Pages of INK

Having mastered Daytona many years ago (beginner circuit, automatic gear), I have been raring to try on something more challenging and adrenaline pumping. Opportunity came last Friday when my company organized a half-day teambuilding event to Kart World in Jurong for, the name says it all, Go Karting!

For the unitiated, Go Karting is a serious motorsport that has been around for over 3 decades in Singapore. Although smaller compared to its F1 cousin, it is by no means slower, capable of reaching top speeds of 50 km/h. When you are just centimetres away from the tarmac, this feels blazingly fast.

Above, you can see how I’m equipped for the occasion, with the mandatory red shirt and undersized helmet. My kart didn’t look too bad either. It took awhile for me to get used to the speed and how to negotiate corners, evident by how far behind I was during the race (See above photo). But, once I had the hang of it, I was right up there with the pros. Only a silly skid on the final turn of the final lap denied me 2nd place in my round.

“Those who have come into Formula One without experiencing cars devoid of electronic aids will find it tough. To control 800 horsepower relying just on arm muscles and foot sensitivity can turn out to be a dangerous exercise.” Michael Schumacher

So, until they include electronic aids in Go Karts, I guess I’ll just have to put up with that minor annoyance. All in all, it was a kick-ass experience which I’d gladly do again!

Popularity: 7% [?]