Onboard Hot Lap Guide - COTA Karting [Austin, TX]

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!!
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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.
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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.

#karting
#kartracing

[jphumphreys]

Shaved 6 seconds off my time and won my heat, this video was a huge help dude thanks 🤙

[BrendanEvan]

Studying before we arrive next weekend!

[mauricioayala]

Who else watching this before going to beat there friends

[jphumphreys]

I've lived in Austin for 7 years, can't believe I just found this place today. No wonder my lap times were so slow, you were taking several corners flat that I thought were hard braking zones lmao. I'm absorbing everything on YouTube to get down to sub 60 by next week and I'm pretty sure you just made it possible. Preciate it brotha, hope to see you on track 👊

[maafaMustSee]

First time out today, got sub 60 on "fun" race. Thanks for tips, definitely helped. Going back for competitive race soon. Lots of fun.

[ramboppana]

Thanks for the video! I tried looking up a video before my first time but couldn’t find any useful ones. I did a 60.2. With your help I might crack the 50’s next time! Thank you!!!

[StylesCPRacing]

I just finished racing here tonight. I wish I would have seen this video before I raced! Great video!

[DailyDrivenM]

First session 58.192. This is very helpful indeed

[ZINCO_]

I was waiting for an upload, here in Texas now and it’s very nice! From Chicago!

[Enarro]

Just came back from racing today and the track has been changed.

[dashyearsago]

Damn I didn’t know u were into racing! This shit helped a lot. got a 57.89 for my first sesh

[asdasfdfgewqgrgyjh]

Just went here and I think they changed the back half of the track so this guide a little outdated.
Got a 61.8 on my first run and 61.4 on my second.
The top times of the week are down in the 57-58 range so I would love to see a new guide on the new layout.

[davidmcnally]

Good to know track limits won’t be enforced here 😂

[BradleyG]

Just went today and the track has been changed. Turn 8 hairpin is a lot bigger, and they added a hairpin after turn 10/11/12. that added hairpin had a lot of people spinning

[Vasnow]

Thank you so much this has helped me immensely in improving my time and I had my 3 win yesterday





But also how do you cope with the sweat after the race

[Vasnow]

This track is near me and I don’t want to look slow no more

[willsull]

both times ive been just for fun, i did 59.5 and had some crummy kart missfiring top end and sputters

[Jay-pxdb]

Hi Ethan. I have a question about 4 and 8. You don't say anything about braking into 4. It seems your first comment about braking there is a brake tap into 5. Is that right? And with 8, after flat out with 6 and 7, its just a dab on the brakes there? I will be running it with friends for the first time soon and very much liked your video.

[CamsJungleAquaria]

I tend to get some bouncing during turns 2+3. What could be causing that?

[ksk_]

hey ethan you're a great karter but i couldn't help but notice that you exitting the circuit(all four wheels of the white lines and cut the turn 8 hairpin completely). is that legal?