Kart telemetry: how to read the data and find the lost tenths
Updated: 3 days ago
The stopwatch tells you how fast you are. Telemetry tells you where, how and why. The problem is that, faced with graphs and numbers, many drivers don't know where to start. Here is a simple method to read kart telemetry and find the lost tenths, corner by corner.
In short Kart telemetry is read in four steps: first lap times and splits to understand which sector you lose time in, then the speed trace to see braking, minimum corner speed and exit, then engine revs to check the gear ratio, and finally temperatures. Always compare your best lap with a normal lap and change one thing at a time.
What kart telemetry records
A lap timer with data logger like the Alfano 7 records lap times and splits, speed through four satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou), engine revs and temperatures: one probe in the 1T version, two in the 2T, for example water and exhaust. With this data every lap can be rebuilt, metre by metre.
If you want to know what changes on track with the Alfano 7, read Alfano 7 telemetry: what really changes on track.
How to read kart telemetry in 4 steps
1. Lap times and splits: find the sector
Compare your best lap with a normal lap. Looking at the splits you immediately see in which sector the time is lost: usually not everywhere, but in two or three precise points. That is where the other checks should be focused.
2. The speed trace: braking, corner, exit
Overlay the speed traces of the two laps in the sector in question. Three points to look at:
• Braking point: where the speed starts to drop. If on one lap you brake much earlier, that is where you lose time.
• Minimum corner speed: the lowest point of the trace. Too low means you braked too much or chose a tight line.
• Exit: how quickly the speed rises after the corner. A slow exit costs you along the whole following straight.
3. Engine revs: gear ratio and exits
On the direct-drive Rotax Senior MAX, engine revs follow the speed of the kart: a big drop in revs in the corner and a slow pick-up point to a driving or gear ratio problem. The maximum revs at the end of the straight help you understand whether the ratio is too long or too short. Read more on pinion and sprocket ratio and engine bogging on corner exit. On the DD2 remember the two-speed gearbox: the gear change shows up as a jump in the revs.
4. Temperatures: is the engine working well?
Water temperature tells you whether the engine is working in its right window: too cold or too hot costs performance and reliability. With the 2T version you can read water and exhaust together. To manage temperature there is the guide on the Rotax engine radiator.
The most common mistakes with data
• Looking only at the best lap: comparing it with a normal lap is what teaches you the most.
• Looking for the problem everywhere: start from the sector where you lose the most.
• Changing several things at once: line, setup and gear ratio should be changed one at a time, otherwise the data no longer tells you anything.
• Forgetting track conditions: tyres, temperature and grip change during the day, and so does the data.
Kart telemetry with Arrive & Drive
With Arrive & Drive by TKS RaceLab, Alfano 7 telemetry is part of the package: you find 2026 Maranello racing karts and Rotax Senior MAX or DD2 2026 engines on track, all brand new, and a dedicated technician for the whole day who analyses the data with you after every session.
Read more: how to really improve your lap time and karting racing lines.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you start reading kart telemetry?
With lap times and splits: comparing your best lap with a normal lap you immediately see in which sector you are losing time. Only then do you look at the speed and rev traces at that point.
What does a system like the Alfano 7 record?
Lap times, splits and speed thanks to four satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou), engine revs and temperatures: one probe in the 1T version, two in the 2T version, for example water and exhaust.
Do you need a technician to read the data?
You can learn the basics on your own by following a method. An experienced technician, however, links the data to the driver's feelings and to the kart setup, and saves a lot of time.
Technical data: official Alfano 7 1T (A1075) and Alfano 7 2T (A1080) data sheets.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: Alfano 7 telemetry: what really changes on track → · Kart gear ratio: pinion and sprocket → · Kart braking technique → · Rotax TRAX: how it works → · Kart track logbook →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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