Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 3.5hp B&S go kart, hairpin turn, centrifugal clutches

Question
Hi Michael,

I race in an annual go kart race for the red cross.  We use mini indy style karts with 3.5hp B&S motors and centrifugal clutches.  The track is set up like a road course and there is a hairpin turn.  We have been practicing for this years race and we are noticing that everytime we go around the hairpin, the kart stalls about 8 out of 10 times.  Sometimes it bogs down like it's about to cut off, but if you stay on the gas it gets going.  A few of the guys just keep the gas all the way down while braking at the same time, but this can't be good.  How can we keep the engine from stalling everytime we go through the hairpin?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Glen,

I suspect that the fuel is getting pushed to one side of the fuel tank.  Does it happen with a full tank?

Keeping the throttle at full and applying the brakes should only cause more brake wear, so if that solves the annual problem, that method might be the easiest solution.

Michael