Karting as the training ground for racing

From the editors of Modified Magazine.

There's never been any reasonable doubt as to Karting's place as the proving ground for high profile drivers (F1's Lewis Hamilton, Tanner Foust, drift king Tarzan Yamada). But let's take a look at what Karting teaches in terms of driver on track prowess:

• The true importance of braking (uh yeah, at 2 inches off the ground)


• How precise movements are required for machines with ultra quick reflexes


• How to properly leverage "grip" without overusing the tire


• How to read another driver's on track behaviors

So, don't dismiss at mere lawn mower racing...it's the real deal.

F1, Indy, IRL Technology Meets Daily drivers

It seems nearly everyday we read more and more about racing technology being integrating into the engineering of everyday cars. Here are just a few...

The Evolution X sports what is called Twin Clutch SST (or better stated, gears 1st, 3rd, and 5th operate on one clutch; and 2nd and 4th on the other). What!



Here's the blurb....
New TC-SST Automated Manual TransmissionExclusive to the Evolution MR model for 2008, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made - either manually or automatically depending on mode selected - when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.The TC-SST offers three drive modes - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events. For the entire post, click here.