Overtaking in karting: how to pass and how to defend your position
Updated: 3 days ago
Going fast on your own is one thing, overtaking in a race is another. Overtaking in karting is not improvised in the last metre: it is built in the corner before. And defending your position without losing time is a skill worth as much as pace. Here is how to do it, and the rules you need to know.
In short Overtaking in karting is set up on the exit of the previous corner: whoever exits faster closes up on the straight and can attack under braking. The main moves are late braking on the inside, the cross-over and passing on the exit. To defend your position, cover the inside before braking with a clear line. In CIK-FIA races overtaking is forbidden between the first yellow flag and the green flag after the incident, and if the front fairing is not in position the stewards automatically apply a 5 second penalty.
Overtaking in karting: it starts in the corner before
The overtake starts on the exit of the previous corner. If you exit faster than the driver ahead, you close up on the straight and arrive at the next braking zone right behind. This is why, when you are behind, it pays to sacrifice a little on entry and think about the exit: good traction is worth more than a desperate late brake.
Staying close to the kart ahead on the straight also gives you speed in its slipstream. Work on consistent pace: the basics are in the guide on how to improve your lap time.
The three moves to pass
• Late braking on the inside: you get alongside on the inside before the braking point and brake a moment later. You must already be alongside before turning in, not dive in at the last moment. The right braking is in the guide to braking technique.
• Cross-over: if the driver ahead closes the inside, enter a little wider, wait for him to run wide on exit and cross his line to exit faster and get alongside on the straight.
• Passing on the exit: with a better exit you get alongside on the straight and pass before the next braking zone, without contact.
In all three cases the line matters: review the basics in the guide to racing lines in karting.
How to defend your position without losing time
• Cover the inside before braking: move towards the inside on the straight, before braking, so the driver behind finds no room.
• A clear line: the driver behind must understand where you are going. Sudden changes of direction under braking are dangerous for everyone.
• Think about the exit: after covering the inside, the corner becomes tighter. Exit well, otherwise you will be crossed over.
• Do not defend at all costs: if you defend too much you lose pace and the group behind closes up.
The rules to know when overtaking
• Yellow flag: overtaking is forbidden between the first yellow flag and the green flag shown after the incident.
• Track limits: if all four wheels are outside the lines that mark the track, the kart is considered to have left the track.
• Front fairing: if the front fairing is not in the correct position, the stewards automatically apply a 5 second penalty. Contact under braking moves it easily: check it after every race and replace the front fairing and the front fairing mounting kit if they are damaged. How to check them is explained in the article on bodywork after contact.
• Black and white flag: it is shown only once and is a warning to the driver. The black flag instead means the driver must stop at his pit. All flags are in the guide to karting flags.
The most common overtaking mistakes
• The last-moment dive: diving down the inside from too far back leads to contact, a displaced fairing and often both drivers losing out.
• Watching your rival: look at your line and your braking point, not at the kart you want to pass.
• Always attacking in the same place: if the other driver expects you there, set up the pass in another corner.
The first corner after the start is also a time for overtaking: read how to prepare the rolling start.
Practise overtaking in a racing kart
With TKS RaceLab Arrive & Drive you drive a racing kart with a Rotax engine and a technician helps you work on lines, braking and exits. Message us on WhatsApp for information.
Frequently asked questions
How do you overtake in karting?
You set up the pass by exiting the previous corner faster. Then you attack under braking on the inside, cross over the line of the driver ahead or pass him on the exit along the straight.
Can you overtake under a yellow flag in karting?
No. In CIK-FIA races overtaking is forbidden between the first yellow flag and the green flag shown after the incident.
What happens if the kart front fairing is not in position?
In CIK-FIA races the stewards automatically apply a 5 second penalty to the driver whose front fairing is not in the correct position.
Source: CIK-FIA 2026 sporting regulations, general prescriptions (art. 2.3.3, 2.14 and 2.15). Each championship may have specific rules: the briefing is binding.
Questions about this topic?
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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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