National circuit

The National circuit is the track used for lessons at the Sisley Kart School. This circuit lends itself very well for instruction as it is both complex yet fast. The instructors too are able to see the whole circuit and therefore watch their pupil throughout the lap.

A dry lap...

Starting from the start/finish line (adjacent to the race control building) and assuming that you are already at speed on a racing lap, aim to turn into Conways (turn one) from the far left of the track, by marshal post 1. Conways has high grip on the entry and it is possible to take this corner pretty fast; however, a slight dab on the brake whilst travelling in a straight line is recommended in order to prevent the kart running too deep between the two turns. Check that no one is on your inside, turn in and aim to get as close to the apex kerbing as you can. Conways is a perfect overtaking opportunity but this should always be done by taking the inside line and out-braking your competitor into the corner, ensuring that you are alongside them as you brake, not lunging at them as they turn in! Never try to overtake on the outside as the driver in front will be moving over to take the racing line and you will be left with nowhere to go but the grass.

Henry's:
Allow the kart to drift out no more than a metre or so and then turn in towards the centre of the apex kerbing at Turn Two. Note that the tarmac changes midway between the two corners and the latter part has less grip than the former. Be prepared for the kart to suddenly step out at the back, especially in damp conditions. In the winter, as the sun never quite rises high enough to clear the tree line, the bottom two corners can stay wet when every other part of the circuit is dry. Be very smooth on both the brake and the throttle in wet conditions.

Hairpin One:
You are now on the back straight and fast approaching the hardest braking point on the circuit; Hairpin One. Take a diagonal line from the apex of Turn Two so that you are approaching the hairpin in a straight line on the far left of the track. Brake hard but avoid turning in until you reach the point where the tarmac changes colour. Come off the brakes and turn in, gradually feeding in the power as you take a late apex. Use the full width of the track on the exit and allow the kart to flow right out to the rumble strip on the left.

Hairpin Two:
Exiting from Hairpin One you should take a diagonal line towards marshal post 3. Avoid turning in early for Hairpin Two as this will lead to a deep exit and loss of speed. Instead, stay on the right until you reach a small square patch of darker tarmac about three metres past the marshal post and use this as your reference point for the turn in. The best apex clipping point is about three-quarters round, so turn in late and under control. Taking this corner correctly is absolutely vital as it determines the amount of speed that you carry into the Esses and down the hill. A successful passing move is almost guaranteed if you spot the driver in front turning in too early as he will almost inevitably run wide on the exit.

The Esses:
Out of Hairpin Two now and your speed is quickly increasing as you approach the Esses. Turn in when the tarmac changes colour, clip the left kerb and then focus your attention on the advertising hoarding ahead. You should aim for the left hand 'Club 100' advert and not turn in to Clubmans until the tarmac again changes colour. A wide turn in is essential if you are to get back on the power quickly and thus carry that speed through Clubmans and back onto the straight. Let the kart flow out and don't tighten your turn too much as this simply scrubs your speed. You are now back onto the straight and about to complete your flying lap.