[eitland]

> Since they all have to learn to drive a stick (manual), we learn how to brake via downshifting too.

Something to be aware of when shifting down on stick shift is that certain carts are really unbalanced when braking on the gear. You won't notice in the summer, but on slippery roads just releasing the accelerator carelessly while in a low gear can send you on a sled ride.

[jjav]

If it is a rear wheel drive car, an unmatched (rpm) downshift will put effectively some braking force on the rear wheels. Which can near instantly snap oversteer if there is any steering input at all.

If you've driven a racing go-kart of the type that only has brakes on the rear axle, you'll be very familiar with this! Good practice.