A stiffer kart seat primarily alters weight transfer to the outside front tire and influences the amount of inside rear wheel lift during cornering.
In more detail, the rigidity of the seat plays a crucial role in kart handling. Tillett Racing Seats discovered that seat stiffness directly affects lap times. Here's a breakdown of the effects:
-
Weight Transfer: A stiffer seat allows for more weight to be transferred to the outside front tire during cornering. This increased weight on the outside front can improve grip and steering response.
-
Inside Rear Wheel Lift: Seat stiffness also affects the inside rear wheel lift. A stiffer seat typically allows for more inside rear wheel lift. Controlled rear wheel lift can reduce chassis bind, allowing the kart to rotate more freely in the corner.
In essence, by changing the seat stiffness, drivers and kart tuners can fine-tune the handling characteristics of the kart to suit different track conditions and driving styles. A stiffer seat can increase front grip and promote better rotation, while a more flexible seat can provide more overall grip.
