Shifter Kart HARD RACING - POV Onboard Davide Cugini Driver's eye // South Garda Karting KZ2

[@PaddyMcQueen]

People really don t realize how physical and difficult is karting at competitive level. The start is also really dangerous, your really managed well !

[@LincAdamsRacing53]

He is And I know how hard it is and he is doing very good

[@justin3131ify]

What people don't understand that? Definitely no one that's here watching this video...

[@user-qs2iq1ci8m]

Just finished an hour stint with a team on a three hour Enduro in Houston... Exhausted lol😂

[@johnvcougar]

"People?" ... you mean those that've never tried it? Cause believe you me, people know exactly how tough it is ...

[@PaddyMcQueen]

​@@user-qs2iq1ci8m heading for a 24h in france next week, 3 drivers.... 😅

[@tedecker3792]

I’m an old guy who started racing Karts in 1960. These Karts are far advanced from a Bug frame and a McColough engine, but the vibe is the same. Your video brought tears to my eves. Thank you!!

[@1RJW381]

mccolough engine😎🏁

[@John-oe5nb]

Same here. I raced through the 60s and 70s with the Mcculloch engine. I had two carts, one sprint and one enduro. It was the start of many races. I moved on to Corvettes in the SCCA and out to Bonneville Salt Flats. I have a Lambo now, but don't race anymore. My dream is to drive a F1, but that is not going to happen. You have to take advantage of youth, it does not last that long. Many memories though.

[@tedecker3792]

@@John-oe5nb my racing journey took me from karts to motocross, then SCCA solo2, then mountain bikes. All good fun and great people.

[@zoeyshoots]

From bug / Mac to Margay/ yahmaha.. Watkins Glen, Roebling Road/ Daytona, Talledegha… etc. then sprint cars

[@GOLDAIGERYT]

@@tedecker3792and tell me how did you start racing?? My dream is to be a GT1 racer

[@dh12.]

This is honestly some of the best karting video I've ever seen. You're one hell of a pilot

[@Cowabunga-p5k]

lol

[@parpaing_1]

The overtaking at 10:49 is mental

[@jordiedmond5744]

‘If you do not go for a gap that exist you no longer a racing driver’… bro got that in mind in split seconds

[@callumcurtis15]

I was definitely pressing my imaginary brake .

[@Naren50]

Fr, I was zoned out but that Ricciardo ahh overtake snapped outta me 😂

[@Laffsatyou]

Standard karting overtake

[@parpaing_1]

@@Laffsatyou nope, i do karting myself so i know how it is done

[@dathyr1]

My Dad and myself raced our Kart on several of our local tracks in the Chicago area back in the late 1970's, but at that time they were only single 2 cycle engines. Some of the Karts were only single engine and some were dual 2 cycle engines. It was allot of fun and did win several trophies in my junior racing class. These shifter Karts are insane compared to what I raced. The speeds they go and out in the open with little protection is amazing. Thanks for showing this video. Takes me back to my racing years. Take care.

[@chuckluck4769]

Awesome all I can say lol !

[@p80mod]

You realize that what you see here is single cylinder 2 cycle engines? Those still TOTALLY dominate karting world

[@michaelsaville9697]

Do any have paddle shifters?

[@olivercox2565]

This is the most insane camera stabilization I've ever seen. I only ever want to see POV like this from now on.

[@NAP795]

I used to participate in Karting in the mid to late ‘90’s, and while watching this video, I was moving around on my chair as if I was the driver in the video balancing my weight on a Kart. Beautiful video and well driven by this chap😅

[@jacobfinder7476]

I raced RM1 karts. We had a 125 Rotex engine and a two speed paddle shift. All the karts were the same. Winning was totally up to the driver. Great stuff.

[@pequenobanshee9491]

I really enjoyed watching this race. My brother was racing dirt karting with slick tires in Argentina. The engine was prepared by a man who did a bad job, he decided to do it himself. He really did very well, he ran driving with one hand, with the other he regulated the fuel valve. More fuel on the straights, less fuel in the curves. It was beautiful to watch him race. Runner-up two years in a row, the last one he lost due to a breakdown in the last race; that championship was his. I miss him very much. Thank you.

[@T2NA]

This is a lovely story, thank you for sharing. Similar experience watching my dad and uncle do the same thing, fuel valve regulating is a real skill and amazing to watch in person.

[@BH530711]

Can truly appreciate the skills and mental fortitude it takes to do this at this level and intensity. WOW! 🙌🏻

[@dacoup5955]

I honestly had to check my playback speed on this video at first glance because i was having a hard time wrapping my head around how ridiculously quick these shifter karts are ... Guess i'm adding another addition to my bucket list.

[@TurboNeon185]

I was thinking the same thing. I rode some rental karts at my local track for my nephew's birthday last year and that was a blast. And I was sore the next day. And they topped out at 55 mph 😂. It still felt fast as hell. But these shifter karts would make those rentals look like they were standing still. They're insane.

[@johnmartlew5897]

How this talent was so far back on the grid and made all those clean passes is amazing. Improve the qualifying and there’s winner circle all over this driver. Imho.

[@H0H0H0Falcon]

Karts are very competitive. I've seen the top half of a field qualify within 4/10 of a second. This guy also need to get closer to guy in front; it makes overtaking much easier. When I used to kart it was not uncommon to be nose to tail for much of the race. Then again, I raced non-gearbox karts so perhaps that is different.

[@davemcentee1544]

In addition to the ridiculous pace of shifter kart racing, keep in mind that with the solid rear axle on karts they are *very* sensitive to drag from the steering wheel, from turning that is. When you turn the steering wheel, they slow down a lot. When you watch this video, keep your eyes on the steering wheel here and watch how much the driver turns the wheel into or through a corner- it's not much! There will be a hairpin left turn and you have to watch carefully to see any actual steering to the left. That is how you drive a shifter (or any kart) quickly- basically the goal is to keep the wheel straight all the time. Great video and well done, driver!

[@stevendumon1688]

I timed a lap with a stopwatch just to confirm the video was at true speed ! Awesome !

[@alaxendrus]

Holy crap this was insanely enjoyable to watch I feel like I became one with the driver, the kart, the track, and the competitive spirit

[@importdoc7]

Die hard F1 fan. Much rather watch on board skills like this, gearbox changes and and no one running there mouth the whole time. Enjoyed immensely.

[@richskater]

Lot of great stories here, so here's mine. Raced karts with my dad in the mid 90s. Several weekends at North Florida Kart Club in Jacksonville. Grew up just a few miles down the road. We were 4 cycle guys, but the shifters were always fun to watch.

[@reljaljubobratovic4806]

When I see you nailing every apex while in the heat of the battle... what animals you guys are. Amazing driving, thanks so much for the upload, enjoyed it immensely!

[@marcjohnson5148]

From 6:55 to the next five into that right turn at 10:55 was some serious focus and patience going on there. I love this video

[@ledzhvisuals]

I am a simracer from Montenegro and primary race rental carts in real life and I understand how difficult to race at your level! It was enjoyable to watch at professional like you, how your worked with wheel and more! Also your POVs is very comfortable to watch! Subbed!

[@kelperbelcher]

The speed entering those haispins, that made a huge difference! What a fun race!

[@michelemontorio1798]

una delle più belle gare visto finora! intanto bravo il pilota mi è proprio piaciuto complimenti…..e poi quanti ricordi a lonato che pista meravigliosa ❤

[@frankirvine316]

Excellent constant driving wears the front runners down,great✅ Used to do it myself,had Genuine Birrel frame back in the day with K88 Komet and Parilla Did build a shifter kart with Suzuki RM engine,but the sport has changed a lot now✅

[@skalet66a]

1:03 That dive bomb into the turn though...

[@eddy199864]

Bro is Honey Badger

[@EpicFroggy2398]

I cant tell if this is a game or real life.

[@parpaing_1]

Real life ofc

[@Nick_Cyd]

Nice graphics

[@eurtsiemtuobayasyehtgnihtyrevE]

How can you not tell 😂. Are you just learning how to walk too?

[@EpicFroggy2398]

@@eurtsiemtuobayasyehtgnihtyrevE bros a bot

[@TheAnchanteBros]

The wind is too realistic. It’s real life.

[@shannongolden]

That was So Much Fun!! I Loved It! Wahooo! You are a great driver! Off to watch more. . .

[@evor4c3r21]

Amazing race, I enjoy every corner, incredible 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kevinrace2648]

Senior rotax is physical enough for me, these lads are putting themselves through it doing 18 laps in those beasts, great drive mate that start could of went really different great recovery

[@thenotorious844]

This is so relaxing to watch I didn't know I watch 10 mins already

[@ronatola]

Nice n clean. No bumping to cause a spin out. respect

[@mikey3627]

529 was holding you up and the overtake at nearly the end of lap 13 was brilliant m8 😮 . Good stuff .

[@x3racer86]

Dude ! Those were mad skills ! Great passes. I raced sedans for a few yars and it was fun but not nearly as difficult as karts without suspension. Your steering wheel is all over the place and you have to shift as well. I guess all the racers are in good condition. Just subbed. Well done and good luck on future races. 👍👍

[@BmikroB]

I remember my first kart race back then at university best academic groups competition. I still remember the sensation of it so clearly. Even though we never raced fast, driving slowly & carefully instead. But holy hell this thing was scary nonetheless.

[@peterbrusati8390]

People who say that racing is not a sport have never raced! I love karting because it's less expensive than owning and maintaining a racecar. A lot of F1 drivers race karts to keep their reflexes sharp.

[@TheLos333]

Great driving! I used to race shifter karts with my dad, but we stopped a few years ago and I really miss it.

[@SooperFlye]

_Give me karting & F1 racing any day!_ *I luv this stuff.*

[@nickfoster9350]

This is so cool. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are the ones when my mom would take me to watch my uncle race Go-Karts back in the 80's. That begun my love of racing, but pursuing it just wasn't feasible. So rad.

[@piotrkrudysz8153]

I'm a former direct drive kart racer (Vortex Rok GP), but I've been also blessed with an opportunity to drive a shifer kart, and let me assure you: it"s a f. bullet!

[@yeong_ster]

Can I ask you one question about driving go kart? I tried a rental go kart with an engine for the first time last time and when I tried to slide the rear of the kart using trail braking and a lot of oversteer since I heard that's how to go fast on a kart, on slow corners, I couldn't fire up the engine on the corner exit when my kart is sliding and lost ton of time on the straight. Is it just because of the character of the rental kart or is there problem with my technique?

[@piotrkrudysz8153]

@@yeong_ster Was it a professional kart (2-cycle engine, outdoor track) or an indoor rental gokart (4-cycle engine, bumpers covering the wheels from the side)? The less you slide the kart the better.

[@technik6952]

looks like im watching the video in 1.75x speed. Respect to those guys

[@Humble_Jack]

Definitely going on my bucket list.. 18 laps of competitive fun, Yes Please.

[@Jerome-v2h]

Just raced an 80cc shifter for the first time today, coming from a lo206 4 cycle cadet to shifting is a large learning curve. In both physically and mentally.

[@farawayskies]

I don't know how this got thrown in my algorithm, I wasn't even searching for this shit I'm trying to lookup world of warcraft videos, but I started watching it and then found myself in an absolute trance for 15 minutes.

[@1chuck96]

I'm an old guy as well sitting here at my "L" table and hoping I don't fall out of my chair from dizziness. Excellent stuff !!!

[@randallledbetter7158]

The amount of cursing beneath the roar of those engines must be phenomenal.

[@JoannieGole]

the energy you bring to this topic is infectious! ️

[@dannyvernel1907]

Technical scrutineer here in Uk and hoping to come over next year to watch KZs...grids in UK are small but the entrants are all diehard gearbox drivers....excellent driving

[@marcioferraz5282]

These 2 stroke engines are amazing!

[@AftabD-sn3hw]

Dude you're going crazy 😮❤️‍🔥

[@MikeCarmelo]

First time I watched it but I fill like I was driving with you. That's so immersive, more than driving a Lotus Cup 250 in racecourt.

[@soapguo8882]

I love the camera angle. What a epic edit

[@skandinav_nummer1]

What do you mean by edit? It was just a full video without editing.

[@toadsixeight]

@@skandinav_nummer1did you not see the leaderboard at the top, or the overdone filter

[@inacioberutti4971]

@@skandinav_nummer1 looks fast forward too

[@BaconVisuals]

@@inacioberutti4971 hahah not fast forwarded at all man

[@AntonioSantos-lk2eo]

What an absolute weapon of a kart

[@ricardol.leonekulaif4531]

Great Driver, great physical preparation... I've never driven a Shifter. I think it must be quite enjoyable... I also noticed that the brakes are great, back in my day they only braked the rear wheels. 👏👏🏁

[@influentialgurning]

It's interesting how the karts change character throughout the race. Initially, the filming-kart was balanced and able to overtake kart 598 and 534 due to their relative looseness and a less smooth driving style. In the latter stage, kart 529 was more smooth and balanced through corners while the chasing kart was, by then, struggling with rear grip and unable to challenge. The subtlest strategic and tactical decisions that take account of track position and the qualities of the direct competition must alter setup and initial driving inputs in ways that, though key to consistent victories, are often invisible from the outside.

[@dgrif9387]

Absolutely amazing!

[@romainperez956]

NGL kz drivers are on another level. Really good skills men

[@rantinprogress]

That was really exciting to watch.

[@onetripwonders]

Awesome race. Just as good as watching f1 if you love the pure sport.

[@PLUMPTONFILM]

Beautiful Best bit of karting seen since I was in a seat 1970s. Wel done great flow brill mate

[@SJR_Media_Group]

Wow... kind of like F1 but more brutal... I felt ever bump... I felt the centrifugal G's in tight turns... it was amazing to watch... thanks for sharing...

[@bruford911]

Absolute balls in that overtake for 10th! Well done!

[@scubajeeper1]

I raced a Margay Ampak with a 100cc LMR back in the day, it was fast and exhilarating, I can’t imagine how quick these shifters are.

[@stepparentingmadeeasy]

Pilota molto corretto. Io ho visto un paio di buchi dove mi sarei buttato, ma con la sua correttezza non ha voluto appoggiarsi. Bravo perché lonato ti sfianca.

[@barcori]

Fantastic mate. I used to race shifter karts too but I would give up at 8th lap at this intensity 🤣.

[@jasonstranthon5183]

You did well mate considering starting pos. I dont race shifters or have ever had the pleasure to drive on those great tracks you have way up there, just a humble 125 rotax'er from australia. I'd give advice on your lines but like i said i have never driven that track or a 250 shifter so........ was a pleasure to watch for sure.

[@robertedwards7695]

G go karts have come a long way ! My go kart was a steel framed concoction with a victa lawn mower motor.😂😅😊😢.

[@MrGaryGG48]

I had a guy working for me a few years ago that built his own kart when he was a kid. It was fairly quick for those days. He took it out on the city side streets and had a lot fun with it. One afternoon a local cop saw him and flipped on his siren but the kid disappeared. Mike (at about 12 or 13) thought he was pretty cool and went into town again a couple of days later. Again, he out ran the cop. He thought, "this is really fun!!" A few days later, he did it again and dipped down a side street and lost the cop. He laughed all the way home... until he made that last turn right in front of his house. The cop was sitting in his driveway talking with his mother!! That was the end of his go kart, and his "independence" for a while. 😉😂

[@justinchaitin6686]

That pass to take 10th was sick!!!

[@seangray4512]

My god that look intense, must have an Arnold Schwarzenegger left arm after doing that for a few months huh. Top skillz mate!

[@crabsodyinblue]

my first season in these, 25yrs ago, after 5 laps my neck gave in with these insane cornering speeds, it was so bad, i had to hold my helmet with my shifting arm in the long corners

[@hugoomoreira]

What a good drive, it was a pleasure to watch the race.

[@p80mod]

I remember when an American car magazine (R&T?) put a shifter kart up against a 400 horsepower Corvette. First there was a straight line section and then a few corners. The result was easy to predict: Corvette will prevail at the straight, and the kart will quickly come back in the turns. BUT NO! The kart beat the Vette in a straight line!!!

[@gfaehu23]

I was positive on you accelerated the video, so I checked the real time of a lap... ...it's not fake. OMG

[@importdoc7]

Die hard F1 fan. Much rather watch on board skills like this, gearbox changes and and no one running there mouth the whole time. Enjoyed immensely. How much would it cost to buy, run and maintain a cart at this level per season. Thanks

[@zetchTV]

Good stuff! I haven't ever really known much about Karting, nor have I seen many videos about it, but this video makes me want to get more into it. Maybe I'll even try it myself one day. All I know is that Davide is a man to watch out for when he gets a clear track ahead of him! lol So fast once you get around the slower drivers dude. Keep up the great speed

[@Worklikeyoushouldbe]

Your corner speed is top level stuff. 👏

[@larrypetersen2206]

Wow great video just goes to show how this sport has come a long way ! My dad race Westbend motors on methol and they were fast but these shifter kart are fast! This is how all The NASCAR DRIVERS Got there start!

[@TheUrbanEpicure]

No, NASCAR drivers, being the inbred rednecks that they are, raced four-wheelers on their parents' farm.

[@josefilipesampaio]

wow.Great confidence on the breaks. I tried an old 100cc and was intense but this is extreme. Need to try before i die.

[@petertcormack3570]

Intense race! I was rooting for you to get that 529 guy!

[@celestialscripture]

Excellent race. You did all the taking, and never got took.

[@maguilar51]

During three laps I saw you miss the dive on the inside on the chicane. I was rooting for you and was getting frustrated. as you were exiting the corner before the chicane I started saying out loud take the inside this time. take take it and then you dove down and took it! I jumped out of my seat and punched the air hahahaha. good stuff mate! first karting video I've ever seen and I had a blast.

[@BossaNossa1]

Absolutamente Espectaculo!!! Forza!!!

[@ZeckzMarquires]

Good race, that last guy ahead of you defended well enough, but you carved through the others

[@raceace]

Gotta love those rib vests and neck collars, Karting takes no prisoners.

[@levialston518]

The setup was spot on you wasn't doing a lot of sliding just a bit down on power

[@laazdev]

Wow this had me on the edge of my site, even more than any F1 race I've watched

[@Bob-ex2yx]

That move for p10 was insane!

[@joaovictoroliveiraoficial]

I will already be on a track like this in 2025. God will help me on this journey.

[@Matt-zu3tj]

Nice drive, now I'm a sub forever keep the good work me and my son we love watching your videos !!

[@davidtappe5337]

This looks very demanding. I’ll just watch!!

[@christianmillet9901]

I had a similar equipment and it was the fun of my life!!!

[@dongypooh]

Broke a sweat watching this. Phew-. So cool!

[@shoop4040]

more like dive bombers- loved it- I raced 125 shifters in northern cal with the Italian chassis- fun stuff-

[@wolferacing44]

Like trying to fly a missile on wheels. Impressive driving mate!

[@foxgaming76yt24]

Wow, awesome drive lol. A bummer about that mistake on the last lap, maybe you could've got the driver in front haha

[@DavideCugini53]

Yeah I got so mad at myself🙄

[@richb.4374]

Nice driving! This course looks quite difficult to pass on, you did a great job.

[@vladimirtalijan]

Dive bombing like racing in Gran Turismo 4 :) Incredible skills.

[@HoTSkyyFlayerrr]

Very Nice Kart Simulator! Excellent Driving Skills! Graphics 10/10 ! I in Love with this high-end Sim Cockpit Setup! Well Done!🏎🎆

[@therealbabytooth]

Bad pole and start but it was sick watching you take scalps in the corners. Nice top 10. Hope you get a better start next time and get to run it into the top 5!

[@nickb5891]

This was glorious, thank you! ✌🏼

[@patrickkillilea5225]

Intense! Kart sounds amazing too.

[@CarnotaurusEnjoyer]

Test driving one of these in 3 weeks. So excited lol. (I’m not a newbie to karting btw)

[@VH413]

First time subscriber here. Wow! So intense!!!!