https://www.gnarpowpow.com/channels/ethan-palosh/ Tue 05 May 2026 00:21:31 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16960/56-1s-hot-lap-cota-karting-june-2022-layout/
Another track update, another hot lap! Hopefully this gives you all a glimpse into what I could do with on new layout after a couple of sessions. I hope you can learn a thing or two and use it on your next trip to COTA! This layout change is pretty significant, and increases lap times by ~2-3s. The lap record at the time of filming was 54.8. Certainly not a perfect lap. The kart appears to think that straight means turning the wheel to the right 15 degrees...oh well! Filmed on June 8th, 2022. ]]> Tue 05 Jul 2022 12:05:18 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16960/56-1s-hot-lap-cota-karting-june-2022-layout/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16961/53-3s-hot-lap-cota-karting-january-2022-layout/
This video was filmed on a visit to COTA Karting on Jan. 22, 2022 and features some layout changes to the track since I made the track guide a few months ago. I hope there won't be anymore layout changes so this time can stand for a while....but I'll continue to upload more if it does! :) View the COTA Hot Lap Guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26MHY78cFU&t=57s Since the track guide, changes that make the track quicker include: -Turn 3 curbs have changed position (little closer to the apex now) -Removal of most turn 5 curbs, resulting in a much faster line through that section of the track -No curb at turn 8 -No curb on entry of turn 10 -Turn 11 curbs have been modified -Other various curbs were removed as well with minimal impact to time ]]> Fri 04 Feb 2022 12:05:32 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16961/53-3s-hot-lap-cota-karting-january-2022-layout/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16962/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners2/
Welcome! This UPDATED go karting tips video goes over the fundamentals of driving fast on track! Aimed at beginners, these tips should be helpful to get you started in the world of competitive karting. You guys loved the last video I put out on karting basics, so I decided to do a refresh for 2022...a little better quality this time! :) Enjoy! -Ethan -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:26 The Racing Line 1:57 Kart Control 2:42 Implementation -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript! :) Chapter 1: The Racing Line The single most important concept to grasp is the racing line. This is the fastest path around a corner or circuit, and can turn a track from looking like this…into this. At a very very simplified level, the racing line stems from the idea that the less a vehicle turns, the faster it can go. This can sometimes be hard to visualize, so here’s some diagrams I found online. First, here’s what a simplified, geometric racing line is. You start on the outside of the corner, turn into the innermost point (called an “apex”) and fan out to the outside of the track on exit. But why does this work? By pure logic, it’s easy to associate a tighter turn with having to go slower, whereas a wider turn you can take faster. Let’s take a look at this concept in context. An inside line (shown in red), requires you to have a really slow speed to make the corner. You can see the radius to make this turn in a circle is really small. In running, this is the fastest line simply because it covers the least distance, however runners aren’t maximizing the grip of their shoes, they simply take steps at a relatively fixed speed in whatever direction they choose. In racing, we are looking to maximize speed with the grip available, and are almost never concerned with the distance traveled. Therefore, this is the slowest line you can take through this corner. The outside line (shown in blue) is wider, allowing a larger radius which means you can carry more speed than on the inside. But there’s still a much better option (shown in green) which is our racing line. By using all of the track available, the radius of the turn opens dramatically, and you can carry much more speed through the corner. Real quick, lets see this in action: As you can see, I start on the outside edge, turn into the apex, and use all the track on exit. Chapter 2: Kart Control Now that we’ve got the racing line out of the way, let's talk about how to get your kart through it. First off, if you’re trying to go fast, don’t drift. Mario Kart has been lying to you. Yes, drifting is fun. No, it is not fast. The wheels are designed to move in a forward direction. Anything other than that is slow so keep the kart in check. Unless it’s raining where in that case do whatever you want like I did… Second, brake in a straight line. You don't want to end up like this dude. The next tip is to avoid sharp inputs of brakes, throttle, or wheel. Karts aren’t really cut out for slowing down quick or speeding up fast, so keeping a nice, smooth, fluid driving style will keep your speed up through the corners. Chapter 3: Implementation So now you know how to drive fast, but how do you implement these tips efficiently? Well for starters, every track is different, so I would recommend going on youtube and finding an onboard video from your local track that you can use to observe these concepts in action. While at the track, identify drivers that are quicker and follow them to pick up the nuances of your track. If you need help identifying these helpers, they’re likely the ones passing you. Study their lines and learn from the way they drive. Maybe even identify a weakness and improve upon it. Same goes for people who are slower than you. If you’re faster, get ahead of them safely and continue on your way. No reason to let them hold you up. A final tip is to bring a gopro to analyze your own laps, compare them with other’s, and find areas to improve. A second set of eyes is easily one of the most overlooked strategies to improve. --------------------------------------------------------------- How to win karting How to go fast karting Karting tips Go kart tips How to get better lap times karting How to beat your friends karting Karting tips for beginners Karting tips and tricks Karting racing -------------------------------------------------------------- #kartingtips #kartracing #karting ]]> Sun 16 Jan 2022 12:05:46 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16962/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners2/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16963/back-in-action-racing-vlog-09-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/
I'M BACK!! After 5 months away from karting during the fall, I'm back at it over winter break practicing for 2022!! I'm so happy to be back on track. Thank you to my 1000+ subscribers!! I'm so thankful for each and every one of you! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: Lo206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog Motorsport #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Fri 24 Dec 2021 12:06:07 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16963/back-in-action-racing-vlog-09-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16964/fighting-for-a-podium-w-onboard-360-camera-racing-vlog-08-lo206-hill-country-kart-club/
Welcome!! In this video, I fight for a spot on the podium at the front of a field of 18 drivers! I had a blast and I hope you enjoy! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Sun 01 Aug 2021 12:06:22 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16964/fighting-for-a-podium-w-onboard-360-camera-racing-vlog-08-lo206-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16967/onboard-hot-lap-guide-cota-karting-austin-tx/
(53.3s) 2022 LAYOUT HOTLAP: https://youtu.be/nx1JIZcuFpo Check out my video on kart racing basics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBXktNg_1M0&t=123s In this video, I share my top tips for running fast laps at COTA Karting!! The lap analyzed in this video was: 55.558s. Although it isn't quite lap record territory, this is sure to put you on track for competition-ready times. The track is constantly evolving and modifications in the placements of curbs, barriers, etc. affect times regularly. For reference, my fastest-ever time is a 53.3s lap on the configuration in January 2022. Anything is possible, and there's always more to learn. Enjoy!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Creating and publishing this video means a lot to me. I remember several years ago as a young aspiring racer searching the internet for any bit of information I could use to learn about my local track. I was shocked when I came up empty handed. Ever since I've dreamed of filling that void with a video of my own to inspire other young drivers that want to begin karting, especially those that struggle financially and every second of seat-time counts. I hope this video will reach those who can use it most!! I'm so thankful to be in the position I am today and truly living my 12 year-old self's dream. To all those that have supported me, Thank You. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript!!! :) The track begins here at the start-finish line. Coming out of the last turn, you should be “right of center” of the track, not quite fully wide, so that you can set up well for turn 1. Coming past the start finish line, slide over to the left side of the track to set up for turn 1. On some days, this area can get bumpy, so if it is you can enter this corner a little further right. Done correctly, this turn should be flat out, and should hug right up to the curbs on the inside. Coming into turns 2 and 3, stick all the way to the right to maximize your exit. This corner is essential because it leads to the longest straight on the track! You can let off a little if your kart has trouble turning, or in some you can take it flat out. Turn in and get the kart rotated to hug the inside for a relatively late apex. It’s important to keep the kart smooth and keep sideways movement to a minimum. Remember to use all of the track!! On the exit, continue to keep it tight and get the kart pointed forward while fanning out so you don’t lose momentum. Down the straight, try to keep wheel movement to a minimum and let the kart do its work. Coming into turn 4, creep onto the red to maximize every inch of track available. Don’t brake just yet, and turn in to apex like usual. Stick to the left side of the track on exit. Coming in to turn 5, I like to hit the brakes a little to help get the kart rotated, and get immediately back on the throttle before apexing. A late apex here sets you up beautifully for the next few corners. However, overshooting it is very consequential and you can lose a lot of time. It’s important to slow down enough to make this corner. Coming into turns 6 and 7, continue going flat out and try to keep the kart as straight a possible. Use all of the track available to maximize your line. Coming into the turn 8 hairpin, stick all the way to the right on entry, either let off slightly or dab the brakes, and apex right up to the curb. You can see that on this lap, I overshot the exit just a little bit, so try to keep it a little more tidy on the exit than I did. Coming up through turn 9, try to turn the wheel as little as possible and continue to use all the track available to maximize your speed. Now into my favorite section of the track, turns 10,11,and 12. Although it’s technically 3 corners, it kind of blends into one. Hug the barriers to the left on entry, and turn in once you’re on the curb. Again, you can let off or lightly hit the brakes to get the kart rotated easier. Apex right to the curbs on the inside and keep the exit tidy. You can see I carried just a wee bit too much speed into the corner and had a little bit of oversteer at the apex which can scrub speed, so try to avoid that. Approaching turns 13 and 14, flat out, keep it tight and turn just enough to make the corner without sliding. Fanning right and cutting back here is slower than just keeping it tight. Turn 15 is a simple flat out 90 degree turn, so use all the track and apex close to the barrier, and remember to be just “right of center” on the exit. #karting #kartracing ]]> Sun 20 Jun 2021 12:06:39 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16967/onboard-hot-lap-guide-cota-karting-austin-tx/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16969/red-flags-racing-vlog-07-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/
What a crazy race!! Very fortunate no one was injured. Huge thanks to the race director and track staff for ensuring safety is the priority. Enjoy!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Sat 08 May 2021 12:06:55 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16969/red-flags-racing-vlog-07-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16971/reelin-em-in-racing-vlog-06-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/
Welcome to Racing Vlog 06!! This weekend, I had some bad luck in the races that left me in a tough position on track. The kart is still significantly off-pace, and there needs to be some changes soon to try and address that. Mainly looking for tips to maintain the motor, but any general advice is helpful!! Thanks so much for your support!! -Ethan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Sun 18 Apr 2021 12:07:11 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16971/reelin-em-in-racing-vlog-06-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16975/master-of-defense-racing-vlog-05-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/
Welcome to Racing Vlog 05!! I had an amazing race weekend, and came away with a 5th place finish in the final which I was more than happy with. Lots of drama and exceptional racing coming your way!! Enjoy! :) Check out the full race (Final) unedited here: https://youtu.be/6pnKalXReT8 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Fri 02 Apr 2021 12:07:42 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16975/master-of-defense-racing-vlog-05-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16973/hckc-race-5-final-lo206-senior-full-race-03-27-21-hill-country-kart-club/
Hello everyone! Welcome to the full unedited race on 03/27/21. Feel free to check out the race-day vlog below! Enjoy! Race-day vlog: https://youtu.be/S_EyEH0Kxsc ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting Race Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 Full Race Lo206 Win #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Fri 02 Apr 2021 12:07:27 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16973/hckc-race-5-final-lo206-senior-full-race-03-27-21-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16977/seat-time-is-key-racing-vlog-04-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/
Hello everyone! Welcome to Racing Vlog 04, where I take another practice day at the track to increase pace and consistency. Unfortunately, my tires have come to the end of their life, and need replacing before the next race. This will hopefully up the pace and other modifications made will get me right up there with the rest of the pack. Looking forward to next weekend!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 maintenance Compkart Karting vlog Lo206 Kart Racing Lo206 vlog Lo206 karting vlog #karting #kartracing #kartingvlog #Lo206 ]]> Fri 26 Mar 2021 12:07:57 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16977/seat-time-is-key-racing-vlog-04-lo206-karting-hill-country-kart-club/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16981/what-s-inside-a-clutch-how-it-works-cleaning-and-maintenance-lo206-karting/
In this video, I crack open a Hilliard Flame clutch made for Briggs and Stratton's Lo206 kart racing motor. I check out each of the parts, explain how a clutch works, and perform some routine maintenance. A thorough and quick tutorial on how to clean and maintain the clutch is coming soon! Thanks for watching! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track: Hill Country Kart Club Class: LO206 Senior Chassis: CompKart Covert 3.0 2019 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tags) Kart racing Lo206 Lo206 clutch maintenance Karting clutch Lo206 Kart clutch Lo206 clutch Hilliard Flame clutch ]]> Sat 20 Mar 2021 12:08:32 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16981/what-s-inside-a-clutch-how-it-works-cleaning-and-maintenance-lo206-karting/