its race time. As usual, the racers will go for their qualification session.

 During qualification lap

 Alvis was 2nd in timing

Though 2nd in qualification session, it was the same as the previous race simulation. Draw lots to determine the race start position. This time round, with a little bit of luck, Alvis will start from the 7th.

 Briefing to the racers before the simulation race.

 Lucky draw in 7th position

 Alvis leaving the parc ferme

I have added a 14 laps 16 minutes full length video from Sunday simulation race 1. Remember to select to HD setting and full screen for better viewing experience. I hope you will enjoy the video.

Simulation race 1

 Observation and evaluation debrief after every session

After lunch break, it was back to racing again. This time round, the draw lots put Alvis to the back of the grid. During the 2nd simulation race, Alvis works his way up to 7th from the back after 4 laps. However, a collision dropped Alvis to the back with a big gap. A misjudge can be very costly during a race even though you have the speed. Alvis finished 12th with 2nd fastest in timing. 

Result for simulation race 2

Alvis started simulation race 3 and final race for the weekend from last row again by draw lots, though he finished 2nd on race 3 qualification. It may seem unlucky to have been put to the back but it turned out to be an opportunity to learn how to overtake during a race. Instead of just running away from the pack which is like a "petit train" going round the track. 

 Qualification result from final simulation race 3

Simulation race 3

It was a very thrilling race 3 as Alvis fought his way up lap by lap from the back of the grid. There were a lot of overtaking and defending during the final race. Even though it was a simulation race, the KRA racers took it seriously and treated it as a real race. Good fighting spirit on track and at the same time not forgetting to enjoy the fun of racing.

Trying to "gutter run"

 Result from Simulation Race 3

At the end, it was really a close fight for 2nd place between Arthur, Guillaume and Alvis. Well done to all KRA racers for the great performance.  KRA not only teaches race craft but also educates the racers on keeping their race machine clean and in tip top condition. Taking pride in the equipment that will assist them in winning.

 Apron provided too

Seriously engrossed in cleaning his kart

Overall, the 2 days intensive training and race simulation were done very professionally and we were very impressed by level on how the event was being organised. That sums up the 2nd pre-season training at Ancenis Roger Gaillard karting track.

Thank you ASK Ancenis, KRA, race officials, medical staff and all for the effort and hard work over the weekend. Till then, we will meet at Varennes-Sur-Allier for the KRA first race.

More Than Just Another Race Weekend

Due to work commitment and uncertainty, and at the same time managing Alvis and his karting, time was not on my side. For the past 18 months, Alvis has not been actively participating in go kart races. However, we did not give up and continue with training at local tracks. This year, Alvis main focus is with Kart Racing Academy and we believed things will get better.

New Visor Decal by Blacksheep Communications

After months of continuous training, Alvis decided to take part in a regional race at a local track. The practice on Saturday was mostly overcast and with temperature vary from 8 deg C in the morning to about 20 deg C in the afternoon and again cooler towards the evening. We collected quite a fair bit of data during free practice sessions and hopefully it can be put to good use on the Race day.

We arrived at the track early the next day and the temperature was colder than Saturday. We got everything prepared and headed out for one more practice session before the qualifying session.

Waiting for early morning practice session

The kart felt great and it was a good session as the data showed quite similar results compared to Saturday. Happy with the results and thereafter, all racers gathered for a mass briefing before the start of qualification session.

 Alvis having a chat with the boys before the briefing

New rule for qualification. During the session, no racer is allowed to come in and change setup and head out again. So you have only one go with your tire pressure and you have to nail it. Strategy changed last minute due to the new rule and hoping it works out well with the collected data.

 Waiting for qualifying session in parc ferme

The changed strategy works during the qualification. However, the second attempt wasn't good enough to beat the best time set earlier. I didn't know that the strategy I read from the internet actually comes handy in this situation.

 End of qualifying session

Qualifying results

Leaving parc ferme

The motivated little racer hands on cleaning his kart every session in keeping it in a tip top condition. Alvis has taken up the responsibility of cleaning in between session whereas I will be taking care of the setup. This was strongly built up during the past months of training as he matured along the way.

 Keep it shining

Alvis took pole and was ready to lead the group into heat 1. There was no surprise with the setup and Alvis went on to finish 5 seconds ahead. However, during heat 2, there was a scare moment on the first two laps as he was pressured almost bumper to bumper. The setup seem to not really work for heat 2. Alvis was about 3 tenths down per lap compared to heat 1. He defended well and held on to his lead with less than a second to take the checkered flag. That was close. The setup seem to not really work for heat 2 and we were puzzled.

 Pole position

 Last lap for heat 2

A big discussion after heat 2 on the behavior on the engine and kart setup before stopping for lunch. As the track evolved, we decided to take a slightly different approach as to the collected data for the pre-final. Though it was not all agreed to the new setup initially but we still gave it a try.

 Alvis giving his feedback

Anxiously waiting and watching in the parc fermé to see if the setup works for pre-final. The formation lap went really well and Alvis had a good start. He was able to pull off from the chasing pack after the fifth corner and with that, I knew we took the right decision to differ slightly from the collected data and we were heading in the right direction. Alvis was back to the leading gap of 6 seconds in a 12 laps pre-final after crossing the finishing line.

 Alvis leading into the pre-final

Having a great improvement on the setup for the pre-final, we continued with the same approach for the final. Of course, this time round, all were convinced that we were heading in the right direction. Still, nothing was taken for granted as everything were checked and re-checked again and again. Thereafter, the final went on for 14 laps and...

We would like to thank Cedric for his assistance and technical advise for the race weekend. He has been very helpful throughout the weekend and a really nice guy to work with. Once again, Merci à vous Cédric.

Photo with CSKART47 chief, Cédric

 First race, first win for 2014

Last but not least, we would also like to thank FFSA CRK Aquitaine and Karting Es Course for organising the race. Thank you to the officials and staff working on and off track for keeping the race event safe and smooth. Thank you and hope to see you guys soon.