Karting is the first rung on the motorsport ladder, so why is it so hard to accurately replicate within sim racing? With endless amounts of circuit and kart combinations, why is karting so difficult to simulate?
Two approaches to karting dominate the sport in the world of sim racing. Assetto Corsa's mods have the advantage of volume of content which is to be expected, and dedicated karting sims like KartSim, KartKraft and Kart Racing Pro are designed purely around the idea of karting simulation. KartSim is a DLC pack for Studio 397's rFactor 2 which sets it aside from the other two offerings in terms of a pure karting simulation.
These kart titles are aimed more towards karting hobbyists and professionals than the average sim racer. This demographic makes use of companies such as Next Level Racing which offer entire cockpits dedicated to karting. An investment the average sim racer most likely can not justify in 2024.
KartKraft's impressive graphics. Image: Motorsport Games
But are these cockpits worth investing in? Karting is one of the most physical forms of motorsport, so why can it not be simulated realistically? We will hear from ex-Top Gear stig, Ben Collins, on his opinions on karting simulations and delve into some options for you to try from your rig or desk.
Karting has always been a bit of a black sheep in the sim racing community. A lot of people's rigs are not set up to suit a karting seating position and that ruins their immersion. As well as people's rigs not being up to the task, outside of Automobilista 2 and Assetto Corsa mods, the karting offerings in the mainstream sim racing titles are lacklustre at best.
Automobilista 2 rental-style karts. Image: Reiza Studios
To be clear, the ability to simulate a karting race is of course possible, as mentioned there are dedicated titles to the discipline. However, to accurately depict how a kart feels, handles and behaves is nearly impossible without a seriously complex motion setup.
Your options here on OverTake.gg are plentiful. You can drive everything from the common Sodi rental karts that are present at nearly every single indoor and outdoor karting centre, right up to the incredibly fast 125cc shifter karts. All for free.
This mod is therefore a bit out of date and certainly has quirks. However, the raw and simplified feeling of an early Assetto Corsa mod is still amazing fun if you don't look into it too far. Rex1825's creation laid the groundwork for the following two kart mods that have been so successful.
GoKart 50ccm - 13bhp/11NM, 70kg, ~105km/h
GoKart 100ccm - 22bhp/15NM, 71kg, ~125km/h
GoKart 125ccm - 31bhp/21NM, 71kg, ~140km/h
GoKart 125ccm Shifter - 41bhp/28NM (Turbo), 74kg, ~155km/h, 6-speed
For messing around and racing on the tight and twisty circuits, this mod is really hard to beat. The scale of engines and variety of karts is also superb.
This kart holds a special place in my heart because, In a previous life, I used to service these karts and marshall at a circuit for the British public in all weathers. Driving this kart in Assetto Corsa brings back memories and is surprisingly accurate when you take the physical forces out of the equation.
Sodikart RT10. Image: alphadev
Karting is such a crucial stage in a racing driver's career. It teaches and punishes drivers early on with its physicality and close racing. It is a shame that karting in sim racing doesn't quite match the level of ingenuity that real karting has. In the future, there are bound to be revelations. However, until that day comes karting is stuck and plateauing in terms of realistic simulation and player numbers.
What do you think about karting in sim racing? Do you think it can be simulated realistically? Let us know on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!
Two approaches to karting dominate the sport in the world of sim racing. Assetto Corsa's mods have the advantage of volume of content which is to be expected, and dedicated karting sims like KartSim, KartKraft and Kart Racing Pro are designed purely around the idea of karting simulation. KartSim is a DLC pack for Studio 397's rFactor 2 which sets it aside from the other two offerings in terms of a pure karting simulation.
These kart titles are aimed more towards karting hobbyists and professionals than the average sim racer. This demographic makes use of companies such as Next Level Racing which offer entire cockpits dedicated to karting. An investment the average sim racer most likely can not justify in 2024.
KartKraft's impressive graphics. Image: Motorsport Games
But are these cockpits worth investing in? Karting is one of the most physical forms of motorsport, so why can it not be simulated realistically? We will hear from ex-Top Gear stig, Ben Collins, on his opinions on karting simulations and delve into some options for you to try from your rig or desk.
Can You Accurately Simulate Karting?
As previously mentioned, karting is one of the most physical forms of motorsport. Driver weight transfer and movement are key to success when finding that extra tenth of a second on your competition. Simulating that physicality is impossible, especially if you are using a karting rig that doesn't support many of the motion devices found on bigger rigs used to simulate cars.Karting has always been a bit of a black sheep in the sim racing community. A lot of people's rigs are not set up to suit a karting seating position and that ruins their immersion. As well as people's rigs not being up to the task, outside of Automobilista 2 and Assetto Corsa mods, the karting offerings in the mainstream sim racing titles are lacklustre at best.
Automobilista 2 rental-style karts. Image: Reiza Studios
To be clear, the ability to simulate a karting race is of course possible, as mentioned there are dedicated titles to the discipline. However, to accurately depict how a kart feels, handles and behaves is nearly impossible without a seriously complex motion setup.
Assetto Corsa Karting
One title that stands aside from the rest of the karting offerings in sim racing is Assetto Corsa. Like with the rest of the catalogue in Kunos' much-loved simulator, the quality of the third-party karting content can range dramatically. Be aware of this when downloading tracks and karts. You can not expect them all to be up to first-party content level.Your options here on OverTake.gg are plentiful. You can drive everything from the common Sodi rental karts that are present at nearly every single indoor and outdoor karting centre, right up to the incredibly fast 125cc shifter karts. All for free.
GoKart 0.3a - rex1825
The original kart mod for Assetto Corsa, this mod came out in October 2014. Two months before Assetto Corsa was officially launched out of early access in December of that year.This mod is therefore a bit out of date and certainly has quirks. However, the raw and simplified feeling of an early Assetto Corsa mod is still amazing fun if you don't look into it too far. Rex1825's creation laid the groundwork for the following two kart mods that have been so successful.
GoKart 50ccm - 13bhp/11NM, 70kg, ~105km/h
GoKart 100ccm - 22bhp/15NM, 71kg, ~125km/h
GoKart 125ccm - 31bhp/21NM, 71kg, ~140km/h
GoKart 125ccm Shifter - 41bhp/28NM (Turbo), 74kg, ~155km/h, 6-speed
GoKart 0.5c - Cercata
The second mod in this mini-list takes from the previous iteration of the go-kart mod and evolves it into a much more modern offering. A thorough overhaul of the kart's physics, liveries and model makes this a huge step towards modernizing Assetto Corsa's karting offering.For messing around and racing on the tight and twisty circuits, this mod is really hard to beat. The scale of engines and variety of karts is also superb.
- 270cc -> 8bhp, 150kg
- 390cc -> 12bhp, 150kg
- 250cc -> 28bhp, 143kg
- 50cc -> 13bhp, 70kg
- 100cc -> 22bhp, 71kg
- 125cc -> 31bhp, 71kg
- 125cc shitfer turbo -> 41(28)bhp, 74kg
- 125cc shifter SGM -> 48bph, 74kg
Sodikart Sodi RT10 - alpadev
My personal choice and a community favourite as well. A fantastic mod created as an evolution of the previous two karts listed. The Sodikart RT10 is the pinnacle of rental karting. If you have ever driven a go-kart, it's probably been this kart!This kart holds a special place in my heart because, In a previous life, I used to service these karts and marshall at a circuit for the British public in all weathers. Driving this kart in Assetto Corsa brings back memories and is surprisingly accurate when you take the physical forces out of the equation.
Sodikart RT10. Image: alphadev
Karting is such a crucial stage in a racing driver's career. It teaches and punishes drivers early on with its physicality and close racing. It is a shame that karting in sim racing doesn't quite match the level of ingenuity that real karting has. In the future, there are bound to be revelations. However, until that day comes karting is stuck and plateauing in terms of realistic simulation and player numbers.
What do you think about karting in sim racing? Do you think it can be simulated realistically? Let us know on X @OverTake_gg or down in the comments below!
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