If you aren't accelerating the engine (and therefore the kart), the power figure is largely irrelevant, so long as the force at the rear wheels (i.e. the torque) is equal to the forces trying to slow the kart (friction, drag etc). In this case, you're better off holding the engine at peak rpm, because you'd be getting even farther from nowhere.
Since most karts do not have gears, the peak power figure is all but totally irrelevant. Acceleration tracks the torque curve, speed tracks rpm. If you do have gears, acceleration still tracks the torque curve in any given gear, but maximum rear wheel thrust (acceleration) will be provided by selecting the gear that puts you at the highest point in the BHP curve (and speed is a function of revs and gear ratio).
Dave
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